Effigiem Desiderij tibj Sculptor Erasmi Exprimit; Ingenium, Scripta diserta suum A dialogue or communication of two persons, devised and set forth in the latin tongue, by the noble and famous clerk. Desiderius Erasmus entitled the pilgrimage of pure devotion. Newly translated into English. To the reder. Amongst the writings of all men, dearly beloved reder, not only of the diversity of tongues, but also the noble drawghtꝭ of so artificyall painted figures, which have so lively expressed to the quick image, the nature, order, & proportion of all states, as concerning the governance of a Christian comenwealthe, that there is (as I suppose) no part of the scripture, which is not so e●powndyde, furnished, and set forth, but that every Christian man, thereby ●ay learn his duty to god, his prince, and his nebure, and so consequently pass thorough the straight path of the which scripture doth testify upon, very few can find the entry, whereby through faith in the redemption of the world thorough the blood of Christ the son of god, to rain with the father and the holy go●●e eternally, according to the promise of Christ, saying. In my father's hawse therebe many places to dwell in, we will come to him and make a mansion place with him and I have and shall open thy name unto them, that the same love with the which thou lovydest me, may be in them, and I in them, and this is the kingdom of god so often moved to us in holy scripture, which all faithful shall possess and inherit for evermore: where as the unfaithful, unryghtswye, and sinner shall not enter in to the kingdom of god, because, of changing the glory of good immortal in to the image of a corruptible man, and therefore so licentiously he hath suffered them to wander in their clouds of ignorance, preferring the lies and corrupt judgements of man the verity and the truth of god, rather serving the creature than the creator, amongst all the parties of the which (as was spoken at the beginning) this alway not alonely in the new law, but also in the old Testament was as a thing most abominable and displeasant in the sight of good prohibit and forbidden: but our nature which hath in him, the damnable repugnance of sin against the omnipotent power of good, left even from hour first father Adam, is so inclined to vices, amongst the which it hath not given the least part to this desperate sin of idolatry, against the immaculate, and fearful commandment of god. Thou shalt have no strange Godis in my sight, that it is sore to be dreadde the same judgement to be given upon us that was given upon the city of Ninyve to be absorped of the earth in to the ire and venge● a●●ce of good, which hath been the cau●e that so many writers b●●he of late days, and many years passed, have even to death, resisted thes damnable bolsterers of idolatry, given their selves to the cross in example of reformation to their brethren, both in writing and counsel, exhorting the flock of Christ from such profane doctrine, amongst whom the noble and famous clerk Desiderius Erasmus hath set forth to the quick image, before men's eyes, the superstitious worship and false honour given to bones, heads, jaws, arms, stocks, stones, shirts, smokes, coats, caps, hats, shoes, mitres, slippers, saddles, ridge's, beads, girdles, bowls, bells, ●okes, gioves, ropes, raperes, candles, boots, spurs (my breath was almost past me) with many other such damnable allusyones of the devil to use theme as gods contrary to the immaculate scripture of good, moreover he noteth as it were of arrogancy the private iudgmegt of certain that of their own brain would cast out images of the temple, with out a comen consent and authority, some there be that always seek hallows, and go upon pilgrimages under a pretence of holiness, whereupon thes brotherhoddes and systerhoodes be now invented, moreover they that have been at Jerusalem be called knights of the sepulchre, and call one an other brethren, and upon palmesondaye they play the fools sadely, drawing after them an ass in a rope, when they be not much distant from the wooden ass that they draw. The same do they conterfayte that have been at saint james in Compostella. But they be more pernicious, that set forth uncertain relics, for certain, and attribute more to them than they ought to have, and prostytute or set them forth for filthy lukre. But now when they perceive, that this their damnable * A treasure box of the Jews Corbane doth decay, and that their most to be lamented blindness and long accustomed errors should be redressed, they, all fair both of god and man set aside, rebel and make insurrectyones contrary to the ordinance of good, against their king and liege lord, provoking and alluring the simple commonalty to their damnable hypocrisy and conspiracy, minding and going about to prevent our most sovereign lords judgement, not yet given upon their Sodomitical acts, and most horrible hypocrisy. But the word of the lord which they so tyrannously go about to suppress with all the faverours thereof shall overcome & destroy all such most to be abhorred & deceivable invegelers & dysturbers of the simple people to such detestable treason. And that it may so do to the terrible example of thes and all other rebels and most dysloyal subjects, and to the great comfort & consolation ofh is graces faithful and true comens. I require him which brethethe where he willithe and reigneth eternal good to grant unto our saide most dread sovereign lord whose majesty as it evidently appeareth only applieth his diligence to the advancing & setting forth of the most wholesome documenth and teaching of almighty god, to the redress of long accustom evils and damnable sects, to the supportation and maintenance of godly and allowable ceremonies, to the suppressing and most to be desired abolishing of the devilish and detestable usurped aucthoryties, damnable errors and profane abuses brought in by that mighty Golyas, that obdurated Phareo, that proud Nembroth (whom god amend) the byshope of Rome, to grant (I say) unto his highness, such his godly aid and assistance, that his grace with his most honourable counsel (against whom this arrogant conspiracy is now moved and begun) may overcome and debelle the stud traytres as in times passed his majesty hath prudency do other, that have heretofore attempted to perpetrate and bring to pass like seditious mishief, and so to establish the hearts of his graces true subjects that they may willingly and according to their duties, obey and fulfil his most lawful and godly ordained laws and commandments whereby they shall not only do the thing agreeable to god's will & teachings, in that he willeth every soul to be subjecteth to the higher power and obedient to their prince, but also (to their great laud and praise (shall show themself to be ready and confirmable to do their duties in aiding his excellent highness to the reformation of all pernicious abuses & chief of detestable idolatry, which is so much prohibited in holy scripture and most displeasant to god, for which intent and purpose the said most noble and famous clerk Dsiderius Erasmus, compiled & made this dialogue in Latin, as it followeth her after now lately translated into our mother the Englishhe tongue. Avoid therefore, most dear reader, all abuses whereby any inconvenience may grow, other to the hindrance of gods word, to the displeasure of thy prince, (whom thou art so straightly commanded to obey, or to the damage of a public weal, which above all vices is noted most to be abhorred, not alonely of the most holy wryteres and expownderes of scripture, but also of profane gentiles, which never perceived other thing than nature inclined their hearts unto, and so consequently to obtain the fruition of the godhead thorough the faith that was spoken of at the beginning to the which the lord jesus Christ bring us all with a perfaycte quietness, So be it. ¶ A pilgrimage, for pure devotion. MEnedemus. * Signifieth to forsake. What new thing is it, that I see? do I not see Ogygyus my neybur, whom no man could espy of all thes sex months before? it was a saying that he was deed, It is even he, except that I be far deceived. I will go to him, & bid him good morrow. Good morrow * was feigned of an old king of Thebans. Ogygyus. Good morrow to you Menedemus. Mene. I pray you from what contrary do you come to us again so safe. For here was a great communication that you did sail straightly to hell. Ogy. No, thanked be god, I have fared as well sins I went hens, as ever I did in all my life. Me. Well, a man may well perceive that all such rumours be but vanity. But I pray you what array is this that you be in, me think that you be clothed with cokle schelles, and be laden on every ●yde with bruches of lead and tin. And you be prettily garnished with wreaths of straw & your arm is full of * Signifieth beads. Walsyngam is called para thalassic by cause it is nigh to the see. snakes eggs. Ogy. I have been on pilgrimage at saint james in Compostella, & at my return I did more religiously visit our lady of Walsyngan in England, a very holy pilgrimage, but I did rather visit her. For I was there before within this three year. Me. I trow, it was but for your pleasure. Ogy. Nay, it was for pure devotion. Me. I suppose you learned that religion of the Grecyanes'. Ogy. My mother in law did make a vow that if her daughter should be delivered of a man child alive, than that I should go to saint james on pilgrimage, and there to salute and thank him. Me. Did you salute saint james alonely in your name, and your mothers. Ogy. No, in the name of all hour house. Me. verily I think that your household as well should have prospered, in case you had not saluted him at all. But I pray you what answer did he make to your salutation. Ogy. Nothing at all. But when I did offer, me taught he did laugh upon me, and beck at me with his head, & did reach to me this cokleshell. Me. Wherefore doth he give rather such schelles, than other things. Ogygy. For the see, which is nigh unto him doth minister plenty of such. Me. O holy saint james, that both is a mydwyffe to women with child, and also doth help his pilgrims. But I pray you what new kind of making vows is that that when a man is idle he shall put the burden upon an other man's back? In case that you do bind yourself with a vow, that if the matter chance happily which you have in hand, that I for you shall fast twice in on week, do you believe that I can fulfil your vow? Ogy. No, I do not believe it if that you did vow it in your own name. It is but a sport with you to mock saints. But this was my mother in law, I must needs obey her, you know womenes affection, & I must obey heres. Me. If that you had not performed your vow, what ●opertye had you be in? Ogy. I grant, he could not have had an action against me in the law, but he might fromhenceforth be deaf to my vows, or else privily send some calamity or wretchedness amongst my household, you know well enough the manners of great men. Me. Tell me now what that same honest man saint james doth, and how he farythe. Ogy. Moche colder than he was wonted to do. Me. What is the cause of it? His age? Ogy. Oh you scoffer, you know well enough that saints wax not old. But this new learning, which runnythe all the world over now a days, doth cause him to be visited moche less than he was wonted to be, for if any do come they salute him alonely, but they offer little or nothing, and say that their money may better be disposed amongst poor people. Me. O a wicked communication. Ogy. Ye & so great an Apostle which was wonted to stand all in precious stones & gold, now standythe all of wood having before him skaresly a wax candle. Me. If it be true that I here, it is great jeopardy lest that same chance to all the rest of the saints. Ogy. I think it well, for there is an epistle abroad which our lady did write upon the same matter. Me. What lady? Ogy. ☞ Our lady of stone in Raurachia which is a certain country. She that hath her name of a stone. Me. I trawe it is in Raurachia. Ogy. That same is it. Me. you tell me of a stony lady, But to whom did she write? Ogy. The epistle doth plainly show his name. Me. By whom was it sent? Ogy. No doubt but by an angel, which did lay the writings upon the altar, whereof he prechythe to whom it was sent. And lest there should be any suspection of crafty convayence in you, you shall see the epistle written with his own hand. Me. Do you know so well the hand of th'angel which is secretary to our lady? Ogy. Ye why not? Me. By what argument? Ogy. I have red that * Is a scripture written on a grave. Epithaphe of Bede which was graved of the angel: and the letteres agre in all things. I have redden also the obligation which was sent to saint Gyles as doth aper. Doth not thes arguments prove that matter to be good enoghe. Me. May a man look upon them? Ogy. ye and if you will swear to keep it privy. Me. Oh you shall speak to a stone. Ogy. There be stones now a days of that name very ●lawnderous, that will hide nothing. Me. you shall speak to a dumb man, & you trust not a stone. Ogy. upon that condition I will tell it, look that you here with both your eyares. Me. So I do. The epistle of our Lady. Ogy. Marry the mother of jesus to * Glaucoplutus desirus of riches. Glaucoplutus sendythe greeting. insomuch as you follow Luther, you nobly persuade, that it is but in vain to call upon saints, do ye well know for that to be grettly in my favour. For until this day I have almost be slain with the importunate prayers of men. Of me alone they asked all things, as who should say my son were always a babe, because he is so feigned and painted upon my breast, that yet he would be at my commandment and durst not deny my petition, dreading that if he deny my petition, that I should deny him mite ate when he is a thirst: and veryoft they require that of me, which a shamefast youngman dare scantly ask of a Bawd, ye they be such things as I am ashamed to put in writing. Now comythe the marchauntman and he ready to sail into Spain for a vantage, doth commit his wives honesty to me. Than commythe thet little preaty Nun and she castythe away her veil ready to run away, she leaveth with me the good name of her virginity, which shortly she entendythe to take monay for. Than crieth the wicked soudyer purposed to rob & saith, blessed lady send me a good pray. Now commythe the unthrifty dyasser and crieth, send me good chance Lady & thou shalt have part of my winnings: and if the dyasse run against him, he blasphemes, and cursythe me, because I will not favour his noghtynes. Now crieth she that sellythe she for filthy lukre & saith, sweet lady send me some customers, & if I deny it, they exclaim against me & say, thou art not the mother of mercy. Moreover the vows of some women be no less wicked than foolish. The maid crieth & saith, O sweat Mary send me a fair and rich husband. The married woman saith send me goodly children. Now laborythe the woman with child, and crieth dear lady dylyver me of my bonds. Than commythe the old wife, and saith flower of all women send me to live long without coghe and dryness. Now crepythe the doting oldman & saith, lady send me for to wax young again. Than commythe forth the philosopher and crieth send me some argumentis that be insoluble. The great priest crieth send me a fat benefice. Than saith the bishop keep well my church. Than crieth the high justice show me thy son or I pass out of this world. Than saith the Cowrtyer send me true confession at the hour of my death. The husbandman saith send us temperate wether. The milk wife crieth out blessed lady save our cattles. Now if I deny anything by & by I am crwell. If I commit it to me soon, I hear them say, he will what so ever you will. Shall I than alone both a woman and a maid help maryneres, sawed years, merchantmen, dyasseres, maryedmen, women with child, judges, kings, and husbondmen? ye and this that I have said is the least part of my pain. But I am not now so much troubled with such business, for that I would heartily thank you, but that this commodity doth bring a greater discommodity with him. I have now more ease, but less honour & profit. Before this time I was called queen of heaven, lady of the world, but now any man will scarcely say a●e Maria or hail Mary. Before I was clothed with precious stones and gold, and had my changes, and daily there was offered gold and precious stones, now I am scarcely covered with half ● gown and that is all beeyten with miss. My yearly rents be now so small that I am scarcely able to find my poor quere keeper to light a wax candle before me. Yet all this might be suffered, but you be about to pluke away greater things, you be about (as they say) that what so ever any saint hath in any place, to take it from the churches, but take heed what you do. For there is no saint without a way to revenge his wrong. If you cast saint Petre forth of the church, he may serve you of the same sauce, and shit up hevyngates against you. Ye saint Paul hath his sword. Barthylmew is not without his great knife. Saint wyllyam is harkened under his monks cloak, not without a great spear. What canst thou do against saint George which is both a knight & all armed with his long spear and his fearful sword? Nor saint Antony is not without his weapenes for he hath holy fire which him. Ye the rest of the saints have their weapons or myschefues, which they send upon whom they list. But as for me thou canst not cast out, except thou cast out my son, which I hold in mine arms. I will not be separate from him, other thou shalt cast him out with me or else thou shalt let us both be, except that you would have a temple without a Christ. These be the things that I would you shall know imagined you therefore what shallbe your answer. For this thing pleasythe me very well. from our stony church the kalends of August, the year from my sons passion a M. CCCCC. xiv. I stony lady subscribed this with mine own hand. Me. Truly that was a sorrow and fearful epistle, I suppose that Glaucoplutus will beware fronhensforthe. Ogy. Ye & if he be wise. Me. Wherefore did not that good saint james write to that man of the same matter. Ogy. I can not tell, except it be because he is so far of, and now a days men be much searchyd for such matters, & in their iornaye their letters taken from them. Me. I pray you, what god did send you into england? Ogy. I saw the wind marvelous prosperous thitherward, and I had almost promised this to that blessed lady of Walsyngan that I would seek her within two year, Me. What would yo● axe of her. Ogy. No new thyngꝭ at all, but such as be comen, as to keep safe and sound my household, to increase my goods, and in this world to have along and merry life, and when I die everlasting life in another world. Me. May not our lady grant the same at home with us? She hath at Antwerp a moche more lordly temple than at Walsynganie. Ogy. I deny not but it may be so, but in divers places she grants divers things, weather it be her pleasure so to do, or because she is so gentle, that as concerning this purpose, she will give herself to our affectyones. Me. I have hard oft of saint james, but I pray you describe to me the kingdom of Walsyngam. Ogy. verily I shall tell you as shortly as I can. It is the most holy name in all England, and you may find some in that y●e, that suppose their substance shall not prospayre except they visit her with their offering every year once as they be able to give. Me. Where doth she dwell? Ogy. At the uttermost part of all England betwixt the north and the West, not vary far from the see, scarcely iij miles, the town is almost sustained by the resort of pilgrims. The college is of Canon's, but they be such as hath their name of the Latin tongue and be called Seculares, a kind betwixt monks & Chanones. Me. What you tell me of ☞ Amphybyanes' be things doubtful. Amphybyanes', such as the monster * Fyber is abeste of the see & the land. Fyber is. Ogy. No they be rather such as the * A Cockatrice will kill a man with a look, Cockatrice. But without dissimulation, I shall put you out of this doubt in three words. To them that they hate, they be Chanones, and to them that they love they he Monks Menede. Yet you do not open this redle. Ogy. I shall paint it before your eyes, if the bishop of Rome do shot his thonderbowlt amongst all monks, they will then be chanones, & not monks, but and if he would suffer all monks to take wives, than will they be monks, Me. O new partakeres, I would to god they would take away my wife. Ogy. But to come to our purpose, the college hath scarcely any other * Renttes. emolumentes but of the liberality of our lady. For the great offeryngis be keeped still, but if there be any little some of money offered that goith to the comens of the company, & the master whom they call prior. Me. Be they of a virtuous life? Ogy. Nat to be dispraysyd, they be more virtuous than rich of their yearly renttes. The temple is goodly & goregious, but our Lady dwellythe not in it, but that was purchased for the honour of her son. She hath her own temple, that she may be of the right hand of her soon. Me. upon the right-hand? Which way doth her son look than? Ogy. It is well remembered. When he lokythe to te West, his mother is upon his right hand, but when he turnythe him to the Este she is upon the left hand. But yet she dwelleth not in that church, for it is not yet builded all up, and the wind runnythe thorough every part with open windows & dowres, and also not far of is the Occiane say father of all winds. Me. what do you tell me where doth she dwell than? Ogy. In the same church which I told you was not all fynyshyd, there is a little chapel seelyd over with wood, on either side a little door where the pilgrims go thorough, there is little light, but of the taperes, with a fragrant smell. Me. All these be meet for religion. Ogy. Ye Menedemus if you look within you will say that it is a seat meet for saints, all things be so bright with gold, silver, and precious stones. Me. You almost move me to go thither also. Ogy. It sh●l not repent you of your journey. Me. Spryngithe there no holy oil? Ogy. I trow you dote, that spryngythe not but out of the sepulchres of saints, as saint Andrew, & saint Kateren, our lady was not buried. Me. I grant I said amiss, but tell on your tale. Ogy. So moche more as they persayve your devotion, so much larger relics will they show to you. Me. Ye and peradventure that they may have larger offerings, as is said that, many little offerings maketh a heavy box. Ogygy. Her chaplains be always at hand. Me. Be they of the Chanones? Ogy. No, they be not permitted to be with her, lest that peradventure by occasion of that religion, they should be plukkyd from their own religion, and whilst they keep that virgin, they regard very little their own virginity, alonely in that inner chapel which is our ladies privy chamber, there standithe a certain Cannon at the altar. Me. For what purpose? Ogy. To receive and keep, that which is offered. Me. doth any man give against his will. Ogy. No, but many men hath such a gentle shamefastness, that they will give some thing to him that standythe by, other they will offer more largely, which that would not do peradventure if that he were absent, that standithe there. Me. You tell me of man's affectiones, which I myself proved very oft. Ogy. Ye truly there be some so given to our blessed lady, that when they apere to putupe their hands to offer, with a proper convayance, they stayl that which other men hath given. Me. Than let no man be there; will not our Lady shoot her thonderbowlte at such. Ogy. Wherefore should our lady rather do so, than God himself, whom they be not afraid to pluke out his robes, & break the church walls therefore. Mene. I am in a great doubt whether I should, rather marvel upon thair wicked boldness, or gods great gentleness and long suffering. Ogy. Apon the north part there is a certain gaate, but lest that you should make a lie, it is not of the church, but of the pale that compassithe a bout the church yard, and that hath a little wykyt, such as be in great men's gaates, that who so ever will entre, must first putin his leg, not without some ioperdie, and than bow down his head. Me. It is ioperdie to go thorough such a door, to a man's enemy. Ogy. So it is, the sexton did tell me that there was once a knight which fleeing his enemy, than approaching, did ride thorough the wykyte, and than the wretch despairing in himself, upon a sudden motion, did commend himself to the blessed virgin, which was than at hand. But now commythe the myrakle. By and by that knight was all in the church yard, and his adversary was raging at the door withowte. Me. And did he tell you so maruylous a myrakle for a truth? Ogy. No doubt. Me. But I suppose that he could not so lightly do that to you so a great a philosopher. Ogy. He did show to me in that same wykytte in a plate of copper, the image of the knight fastened with nails and with the same garments that the Englishmen were wonted to wear at that time, as you may see in that old pictures, which wylnat lie, Barbourꝭ had but little living at that time: and dieres & websteres got but little monay. Me. Why so? Ogy. For he had a beard like a goat, and his cote had never a plight, & it was so little, that with straight girding it maid his body to apere less than it was. There was another plate, that was in quantity and form like to a chest. Me. Well now it● is not to be doubted upon. Ogy. Under the wykyte there was a grate of iron, that no man can pass therein but a footman, for it is not convenient that any horse should tread after upon the place, which the knight did consecrated to our lady. Me. Nat without a good cause. Ogy. from that part toward the Este, there is a little chapel, full of marvels and thither I went, there was I received of another of our ladies chaplenes, there we kneeled down, to make our little prayers. By & by, he brought for the the joint of a man's finger, the greatyste of three, which I kissed, & asked whose relics they were, he did say that they were saint Petres. What th'apostle said I. Ye said he. Than I did better behold the joint, which for his greatness might well have be a Giants joint, rather than a man's. Than said I, saint Peter must needs be a great man of stature. But at that word, there was one of the gentlemen that stood by, that could not forbear laughing, for the which I was very sorry. For if he had holden his pease, we had seen all the relics, yet we meetly well pleased master Sexton, with giving him ii or three groats. Before that chapel there was a little house, which he said once in winter time when that there was little room to cover the relics, that it was suddenly brought & set in that place. Under that house there was a couple of pits, both full of water to the brynkies, and they say that the spring of those pits is dedicated to our lady, that water is very cold, and medicinable for the heed ache and that hartburning. Me. If that cold water will hele the pains in the heed and stomach, than will oil putowte fire from henceforth. Ogy. It is a myrakle that I tell, good sir, or else what marvel should it be, that cold water should slake thirst? Me. This may well be one part of your tale. Ogy. They say that the fowntayne did suddenly spring out of the earth at the commandment of our lady, & I diligently examening all things, did ask him how many years it was sith that house was so suddenly brought thither. Many years agone saith he. Yet, said I, the walls do not apere so old. He did not denay it. No mor thes wooden pyleres. He cold not denay but that they were set there not long ago, and also the matter did plainly testify the same. Afterward, said I, this roof which is all of reed doth apere not to be very old, & he granted also, thes greet beams which lie overthwerte, and these rafteres that hold up that house were not set long agone. He affirmed my saying. Well said I saying that no part of the house is left but all is new, how can you say that this was the house which was brought hither so long ago. Me. I pray you how did the howskeper, avoid himself from your argument. Ogy. By & by he did show to us the matter by the skin of a bayre which had hanged be the rafteres along season, and did almost moke the simpleness of hour wits that could not perceive so manifest an argument we being persuaded by this argument, asked pardon of our ignorance, and called into our communication the heavenly milk of our lady. Me. O how like to the son is the mother, for he hath left to us so much blood here in earth, & she so much milk, that a man will skarysly believe a woman to have so moche milk of one child, in case the child should sukke none at all. Ogy. They say the same of the holy cross, which is showed in so many places both openly, and privately, that if the fragments were gathered upon one heap, they would apere to be a just fraghte for a ship, and yet Christ did bear all his cross himself. Me. But do not you marvel at this? Ogy. It may welbe a strange thing, but no marvel, saying that the lord which doth increase this at his pleasure, is almighty. Me. It is very gently expowndyd, but I am afraid, that many of thes be feigned for lukre. Ogy. I suppose that God would not suffer himself to be deluded of such a fashion. Mene. Yis, Have not you seen that when both the mother, the son, the father, and the holy ghost hath be robbed of thes sacrilegious thieves, that they woldnat ones move, or stir neither with bekke or crakke whereby they might fray away the thieves. So great is the gentles of God. Ogy. So it is, but here out me tale. This milk is keeped upon the high altar, and in the mids there is Christ, which his mother upon his right hand, for her honour sake, the milk doth represent the mother. Me. It may be seen then? Ogy. It is closed in crystal. Me. It is moist than? Ogy. What tell you me of moistness, when it was mylkyd more than a thousand and five hunthrithe year agone, it is so congelyd, that a man would say that it were chalk tempered with the white of a egg. Me. Ye, but do they set it forth bare? Ogy. No, lest so holy milk should be defouled with the kissing of men. Me. You say well. For I suppose that theridamas be many that kiss it, which be neither clean mouthed, nor yet be pure virgins. Ogy. When the sexton saw us, he did run to the altar, & put upon him his surplese, & his stole about his neck, kneeled down religiously, and worshipped it, and streghtforthe did offer the milk to us to kiss. And at the end of the altar we kneeled down devoutly, & the first of all we saluted Christ, & than after we called upon our lady with this prayer, which we had maid ready for the same purpose. O mother & maid, which did give sukke with thy virgins teats the lord of heaven and earth, thy son jesus Christ, we being purified thorough his precious blood, do desire that we may attain, and come to that blessed infancy of thy colombynes meekness, which is immaculate without malice, fraud, or diseyte, and with all affection of heart doth covett and study for the heavenly milk of the evangelical doctrine, to go for the and increase with it into a perfaycte man, into the measure of the plentefulnes of Christ, of whose company thou haste the fruition, together with the father, & the holy ghost for evermore, so be it. Me. verily this is a holy prayer. But what did she? Ogygy. They both bekkyd at us, except my eyes waggyd, and me thought that the milk daunsyd. In the meanseson the sexton came to us, without any words, but he held out a table such as the Germans use to gather tolle upon bridges. Me. By my troth I have cursed very oft such craving boxes, when I did ride thorough Germany. Ogy. We did give him certain monay which he offered to our lady. Than I axed by a certain young man, that was well learned, which did expound and tell us the saying of the Sexton, his name (as fere as I remember) was Robert alderisse, by what tokens or arguments he did know that it was the milk of our lady. And that I very fain, & for a good purpose desired to know, that I might stoup the mouths of certain newfanglyd fellows, that be w●tyd to have such holy relics in derision and mokage. first of all the Sexton with a froward cowntenance would not tell, but I desired the young man to move him more instantly, but somewhat more gently he so courteously behaved himself, that and he had prayed our lady herselffe after that fashion, she would not have be displeased therewith. And than this mystical chaplain, as and if he had be inspired with the holy ghost, casting at us a frowning look, as & if he would have shoot at us the horrible thunderbolt of the great curse, what need you (saith he) to move such questyones, when you see before your eyes so authentical & old a table. And we were afraid lest that he would have cast us out of the church for heretics, but that our monay did temper his great, te fury. Mene. What did you in the meaneseason? Ogygyus. What suppose you? We were amassed as and if a man had strike us with a club, or we had be slain with a thonderclape, and we very lowly axid pardon of our foolish boldness, and got us from thence. For so must we entreat holy things. from thence we went in to the house where hour lady dwellithe, and when we came there, we saw another Sexton which was but a novice, he looked famylarly as and if he had known us, and when we came a little further in, we saw another, that looked much after such a fashion, at the last came the third. Me. peradventure they desired to describe you. Ogy. But I suspect another matter. Mene. What was it? Ogygy. There was a certain thief that had stole almost all our ladies frontlet, and I supposed that they had me in suspicion thereof. And therefore when I was within the chapel I maid my prayers to ourlady after this fashion. Oh chief of all women Mary the maid, most happy mother, most pure virgin, we unclean, and sinners, do visit the pure & holy, and after our ability we have offered unto thee, we pray thy that thy son may grant this to us, that we may follow thy holy life, and that we may deserve thorough the grace of the holy ghost, spirytual●y to conceive the lord jesus Christ, & after that conception never to be separate from him, Amen. This done I kissed the altar, and laid down certain groats for mine offering and went my way. Me. What died our lady now, did not she make one sign, that you might know that she had hard your prayers. Ogy. The light (as I told you before) was but little, and she stood at the right end of the altar in the dark corner, at the last the commumcatyon of the first Sexton had so discoregyd me, that I durst not once look up with mine eyes. Me. This● pilgrimage came but to small effect. Ogy.. Yes, it had a very good & merry end. Me. You have caused me to take heart of grass, for (as Homer saith) my heart was almost in my hose. Ogy. When dynar was done, we returned to the temple. Me. Durfte you God & be susspecte of felony? Ogy. peradventure so, but I had not myself in suspicion, a guiltless mind puttythe away fear. I was very desirous to see that table which the holy Sexton did open to us. At the last we found it, but it was hanged so high that very few could read it. My eyes be of that fashion, that I can neither be called * Lynceus is abeaste so quick eyed that it will see thorough any wall Lynceus, neither purr blind. And therefore I instantly desired Alldryge to read it, whose reading I followed with mine own eyes, because I would scarcely trust him in such a matter. Me. Well, now all doubts be discussyd. Ogy. I was ashamed that I doubted so moche, the matter was so plain setforthe before our eyes, both the name, the p●ace. the thing itself as it was done, to be breffe, there was nothing left out. There was a mane whose name was Wylyam which was borne in Parise, a man very devout in many things, but principally exceeding religious in searching forth relics of all saints thorowowt all the world. He after that he had visited many places, contrayes, and regyones, at the last came to Constantynenople. For Wylhelmes brother was there bishop, which did make him privy to a certain maid, which had professed chastity, that had part of our ladies milk, which were an exceeding precious relic, if that other with prayer, or money, or by any craft it might be got. For all the relics that he had got before were but trifles to so holy●●ylke. William would not rest there till that he had got half of that holy milk, but when he had it, he thoghte that he was richer than Croeseus. Me. Why not, but was it not without any good hope? Ogy. He went than straightly home, but in his journey he fell seek. Me. jesus there is nothing in this world that is other permanent, or always in good state. Ogy. But when he saw & perceived that he was in great ioperdye of his life, he called to him a frenchman, which was a very trusty companion to him in his journey. And commanded all to avoid the place, and make silence, & privily did betake to him this milk, upon this condition, that if it chansyd to come home safe & sound he should offer that precious treasure to our ladies altar in Paryse, which standythe in the mids of the river Sequana, which doth apere to separate himself to honour and obey our blessed lady. But to make short tale. Wylyam is dead, & buried, the Frenchman maid him ready to depart upon his journey, & suddenly fell seek also. And he in great despair of amending, did cometh the milk to an Englishman, but not without great instance, and moche prayer he did that which he was moved to do. Than died he. And the other did take the milk, and put it upon an altar of the same place the Chanones being present, which were it as we call Regulares. They be yet in the abbey of saint Genofeffe. But the Englishman obtaynyd the half of that milk, & carried it to Walsyngan in England, the holy ghost put such in his mind. Me. By my troth this is a godly tale. Ogy. But lest there should be any doubt of this matter, the bishops which did grant pardon to it thair names be written there, as they came to visit it, not without thair offerings, and they have given to it remission, as much as they had to give by thair authority. Me. How moche is that? Ogy. Fowrty days. Mene. Ye is there days in hell. Ogy. Truly there is time. Ye but when they have granted all thair stint, they have no more to grant. Ogy. That is not so for when one part is gone another doth increase, and it chansythe diversly even as the ton of ●anaidus. For that although it be incontinently filled, yet it is always empty: and if thou be taking out of it, yet there is never the less in the barrel. Me. If they grant to an hunderithe thousand men fowrty days of pardon, should every man have alike? Ogy. No doubt of that. Me. And if any have forty before dynar, may he axe other forty at after sou●er, is there any thing lest than to give him? Ogy. Ye, & if thou ask it ten-times in one hour. Me. I would to God that I had such a pardon bag, I would ask but three groats, and if they would flow so fast. Ogy. Ye but you desire to be to rich, if that you might for wishing, but I will turn to my tale, but there was some good holy man which did give this argument of holiness to that milk, and said that our ladies milk which is in many other places, is precious & to be worshipped, but this is moche more precious, & to be honoured, because the other was shaven of stones, but this is the same that came out of the virgins breast. Me. How know you that? Ogy. The maid of constantinople, which did give it, did say so. Me. peradventure saint Barnard did give it to her. Ogy. So I suppose. For when he was an old man, yet he was so happy that he sukkyd of the same milk, that jesus himself sukkyd upon. Me. But I marvel why he was rather called a honey sukker than a milk sukker. But how is it called our ladies milk that came never out of her breast? Ogy. Yes it came out at her breast, but peradventure it light upon the stone that he which sucked kneeled upon, and there was received, and so is increased, & by the will of god is so multiplied. Me. It is well said. Ogy. When we had seen all this, while that we were walking up & down, if that any thing of valour were offered, so that any body were present to see them the Sextens maid great haste for fear of crafty convayence, looking upon them as they would eat them. They point at him with there finger, they run, they go, they come, they bekke one to an other, as though they would speak to them that stand by if they durst have be bold. Mene. Were you afraid of nothing there? Ogy. Yis I died look upon him, laughing as who should say I would m●●e him to speak to me●, at ●●ste he came to me, and a●id me what was my name, I told him. He asked me if it were not I that did hang up there a table of ●y vow written in Hebrew, with i● two year before. I confessi● that it was the same. Me. Can you write hebrewe? Ogygy. No but all that they camnat understand, they suppose to be Hebrew. And than (I suppose he was send for) came the posterior prior. Me. What name of worship is that? Have they not an abbate? Ogy. No Me. Why so? Ogy. For they cannot speak Hebrew. Me. Have they not a bishop? Ogy. No. Me. What is the cause? Ogy. For our lady is not as yet so rich, that she is able to buy a cross, & a mitre, which be so dear, Me. Yet at least have they not a presedente? Ogy. No verily. What lettythe them? Ogy. That is a name of dignity and not of religion. And also for that cause such abbeys of Chanones, do not receive the name of an abbate, they do call them masters? Me. Ye, but I never hard tell of prior posterior before. Ogy. Did you never learn your grammere before. Me. Yis I know prior posterior amongst the figures. Ogy. That same is it. It is he that is next to the prioure, for there prior is posterior. Me. You speak upon the supprioure. Ogy. That same did entertain me very gently, he told me what great labure had be about the reading of those verses, & how many did rub their spectakles about them. As oft as any old ancient doctor other of divinity or of the law, resorted thither, by and by he was brought to that table, some said that they were letters of Arabia, some said they were feigned letters. Well at the last came one that red the title, it was written in latin with great Roman letters, the Greek was written with capytale letters of Greek, which at the first sight do apere to be capytale latin letters, at their desire I did expownde the verses in latin, translating them word for word. But when they would have given me for my labour, I refused it, saying that there was northing so hard that I would not do for our blessed ladies sake, ye though she would command me to bear this table to Jerusalem. Me. What need you to be her caryoure, saying that she hath so many angels both at her head and at her fet. Ogy. Than he pullid out of his pur●●e a piece of wood, that was cut out of the blokke that our lady lenyd upon. I perceived by and by thorough the smell of it, that it was a holy thing. Than when I saw so great a relic, put of my cap, and fell downe flat, & very devoutly kissed it three or iiij times, popped it in my purse. Me. I pray you may a man see it? Ogy. I give you good leave. But if you be not fasting, or if you accompanied with your wife the night before, I conceal you not to look upon it. Me. O blessed art thou that ever thou got this relic. Ogy. I may tell you in council, I would not give this little piece for all the gold that Tagus hath, I will set it in gold, but so that it shall apere thorough a crystal stone. And than the Supprioure when he saw that I did take the relic so honourably, he thought it should not be lost, in case he should show me greater mysteries, he did ask me whether I had ever seen our ladies secrets, but at that word I was astonied, yet I durst not be so so bold as to demand what those secrets were. For in so holy things, to speak a miss is no small danger. I said that I did never see they, but I said that I would be very glad to see them. But now I was brought in, and as I had be inspired with the holy ghost, than they lighted a couple of taperes, & set forth a little image, not couryously wrought, nor yet very gorgeous, but of a marvelous stew. Me. That little body hath small power to work miracles. I saw saint Christopher at Parise, not a cartelode, but as much as a great hylle yet he never did miracles as far as ever I herd tell. Ogy. At our ladies fet there is a precious stone, whose name as it is neither in Greek nor Latin. The Frencheman gave it the name of a toad, because it is so like, that no man (although he be cunning) can set it forth more lively. But so much greater is the myrakle, that the stone is little, the form of the toad doth not apere, but it shynythe as it were enclosed within that precious stone. Me. peradventure they imagine the similitude of a toad to be there, even as we suppose when we cut the fern stalk there to be an eagle, and even as children (which they see not indeed) in the clouds, think they see dragons spitting fire, & hills flaming with fire, & armed men encowntering. Ogy. No, I would you should know it, there is no living toad that more evidently doth express himself than it did there plainly apere. Me. Hitherto I have suffered thy lies, but now get the another what will believe thee, thy tale of a toad. Ogy. No marvel Menedemus though you be so disposed, for all the world cannot make me to believe it, not & all doctoures of divinity would swear it were true. But that I saw it with mine eyes, ye with thes same eyes, did I prove it. But in the meanseson me think you regard natural philosophy but little. Me. why so, because I will not believe the a●●es fly? Ogy. An do you not see, how nature the worker of all things, doth so excel in expressing the form beauty, & colour of they maruylously in other things, but principally in precious stones? moreover she hath given to the same stones wondrous virtue and strenkthe that is almost incredible, but that experience doth otherwise testify. Tell me, do you believe that a Adam and● stone would draw unto him steel without any touching thereof, and also to be seꝑate from him again of his own accord, except that you had seen it with your eyes. Me. No verily, not and if ten Arystoteles would persuade me to the contrary. Ogy. Therefore because you should not say this were a lie, in case you here any thing, which you have not seen proved. In a stone called Ceraunia we see the fashion of lightening, in the stone Pyropo wildfire, Chelazia doth express both the coldness and the form of hail, and though thou cast in to the hot fire, an Emerald, will express the clear water of the say. Carcinas' doth counterfeit the shape of a crabfish. Echites of the serpent viper. But to what purpose should I entreat, or investigate the nature of such things which be innumerable, when there is no part of nature nor in the elements, neither in any living creature, other in planets, or herbs the nature even as it were all of pleasure, hath not expressed in precious stones? Do you marvel than that in this stone at hour ladies foot, is the form and fashion of a toad? Me. I marvel that nature should have so moche leisure, so to counterfeit the nature of all things. Ogy. It was but to exercise, or occupy the curiosity of man's wit, and so at the lest wise to keep us from idleness, and yet as though we had nothing to pass the time with all, we be in manner made upon fools, upon dice, and crafty iogeleres. Me. You say very truth. Ogy. There be many men of no small gravity, that will say this kind of stones, if that you put it in vinegar, it will swim, thoge you would thrust it down with violence. Me. Wherefore do they set a toad before our lady? Ogy. Because she hath overcome, trod underfoot, abolished all manner of uncleanness, poison, pride, covetousness, and all worldly affection that reign in man. Me. Woe be to us, that have so many toads in hour hearts. Ogygy. We shallbe purged from them all, if we diligently worship hour lady. Me. How would she be worshipped. Ogy. The most acceptable honour, that thou canst 〈◊〉 to her is to follow her living. Me. You have told all at once. But this is hard to bring to pass. Ogy. You say truth, but it is an excellence thing. Me. But go to, and tell on as you began. Ogy. After this to come to hour purpose, the Supprioure showed to me images of gold and silver, and said, thes be pure gold, and thes be silver and gyltyd, he told the price of every one of they, and the patron. When I wonderyd, rejoicing of so marvelous riches, as was about our lady, than saith the Sexton because I percayve, that you be so virtuously affect, I suppose it great wrong, to hide any thing from you, but now you shall see the privities of our lady, and than he pulled out of the altar a whole world of marvels, if I should tell you of all, a whole day would not suffice, & so this pilgrimage chanced to me most happy. I was filled even full with goodly sights, and I bring also with me this wondrous relic, which was a token given to me from our lady. Me. Have you not it proved, what valewre your wooden relic is on? Ogy. Yis, that I have, in a certain Inn within this three days, there I found a certain man that was bestraght of his wit, which should have be bound, but this wooden relic was put under his neck privily, wherapon he gad a sad and sound sleep, but in the morning he was hole and sound as ever he was before. Me. It was not the phrenysy, but the drunken dropsy, sleep is wonted to be a good medicine for that disease. Ogy. When you be disposed to scoff Menedemus, it is best that you get another manner of jesting stokke than this, for I tell you it is neither good nor wholesome, to bowrde so with saints. For this same man did say, that a woman did apere to him, in his sleep, after a marvelous fashion, which should give him a cup to drink upon. Mene. I suppose it was * Elleborum will restore a man to his senses that hath lost them. Elleborun. Ogy. That is uncertain, but I know well that man was well brought into his mind again. Me. Did you other come or go by Sante Thomas of Cantorbury that good archebishope. Ogy. What else/ there is no pilgrimage more holy. Me. I would fain here of it, and I should not trouble you. Ogy. I pray you here, & take good head. Kente is called that part of England, that buttythe upon France and Flanders, the chief city there of is canterbury, in it there be ij. abbeys, both of them be of saint Benedyctꝭ order, but that which is called saint Augustynꝭ doth apere to be the oldre, that which is called now saint Thomas doth apere to have be the Archebyshope of Cantorburys see, where as he was wonted to live with a sort of monks elect for himself, as bishops now adays be wonted to have their houses nigh unto the church, but apart from other canonꝭ houses. In times passed both bishops & Chanones were wontyde to be monks, as may be plainly proved by many arguments. The church which is dedicate to saint Thomas, doth stretch upe upon heght so gorgeously, that it will move pilgrims to devotion a far of, and also with his brightness and shining he doth light his neybures, & the old place which was wonted to be most holy, now in respect of it, is but a dark hole and a little cottage. There be a couple of great high towers, which do seem to salute strangeres aferre of, and they dow fill all the contrary about both far and near, with the sound of great bells, in the front of the temple, which is upon the south side, there stand graven in a stone three armed men, which with their cruel hands did slay the most holy saint Thomas, and there is written their surnames Tracy, Breton, and Beryston. Me. I pray you wharfore do they suffer those wicked knights be so had in honour. Ogy. even such honour is given to them as was given to judas, pilate, and Caiphas, & to the company of the wykyd so wdyeres, as you may see painted in the tables that be set before altars. Thayr surnames be put to lest any man hereafter should usurp any cause of their praise. They be painted before men's eyes, because that no cowrtyer after this should lay violent han●es other upon bishops, or the church goods. For thes three of this guard straight a●on that wicked act, went stark mad, nor they had never had their mind again, but that they prayed to blessed saint Thomas. Me. O blessed patience of such martyrs. Ogy. At our entry in, lord what a princely place did apere unto us, where as every man that will may go in. Me. Is there no marvel to be seen. Ogy. Nothing but the great wydnes of the place, and a sort of books, that be bound to pyleres wherein is the gospel of Nicodemus, and I cannot tell whose sepulkre. Me. What than? Ogy. They do so diligently watch lest any man should enter in to the quere of iron, that they will scarcely suffer a man to look upon it, which is betwixt the great church & the high quere (as they call it) a man that will go thither must climb up many stairs before, under the which there is a certain wykyt with a bar that openythe the door upon the north side. There standythe forth a certain altar which is dedicate to our lady, it is but a lytleone, and I suppose set there for no other purpose, but to be a old monument or sign, that in those days there was no great superfluity. There they say that this blessed martyr said his last good night to our lady, when he should depart hensse. In the altar is the point of the sword that styryd about the brains of this blessed martyr. And there lie his brains shed upon the earth, whereby you may well know that he was near dead. But the holy rust of this great I devoutly kissed for love of the blessed martyr. From thence we went under the crowds, which is not without his chaplains, & there we saw the brain pan of that holy martyr which was thraste quite thorough, all the other was covered with silver, the overpart of the brain pan was bare to be kissed, and there with all is sethforthe a certain leden table having graved in him a title of saint Thomas of Acrese. There hang also the shirt of heir, & his girdle with his herens breeches where with that noble champion chastened his body, they be horrible to look upon, and greatly reprove our delicate gorgeousness. Me. Ye peradventure so they do the monks slotefulnes. Ogy. As for that matter I cannot affirm nor yet deny, nor yet it is no point of my charge. Me. Ye say truth. Ogy. from thence we returned in to the quere, & upon the north side be the relics showed, a wondrous thing to see, what a sort of bones be brought forth, skulls, jaws, thethe, hands, fingers, hole arms, when we had worshipped they all, we kissed they, that I thought we should never have maid an end, but that my pilgrimage fellow which was an unmeet companion for such a business, prayed them to make an end of seething forth thair relics. Me. What fellow was that? Ogy. He was an Englyshman called Gratiane colt a man both virtuous and well learned, but he had less affection toward pilgrimages than I would that he should have. Me. One of Wyclyffes scoleres I warrant you? Ogy. I think not, although he had red his books, how he came by they I cannattell. Me. He displeased master. Sexton grevofly. Ogy. Than was there brought forth an arm which had yet the red flesh upon it, he abhorred to kiss it, a man might see by his countenance that he was nothing well pleased, & than by and by master Sexton put up his relics. But than we looked upon the table which was upon the altar, and all his gorgeousness, afterward those things that were hid under the altar. there was nothing but riches exceeding, a man would account both Midas and Croesus' beggars in respect of those riches that there was set abroad. Me. Was there no more kissing than? Ogy. No, but an other affection and desire came upon me. Me. What was that? Ogy. I sighed that I had no such relics at home. Me. Oh a wicked desire & an evil thought Ogy. I grant, and therefore I axed, forgyfnes of Saint Thomas before I removed one foot, to depart out of the church. After thes thus we were brought in to the revestry, o good lord what a goodly sight was there of vestments of velvet & cloth of gold, what a some of candlestykes of gold? We saw their saint Thomas cross staff, there was seen also a reed overlaid with silver, it was but of a small wight, unwrought, nor no longer than would reach unto a man's mydgle. Me. Was there no cross? Ogy. I saw none at all, there was showed us a rob of silk truly, but sowed with coarse thread, garnished with neither gold nor stone. There was also a napkin full of sweat bloody, where with saint Thomas wiped both his nose and his face, these things as monuments of ancient soberness we kissed gladly. Me. Be not these things showed to every body? Ogy. No for sooth good sir. Me. How happened it that you were in so good credens, that no secret things were hid from you? Ogy. I was well acquyntede with the reverend father Gwylyame's warham the archbyshope. He wrote two Or three words in my favour. Me. I here of many that he is a man of singular humanity. Ogy. But rather thou wouldest call him humanity itself if thou didst well know him. For there is in him such learning, so virtuous life, such pureness of manners, that a man cold wish no gift of a ꝑfayte Byshope in him, that he hath not. from thence afterward we were lad to greater things. For behyndethe high altar, we ascendyd as it were in to another new church, there was showed us in a chapel the face of the blessed man overgylted and with many precious stones goodly garnished. A sudden chance here had almost marred the matter and put us out of conceit. Me. I tarry to know what evil chance you will speak of. Ogy. Here my companion Gratiam got him little favour, for he, after we had mad an end of praying, inquired of him that sat by the heed, hark, he said, good father, is it true that I here, that saint Thomas while he it lived was merciful toward the poor people? That is very true saith he, and he begun to tell greatly of his liberality and compassion that he shewede to the poor and needy. Then said Gratiam: I think that affection and good mind in him not to be chaungyde, but that it is now much better. Unto this granted the keeper of the heed, again said he, then in as much as this holy man was so gratyouse unto the poor, when he was yet poor, & he himself had need of monay for the necessaries of his body, think ye not that he would be content, now that he is so rich, and also needeth nothing, that if a poor woman having at home children laking meet and drink, or else daughters being in danger to lose there virginity, for default of their substance to marry them with, or having her husband fore sick, and destitute of all help, in case she asked ●y●●ns, & privily stole a way a small portion of so great riches, to sukkre her how should, as and if she should have it of one that would other lean, or give it to her? And when he would not answer that ●epyd the golden head, Gracyane, as he is somewhat hasty, I, saith he, do suppose plainly, that this holy man would be glad, if that he, now being dead, might sustain the neces●iye of poor people. But there master parson begun to frown, & bite his lip, with his hollow eyes like to * A monster that hath snakes for hears upon her head. Gorgone the monster to look upon us. I do not doubt he would have cast us out of the temple, and spit apon us, but that he did know that we were commended of the archebyshope. But I did somewhat mitigate the manes ire, with my fair words, saying that Gratiane did not speak as he thoghte, but that he jested as he was wonted to do, and stopped his mouth with a few pens. Mene. truly I do greatly allow your goodly fashion, but oftentimes earnestly I consider, by what meaynes they may be accounted without fault & blame, that bestow so moche substance in building churcs, in garnishing, and enriching them without all measure. I think as touching the holy vestments, & the silver plate of the temple there ought to be given, to the solemn service, his dignity and comeliness, I will also that the building of the church shall have his majesty decent and convenient. But to what purpose serveth so many holy water pots, so many candlestyckes, so many images of gold. What need there so many pair of organs (as they call them) so costly & chargeable? For one pair can not serve us: what profiteth the musical crying out in the temples that is so dearly bought and paid for, when in the meaneseson our brothers and sisters the lively temples of Christ lying by the walls/ die for hunger & cold. Ogy. There is no virtuous or wise man, that would not desire a mean to be had in thes things. But in as much as this evil is grown and sprung up of superstition beyond measure, yet may it better be sufferde, specially when we confyder on the other side the evil conscience and behavior of them that rob the churcs of whatso ever ivellies there may be found, thes riches were given in a manner great men, & of princes, the which they would have bestowed upon a worse use, that is to say other at the dice or in the wars. And if a man take any thing from thence. first of all it is taken sacrilege, than they hold their hands that were accustomed to gift, beside that moreover they be alured & movyde to robbing & vayning. Therefore thes mean be rather the keepers of this treasures than lords. And to speak a word for all, me thynket it is a better sight to behold a temple richly adorned, as there be some with bare wols, filthy and evil favorde, more meet for stables to put horses than churches for christian people. Me. Yet we read that bishops in times paste were praysede and commended because they sold the holy vessels of their churches, and with that money helped and relieved the needy and pour people. Ogy. They be praysede also now in our time, but they be praised only, to follow there doing (I suppose) they may not, nor be any thing dysposede. Me. I interrupt and let your communication. I look now for the conclusion of the tale. Ogy. Gyffe audience, I will make an end shortly. In the mean season cometh forth he that is the chief of them all. Me. Who is he? the abbot of the place? Ogy. He werythe a mitre, he may spend so moche as an abbot, he wanted nothing but the name, and he is called prior for this cause tharchbishop is taken in the abbots stead. For in old time who so ever was archbyshope of the diocese, the same was also a monk. Me. In good faith I would be content to be namyde a Camelle, if I might spend yearly the rents and revenues of an abbot. Ogy. Me seemed he was a man both virtuous and wise, and not unlearnede Duns divinity. He opened the shrine to us in which the ●olle body of the holy man, they say, doth rest and remain. Me. didst thou see his bones. Ogy. That is not convenient, nor we cold not come to it, except we set up laders, but a shrine of would coverede a shrine of gold, when that is drawn up with cords, than appeareth treasure and riches inestimable. Me. What do I here? the vilest part and worst was gold, all things did shine, flourish, and as it were with lightening appeared with precious stones and those many and of great multitude: some were greater than a gowse egg. diverse of the monkis stood there about with great reverence, the cover take a way, all we kneeled down and worshipped. The prior with a white rod showed us every stone, adding thereto the french name, the value, & the author of the gift, for the chief stones were sent thither by great princes. Me. He ought to be a man of an exceeding wit & memory. Ogy. You guess well, howbeit exercise & use helpeth moche, for even the same he doth oftentimes. He brought us again in to the crowds. Our lady hath there an habitation, but somewhat dark, closed round about with double iron grate. Me. What feared thee? Ogy. Nothing I trow, except thieves. For I saw never any thing more laden with riches syns I was borne of my mother. Me. You show unto me blind riches. Ogy. When they brought us candellꝭ we saw a sight passing the riches of any king. Me. Doth it exceed our lady of walsyngan? Ogy. To look upon this, is richer, the secret treasure she knoweth herself, but this is not 〈◊〉, but to great men, or tospecy all friends. At the last we were brought again in to the reveitry, there was taken out a coffer covered with black leather, it was set down upon the table, it was set open, by and by every body kneeled down and worshipped. Me. What was in it? Ogy. Certain torn rags of linen cloth, many having yet remaining in them the token of the filth of the holy man's nose. With thes (as they say) saint Thomas did wipe a way the swett of his face or his neke, the filth of his nose, or other like filthiness with which man's body doth abownde. Then my companion Gratian, yet once again, got him but small favour. Unto him an english man and of familiar acquayntenance and beside that, a man of no small authority, the Prior ga●● gently one of the linen rags, thinking to have given a gift very acceptable & pleasant, But Gratian there with little pleased and content, not with out an evident sing of displeasure, took one of them between his fingers, and dysdaynyngly laid it down again, made a mock and a mow at it, after the manner of puppets, for this was his manner, if any thing lykede him not, that he thought worthy to be despysede. Where at I was both ashamed and wondrously afraid. notwithstanding the Prior as he is a man not at all dull witted, did dissemble the matter, & after he had caused us drink a cup of wine, gently he let us depart. When we came again to London. Me. What should ye do at London: saying ye were not far from the see co●t, to seal in to your country? Ogy. It is true. But that see cost I refused and gladly did i'll from it, as from a place that is noted and more evil spoken of it, for robbing. stealing, and untrue dealing, then is of dangerous jeopardy in the see, be that hill Malea where many ships be drowned & utterly destroyed for ever. I will tell the what I did see the last passage, at me coming over. We were many carried in a boat from Calais shore to go to the ship. Amongst us all was a pour young man of France, and barely appayrelled. Of him he demau●ded half a groat. For so moche they dow take and exact of every one for so small a way rowing. He alleged poverty, then for their pastime they searched him, plucked of his shoes, and between the shoe and the soul, they found x. or twelve groats, they took them from him laughing at the matter: mocking and scorning the poor & miserable Frenchman. Me. What did the fellow than? Ogy. What thing did he? He wept. Me. Whether did they this by any authority? Ogy. surely by the same authority that they steyle and pick strangers males and bowgettes, by the which they take a way men's purses, it they see time and place convenient. Me. I marvel that they dare be so bold to do such a deed, so many looking upon them. Ogy. They be so accustomed, that they think it well done. Many that were in the ship lokede out and saw it also, in the boat were diverse english merchants, which he grudged against it, but all in vain. The boatmen as it had been a trifling matter reiosed and were glade that they had so taken and handled the miserable Frenchman. Me. I would play and sport with these see thieves, & hang them upon the gallows. Ogy. Yet of such both the shores swarm full. Here tell me, I pray the. What will great men do, when thieves take upon them to enterprise such masteries. Therefore, her after I had liefer go forty myllies about, them to go that way, thoffe it be much shorter. moreover even as the going down to hell, is easy and leyght, but the coming from thence of great dyffyculty, so to take shipping of this side the see, is not very easy, and the landing very hard & dangerous. There was at London diverse mariners of Antwerp, with them I purposed to take the see. Me. Hath that country so holy mariners? Ogy. As an ape is ever an ape, I grant, so is a mariner ever a mariner: yet if thou compare them unto these, that life by robbing, and pilling and polling, they be angels. Me. I will remember thy saying, if at any time I be disposed to go and see England. But come again in to the way, from whence I brought the out. Ogy. Then as we whent toward London not far from Canterbury, we came in to a great hollow and straight way, moreover bowing so down, with hills of either side, that a man can not escape, nor it cannot be avoided, but he must needs ride that way. Upon the left hand of the way, there is an alms house for old people, from them runnyth on out, as soon as they here a horseman coming, he casteth holy water upon him, and anon he offereth him the over leather of a shoe bound about with an iron whope, wherein is a glass like a precious stone, they that kiss it gy● a piece of monay. Me. In such a way I had liefer have an alms house of old folks, than a company of strong thieves. Ogy. Gratian road upon my left hand nearer the alms house, he cast holy water upon him, he took it in worth so so. When the shoe was proffered him, he asked what he meant by it, saith he, it is saint Thomas shoe. There at he fumed and was very angry, & turned toward me: what (saith he) mean these beasts, that would have us kiss the shoes of every good man? Why do they not like wise give us to kiss the spottel, & other filth & dirt of the body? I was sorry for the old man, & gave him a piece of money to comforthe him with all. Me. In mine opinion Gratian was no all together angry with out a good cause. If shoes and slippers were kept for a token of sober living, I would not be much discontent their with, but me thynkꝭ it is a shameful fashion for shoes, slippers, and breeches to be offered to kiss to any man. If some would do it by there own free will, of a certain affection of holiness, I think they were whorthy of pardon. Ogy. It were better not to thes things, if I may say as I think, yet out of thes things that cannot forthwith he amended, it is my manner if there be any goodness therein, to take it out, and apply it to the best. In the meanseson that contemplation and sight delighted my mind, that a good man is likened to a sheep, an evil man to a venomous best. The serpent after she is deed, can sting no more, notwithstanding with her evil savour and poison she infecteth and corrupteth other. The sheep as long as she is a live norrysheth with her milk, clothed with her wool, maketh rich with her lambs, when she is dead she giveth us good and profitable leather, and all her body is good meat. Even so, cruel men, given all to the world, so long as they live be unprofitable to all men, when they be dead, what with ringing of bells, and pompyouse funerals they grieve them that be on live, and often times vex their successors with new exactyones. Good men of the other side at all assaiss be profitable to all men, and hurtful to no man. As this holy man, while he was yet alive, by his good example, his doctrine, his goodly exhortatyons provoked us to virtuous living, he did comfort the comforthlesse, he helped the pour, ye and now that he is dead, he is in a manner more profitable. He hath builded this costly & gorgeous church, he hath caused great authority through out all England unto the order and priesthood. At the last, this piece of the show doth sustain a company of pour people. Me. This is of my faith a godly contemplation, but I marvel greatly, seeing you are thus minded, that ye never did visit saint Patryckes purgatory in Yerlande, of the which the common people boast many wondrous things, which seem to me not like to be true. Ogy. Of a surety there is not so marvelous talking of it here, but the thing itself doth fare exceed. Me. Hast thou been there than, & gone thorough saint Patryckes purgatory? Ogy. I have saylede over a river of hell, I went down unto the gates of hell, I saw what was done ther. Me. Thou dost me a great pleasure, if thou will wotsave to tell me. Ogy. Let this be the prohemy or beginning of our communication, long enough as I suppose. I will get me home, & cause my souper to be made ready, for I am yet undynede. Me. Why have you not yet dined? is it because of holiness? Ogy. No of a truth, but it is because of envy and evil will. Me. Own ye evil will to your belly? Ogy. No, but to the covetise taverners ever catching and snatching the which when they will not set afore a man that is meet & convenient, yet they are not afeard to take of strangers that, which is both unright and against good consciens. Of this fashion I am accustomed to be avengede upon them. If I think to far well at souper other with mine acquayntauns, or with some host somewhat an honest man, at dinner time I am sick in my stomach, but if I chance to far after mine appetite at dinner, before souper also I begin to be well at ease in my stomach. Me. Are ye not ashamed to be taken for a covetous fellow & a nygerde? Ogy. Menedeme they that make co●t of shame in such things, believe me, bestow their money evil. I have learned to keep my shame for other purposes. Me. Now I long for the rest of your communication, wherefore look to have me your geste at souper, where ye shall tell it more conveniently. Ogy. For sooth I thank you, that ye offer your self to be my gest undesired, when many heartily prayed refuse it, but I will give you double thanks, if ye will soup to day at home. For I must pass that time in doing my duty to my household. But I have counsel to either of us moche more profitable. To morrow unto me and my wife, prepare our dinner at your house, then and if it be to souper time, we will not leyve of talking, until you say that ye are weary, and if ye will at souper also we will not forsake you. Why● claw you your heed? prepare for us in good faith we will come. Me. I had liefer have no tales at all. Well go to, you shall have a dinner, but unsavoury, except you spice it with good & merry t●les. Ogy. But here you, are ye not moved and styrrede in your mind, to take upon you these pilgrimages? Me. peradventure it will set me a fire, after ye have told me the residue, as I am now minded, I have enough to do with my stations of Rome. Ogy. Of Rome, that did never see Rome? ● Me. I will tell you, thus I go my stations at home, I go in to the parlour, and I see unto the chastlyving of my daughters, again from thence I go in to my shaped, I behold what my servants, both men and women be doing. from thence into the kitchen, looking about, if there need any of my counsel, from thence hither and thither observing how my children be occupied, what my wife doth, being careful that every thing be in order, these be stations of Rome. Ogy. But these things saint james would dough for you. Mene. That I should ●e unto these things holy scripture commandeth, that I should commit the charge to saints I did read it never commanded. God save the king FINIS.