OF PRAISE DUE TO A JUST JUDGE.
169
TALE L.
OF PRAISE DUE TO A JUST JUDGE.
Valerius informs us, that the emperor Zelongus made a law, by which, if any one abused a virgin he should lose both his eyes. It happened that his only son trespassed in this manner with the daughter of a certain widow, who immediately hastened into the presence of the emperor, and spoke thus; "My Lord, you have righteously decreed, that he who denies a virgin shall lose his sight. Your only son has dishonoured my daughter; command him to be punished." These words greatly distressed the emperor, but he gave instant orders respecting the punishment of his son. On this, two noblemen observed: "The young man is your only child, and heir
