Page:History of the seven wise masters, of Rome (1).pdf/20

 was to watch him on the gallows the ensuing night. The Sheriff discovering a light in the window of the above house came then to warm himself, and on returning, found the thief stolen; Whereat he concluded to go back to the window, and there bewail his misfortune, and desired her to put him in a way what to do. Whereupon she pausing, told him that, at the price of his love, she would put him in a way what to do, which was this: A few days ago, says she, my Lord was buried, take and hang him up instead of the thief. But, said hethe [sic] Sheriff, the thief had lost his ears, his teeth, and his stones, as likewise in being taken, received a wound on his head. It is in thy power then, said she, to serve my Lord so: Nay, said he, not I. Then, said she, for the love of you, I will perform it: And taking a sword, she accordingly did it. So they dragged him to the gallows, and so hanged him up. This done, she very urgently demanded of the Sheriff to fulfil his promise: But he replied, O thou wickedest of women, how could thou be so cruel to the dead body of thy husband? Therefore I will keep my word, and not marry you while thou livest. And with that drew his sword and slew her--Then, said the master, you have understood what I related? To which he replied, Full well and am of opinion that she was the worst of women, therefore, for the words of a woman, my Son shall not die.