The Heptameron (Machen)/Novel 65

In the church of St. John at Lyon there is a gloomy chapel, and in it a stone sepulchre to the mighty dead, whose figures are carven on it to the life, and around are men at arms devised as if asleep. And one day, during the heat of summer, a soldier walking about the church was fain to slumber, so, seeing this chapel that it was cool and shady, he was minded to keep guard over the sepulchre like his fellows in arms, amidst whom he laid himself down. Now it came to pass, as he was sleeping most soundly, an old woman, very devout, came thither, and having told her beads with a lighted candle in her hand, desired to fix the same to the sepulchre. And perceiving that the sleeping soldier was nearest to her, she would have set her candle on his forehead, thinking him to be of stone. But the wax not holding to the stone, the good woman, thinking its coldness was the cause, thrust the flame against his forehead, so as to make her taper stick to it. Then did the image, that was not altogether without feeling, begin to cry out, whereat the old woman was so afraid, that she began to proclaim a miracle, and with such a voice, that all the priests within the church ran, some to ring the bells, and others to see the miracle. And the good woman led them to see the image that had moved, which was to a few a matter for laughter, but the most part were not content with this, being determined to make this sepulchre bring them in as many pieces as the speaking crucifix on their pulpit; but the design came to an end by reason of the old woman's folly being publicly known.

"If all knew the follies of these devout women, they would not be accounted holy, nor their miracles the truth. And ​henceforth, ladies, have a care to what saints you give your candles." "'Tis a great marvel," said Hircan, "that whatsoever they do, women always do ill." "Was this ill done," said Nomerfide, "to bring candles to the sepulchre?" "Ay," answered Hircan, "inasmuch as she burnt a man's forehead, and no good is to be esteemed good if it be conjoined with evil. And are you of opinion that this woman thought she was offering a brave gift to God by setting up her poor taper?" Then said Oisille: "I make no account of the worth of the gift, but only of the heart of the giver. Perchance this poor woman had greater love for God than they that give fine torches, since, as it is written in the Gospel, she gave of her penury." "Yet I do not believe," said Saffredent, "that God, who is sovereign wisdom, can take pleasure in the foolishness of women; for, notwithstanding that He delights in simpleness, I see in the Scripture that He despises the ignorant; and though we be commanded to be as harmless as doves, none the less are we charged to be as wise as serpents." "As for me," said Oisille, "I do not deem to be ignorant her who bears her torch or taper before God, making amends for her sins, humbly kneeling upon her knees, with candle in hand, before her Lord, and to Him confessing her unworthiness, craves, with steadfast hope, mercy and salvation." "Would to God," said Dagoucin, "they were all as you, but I do not believe these poor foolish women offer their candles with like intent." Oisille replied to him: "They that speak least know most of the love and will of God; wherefore it is not good to judge any save only oneself." Ennasuitte, laughing, said to her: "'Tis no strange thing to affright a sleeping knave, for women of as low estate have given alarm to great princes, and without the putting of a candle to their foreheads." "I am persuaded," said Geburon, "that you know some history which you would tell us. Wherefore take my place, if such be your pleasure." "My tale shall not be long," said Ennasuitte, "but if I can tell it as it fell out, you shall have no desire to weep."