Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/217

Rh Flattery, Vice, Cunning, Violence, and so forth. But when I called the gates by these names, those who were entering heard me; then were they incensed against me, grumbled, and wanted to throw me down, so that I had to keep my mouth closed. Then looking again, I saw that some still attempted to climb upward by the ancient gate through ruins and thorns. Some succeeded; others did not, and these returned to the side entrances, that were lower, and passed through them.

3. Now I enter and see that this was not yet the castle, but that here also there was a market-place, in which stood a crowd of people, who were looking anxiously at the palaces above them, and heaving sighs. When I asked what they were doing there, I was told that these were men who claimed to be admitted to the abode of the gracious Lady Fortuna, and who were waiting for a glance from her and for admission to her castle. "And are they not all to reach it? Surely all have striven bravely for that purpose!" The interpreter answered: "Each one may strive to the best of his power and knowledge; but in the end it depends on the Lady Fortuna, whom she wishes to receive and whom not. Thou mayest indeed wonder at the fashion in which it is done." Then I see that beyond the spot where I was standing there were no longer either gates or steps, but only a wheel,