"So truly as the angel hath held converse with me this night, so may
God make me clean of my infirmity."
Then Amile began to weep privily, and to consider within his heart. "If
this man was willing to die in my stead before the King, why then
should I not slay mine own for him! He hath kept faith with me even
unto death: shall I not therefore keep faith with him! Abraham was
saved by faith, and by faith have the saints proved mightier than
kings. Yea, God saith in the Gospel, 'Whatsoever ye would that men
should do unto you, even so do unto them.'"
Then Amile delayed no more, but went to his wife's chamber, and bade
her to attend the Divine Office; so the Countess sought the church, as
was her wont to do, and the Count took his sword and went to the bed
where lay the children, and they were asleep. And bending above them he
wept bitterly, and said--
"Hath any man heard of such father who was willing to slay his child?
Alas, alas, my children, no longer shall I be your father, but your
cruel murderer."
The children awoke because of their father's tears which fell upon
them, and looking upon his face began to laugh. Since therefore they
were about the age of three years he said to them--
"Your laughter will turn to tears, for now your innocent blood shall be
shed."
He spoke thus, and cut off their heads; and making straight their limbs
upon the bed, he set their heads to their bodies, and covered all with
the coverlet, as if they slept. So he washed his companion with the
blood of that slaying, and said--
"Lord God, Jesus Christ, Who hast bidden men to keep faith on earth,
and didst cleanse the leper with Thy word, deign Thou to make clean my
comrade, for love of whom I have shed the blood of my children."
Straightway was Amis made whole of his leprosy, and they gave grace to
our Lord with great joy, saying--
"Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who saveth those
who put their trust in Him."
And Amile clad his comrade from his own rich apparel; and passing to
the church to render thanks in that place, the bells rang without
ringers, as was the will of God. When the people of the city heard
thereof they hastened to behold this marvel. Now the wife of the Count,
when she saw the twain walking together, began to question which was
her husband, and said, "Well I know the vesture which they wear, but
which is Amile, that I know not," and the Count said--
"I am Amile, and this, my companion, is Amis, who is healed."