Page:History of the seven wise mistresses of Rome.pdf/14

13, it being found, the Knight ordered him to be hanged. As they were leading him to the gallows he said, Well, I find what my godfather foretold is coming to pass, who gave me a little piece of parchment, on which he wrote these words, My good child, serve God, and pray to him continually to pass this fate from thee, or else thy fortune is to be hanged, and so sealing it up in wax, charged my father that no one should read it till I was capable of reading it myself, which when I did, I betook myself to travel, in order to prevent the prediction; I now find it to be in vain, and that the prophecy will be shortly accomplished. The Knight hearing this, called for the paper, which being shewed him, he declared it to be his hand-writing, owned him for his godson, and reserved the execution. Then causing a second trial, his accusers were condemned and executed, and he married to the Knight's only daughter.

The Empress said, You have shewed me a good example, and my daughter shall not die.