Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/119

Rh have lost all my children and every thing that I possessed. I remember, O Lord, that thou saidst, my trials should resemble Job's; behold they exceed them. For although he was destitute, he had a couch, however vile, to repose upon; I, alas! have nothing. He had compassionating friends; while I, besides the loss of my children, am left a prey to the savage beasts. His wife remained; but mine is forcibly carried off. Assuage my anguish, Lord! and place a bridle upon my lips, lest I utter foolishness, and stand up against thee." With such words, he gave free course to the fulness of his heart; and after much travel entered a village, where he abode. In this place he continued for fifteen years, as the hired servant of one of the villagers.

To return to the two boys. They were educated in the same neighbourhood, but had no knowledge of their consanguinity. And as for the wife of Eustacius, she preserved her purity, and suffered not the infamous usage which circumstances led her to apprehend. After some time her persecutor died.

In the mean while the Roman emperor was