Book Two - Chapter 25

Of a certain woman.

A CERTAIN woman of Windsor, having much cattle and having suffered very great loss by their suddenly dying, had only a single cow which survived the terrible plague, and this cow, from lack of feeding, was gradually drawing near her end. Now, the woman's neighbours, standing by her and feeling pity for her in her trouble, gave her counsel that she should not delay to entreat the mercy of the most blessed apostle Bartholomew in her misfortune, and should make some vow to him so that he would, by his mighty power, save her cow which was already beginning to perish. She, trusting to their wholesome counsel, straightway began to measure her cow, that is to say, so that she might have the measure of the candle to offer and in that way perform her vow. Immediately in a marvellous manner the cow regained her strength and thereupon began to eat as if she had been suffering no harm.

At a fitting time the woman joyfully came to the aforesaid church to render thanks to God and His apostle, offered the light which she had vowed, and thankfully set forth the favours of the apostle's pity which had been mercifully granted to her.

 

The Book of the Foundation of St. Bartholomew's, Smithfield Rendered into Modern English from the original Latin version preserved in the British Museum, numbered Vespasian B. IX, by Mr. Humphrey H. King and Mr. William Barnard for use in the Records of St. Bartholomew's Priory by E.A. Webb.

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