because thou hast called thyself the emperor,
however madly, my lord shall know of thy presumption." The porter
entered, and related what had passed. Jovinian was introduced, but the
knight retained not the slightest recollection of his master, although
the emperor remembered him. "Who are you?" said the knight, "and what is
your name?" "I am the Emperor Jovinian," rejoined he; "canst thou have
forgotten me? At such a time I promoted thee to a military command."
"Why, thou most audacious scoundrel," said the knight, "darest thou call
thyself the emperor? I rode with him myself to the palace, from whence I
am this moment returned. But thy impudence shall not go without its
reward. Flog him," said he, turning to his servants. "Flog him soundly,
and drive him away."

This sentence was immediately executed, and the poor emperor, bursting
into a convulsion of tears, exclaimed, "Oh, my God, is it possible that
one whom I have so much honoured and exalted should do this? Not content
with pretending ignorance of my person, he orders these merciless
villains to abuse me! However, it will not be long unavenged. There is a
certain duke, one of my privy councillors, to whom I will make known my
calamity. At least, he will enable me to return decently to the palace."
To him, therefore, Jovinian proceeded, and the gate was opened at his
knock. But the porter, beholding a naked man, exclaimed in the greatest
amaze, "Friend, who are you, and why come you here in such a guise?" He
replied, "I am your emperor; I have accidentally lost my clothes and my
horse, and I have come for succour to your lord. Inform the duke,
therefore, that I have business with him." The porter, more and more
astonished, entered the hall, and told of the man outside. "Bring him
in," said the duke. He was brought in, but neither did he recognize the
person of the emperor. "What art thou?" was again asked, and answered as
before. "Poor mad wretch," said the duke, "a short time since, I
returned from the palace, where I left the very emperor thou assumest to
be. But ignorant whether thou art more fool or knave, we will administer
such remedy as may suit both. Carry him to prison, and feed him with
bread and water." The command was no sooner delivered, than obeyed; and
the following day his naked body was submitted to the lash, and again
cast into the dungeon.

Thus afflicted, he gave himself up to the wretchedness of his untoward
condition. In the agony of his he