therefore I return what I borrowed formerly. Two other pennies I lend to
my son, who is pursuing his studies; in order, that if by any chance I
should fall into poverty, he may restore the loan, just as I have done
to his grandfather. Again, I lose two pennies every day on my wife; for
she is contradictious, wilful, and passionate. Now, because of this
disposition, I account whatsoever is given to her entirely lost. Lastly,
two other pennies I expend upon myself in meat and drink. I cannot do
with less, nor can I earn them without unremitting labour. You now know
the truth; and, I pray you, judge dispassionately and truly."

"Friend," said the emperor, "thou hast answered well. Go, and labour
earnestly in thy calling."

Soon after this the emperor died, and Focus the carpenter, on account of
his singular wisdom, was elected in his stead by the unanimous choice of
the whole nation. He governed as wisely as he had lived; and at his
death, his picture, bearing on the head eight pennies, was reposited
among the effigies of the deceased emperors.

II.--THE THREE TRUTHS.

A certain king, named Asmodeus, established an ordinance, by which every
malefactor taken and brought before the judge, should distinctly declare
three truths, against which no exception could be taken, or else be
hanged. If, however, he did this, his life and property should be safe.
It chanced that a certain soldier transgressed the law and fled. He hid
himself in a forest, and there committed many atrocities, despoiling
and slaying whomsoever he could lay his hands upon. When the judge
of the district ascertained his haunt, he ordered the forest to be
surrounded, and the soldier to be seized, and brought bound to the seat
of judgment.

"You know the law," said the judge.

"I do," returned the other. "If I declare three unquestionable truths I
shall be free; but if not, I must die."

"True," replied the judge; "take then advantage of the law's clemency,
or undergo the punishment it awards without delay."

"Cause silence to be kept," said the soldier undauntedly.

His wish being complied with, he proceeded in the following manner: "The
first truth is this. I protest before ye all, that from my youth up, I
have been a bad man."

The judge, hearing this, said to the bystanders, "He says true?" They
answered: "Else he had not now been in this situation." "Go on, then,"
said the judge. "What is the second truth?"

"I like not," exclaimed he