Page:Famous history of the learned Friar Bacon (1).pdf/10

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RIAR BACON kept a man to wait on him, who, though but a simple fellow yet a merry droll, and full of ; his name was Miles; and though his master and those of the order often fasted on set days, Miles loved his guts too well to pinch them; and tho' outwardly he seemed to fast for compliance, he'd always kept a private reserve to eat in a corner, which Bacon knew by art, and resolved to put a trick upon him. It so happened on Good Friday in Lent, a strict fast was held, and Miles seemed very devout; for when his master bid him, however, take a bit of bread and a sip of wine early in the morning to keep him from fainting, he refused it, saying, he was a sinner, and therefore ought to do more than this for his mortification, and to gain absolution making a great many pretences  sanctity, and how well he was inclined  keep the holy fast. 'Tis well, said the Friar if I catch you not tripping; hereupon went to his cell, pretending to pray, but indeed