Christ Legends

rejoicing in the Crusaders' camp, outside the city. In almost every tent they cel

tent it was even more hilarious than elsewhere. The servants b

r before. In the morning, when the city was besieged, he had been the first to scale the walls after Godf

to Raniero by Godfrey that he should be the first who might light his candle from the sacred candles which burn before Christ's tomb. It appeared to Raniero that Godfrey w

ouple of musicians who had wandered all over the camp and amused the people with their p

as in great demand for his drollery, and

s head away in disgust. Sometimes he applauded and smiled, and anon he wept and commiserated. Finally, as it drew toward the close of day, and twilight sank down over Paradise, our Lord turned to Saint Peter and said that now he must surely be satisfied and content. 'What is it that I should be content with?' Saint Peter asked, in an impetuous tone. 'Why,'

ken place during the day. Both he and the other knights b

nds of corpses?' he said. 'And do you see the naked and wretched prisoners who moan in the night chill? And do you see all the smoking ruins of the conflagration?' It appeared as if our Lord did not wish to answer him, but Saint Peter went on with his lamentations. He said that he had certa

rupted by bravos, but h

two which sprang to his eyes and prevented him from seeing. 'I never would have thought they could be such beasts,' said he. 'They have murdered and plu

egan to laugh loud and merrily. "What, fool! Is Sa

ear if our Lord spoke in our

to church barefooted and in penitents' garb. That spirit had, of course, not lasted long enough to be worth mentioning. And thereupon he leaned once more over the tower and pointed downward toward Jerusalem. He pointed out the Christians' camp outside the city. 'Do

ile stories," interpolated Raniero

head at Raniero, as much as to

ld say. Ah! it was this: Saint Peter asked our Lord if He thought these people were much o

and murderers they are even to-day. This undertaking you could just a

seemed to consider it an honor to test how far he could go without

But almost at the same instant He leaned forward eagerly and peered down with closer scr

All the knights saw our Lord and Saint Peter before their eye

the Holy City, were piled up. In that tent they carried on as they did everywhere else in the camp. A company of knights sat and emptied their goblets. The only difference might be that here there were more drinking and roystering than elsewhere. Saint Peter could not comprehend why our Lord was so pleased when He looked down there, that His eyes fairly sparkle

e others liked to hear him talk of themselves, and only laughed at his audacity.

understand what He rejoiced over. He asked Saint Peter if He saw wrongly, or if

ched out his hand for a heavy wine pitcher to throw at his face, but he controlled him

ly had a burning wax candle beside him. It was a long, thick candle, one of the sort made to burn twenty-four hours. The

as exactly like the one the fool had described. The blood mounted to Raniero's head; for this was the candle which he had

just a little sorry for Him. 'Oh,' he said, 'it was the same knight that leaped upon the wall this morning immediately after the gentleman of Boulogne, and who t

understand why he keeps that candle burning?' said he. 'You must believe that he thinks of your sufferings and death whenever he lo

he, too, forced himself to laugh. He knew they would have found

He. 'He puts his hand before the flame as soon as any one raises the tent-flap, for fear the draught will blow it

ruth. Raniero found it more and more difficult to control himself. He f

f He knew that knight. 'He's not one who goes often to Mass or wears out t

rey. Whence do piety and gentleness spring, if not from my sepulchre? You shall see Raniero di Raniero help widows and

bumped so hard against the table-which was only a door set up on loose boxes-that it wabbled, and the candle fell down. It was evident now how careful Raniero was to keep the candle burning. He controlled his anger and gave himself time to pick it up and brighte

ue the jesting. He said: "There is one thing, however, which is certain, Raniero, and that is-this

ht that he should not foll

n is that sacred candle flame, which you were permitted to light at the church of the

put an end to their laughter. He came to a conclusion quickly, called to an old squire, and said to him: "Ma

n't care to undertake," he said. "How should it be possible to travel to Flor

He received the same reply from all. They sc

s guests should laugh even louder and more merrily, as it became

shouted: "This candle flame shall nevertheless be borne to Florence

ing of the kind!" said a knight. "

flame to Florence!" exclaimed Raniero. "I shal

another matter for you. You can take with you

, and did not consider his words. "I

his point. Every one in the tent had ceased la

ero. "This undertaking surely can't be any