Note 58.Page 208.
"On this there is an ancient French Moralite, entitled, L'Orgueil et Presomption de l'Empereur Jovinian.' This is also the story of Robert king of Sicily, an old English poem or romance."—Warton.
An entertaining abstract of this old romance is here added, from Mr. Ellis's Specimens.[1]
"ROBERT OF CYSILLE.
"Robert king of Sicily, brother to Pope Urban and to Valemond, emperor of Germany, was among the most powerful and valorous princes of Europe; but his arrogance was still more conspicuous than his power or his valour. Constantly occupied by the survey of his present greatness, or by projects for its future extension, he considered the performance of his religious duties as insufferably tedious; and never paid his adorations to the Supreme Being without evident reluctance and disgust. His guilt was great; and his punishment was speedy and exemplary.
- ↑ see also this discussion of the legend which traces the story from Indian tales. (Wikisource contributor note)
