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TALE LIII.

OF GOOD RULERS, WHO ARE NOT TO BE CHANGED.

VALERIUS Maximus (54) states, that when all the Syracusans desired the death of Dionysius, king of Sicily, a single woman every morning entreated the gods to continue his life, and his sovereignty. Dionysius, surprised at this solitary exception, inquired the reason. She answered, "When I was a girl, and governed by a tyrant, I wished for his removal, and presently we obtained a worse instead. Having got rid of him, a worse still succeeded; and therefore, under the justifiable apprehension that your place may be filled up by a very devil, I pray earnestly for your

longer continuance *"

Dionysius, hearing

this, gave her no farther trouble.

APPLICATION.

My beloved, be not desirous of change. God is merciful and gracious-be content with His government.

TALE LIV.

OF A CELESTIAL KINGDOM.

THE emperor Frederic constructed a curious marble gate at the entrance of Capua. It stood above a fountain of running water; and

The sentiment is similar to that of Shakspeare.

"And makes us rather bear those ills we have,

Than fly to others that we know not of."

Hamlet, Act III. Sc. 1.

upon it, the statues of the emperor and two of his judges were sculptured. In a half circle over the head of the right-hand judge was inscribed as follows, "He who regards his own safety and innocence, let him enter here." Similarly over the head of the lefthand judge appeared this scroll," Banishment or imprisonment is the doom of the envious." In a semi-circle over the emperor's head, was written, "Those whom I made miserable, I recompensed." In like manner, above the gate, was inscribed, "In Cæsar's reign, I became the guardian of the kingdom." (55)

APPLICATION.

My beloved, the emperor is God; the marble gate is the Church, which is placed above a running fountain-that is, above the world, which fleets like a water-course. The judges indicate Mary, the mother of Jesus, and John the Evangelist.

TALE LV.

OF THE REVOCATION OF A BANISHED

SINNER.

A CERTAIN great King had a handsome son, who proved himself, on all occasions, wise, bold, and courteous. The same King had four daughters also, whose names were Justice, Truth, Mercy, and Peace. Now the King, being very desirous of procuring for his son, a suitable partner, despatched a messenger in search of a beautiful virgin, to whom he should be united. At last, the daughter of the King of Jerusalem was selected, and married to the young Prince, who was much struck with the beauty of his bride. At this time, there was in the court, a servant whom the King principally trusted, and to whom he had confided. the care of one of his provinces. This man,

in return for the benefits accumulated upon him, seduced the lady, and wasted the country over which he was placed. When the husband, therefore, knew of his wife's infidelity, he was overwhelmed with sorrow, and repudiated her with the loss of every honour. Thus circumstanced, she fell into extreme poverty; and, reduced to despair by the wretchedness of her condition, walked from place to place, begging her bread, and wishing for the death that came not to her relief. But at length, the husband, compassionating her distress, sent messengers to recall her to his court. Come, lady," they said, come in perfect safety. Thy lord wishes thy return; fear nothing." Yet she refused, and exclaimed, Tell my lord, that I would willingly come to him, but I am unable to do so. If he ask why, say, in compliance with an imperious law. If a man marry, and his wife prove an adultress, he shall give her a writing of divorcement; but from that hour, she can be no longer his wife. To me such a writing has been given-for, alas! I am an adultress: therefore, it is impossible for me to return to

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