Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/66

54 presence, while the candle burns, the king will forgive the forfeiture. And whosoever is in this predicament, and comes not before the expiration of the candle, he shall perish by an ignominious death. Many of the populace hearing the proclamation, came to the king, and besought his mercy. The king received them kindly; but there were many who neglected to come; and the very moment in which the candle expired, they were apprehended and put to death.

My beloved, Alexander is Christ; the burning candle is the life present, and the heralds are the preachers.