Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/386

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
374
OF THE BURDENS OF THIS LIFE.

not, like a purple robe, to be exposed before the common eye; you shall see it in private, and there we will agree about the price.

Scholar. Very well; what is the next?

Preceptor. Purity; which is extremely valuable. That gold and silver vase contains piety, goodness, charity, and spiritual joy. Now then let us open these precious garments. Here are lectures, meditations, prayers, and contemplations. The judgments of the Lord are justified in themselves, and more to be desired than gold and precious stones.

Scholar. There is a great reward in the possession. Ask, therefore, what you will.

Preceptor. To see God.

Scholar. Therefore, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Open the seventh package.

Preceptor. It contains peace.

Scholar. What! are you going to sell me your peace?

Preceptor. It does not accord with my poverty, nor would it with your justice, and great wealth, to take anything of me for nothing. But your liberality will make me