Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/358

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OF REPENTANCE.


TALE LXXXIX.

OF REPENTANCE.

A certain gambler met St. Bernard on horseback. "Father," said he, "I will play with you, and stake my soul against your horse." Immediately St. Bernard dismounted, and said, "If you throw more points, than I, you shall have my horse; but if not, I will take possession of your soul." The gambler acceded; and taking up the dice threw eight points. Thinking himself sure of the victory, he laid hold of the bridle of St. Bernard's steed. "My son," said the holy man, "there are more points than that in three dice." Accordingly he threw eighteen points; ten more than the gambler; who forthwith put himself under the guidance of the saint. After