for herself. Now early in the morning, the lady castellan went to her devotions. In the mean time Julian returning home, hastened, according to custom, to the chamber. of his wife, imagining that she had not yet risen. Fearful of awaking her, he softly entered the apartment, and perceiving two persons in bed, instantly concluded that his wife was disloyal. Without a moment's pause, he unsheathed his sabre, and slew both. Then in the greatest agitation and bitterness of heart, he hurried from the chamber, and accidentally took the direction in which the church lay, and by which his wife had proceeded not long before. On the threshold of the sacred building he distinguished her, and struck with the utmost amazement, enquired whom they were that had taken possession of his bed. She replied, that they were his parents; who after long and wearisome search in pursuit of him, arrived at his castle the last evening. The intelligence was as a thunderbolt to Julian; and unable to contain himself he burst into an agony of tears. "Oh!" he exclaimed, "lives there in the world so forlorn a wretch

as I am? This accursed hand has murdered my parents, and fulfilled the horrible prediction, which I have struggled to avoid. Dearest wife, pardon my fatal suspicions, and receive my last farewell; for never will I know rest, until I am satisfied that God has forgiven me." His wife answered, "Wilt thou abandon me then, my beloved, and leave me alone and widowed? No-I have been the participator of thy happiness, and now will participate thy grief." Julian opposed not, and they departed together towards a large river, that flowed at no great distance; and where, from the rapidity and depth of the waters, many had perished. In this place they built and endowed a hospital, where they abode in the truest contrition of heart. Now all who had occasion to pass that river constantly visited them, and great numbers of poor people were received within the place. Many years glided by, and, at last, on a very cold night, about the mid-hour, as Julian slept, overpowered with fatigue, a lamentable voice seemed to call his name. He instantly got up, and found a man covered with the leprosy, perish

ing for very cold. He brought him into the house, and lighted a fire to warm him; but he could not be made warın. That he might omit no possible means of cherishing the leper, he carried him into his own bed, and endeavoured by the heat of his body to restore him. After a while, he who seemed sick, and cold, and leprous, appeared enveloped in an immortal splendour: and waving his light wings, seemed ready to mount up into heaven. Turning a look of the utmost benignity upon his wondering host, he said, "Julian, the Lord hath sent me to thee, to announce the acceptance of thy contrition. Before long both thou and thy partner will sleep in the Lord." So saying, the angelic messenger disappeared. Julian and his wife, after a short time fully occupied in good works, died in peace. (18)

APPLICATION.

My beloved, the knight Julian is any good Christian prelate, who ought manfully to war

against the devil, the world, and the flesh 3 and to hunt,—that is, to acquire souls for the service of God. He should flee from the world, and he will then receive the lady Castellan in marriage that is, divine grace. The parents are the vanities of this life, which pursue a man every where: these parents must be slain with the sabre of repentance. The river is the Holy Scriptures; and the hospital by its side, is prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

TALE XIX.

OF THE SIN OF PRIDE.

WE read in the Roman annals, (i. e. Gesta Romanorum) of a prince called Pompey. He was united to the daughter of a nobleman, whose name was Cæsar. It was agreed be

tween them to bring the whole world into subjection; and with this view Pompey gave instructions to his associate to possess him. self of certain distant fortresses: for the latter being a young man, it became him to be most active and vigilant. In the mean while, Pompey, as the chief person of the commonwealth, endeavoured to guard it against the machinations of their enemies; and appointed a particular day for the return of Cæsar-in failure of which, his property was to be confiscated to the use of the Roman empire. Five years were allowed him; and Cæsar, assembling a large army, marched rapidly into the country he was about to attack. But the inhabitants being warlike, and aware of his approach, he was unable to subdue them in the specified time. Caring, therefore, to of fend Pompey, less than to relinquish his conquests, he continued abroad considerably beyond the five years; and was consequently banished the empire, and his wealth appropriated by the government. When Cæsar had concluded the campaign he turned towards Rome, marching with his forces