Page:Famous history of the learned Friar Bacon (1).pdf/11

(11) to eat a fine pudding he had concealed, which he had no sooner put into his mouth at one end, but it stuck there; he could neither eat it, nor get it out. The use of his hands failed, and he was taken with a shivering all over, so that thinking he should have died presently, he cried pitiously out for help. Whereupon Friar Bacon, calling the scholars together, went in to see what was the matter; and perceiving him in that plight, said, smiling, Now I see what a penitent servant I have, who was so conscientious he would not touch a bit of bread, but would willingly have devoured two pounds of pudding to have broke his fast. He pitiously entreated him to dissolve the charm and deliver him and he would never do so again. Nay, said the Friar you shall do penance for this; so taking hold of the end of the pudding, he led him out to the scholars, saying, See here’s a queasy stomach’d fellow that would not touch a bit of bread to day! When they saw him in this plight, they all fell heartily a laughing; but Friar Bacon, not so contented, led him to the college-gate, and by enchantment fixing the end of the pudding to the bar, he was made so fast to it as if it had been by a cable rope, and on his back were placed these lines.

This is Friar Bacon’s man, who vow’d to fast, But, dissembling, thus it took at last;