This prince, in the fifteenth century, took upon him to become a hermit;
with how much abstinence and moderation he demeaned himself, may be
judged from this circumstance, that the French make use of the
expression “faire _ripailles_,” when they would speak of giving way to
every indulgence and enjoyment; and they take the term from “Ripailles,”
the name of this pious recluse’s hermitage.
Besides his attachment to every possible luxury, this holy anchoret had
a peculiar pride in his beard, which was singularly fine and
picturesque. Political motives made the cardinals seek him in his
retreat, to confer on him the dignity of pope; but no persuasions nor
representations would make him consent to part with that favourite
beard, until the ridicule which its preposterous appearance under the
tiara occasioned, brought him to agree to its removal. Even the pomp of
the papal chair could not long detain him from Ripailles. He soon
quitted the triple crown, that he might repossess his beloved retreat.