A record of auncient histories, entituled in Latin: Gesta Romanorum Discoursing vpon sundry examples for the aduancement of vertue, and the abandoning of vice. No lesse pleasant in reading, then profitable in practise.

The Morall.

This Emperour betokeneth our lord Jesu Christ which loueth greatly the song of deuotion, for when we pray, wée speake with God, and when we reade, God speaketh vnto vs. The well that was in the pallaies, betokeneth acknow¦ledging of our sinnes to God, therefore if any man be dronken with sinne, lette him drincke of y^t well of acknowledge∣ing his sinnes▪ & without doubt he shall be safe. This Ydrony betokeneth euery man that wilfully returneth againe to sinne after his acknowledged sinne, like as a dogge that maketh a vomit and ca∣steth vp the meate that he hath eaten be∣fore, & afterwarde when he is hungry, commeth and eateth it againe. Neuer∣thelesse if a man that hath sinned thus will drinck of the well of acknowledge∣ing his sinne, he shall receiue his ghostly strength. The Nightingale y^t sat on the trée, betokeneth y^e soule y^t sitteth on the

trée of holy doctrine. And hir song beto∣keneth the soule that sitteth on the trée in de••out praiers to God. But this soule doeth commit euill as oftentimes as she consenteth to sinne. Neuerthe∣lesse if she runne to the well of acknow∣ledged sinne, and bath hir with the wa∣ter of contricion, God shall loue hir. But hir foes that be the fendes of hell, séeing this that God is so mercifull, they stoppe the well of acknowledgement of sinne, that is to say, they would with∣draw vs from dutiful acknowledgemēt & from due reconciliation of our selues betwéene vs and God, and betwéene vs and man, without shame and dread of repentaunce, not to declare our sinnes. And thus béene many exiled and put to death euerlasting. And therefore stu∣dy we to bath our life in the well of ac∣knowledging of sinnes with the water of contrycion, and than may we be sure to coms to euerlasting life. Unto the which God bring vs all.

Amen.