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Rh come to the monasteries to confess, and then ask for a certificate from the priests which they might show to the alcade or governor in order that their offence might be wiped out in the eyes of the temporal law also. Before confession the penitent took an oath to tell the truth, by touching the ground with a finger which he licked. 'This was the customary manner of swearing, and the action was usually accompanied by the words, "In the name of the Sun, in the name of our lady the Earth, I swear so-and-so, and in ratification thereof I eat this earth." This action was termed "eating the earth in respect for the gods," and was performed each time a temple or shrine was entered.