Good morow gossyb .

God gyue you good morow good Nicholas . whyther away so sone this morning ?

To church man , heardest thou not the bell ryng to masse ?

Ye were not wont to be so hasty a morninges to churchwardes .

No , for when we came ther , ther was nothing to do but to heare a priest babble . But now I thancke God , I may se my maker againe .

Your maker Nicholas ? who is that ?

The great apple maker of holdernes .

Apple maker ? ye mean God , do you not ?

Yes marye do I.

Then I perceiue , that so long as Gods commaundementes were read in the Churches , ye counted it bablyng , neither delited ye in hearing them , but now ye haue somwhat to gase at , that pleaseth ye . But Nicholas I haue heard it said , that no man euer saw God wyth his mortall eye . Ex. xxxiii . Iohn . i.

Yea , these heritickes tell vs so , but I trust to see a good mani of them fry a faggot for this geare , yet long .

Are ye there now Nicholas ? I had went ye had loued and fauoured the word of God , set out by our late most gratiouse , vertuouse , & innocent king .

So I dyd , as long as he lyued , but now that he is dead , I wil do as most men do , & so shal fewest men wonder at me .

In veri dede it is a politique worldli saying , but Nicholas , thynckest thou that god is dead ?

Nay by my fayth .

what and God wonder at the , to se the so vnconstant , and vnstedfast , waueryng as the wynde , as a weathereocke doth , that standeth vpon the steple ?

Ther are no weathercockes then one .

Yea Nicholas that I thincke , and mo then stand vpon steeples also : but we shuld not do as the most do , but as the best doeth .

So do I , for I do as the richest in al the country doth , and as all the greatest learned men do , in al the countrey .

Rytches are a good gyft of God , but when they preuaile , and to much addict a mans hart vnto them , they make the same skant a good man . Neyther are the greatest clearkes the wisest men alwai , nor yet the best . But they be the best , that prefer gods honour before all thynges , and that constantly abyde in the truth therof , how soeuer the rytchest men , & greatest clerkes turne them selues from it . And this I meruel with what faces men can looke to be accompted Christians , that deale so vnfaithfully with Christ . For eyther they tooke it for the truth , that was set out amongst vs , or for an vntruth . Yf they tooke it for a truth , why do they now vntruly go from it , as though there wer no truth in it ? Yf thei knew it to be no truth , but false doctrine , why dyd they not as Christen men , defend that doctrine , which they knewe to be a truthe ?

They durst not for fear .

wo worth that feare , that putteth away the feare of God , notwythstandyng ther was no suche cause of feare . For al the raigne of that most gratious king , their raigned mercye & pitye , long sufferaunce , and patient abyding for amendes , euen of them , that when thei were confuted , so that neither their wit , nor learning was able to withstand the truth : yet maliciously they would not consent nor agree vnto it , but outwardlye afore men , to flatter those that were in authoritie , thei bare them selues as great forwarders of the kinges procedinges , as could be ▪ and what they were inwardly , now appereth vnto al men .

They were worldly wyse men .

Ye say truth . worldly wyse in dede : but such wisdome is great foly before God , and vnto such wise men ( as Christ saith ) ar the secretes of god hidden , so that thei neither haue faith in god , nor in his sonne Iesus Christ , they neither haue the feare of his iudgementes , nor loue of his mercy : For these things ar geuen vnto babes , to the outcastes of this world , that ar counted foles & outcastes , as their master Christ was . These do not seke to flatter kinges and prynces , but they seke to please God , and to set forth his truth , with the los ( if God so lay the burthen vpon them ) of goodes , frendes , name , & euen their life . which of these trow ye , ar most worthy to be folowed ?

I can not tel I. we dyd wel inough afore , and better then we haue done since , for we had neuer good world , since this geare began . But our sir Iohn telleth vs another lesson .

what I prai the ?

Mary that he maketh God euery day , at his masse .

Can syr Iohn make thy maker ?

Yea that he doth euery dai .

And doth he shew him vnto the ?

Yea , he is as faire a lifter , as ani is within Hamshire .

And what doth he with him afterward ?

what man ? eat him , or hang him in the Pix .

Than he maketh him , and eateth him .

what els .

what hangeth in the Pix ?

Gods bodi sacred .

Thou saydest syr Iohn dyd eate gods bodye .

Yea , so I said .

How can he eate hym , & hang him vp to ?

I can not reason such hie matters . I beleue as our sir Iohn telleth vs .

who made goddes bodye sacred ?

Marye sit Iohn .

And who made sir Iohn ?

God made him .

Then he is euen with god , and maketh him again .

we trow so , for sir Ihon is a prest anointed .

who made him a priest anoynted ?

The Bishop .

wherwyth anoynted he him ?

with oyle in the Chrismatorye .

who made the Byshoppe .

The Pope ,

Then the Pope made the Byshop , the Byshop greased syr Iohn . & sir Iohn made God .

By our blessed Ladye Oliuer , ye are as bad as the best , and I am sory to se you fal to this new learning .

In good faith Nicholas I am sory to se you and many a thousand mo , thus to fal againe from gods word , to your old superstitious errours and idolatries ,

we beleue as our forefathers did .

what cal ye forfathers ?

Is thy father aliue ?

Yea , but he is at the last cast .

Howe long is it , since thy graundsire dyed ?

He died .xx , yere synce , when I was twelue yere old .

How thinkest thou , was not saint Peter and saint Paule forefathers ?

Yes marye .

was not Christ a forefather ?

yes blessed mot he be .

Nicholas , ye blesse Christ , but you cal his word , new learning , herisie and babling .

Naye that I do not .

Did not you cal the holy readyng of the Byble so euen now ?

why ? our sir Iohn telleth vs it was made by king Harry th eight .

No good Nicholas no. That gratious king set it out , and commaunded that the people should reade it . without ani letting . But the Bible is gods boke , and al that is in it , is gods truth . Therfore the old fathers , that we should folow , ar Christes prophetes , and Apostles , and Christ him selfe , and not our old grandsires & grandames . For God geueth an expresse commaundement , zacha. i. saying : Be not lyke your forefathers , vnto whom the prophets cryed before tyme , saying : Thus saith the lord god of hostes . Turne from your euell waies , and from your wicked imaginations , & they heared not , nor toke heede vnto me , saieth the Lorde .

Our forefathers were good men .

But yet Christ was better .

They were wise men .

Yea , but yet Christe was wyser .

They were holy men .

But Christ is holier . And what soeuer you can recken of them , goodnes , i. corin. i. wisedome , holynes . &c. Christ excelleth them in al things . For he is made of god vnto vs , our wisdom , rightuousnes , holines , sanctification , Iho. xiiii . and redemption . Christ is the way , the truth , and the life , and no man can come to the father , but by him . He that heareth . Christes wordes , hath life euerlasting . But Nicholas , tell me , can sir Iohn make an oxe , or an horse ?

Nay by mi truth . I trow not .

How can he then make gods body .

It is no matter how , we must beleue so , for he saith so .

Nay Nicholas , we must not beleue al that sir Iohn saith , but we must beleue all that he saith , and hath gods word to confirme his saying . And this is an intollerable pride of the papistes , to teach the people , that thei make gods body . Truth it is , Eph. iiii . that Christ ascending into heauen , gaue gyftes vnto men , and appoynted church ministers , but far other than greased shauelinges : for he apointed Apostles , prophetes , Euangelistes , Shepheardes and teachers . Phili. i. And saint Paule calleth the ministers of the church , by the names of Bishops and Deacons . i. Tim. iii. The office of these ministers appointed by Christ , and S. Paul , Luk. xiiii is to preach gods word , to cal al men to repentaunce and amendement of life : Iohn . xxi i. Tim. iiii & to declare to them that repent , the good newes of the gospel .

Yea , the prests wer wont to come to our houses , & to say vs gospels , & make vs holi water , & holy bread : and so I trust they wil again now .

I pray the heare me a litle . The gospel is a glad tidings that god the father , Luke . ii . for his sonne Iesus Christes sake , ii . cori . v. is contented , and reconciled , and receiueth man againe to his fauour and grace , Gala. iiii . and wyll for his sonne Iesus Christes loue , take vs ( by adoption ) to be his children , Ephesi . i. giue vs his holy gost , & make vs enheritours of eternal life . Ioh. xvii . And to confirme this promise , our Sauiour Iesus Christ hath ordained .ii. holy sacraments : Titus . iii. Baptisme , wherin we are certified , that al our sins are washed away , in the death of Christ : i. corin. xi And the holi supper of the lord , that when we come together we should take the bread , Mat , xxvi breake it . Mar. xiiii & eate it , in remembraunce that Christes bodi was ( vpon the good Fridai ) offered vp , vpon the crosse , for our sinnes , Luk. xxii , and we shoulde al drinke of the cup , in remembraunce that Christes bloud was shed for our sins . Therfore this is the priestes office , to preach the death of Iesus Christ , and to teach the people to know , that none other thing could deliuer them from their sins , and therfore they ought both to consyder the haynous vglines of sin , and the great wrath of god ouer it , which otherwise wold not be reconciled , nor atone with man . Rom. viii Then on the other parte , to declare the great mercy , loue & charitie of god towards vs , that spared not his own beloued sonne , but gaue him to the death of the cros for vs . Thus shoulde they be moued to repent the euel done , to beleue and loue the charitie of God , & to walke in loue , & good frendship , one to an other : euer studying to liue an obedient life , after the heauenly fathers wil and commaundementes .

Dothe not the priest make Gods bodye ? Do we not eate gods body ?

First answer me ( if thou can ) to a question or two .

I wil if I can .

Canst thou say thy Creede in Englishe ?

Meanest thou the new Creede , or the old Crede ?

There is but one Creede .

I can saye that my mother taught me , Credum deum . I was harping at the new a good while , but nowe I care not for it .

I se it was not for nought that christ said to his Apostles : blessed ar the eyes that se that you se , Luke . x. For euen as then mani were blind , and wold not se the light of his worde , Iohn . ix . euen so is it now , wel , I wil help you out with your question . Do you not beleue , that the sonne of God came downe from heauen , & was borne for vs of the virgine Mary , takyng our mans nature of her substaunce ?

Yes that I do .

And that he was crucified for our sins , dead and buried , and rose agayne vpon Esterday ?

Yes verely .

And that he ascended into heauen ▪ and sitteth on the righte hand of God the father almighti ?

Ye mary ye

And from thence he shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead ?

Ye mary .

Do you beleue this in very dede ?

Ye by my trothe ?

Then Christes bodye was made in the wombe of the virgin , not by sir Iohn , but as our Creede saith , he was conceaued of the holy gost , Luke . i. & borne of the virgin mari . Other making of Christes body , ther is none , nor neuer was , nor neuer shal be . Thus our lord & sauiour liued in this world , August in Ioa. tract . Item in pref. pī . xcviii . & taught vs the wai of gods truth , euen the doctrine that is set out in the holy Byble , wherof the chief and principal article is , how we are redemed from our sinnes , and receaued into the fauour and grace of God , by that holy raunsome of Christes bodye broken vpon the crosse , & his precious blud that was on the crosse shed for vs . The holy bread geuen at the lordes supper , is the sacrament of Christes bodye that was broken on the crosse , and the blessed cup that we drincke , is the sacrament of that blessed blud shed for our synnes . And when we receiue them , as our body fedeth vp on the outwarde thinges we se , so our soules are fed with the inward thinges we see not . For the verye flesh of Christ is not eaten wyth our bodilye tethe , nor his bloude dronke with our bodily mouthes or throtes : but it is a sacramental eating , done bi the soule & minde , not by the bodye or carnal instruments of the body .

Howe can we eate , but with our tethe , or how can we drincke but wyth our throtes ?

You shal the better vnderstande thys misterye , if you marke Christes dede , when his holye sacrament was first instituted . Christ him selfe satte at the table with his .xii. Apostles , and taking the bread , that stode before them , euen such bread , as they then vsuallye had to eate with the pascall lambe , and gaue thanckes to hys heauenlye father , and brake that bread , and gaue it to them saying : Take , eate ye , this is mi bodi whiche is broken for you . They dyd take the bread , and did eate as he commaunded them , and they dyd drincke the cup that he delyuered them saying : this is my bloude of the new testament , which is shed for you . Yet , it was the next daye , ere his bodye was broken , and hys bloud shed vpon the crosse for vs , and he sat whole amongst them at supper , and him selfe did eate of that same bread , which he called his body , and dyd him selfe drink of that cuppe which he called his bloud , therfore by faith they dyd receyue and eate his body & drink his bloud . They beleued that hys death and passion shoulde be for them , and into remission for theyr sinnes : as we now , that Christ is ascended into heauen , by faith doo eate his body broken , and drincke his bloud shed , although that he liueth & sitteth on the right hand of his father . But Christes veri naturall bodye is not toren with our teethe , as the Capernites erroure thincketh , nor yet his bloud dornk with our throtes & mouthes . But Nicholas , haue you not a soule as wel as a bodye ?

Yes that I haue .

what maner of thing is your soule ?

By mi troth I can not tel .

I thinke Nicholas no more can the greatest doctor of them al. And therfore because the soule is vnknowen vnto vs , the scripture speaking of the soule & those thinges that appertain vnto it , vseth such wordes as we are aquainted with , & ascribeth those things vnto the soule that ar proper vnto the body . So Dauid said : My soule O Lorde thirsteth vnto the. And Christ saith : Blessed are those that hunger and thurste for rightuousnes . The harty desire of the soule , is the hunger and thurst of the soule : as the herty desire of meate and drincke is the hunger & thurst of the bodi . Therfore when a sinner feleth the burden of sinne vpon his conscience , and the lacke of strength and power , to do the wyl of God , and is touched wyth gods spirit , to be sory for this vnperfectnes , and longeth fain to be deliuered , this is the hunger of the soule . This hunger is not satisfied tyl he heare the preaching of christes bodie broken for our sinnes , & that by his bloudshed , our synnes ar forgiuen vs , our infirmities healed , & we receiued into the grace and fauour of God . But when we beleue this , then is our hunger slaked , and our thurst put away , that is : we feare no more dampnation , but knowe that in Christ we haue our pardon . Thus we eate Christ , beleuing that his body was broken for vs , and that his blud was shed for our sinnes .

wherfore eat we the Sacrament than ? we maye do this by hearing the preaching .

I am glad that thou askest me this question : for it seemeth thou wouldest faine vnderstand something of this matter . As to writinges men set to seales , for a confyrmation of the same writinges , so Christ set to his worde , his Sacramentes , for a confirmation of our faith , in his worde . And to put vs the better in memory of the gifte geuen vnto vs by his word , he called the same Sacramentes , by the name of the gift geuen vnto vs in them . So circumcision is called the Lordes league , the pascal lambe is called the Lordes passing thorow Egipt , Babtisme is called the new birth , and the breade and wine is called the bodie and bloud of the Lord . Therefore Nicholas marke wel this . In the Lords Sacraments ther ar .ii. things , an earthli thing , and an heauenli . In Baptisme , the earthli thing is water , that washeth the bodie : the heauenlie thing is the blod of Christ , that washeth the soule , and the holie gost renuing the hole man , and sanctifying him in Iesu Christ . In the holi supper of the Lord , the earthli thing is bread and wine , that we receiue at our mouthes into our bodyes , which are digested in our stomaks , and bi the natural powers conuerted & chaunged into our substaunce , and the excrementes of them naturalli cast forth from vs , as other meates be : but the heauenlie things , at the blessed bodi of our lord & sauiour Iesus Christ , broken for vs , & his bloud shedde for vs , vpon the crosse , which we receiue bi faith , with al the blessed frutes and profites , that Christ bi his deathe , resurrection , ascencion , intercession and priesthoode , hathe obtained for vs . This swetelie and comfortablie we meditate in our mindes , bi the working of the holy ghost , it is distribute into al our actions & dedes , and we are wholi receiued into Christ , to be one bodie wyth him , as S. Paule saieth . Heb. ii . He that sanctifieth , and thei whiche are sanctified are al of one . And againe S. Paule saith . The cuppe of thankesgeuing which we blisse . is partaking of the bloud of Christ : and the bread whiche we brake , is partaking of the body of Christ . For we ( though we be mani ) yet ar one bread , & one bodie , in asmuch as we al ar partakers of one bread .

These ar good words , but our sir Iohn wil denie all this , and we must do as our curate teacheth vs .

what teacheth he you ?

That he offereth vp Christ in his Masse , for our frendes soules .

Yea but take awai moni that ye like fooles giue him , and he wil sing another song . In verye dede , Christ was offered for our sinnes , Heb. ix . x but that was once for al , and then he offered him self vpon the crosse as our Crede saith , & after he had so ( by that offering ) satisfied vnto God , neither neded he anye more to sacrifice , nor we ani more sacrifices , for vs . For by one oblation once offered , he hath made perfect vnto God , al that are sanctified . Sir Iohn therefore is a false Antichrist , and a disceiteful iugler in this point , & teacheth his owne dreame , and not gods worde . And ( I pray you ) what woorde of God hath sir Iohn , to hang vp the Sacrament in the pixe ?

Mary sir it is a goodly sight in the churche .

But Nicholas , oure crede saith , Mat. xvi . Lu. xxiiii Actes . i. that Christ ascended in to heauen , and sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighti . And S. Peter saieth : The heauens muste receiue him , vntyll the tyme that al thing be restored . And the angels said , he should come from heauen as he ascended visiblie , & shal be sene . Sir Ihon therfore doth great wrong to hang vp breade in the Pixe , and to make the people beleue , that it is Christes bodye or Christes Sacrament either .

why , is it not the holy Sacrament ?

water in the fount , is no Sacrament , but when it is put to the vse that Christ appointed it , then it is a Sacrament . So bread & wine are no Sacramentes , vntil they be put to the vse that Christ appoynted , that is , to be eaten in remembraunce of his body broken , and of his bloud shed : then are they Sacramentes , and the worthy receyuer hath the promises of Christ , but the vnworthie , receiueth hys condemnation . But when the bread is made a gase , a pageant of a plai , borne about for a pompe , & hanged vp to be worshipped , it is an horrible abuse of Christes Sacrament . For Christ neuer apointed any such worshipping of his sacramentes .

why , may we not worship the holy sacrament ?

Yes forsoth ▪ we do worshippe it with most high honour , when we vse it as Christ commaunded it to be vsed , that is , to eate the bread , and to drinke the cup , in Christes remembraunce .

Nai , sir Iohn teacheth vs to sai a pater noster to the sacrament , to find a light afore it & such like .

Sir Iohn hath that out of his owne brain ▪ and vnlearned nole . Christ nor his Apostles , nor any of the auncient doctours , neuer taught any suche doctrine : But I pray you , what can sir Iohn do more ?

Manye goodlye thinges .

what I pray the ?

He can make holy water , holy bread , holy palme , holy ashes , & holy candels .

wherfore is holy water good ?

To driue a war diuels & troublous dreames , & to wash away venial sins .

what callest thou veniall synnes ?

Light sinnes ▪ as swearinge of custome , by gods bodye , sides , woundes &c. telling of ribauldry tales , drincking dronken , and kyssing of prety wenches .

These be horrible sinnes in the sight of God , Ephes. v. and S. Paule saith , for such thinges sake , the wrathe of God commeth vpon the children of vnbelefe . what callest thou deadli sin ?

Losing of Masse , Matins , & Euensong , breaking of imber daies vigils and lenten .

Ah Lord , how you worship God in vayne , Math. xv Esa. xxix being afraide to breake mens traditions . would to God men were but halfe so ready to keepe Gods commaundementes . But what remedye for those deadlye synnes ?

we must be shryuen to syt Iohn , & he shal geue vs penaunce .

That our gostly father enioyneth vs : as to sai . iii. pater nosters , in the worship of God and saint Iulian , to fast saint Anthonies fast , or to say euerye daye our Ladies psalter .

And are thy syns then forgeuen the , when thou haste done thy penaunce ?

why not ? when I haue made amendes for them . Can God haue any more then amendes ?

Ye are deceiued Nicholas eueri wai . For first ye think that synne , whych in some cast is done , and that , which euer is horrible and great sinne afore god , ye count it light , and smal . or no sin . Againe , ye thincke your synnes to be put awaye , for your owne penaunce doynge , and for the worthynesse of your owne woorkes , whych is to to greate a blasphemye .

why shoulde I not beleue , that I am absolued , when Syr Iohn layeth hys hande vpon me ?

what saith he , when he absolueth thee ?

Many good woordes , I warrant you .

By my troth I can not tel , but beleue wel and haue well .

But howe canst thou beleue that thou vnderstandest not ?

I beleue if I be shriuen . them he beareth al the charge , & not I.

So maiest thou be easly deceiued . But Nicholas , Ioel. i. Eze. xviii true penaunce or repentaunce , is a tournyng with the hart vnto God , hating and detesting of the sin afore passed , ii . Cor. v. Ephe. iiii trusting to haue forgiuenes by Iesus Christ , and fully studying to liue a newe lyfe , in tyme to come . Thys should sir Iohn preache to vs in Englishe , that our hartes maye be broosed vnto repentaunce , by the law , condempning vs , and quickened again bi the gratious promise of the gospel . I say it shoulde be don in English , that we mai hear it , and vnderstande it , beleue it , and so be absolued from our sins . For they that repent and beleue , are absolued bi Christ , but such as do not , sir Iohn mai absolue them at his pleasure , but Christ absolueth them not . Therefore a latin absolution , to an English sinner , is as good , as a shulder of mutten for a sycke horsse . And thynckest thou , that thou art able to make a mendes for thi sinnes ?

whi not ?

wherfore died Christ then ? Gala. iii. if we could make amendes with our good dedes . what neded we Christ then ? Neded his bodi to haue bene broken for our sinnes , if our dedes could haue made amendes ? Or neded his bloude to haue bene shedde , if holy water coulde haue washed awaye our synnes ? Christes death were in vaine , if we by our owne merites , might haue deserued reconciliation & pardon at the hande of God .

And shal I not do good dedes , fast and pray ▪ and humble my selfe before God ?

Yes Nicholas , if thou be hartely sory , thou shalt weepe and lament thy wickednes , fast & and tame thy sinful carcasse , pray and instantly aske mercie of God thi father . But yet al these cannot make amendes to God , for thy wickednesse committed , for then neded thou not Christs death , nor bloudshed to be betwene God & the , but thou wilt not forsake that I trust .

No , god forbodde I should .

Then marke thys wel , al thy good dedes are dewty for the time present , not amendes for thy time past . For if thou haddest done no sinne at all , art thou not bound to kepe gods commaundementes ? I trow yes . But if thou offend against gods commaundementes , then must thou repent , & turne to god , and aske pardon in Christes name , and so obtain forgiuenes by his deathe , who hath made amendes for the , and from that time forward , walke in gods commaundementes obedientlye . And if thou haue hurt or harmed thy neighbour , reason wold thou shuldest make him amendes . Didst thou neuer fal out with non of thi neighbours ?

Yes by our ladi , somtime .

And didst thou no displeasure to them in thine anger ?

No by god , but as I came from the hai making , with mi pitch forke , I dabbed a Cowe of hys in the flancke , that she dyed of it .

I said .v. Pater nosters , in the worship of God and the .v. woundes , and gaue a peny to a poore man .

Here if thou hadst hadde a good ghostlye father , he shoulde haue enioyned thee , Math. v. Luk. xvii . to aske thy neyghbour forgiuenes . and gyue him as much monie , as he hadde losse , by thy cruell and naughtye dede .

Aske him forgyuenes quoth a ? I had rather his eien had bene out .

I beleue the , God will not forgiue thee , tyll thys be done , if thou mai by any reasonable meanes come to hym . But I pray thee tell me , when wast thou shriuen last .

In Lent , when wast thou shryuen ?

I am shriuen euerye day .

Thou shryuen euery day ? to what prest ?

To the highe priest God himselfe . Psa. xxxi

How canst thou come to god , to be shriuen to him ? Thou toldest me , that I cannot se him .

I doo not see him by bodilye eyes , but beleuyng hym to be euerye where present .

But thou doest no pennaunce .

Yes , my hole lyfe is a penaunce , namely to mortifi the flesh , and to striue against sin , and to forsake mine owne wil , obedyentlye to labour , to do the wyll of God . But what was thy penaunce Nicholas , when thou wast last shriuen ?

By god sore penaunce .

what a good felowship .

I may not bewrai confession .

Tel me , I warant the , it shal neuer come out for me .

Mai I trust the.

On my honesty .

Sir Iohn enioyned me to fast al the fridaies in Lent , and the .v. Ladie eyens , bread and water .

That was sore penaunce for thee , that louest good ale so wel .

Furder , that I should seke ( barefete & wolward ) our Ladye of walsingham , and our Ladi of Pitie of Dankaster .

How canst thou seke them ? they were destroied by king Henry the eight , a kinge of most godlie memorye , and destroier of suche manifest idolatries .

That is truth , but sir Iohn would haue me to be a beginne ? agayne , of those holy pilgrimages . For he douteth not , but within a whyle , we shall haue them againe , or els other as holye as euer they were .

what had dost thou don that he gaue thee so sore penaunce ?

Horrible sinnes , I cry God mercye .

what .

It chaunced to be holye day vpon a Thursday , and vpon Friday morning , or I went to the plow , I was very hungry , and forgetting what day it was , I thought it had bene Munday , and so I eate a pece of a shoulder of mutten vnwares . But god knoweth I was ful sory for it .

O greuous synne ?

Another time , it chaunced the chalice to be left at mi house , and one of the fete of it , hang out at a litle hole , and so I chaunced to touche it with my bare hands .

That was not so great offence .

No was ? Out sir Iohn would sing no more with it , til it was new halowed . And he scraped mi fingers till the bloud folowed .

Is not a man better then a shepe .

Yes that he is .

Then whether is holier , thy skin on thy handes , that God created , or the gloues that the Glouer hath tanned , and made of a shepes skin ?

I trow the skinne of my handes is holier .

why maiest thou then touch the chalice and the cloute that couereth it , with thy gloues on , but not bare handed ?

I thinke it is , because I handle with my bare handes many foule thinges , as my fraile , my dongfork , mi spade , & so euery man the instrumentes of his occupacion .

Oh I crye ye mercie , ye are none of the cleane fingred gentlemen : But Nicholas beleue me , all men know not , what they haue handled many times the night before they masse . But how sai you to S. Paul , Act. xviii . xx . that got his liuing with the labour of hys owne handes ? and wrought with Priscilla & Aquila , sowing tentes , and leather couerings for them . Might not he ( trow ye ) touche the chalice , because he had handled suche poore instrumentes as belonged to that occupation ?

Sir Iohn is none Apostle .

I beleue that , nor yet Apostolike priest . For if he were , he wold neuer make men to shote at a wrong marke , with such blinde superstitiouse doctrynes : touche not , tast not , handle not : Collo . ii . whych al perish with the vsing of them , & are after the doctrines & commaundementes of men . Didst thou promyse to do thy penance ?

Nay I bought it out partely .

Then I see wel , sir Iohn is a Marchaunt . what gauest thou for it ?

Tenne grotes , and so he changed my pilgremage , into .x. Masses , v. of the v. woundes of our Lord .iii. of the purification of our Lady , one of the holy gost , & one of Requiem , for al Christen soules .

A marchaunt in deede , that selleth fyne flower , Apo. xviii and bodies and soules of men : But who song these Masses ?

Sir Iohn promised me , to sing them him selfe .

wel , that was inough for x. grotes : but how dyddest thou wyth thy fastynge , woulde he not fast for thee also ?

No he might not ( he saied ) for singing of Masse . For he must put wine in his Chalice .