The Portland daily press., 1872-10-23
OF Perfect Life-A Legend from the
Fiesta ROmanOrum.1

When Titus was emperor oil Rome, he
made decree that the natal day of his first
born son should be held sacred; and that
whoever violated it by any kind of labor
should be put to death.
This edct being promulgated, he called
Virgil to him, and said, "Good friend, have
established certain law; but as offences
may frequently be committed without being
discovered by the ministers of justice, we de-
sire you to frame some curious piece of art
which may reveal to us every transgressor of
the law" Virgil acquiesced, and Immediate
ly commenced his operations. He construct
ed a magic statue, and caused it to be erected
in the midst of the city. By virtue of the
secret powers with which it was invested, it
communicated to the emperor whatever was
done amiss.
And thus by the accusation of the statue,
an infinite number of persons were convicted
and punished.
Now, there was certain carpenter, called
Focus, who pursued his occupations every day
alike. Once, as he lay in bed, his thoughts
turned upon the accusations of the statue,
and the multitudes which it had caused to
perish. In the morning he clothed himself,
and proceeded to the statue, which he ad-
dressed in the following manner
80 statue, statue! because of thy informa-
tions, many of our citizens have been appre-
hended and slain. | VOW to God, that, if
thou accusest me, L will break thy head"
Having so said, he returned home. About
the first hour, the emperor, rs he was wont,
despatched sundry messengers to the statue
to inquire if the edict had been strictly COM
piled with. After they had arrived, and de-
livered the emperor's pleasure, the statue ex-
claimed, ''Friends, look up; what see We
written upon my forehead?' They looked,
and beheld three sentences, which ran thus !:
Shines are altered. Men grow worse. He
who speaks truth has his head broken"
"Go," said the statue, ''declare to his Males
ty what you have seen and read" The mes
sengers Obeyed, and detailed the circum-
stances as they had happened.
The emperor, commanded his guard to arm,
and march to the place on which the statue
was erected; and he further ordered, that, if
any one presumed to modest it, they should
bind him HAND and foot, and drag him into
his presence. The soldiers approached the
statue, and said, "Our emperor wills you to
declare the name of the scoundrel who threat
ems you" The statue made answer, SIT is
Focus the carpener. Every day he violates
the law, and, moreover, menaces me with a
broken head if l expose him." Immediately
Focus was apprehended, and conducted to
the emperor, who said, Friend what do
hear of thee? Why hast thou broken my
law"'-"Mv lord, answered Focus, / cannot
keep it for l am obliged to obtain every day
eight pennies, which, without incessant labor.
have not the means of acquiring" -"And
why eight pennies ?' said the emperor. "Ev-
cry day through the year." returned the car
penter, II am bound to repay two pennies
which l borrowed in my youth: two l lend,
reason do you do this ?'' asked the emperor.
"My lord" he replied, ''listen to me- 1 am
bound, each day, to repay two pennies to my
father; for, when / was boy, my father eX-
pended upon me, daily, the like sum. Now
he is poor, and needs my assistance; and
therefore l return what borrowed formerly
Two other pennies 1 lend my son, who is
pursuing bis studies, in order that, if by any
chance should fall into poverty, he may re-
store the loan, just as have done to his
grandfather. Again: l lose two pennies ev-
cry day on my wife; for she is contradictions,
wilful and passionate. Now, because of this
disposition, / account whatsoever is given to
her entirely lost Lastly, two over pennies 1
expend upon myself in meat and drink.
cannot do with less nor can 1 obtain them
without unremitting labor You now know
the truth; and, | pray you, judge dispassion-
ately and truly. '-"Friend," said the emper-
Or" thou hast answered well. Go, and labor
earnestly in thy calling" Soon after this the
emperor died and Focus the carpenter, on &C
count of his singular wisdom, was elected in
his stead by the unanimous choice of the
whole nation. He governed as wisely as he
had lived; and, at his death, his picture, bear
ing on the head eight pennies, was reposited
among the effigies of the deceased emperors.
APPLICATION.
My beloved, the emperor is God, who APP
pointed Sunday as day of rest. BY Virgil is
typified the Holy Spirit, which ordains
preacher to declare mems virtues and vices.
Focus is any good Christian who labors dill
ca Gill.
every relative duty.-From Old and Neao for
November.