Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/430

Rh put out. He was then led to the palace. Arriving at the gate, they knocked and were admitted by the porter, who enquired their business. The blind man answered, "I am one entitled, from my deficiency of sight, to the benefit of the royal donation." "Well," said the porter, "I will inform the seneschal." He went accordingly; but the wary seneschal first determined to examine his exterior before he delivered the money. He did so, and then asked what he wanted. "A hundred shillings," replied he, "which the law gives to every blind man." "My friend," said the seneschal, "if I am not greatly mistaken, I saw you yesterday in a tavern with both eyes perfect. You misinterpret the law. It relates to those who, by some natural infirmity, or by accident, become blind—and against which there was no defence. Such the law protects and relieves. But you, who voluntarily surrendered your eyes to liquidate a debt incurred by the most unwarrantable gluttony, can have no claim or pretence to the royal munificence. Seek, therefore, consolation and relief elsewhere." The blind man,