“Infamous ribald!” shouted the porter, “just before thy approach, the Emperor Jovinian, accompanied by the officers of his household, entered the palace. My lord both went and returned with him; and but even now sat with him at meat. But 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.”
Long unavenge
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 honored 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 councilors, 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 succor 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.
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