There is an ancient legend of a devout man who had, among many
other virtues, the gift of healing, unto whom divers made resort
for cure; among the rest one Chromatius, being sick, sent for
him. Being come, he told of his sickness, and desired that he
might have the benefit of cure as others had before him. “I can
not do it,” said the devout person, “till thou hast beaten all
the idols and images in thy house to pieces.” “That shall be
done,” said Chromatius. “Here, take my keys, and where you find
any images let them be defaced,” which was done accordingly. To
prayer went the holy man, but no cure was wrought. “Oh!” saith
Chromatius, “I am as sick as ever. I am very sick and weak!” “It
can not be otherwise,” replied the holy man; “nor can I help it,
for certainly there is one idol more in your house undiscovered,
and that must be defaced, too.” “True,” said Chromatius. “There
is so, indeed; there is one all of beaten gold. It cost two
hundred pounds. I would fain have saved it, but here, take my
keys again. You shall find it locked up fast in my chest. Take
it and break it in pieces.” Which done, the holy man prayed and
Chromatius was healed. (Text.)
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