Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/354

180 of the unfortunate lady; and she wept bitterly. Her condition was related to the Prince, and he earnestly besought his father to give him permission to bring back his wife, and to assuage her sorrows. The King acquiesced—"Go," said he, "go now in thy might, and re-instate her in the seat from which she has fallen." The messengers were then ordered to return and apprize her of the purposed visit. But the Prince's elder sister, that is to say,, understanding what was meditated, hastened to her father, and said, "My lord, art thou just? and is thy judgment righteous? Is it fit that the harlot should again become my brother's wife? You properly sanctioned the writing of divorcement; therefore to the law let her appeal. And if, in violation of justice, you act thus, be assured, that I will no longer be accounted your daughter." The second sister, who was called, then said, "My father, she has spoken truly. You have adjudged this woman an adultress: if you permit her to return, you destroy the very essence of truth, and therefore I too, will no more fulfil the offices