as I am? This accursed hand has murdered my parents, and fulfilled the horrible prediction, which I have struggled to avoid. Dearest wife, pardon my fatal suspicions, 'and receive my last farewell; for never will I know rest, until I am satisfied that God has forgiven me.” His wife answered, "Wilt thou abandon me then, my beloved, and leave me alone and widowed? No I have been the participator of thy happiness, and now will participate thy grief." Julian opposed not, and they departed together towards a large river, that flowed at no great distance; and where, from the rapidity and depth of the waters, many had perished. In this place they built and endowed a hospital, where they abode in the truest contrition of heart. Now all who had occasion to pass that river constantly visited them, and great numbers of poor people were received within the place. Many years glided by, and, at last, on a very cold night, about the mid-hour, as Julian slept, overpowered with fatigue, a lamentable voice seemed to call his name. He instantly got up, and found a man covered with the leprosy, perish

ing for very cold. He brought him into the house, and lighted a fire to warm him; but he could not be made warm. That he might omit no possible means of cherishing the leper, he carried him into his own bed, and endeavoured by the heat of his body to restore him. After a while, he who seemed sick, and cold, and leprous, appeared enveloped in an immortal splendour: and waving his light wings, seemed ready to mount up into heaven. Turning a look of the utmost benignity upon his wondering host, he said, "Julian, the Lord hath sent me to thee, to announce the acceptance of thy contrition. Before long both thou and thy partner will sleep in the Lord." So saying, the angelic messenger disappeared. Julian and his wife, after a short time fully occupied in good works, died in peace. (18)

APPLICATION.

My beloved, the knight Julian is any good Christian prelate, who ought manfully to war

against the devil, the world, and the flesh; and to hunt,—that is, to acquire souls for the service of God. He should flee from the world, and he will then receive the lady Castellan in marriage-that is, divine grace. The parents are the vanities of this life, which pursue a man every where: these parents must be slain with the sabre of repentance. The river is the Holy Scriptures; and the hospital by its side, is prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

TALE XIX.

OF THE SIN OF PRIDE,

We read in the Roman annals, (i. e. Gesta Romanorum) of a prince called Pompey. He was united to the daughter of a nobleman, whose name was Cæsar. It was agreed be

tween them to bring the whole world into subjection; and with this view Pompey gave instructions to his associate to possess himself of certain distant fortresses: for the latter being a young man, it became him to be most active and vigilant. In the mean while, Pompey, as the chief person of the commonwealth, endeavoured to guard it against the machinations of their enemies; and appointed a particular day for the return of Cæsar-in failure of which, his property was to be confiscated to the use of the Roman empire. Five years were allowed him; and Cæsar, assembling a large army, marched rapidly into the country he was about to attack. But the inhabitants being warlike, and aware of his approach, he was unable to subdue them in the specified time. Caring, therefore, to offend Pompey, less than to relinquish his conquests, he continued abroad considerably beyond the five years; and was consequently banished the empire, and his wealth appropriated by the government. When Cæsar had concluded the campaign he turned towards Rome, marching with his forces

across a river, distinguished by the name of Rubicon. Here a phantom of immense stature, standing in the middle of the water, opposed his passage. It said, " Cæsar, if your purpose be the welfare of the state-pass on; but if not, beware how you advance another step." Cæsar replied, Cæsar replied, "I have long fought for, and am still prepared to undergo every hardship in defence of Rome; of which I take the gods whom I worship to be my witnesses." As he said this, the phantom vanished. Cæsar then turning a little to the right, crossed the river; but having effected his passage, he paused on the opposite bank:-" I have rashly promised peace ;" said he, "for in this case, I must relinquish my just right." From that hour he pursued Pompey with the utmost virulence, even to the death; and was himself slain afterwards by a band of conspirators. (19)

APPLICATION.

My beloved, by Pompey understand the Creator of all things; Cæsar signifies Adam,