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138
HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.
one would gladly have heard the solution, but inasmuch as
all looked upon me, and desired to have the beginning
from me, my mind was so extreamly confounded that I
knew not what to do but propound another in its stead,
and said, therefore: "Gracious Lady, your Ladyship's
question were easily to be resolved if one thing did not
The Author's perplex me.
counterdemand,
exceedingly
I had two companions who both loved me
they being doubtful which was most dear to
. thus
me, concluded to run to me unawares, and that he whom I
should then embrace should be the right; this they did,
yet one of them could not keep pace with the other,
staid behind and wept ;
so he
the other I embraced with amaze-
ment. When they had afterwards discovered the business
to me, I knew not how to resolve, and have hitherto let it
rest in this manner till I may find some good advice
herein."
The Virgin wondered at it, and well observed where
about I was, upon which she replied, that we should both
be quit, and then desired the solution from the rest. But
I had already made them wise, wherefore the next began
"In my city a Virgin was condemned to death, but
the judge being pittiful towards her, proclaimed that if any
man desired to be her champion, he should have free leave.
Now she had two lovers; one made himself ready, and
came into the lists to expect his adversary ;
afterwards the
other presented himself, but coming too late, resolved
nevertheless to fight, and suffer himself to be vanquished
that the Virgin's life might be preserved, which succeeded
accordingly. Thereupon each challenged her, and now, my
lords, instruct me to which of them of right she belongeth."
The Virgin could hold no longer, but said :
" I thought to
have gained much information, and am my self gotten into