Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/433

Rh science cannot explain. He lodged with a philosopher of that sect.' "—.

This appears to be the classical story of Damon and Pythias, with a few inconsiderable variations. From hence, or from similar stories, may probably have arisen the proverbial saying of "Honour among thieves."

A similar story is in the Decameron. "The king conducted him then into the great hall, where (as he had before given order) stood two great chests fast locked, and in the presence of all his lords, the king thus spake. 'Signior Rogiero, in one of these chests is mine imperial crown, the sceptre royal, the mound, and many more of my richest girdles, rings, plate, and jewels, even the very best that are mine: the other is full of earth only. Chuse one of these two, and which thou makest election of, upon my royal word thou shalt enjoy it. Tenth day, Novel I.

In Gower's "Confessio Amantis" it again occurs, fol. 96.