Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/202

28 desire." But the other brother, namely, the devil (who is the father of ingratitude) continually attacks us, and murmurs at our reconciliation; alleging that we ought not to obtain our heavenly inheritance because of original sin. But doubtless if we live a holy and pure life in this world, his allegation will nothing avail; nay, we shall obtain his portion—that is, the place which he has lost in heaven.

When the emperor Leo reigned, his chief pleasure consisted in a beautiful face. Wherefore, he caused three female images to be made, to which he dedicated a stately temple, and commanded all his subjects to worship them. The first image stretched out its hand