Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/401

Rh for probing sores and wounds, was in his girdle. Near him stood another, with his right hand elevated to invite the passengers to his inn. His left was full of exceedingly fair bread; and above, stood a vessel full of wine: his girdle held a bunch of keys. Also on the left side, before a knight, was a man with large keys in his right hand, and an ell-wand in his left; at his girdle was a purse filled with pennies. Before the king, also, was a man with rugged and disorderly hair; in his right hand was a little money, and three dice were in his left; his girdle held a box full of letters. When the king had attentively considered this picture he found it replete with wisdom.

My beloved, the king is any good Christian, or rather prelate; and he is clothed in purple to figure the beauty of virtue. The globe and sceptre are symbols of power. The burning light signifies a threat. The queen is charity. The counsellors or judges are