Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/94

82 emperor, who gave directions, that they should not harm it, "for," added he, "it will do me no injury." The serpent, gliding along, ascended the bed, and approaching the emperor's eyes, let the stone fall upon them, and immediately left the room. No sooner, however, had the stone touched the eyes, than their sight was completely restored. Infinitely rejoiced at what had happened, the emperor made inquiry after the serpent, but it was not heard of again. He carefully treasured this invaluable stone, and ended his days in peace. (13)

My beloved, the emperor is any worldly-minded man, who is blind to spiritual affairs. The bell, is the tongue of a preacher; the cord, is the bible. The serpent is a wise confessor, who brings forth young—that is—good works. But prelates and confessors are often timid and negligent, and follow earthly more than heavenly matters; and then the toad, which is the devil, occupies their place.