"Many an honest man was witness to the loan, but what witness can you
bring to the payment of the debt? There is little new in such a plea as
yours."
"Right easily can I find proof of quittance, and to spare. All this
would make me fear, indeed, were not such a mighty Surety at my side.
But so you will come with me to the church, where my pledge was taken,
very surely will I show you proof of the redemption of my bond."
So they, and a great company with them, went to the minster, which was
filled altogether with the press.
Then the citizen, hoping all things of his God, and rooted deeply in
his trust, bowed himself down with clasped hands right humbly to the
floor before the Image of Our Lady. From his very heart, with all his
soul, he prayed and required of her that she would obtain of her sweet
Son to hearken to his prayer, and his words were broken by his sighs.
Afterwards he cried with a clear voice in the hearing of them all, and
said--
"Lord Jesus, so truly as Thou art the very Son of God, witness for me
to this Hebrew of the truth as it is known to Thee. Very God of Very
God, exalt now Thine honour, and for the glory of Thy Name make clear
whether I have discharged me of this debt or not."