Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/178

4 heel, composed of the finest and richest woof, having the following inscription: "I have raised thee up, be not again cast down." From the Emperor she received a golden coronet, bearing the legend, "Thy dignity is from me." The champion, who had conquered in her behalf, gave a ring, on which was sculptured, "I have loved thee, do thou return that love." The mediator also bestowed a ring inscribed as follows, "What have I done? How much? Why?" Another ring was presented by the King's son; and there was engraved upon it, "Thou art noble; despise not thy nobility." Her own brother bestowed a similar gift, of which the motto ran thus:—"Approach; fear not—I am thy brother." Her husband likewise added a golden signet, which confirmed his wife's inheritance, and bore this superscription, "Now thou art espoused, be faithful."

The penitent lady received these various presents with gratitude, and kept them as long as she lived. She succeeded in regaining the favour of those whose affections her former conduct had alienated, and closed her days in peace. (1)