Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/269

Rh 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,