Gesta Romanorum Vol. II (1871)/Of the Life present, which is a Life of Remission and Grace
TALE XVI.
OF THE LIFE PRESENT, WHICH IS A LIFE OF REMISSION AND GRACE.
King Alexander placed a burning candle in his hall, and sent heralds through the whole kingdom, who made the following proclamation. "If there be any under forfeiture to the king, and he will come boldly into his presence, while the candle burns, the king will forgive the forfeiture. And whosoever is in this predicament, and comes not before the expiration of the candle, he shall perish by an ignominious death. Many of the populace hearing the proclamation, came to the king, and besought his mercy. The king received them kindly; but there were many who neglected to come; and the very moment in which the candle expired, they were apprehended and put to death.
APPLICATION.
My beloved, Alexander is Christ; the burning candle is the life present, and the heralds are the preachers.