OF REMEMBERING DEATH.
87
TALE XXVII.
OF REMEMBERING DEATH, AND FORGETTING THINGS TEMPORAL.
There was an image in the city of Rome, standing in an erect posture with the dexter hand outstretched; and upon the middle finger was written, "Strike here." The image stood a long time in this manner, and no one understood what the inscription signified. It was much wondered at, and commented on; but this was all, for they invariably departed as wise as they came. At last, a certain subtle clerk, hearing of the image, felt anxious to see it; and when he had done so, he observed the superscription, "Strike here." He noticed, that when the sun shone upon the image, the outstretched finger was discernible
