disorder that affects him. No matter if he have eaten, poisonous
insects or plants, or been stung by poisonous flies, or suffer from
scab or sores, the water in which this wonderful bone has been washed
will cure him. Listen carefully to what I say. This bone has never
been known to fail. Why, if a man drink every morning of water it has
touched, not only himself but his cattle will prosper, his goods will
multiply, he will grow rich and famous. This bone can help a woman
too! If her husband is jealous, all she need do is to wash this bone
in the man's broth, and at once all his suspicions will vanish.

"'Here now is a mitten, as powerful as the bone. Of a truth, if a man
puts his hand in this mitten all his grain will yield, some sixty,
some a hundred fold. No matter whether he owns wheat or oats, he that
but touches this mitten will grow wealthy indeed.

"'But, of course, he must offer groats and pence to Holy Church! For
such benefits surely any man would give of his goods!

"'Of one thing I must warn you. Only those who are free from deadly
sin can get help from my relics. If here be any here that have sinned
great sins, let them not approach. Yet by my power as a Pardoner, I
can forgive and pardon such sins as be not deadly. Draw near! Only
those who have deep sin in their hearts will hold back. Come then,
those who know themselves to be pure and innocent, receive the good
that awaits you, offer of your substance to the Church, and be
blessed!'

"By such speeches and such conduct I have earned a hundred marks a
year since I was Pardoner. But I think that verily I deserve it. Why,
my gestures in the pulpit are a joy to behold! I stretch forth my