THE KING'S MIRROR 293 



and forgetting Thy holy law in every way, in indiscreet 

 testimony and thoughtless oaths, in judging unjustly 

 between men, in excessive avarice, and in all manner 

 of useless and evil works. I acknowledge and confess to 

 Thee, O Lord, calling all Thy saints to witness, that I 

 am so guilty of misdeeds and evil works, that I am al- 

 ready condemned by the multitude of my transgressions, 

 unless I may share in the benefits of the exceeding abun- 

 dance of Thy mercy and of the good and meritorious 

 intercessions of my Lady, the holy Virgin Mary, and of 

 all the saints in whom Thou hast been well pleased since 

 the world began. For the misdeeds and all the iniquity 

 that I have committed from my childhood to this day 

 are uncovered and revealed unto Thee, even though I 

 might wish to conceal and not confess them; for short- 

 sighted frailty was not ashamed to pursue its evil de- 

 sires before Thy face. But, O Lord, inasmuch as Thou 

 dost not delight in them who are destroyed in sin, but 

 wouldst rather that they should live and be led aright, 

 and because Thou knowest that man is frail and with- 

 out strength like the dust of the earth or the crumbling 

 leaf, unless Thou strengthen him with the power of Thy 

 mercy, therefore, I implore Thee, do not punish me 

 with the swift judgment of Thy wrath; but let Thy 

 divine patience give me time and will to repent and 

 abilitv^to do penance. Take away from me, O Lord, 

 envy and pride, despair and stubbornness, injustice and ( 

 violence, and detestable gluttony; cleanse me from the 

 seven cardinal sins and the cursed vices which spring 

 from them. Give me, O Lord, love and constant hope, 

 true faith and humility, wisdom and justice, and ample 



