Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/457

Rh

"This story, but with a difference of circumstances, ends like the beautiful apologue of the Prodigal Son."—.

This fable is very well told by Gower, but with some variations.

[The letters printed in Italics are to be pronounced as separate syllables; the acute mark denotes the emphasis.]

Ere Rom-e came to the creánce Of Christ-es faith, it fell perchance Cæsar, which then was emperour, Him list-e for to do honóur Untó the temple Apollinis; And made an image upon this, The which was cleped Apolló, Was none so rich in Rom-e tho. Of plate of gold, a beard he had, The which his breast all over spradde. Of gold also, withouten fail, His mantle was of large entayle.