Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/184

180 difference; but all have the same foundation." Then they lead me behind a railing into the centre of a large church, where I behold a large, round stone that hung downward by a chain. They called it the touchstone. The foremost men walked up to this stone, each one carrying somewhat in his hand, such things, for instance, as a morsel of gold, silver, iron, lead or sand, chaff, or so forth. Then each one touched the stone with that which he had brought, and praised it, saying that it had stood the test; others who looked on said that it had not done so. Then they wrangled among themselves, for no one allowed his goods to be defamed, nor would he approve of the goods of another. They then reviled and cursed each other, tearing and pulling each other's caps, ears, and whatever part they could seize. Others wrangled about the stone itself, and about its colour. Some said that it was blue; others that it was green; others that it was black. At last some were found who said it was of changeable colour, and that according to the thing that touched it, it appeared differently. Some advised that the stone should be broken up into bits; when it had been pulverised, then could one see its essence. Others allowed not this. Others, going farther, said that this stone caused but strife. It should be taken down and removed; then would they more easily compose their differences. To this a large number, even of the foremost, agreed. Others opposed this, saying that they would rather lay down their lives than allow it; and indeed, when the strife