Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/232

is diseased, and therefore, I cannot show it." Hearing this, the confessor caught hold of her arm, and notwithstanding her resistance, drew off the cover. "Lady," said he, "fear not; the blessed Virgin Mary loves you; and it is she who hath commanded me to do this." When the hand was uncovered, there appeared four circles of blood. In the first circle there were four letters in the form of a C; in the second, four D's; in the third, four M's; and in the fourth, four R's. Upon the outward edge of the circles, in the manner of a seal, a blood-coloured writing was distinguishable, containing the legend beneath. First, of the letter C,—which was interpreted, "Casu cecidisti carne cæcata," [Blinded by the flesh thou hast fallen.] The letter D, "Dæmoni dedisti dona donata" [Thou hast given thyself for certain gifts to the devil.] The letter M, "Monstrat manifestè manus maculata," [The stain upon thy hand discovers thee.] The letter R, "Recedet rubigo, regina rogata," [When the queen is interrogated her dishonour ceases.] The lady beholding this, fell at the confessor's feet, and with many tears