OF THE ENVY OF BAD MEN, &C.
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TALE VII.
OF THE ENVY OF BAD MEN TOWARDS THE GOOD.
When Diocletian was emperor, there was a certain noble soldier who had two sons, whom he entirely and truly loved. The younger of them married a harlot, without the knowledge of his father, and the infamy of this proceeding overwhelmed him with the greatest grief. He sternly banished him from his presence, and left him to the rebukes of conscience, and to the agonies of approaching want. Nevertheless, his family increased; and a beautiful but sickly child added to their necessity and despair. In this situation he despatched a messenger to his parent, to supplicate relief; and when his wretchedness was made known, it moved him to compassion, and he forgave him all. After their re-
