3 The editions of 1558 and 1560 here contain this
additional phrase: “They do not dare to touch money with
bare hands, and yet they willingly finger the thighs of our
wives, which are more dangerous.”--L.
Others said, “They are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed
appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones and
uncleanness.” (4) Then another voice cried, “By their fruits shall ye
know what manner of trees they are.” (5)
You may be sure that all the passages in the Gospel condemning
hypocrites were brought forward against the unhappy prisoners, who were,
however, rescued and delivered by their Warden,(6) who came in all haste
to claim them, assuring the ministers of justice that he would visit
them with a greater punishment than laymen would venture to inflict, and
that they should make reparation by saying as many masses and prayers as
might be required. The judge granted the Warden’s request and gave the
prisoners up to him; and the Warden, who was an upright man, so dealt
with them that they never afterwards crossed a river without making the
sign of the cross and recommending themselves to God.(7)