Now the malice of Owlglass had been so great that everywhere was he known, and his knavery noised abroad, so that where he once came at any time, to that place durst he not go again, unless it mote be that he disguised himself in strange appearance that others might not know him. And although, with his idleness, he could never have much content, yet from his youth up had he always been one that loved good living, and by his divers beguilings he always had by him good store of money. But by his knavishness he had fallen into such evil repute, that nowhere might he get money, and he began to see the bottom of his money-pouch oftener than it pleased him to do. So he began to consider within himself, how that he might without labour get more money, for he knew that often more money is gained by idle courses than by hard work. Then thought he that he would become a pardoner, and journey to and fro with a holy relic, therewith to persuade the people that they should give him money. Therefore he gat him the long gown of a priest’s scholar, and went unto the sexton, who gave unto him a skull; therewith he departed unto the silversmith, who set it about fairly with brave workmanship in silver. Then came he into the land of Pomerania, where have I also been, my masters. And there are the people right honest and good, brave men and true, believing that which ye say unto them; and their piety is as great as their faith. Yet in that land Owlglass found that the priests cared more for drinking than preaching; and when that a church feast, a wedding, or any other assembly came to pass in a village, then did Owlglass go unto the priest, and entreat of him that he might preach, and shew unto the boors the holy relic which he bare with him; and Owlglass promised to give unto the priest half of whatever offerings the village folk made thereto. The unlearned priest was content enough if that he might only receive money thereby.

And when that there were many folk in the church, Owlglass gat him up into the pulpit, and spake somewhat to them of the old covenant and of the new covenant, of the ark and the golden vessels where lay the holy bread. Thereafter spake he of the head of the holy Saint Brandonus, he that was a sanctified man, and that to his honour was it now resolved, that a church should be builded, and that with money not got by knavery; nor would he receive aught from any that loved not their husbands. Then gave he the head unto the peasants to kiss, and it might have been the head of a thief for what Owlglass knew; and after that he blessed them, and gat him down, and went to the altar, and there began he to sing, and ring the bells. Then came all the women, good and bad, unto him with their offerings; and the bad came twice and thrice, and he received all, nor turned away any. And the women believed in his saying, and thought that one that came not should be reproved. And any woman who had no money brought unto him a golden ring, and they strove together which should offer more often than another, for therewith was their virtue confirmed. And many offered so that all folks might behold it, for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Thus did Owlglass get the fairest offering which in that land had been offered, and all the women of the land held Owlglass in great reverence for his piety. And Owlglass knew how to practise malice with gain. Nor do the folks even unto this day omit with much openness to give unto charitable uses a trifle from their substance, and their names are written in great letters; and some that respect charity have an awe for them, but a few there be that think ye should work goodness in secret.