"And I am quite certain that I did not steal the dish," said Peter trembling, "and yet I am afraid of the trial!"
"Your companion, my dear son in Christ, sets you the example of a pious reliance upon divine justice, knowing the Eternal only condemns the guilty."
"Alas, good father!" said Peter to the clerk, "think of it, if the trial should turn out against me!"
"My son, it will be a proof that you did steal the dish."
"But no—no—I did not commit the theft."
"In that case, my son, you need have no fear of the judgment of God. His justice is infallible."
"Oh, good father, I hope you are right!"
"Speak not thus, my dear son. This law is holy, it is the Salic Law, the law of the Salian Franks, our conquerors. It is placed under protection by our Lord Jesus Christ. I shall read to you the preamble of the law in the name of which you are to be subjected to trial:
" 'The illustrious nation of the Franks, founded by God, strong in war, wise in council, of noble stature, of singular whiteness and beauty, bold, agile and mighty in battle, has recently been converted to the Catholic faith, which it practices pure and free from the defilement of any heresy; the said illustrious nation has prepared and dictated the Salic Law through the medium of the oldest members who then governed the nation. The gast of Wiso, the gast of Bodo, the gast of Salo, the gast of Wido, who inhabit the places called Salo-Heim, Bodo-Heim, Wiso-Heim and Wido-Heim met during three mahls, carefully discussed and adopted this law.
" 'Long live he who loves the Franks! May Christ uphold their empire! May Heaven enlighten their chiefs and fill them with grace! May He protect the army, may He fortify the faith, may He grant peace and happiness to those who govern them under the auspices of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.' "