Page:History of Fortunatus (3).pdf/12

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THE HISTORY OF

Fortunatus, I am the Goddess Fortune, and by the influence of the heavens and stars are given me six powers of which I bestow on thee one or more according to divine permission, they are Wisdom, Riches, Strength, Health, Beauty and long Life, chuse one of these quickly. Fortunatus made no longer stay, but said, then I desire Riches and Plenty, that I may never want so long as I live; with that she gave him a purse, and said. Receive this same of me, and in what country thou art in, as often as thou shalt put thv hand therein, thou shalt draw Forth ten pieces of gold of the same nation's coin; and this purse shall retain its virtue as long as thou livest, and thy own children or any others, during their life, therefore esteem it accordingly, and take special care thereof.

Fortunatus returned her many thanks for her kindness to him. She said to him return thanks to the giver of all good gifts, and of thy riches bestow it on the poor and needy. Then said Fortunatus, this I will willingly perform to the utmost of my power. Then she bid him follow her, and she conveyed him out