254 THE KING'S MIRROR 



began to observe the shapes of beasts and birds and 

 trees, and finally how they themselves were formed. 

 Then said Adam: " We are shamefully naked, we two, 

 for there is nothing to hide our limbs; beasts are covered 

 with hair and tail, birds with feathers, and trees with 

 branches and leaves; we two alone have shamefully 

 naked limbs." Thereupon they took broad leaves from 

 the trees and covered those of their members which they 

 were most ashamed to have naked. Then Peace came 

 forth and spoke to Adam and Eve: "Now you have 

 broken the law and your covenant with God, and I will 

 no longer give you the security in the open fields that 

 you have thus far enjoyed; but I will keep you safe in 

 a secret hiding place until judgment is pronounced in 

 your case; and I give you this safety that you may have 

 opportunity to present your defense. But you must take 

 good care to make a plea which may profit you, and 

 prove a defense rather than a detriment." Truth came 

 forth and spoke to Adam: " Take heed, when you come 

 to plead your case, that you do not lie, for then I shall 

 testify with you; tell everything just as it happened, 

 for if you lie about anything, I shall testify against you 

 at once." Justice came forth and said: " It is my duty 

 and office to make sure that you are not unjustly con- 

 demned; but the more you are found guilty of lies and 

 wrongdoing, the more shall I oppose you." Mercy came 

 forth and said to Adam: "I shall add assistance and 

 mercy to your plea, if you heed carefully all that my 

 sisters have taught." But fear had come upon Adam 

 and he went away to hide among the trees, lest he should 

 be seen naked. 



