Curiosities of Olden Times
approached the imperial residence. 'Who art thou?' asked the porter.
"'It is strange,' replied the aggrieved emperor, 'that thou shouldest forget one thou hast served so long.'
"'Served thee!' returned the porter indignantly; 'I have served none but the emperor.'
"'Why!' said the other, 'though thou recognisest me not, yet I am he. Go to the empress; communicate what I shall tell thee, and by these signs, bid her send the imperial robes, of which some rogue has deprived me.' After some demur, the porter obeyed; and orders were issued for the admission of the mad fellow without.
"The false emperor and the empress were seated in the midst of their nobles. As the true Jovinian entered, a large dog, which crouched on the hearth, and had been much cherished by him, flew at his throat, and but for timely intervention would have killed him. A falcon also, seated on her perch, no sooner saw him than she broke her jesses, and flew out of the hall. Then the pretended emperor, addressing those who stood about him, said: 'My friends, hear what I will ask of yon ribald. Who are you? And what do you want?'
"'These questions,' said the suffering man, 'are very strange. You know I am the emperor, and master of this place.'
"The other, turning to the nobles who stood by, continued, 'Tell me, on your allegiance, which of us two is your lord?'
250
