Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/144

132 both, and when they have arrived at man's estate, I will shew you which is which; then your happiness will be perfect." The queen complied with her husband's will; she conducted herself with the strictest impartiality, until they had attained to manhood. On discovering her own child, and finding that he was unusually gifted, she gave free course to her joy. Thus her days glided on, and ended in peace.

My beloved, the king is Christ; the two sons are the elect and the reprobate. The mother of the last son is the Church. The dead mother represents the old law. The Church distinguishes not between those who are elect and reprobate: but when they come of age—that is, at the day of judgment, the truth will be declared.