y of the five wounds, setting two portions here and two
there, and the fifth in the middle. Then he blessed the food, looking
upon it a great while, and seeing with the eyes of his soul his
Saviour's body stretched upon the rood. Then he began to eat, dipping
each morsel into its proper wound, so that it tasted to him sweet as
wine, and last of all he ate that which lay in the middle, thinking on
the heart that was pierced for love of him. Then he drank water, blessed
himself, and gave thanks to God, and last of all poured water once more
upon his hands.

Master Richard has often told me that there is no such sweet food to be
found anywhere--(save only the sacrament of the altar)--as that which is
so blessed and so eaten, and indeed I have found it so myself, when I
have had patience to do so with it. [Sir John makes here a few rather
trite remarks upon holy bread and ashes and upon various methods of
devotion. His words are quite irrelevant, therefore I omit them. He is
careful, however, to warn his flock that not every form of devotion is
equally suitable for every soul.]....

Now God was preparing three trials for Master Richard, and the first
came on the following morning very early.

He had not slept very well; the noise from the guard-room without was
too great, and when that was quiet there was still the foulness of the
place to keep him awake, for all the floor was strewn with rotten rags
and straw and bones, as it were a kennel. His wounds, besides, had not
been tended, and he was very sick when he awoke, and for a while scarce
knew where he was. I think, perhaps, he had taken the fever then.

He heard presently steps in the way that led to his cell, and talking,
and immediately his door was unlocked and opened. There came in a
lieutenant of the King's guard, richly dressed, and in half-armour, with
his sword at his side. He had a heavy, hairy face, and as Master
Richard sat up on his blanket he perceived that the man was little
better than an animal--gross-bodied and gross-souled. I saw the fellow
later, though I did not speak with him, and I judge as Master Richard
judged. There were four men behind him.

Master Richard stood up immediately to salute the King's officer, and
stood awaiting what should follow, but he swayed with sickness as he
stood.

The officer said a word to his men, and they haled Master Richard forth,
pulling him roughly, although he went willingly, as well he was able for
his sickn