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THE LABYRINTH OF THE WORLD

Lust, and others; from this very hour they should no longer allow themselves to be seen, under penalty of immediate death. When this decree was issued by means of the charters that had been prepared, wondrous jubilation began among the joyful people; each one—and I also—now looked forward to the golden age.

(New Complaints and New Decrees.)

5. But when, after a while, nothing became better in the world, many hurriedly came forward, complaining that the decree had not been carried out. After the council had again met, the queen appointed as her special commissioners Heednot and Overlook, and in view of the great importance of the matter, Moderation, one of the queen's councillors was to join them; they were instructed to carefully investigate whether some of these evil-reputed exiles had remained in the land contrarily to the decree of banishment, or had audaciously returned. Then the commissioners went their way, and returning some time afterwards, they reported that they had indeed found some who appeared suspect; but these did not count themselves among the men who had been banished, and indeed bore different names. One who appeared similar to Drunkenness was named Tipsiness or Merriment; one who resembled Greed was called Economy; a third, similar to Usury, bore the name of Interest; a fourth, who resembled Lust, was called Love; a fifth, similar to Pride, was named Dignity; a