Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/51

Rh It happened that the same knight was in danger of being defrauded of his inheritance. He went, therefore, to the emperor, and entreated that he would advise and assist him. "My good friend," replied the emperor, "I cannot attend to you at present; but I will appoint a judge who shall examine into your case, and do you every justice." "My lord," cried the other, "how can you say so?" And immediately tearing open his vesture, he exposed the scars left by his wounds. "See what I have borne for you—yet you will neither vindicate nor assist me! Is it not unjust, that after I have undergone so much, another should be deputed to judge and advocate my cause?" The emperor, hearing this, instantly replied, "My friend, you say true: when I was in peril, you, and not another preserved me." Then, ascending the tribunal, he gave judgment in his favour. (4)

My beloved, the knight is Christ, who received many wounds in our behalf. Let us