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he had concealed. But he had no sooner put the end of it to his mouth, but it stuck there, he could neither eat it or get it out. The use of both his hands failed, and he was taken with a shivering all over; so that thinking he should die presently, he cried out for help; whereon Friar Bacon calling all his scholars together, he went to see what was the matter, and perceiving him in this condition, said, Now I see what a penitent servant I have got, who pretended to be so very conscientious he would not touch a bit of bread, yet privately would be have devoured two pounds of pudding to his breakfast.—He entreated him to dissolve the charm and deliver him, and he would never do so again. No, said the Friar, you shall do penance for this. So taking hold of the end of the pudding he led him out to the scholars, saying, Here is a queasy-stomached fellow, that would not touch a bit of bread. When they saw him in this plight, they laughed heartily; but Friar Bacon not contented, led him to the college gate, and fixing the end of the pudding to the bar, he left him there, with the following lines on his back:
This Friar Bacon's man, who vow'd to fast,
But in dissembling thus was caught at last.
The pudding more religion had than he,
Though he would eat, it would not down you see.
Then of hypocrisy pray all beware,
Lest like disgrace be each dissembler's share.
Miles
