G and P Blackmask

Transcription

G and P Blackmask

Of The Lives, Heroic Deeds And Sayings Of Gargantua And His
Francis Rabelais
Five Books Of The Lives, Heroic Deeds And Sayings Of Gargantua And His Son Pantagruel
Table of Contents
Five Books Of The Lives, Heroic Deeds And Sayings Of Gargantua And His Son Pantagruel..................1
Francis Rabelais.......................................................................................................................................1
i
Five Books Of The Lives, Heroic Deeds And
Sayings Of Gargantua And His Son Pantagruel
Francis Rabelais
Translated into English by Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty and Peter Antony Motteux
• The First Book
• Introduction
• Chapter I
• The Author's Prologue to the First Book
• Chapter 1.I.−−Of the Genealogy and Antiquity of Gargantua
• Chapter 1.II.−−The Antidoted Fanfreluches: or, a Galimatia of extravagant Conceits found in an ancient
Monument
• Chapter 1.III.−−How Gargantua was carried eleven months in his mother's belly
• Chapter 1.IV.−−How Gargamelle, being great with Gargantua, did eat a huge deal of tripes
• Chapter 1.V.−−The Discourse of the Drinkers
• Chapter 1.VI.−−How Gargantua was born in a strange manner
• Chapter 1.VII.−−After what manner Gargantua had his name given him, and how he tippled, bibbed, and
curried the can
• Chapter 1.VIII.−−How they apparelled Gargantua
• Chapter 1.IX.−−The colours and liveries of Gargantua
• Chapter 1.X.−−Of that which is signified by the colours white and blue
• Chapter 1.XI.−−Of the youthful age of Gargantua
• Chapter 1.XII.−−Of Gargantua's wooden horses
• Chapter 1.XIII.−−How Gargantua's wonderful understanding became known to his father Grangousier, by
the invention of a torchecul or wipebreech
• Chapter 1.XIV.−−How Gargantua was taught Latin by a Sophister
• Chapter 1.XV.−−How Gargantua was put under other schoolmasters
• Chapter 1.XVI.−−How Gargantua was sent to Paris, and of the huge great mare that he rode on; how she
destroyed the oxflies of the Beauce
• Chapter 1.XVII.−−How Gargantua paid his welcome to the Parisians, and how he took away the great bells
of Our Lady's Church
• Chapter 1.XVIII.−−How Janotus de Bragmardo was sent to Gargantua to recover the great bells
• Chapter 1.XIX.−−The oration of Master Janotus de Bragmardo for recovery of the bells
• Chapter 1.XX.−−How the Sophister carried away his cloth, and how he had a suit in law against the other
masters
• Chapter 1.XXI.−−The study of Gargantua, according to the discipline of his schoolmasters the Sophisters
• Chapter 1.XXII.−−The games of Gargantua
• Chapter 1.XXIII.−−How Gargantua was instructed by Ponocrates, and in such sort disciplinated, that he
lost not one hour of the day
• Chapter 1.XXIV.−−How Gargantua spent his time in rainy weather
• Chapter 1.XXV.−−How there was great strife and debate raised betwixt the cake−bakers of Lerne, and
those of Gargantua's country, whereupon were waged great wars
• Chapter 1.XXVI.−−How the inhabitants of Lerne, by the commandment of Picrochole their king, assaulted
the shepherds of Gargantua unexpectedly and on a sudden
• Chapter 1.XXVII.−−How a monk of Seville saved the close of the abbey from being ransacked by the
enemy
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• Chapter 1.XXVIII.−−How Picrochole stormed and took by assault the rock Clermond, and of
Grangousier's unwillingness and aversion from the undertaking of war
• Chapter 1.XXIX.−−The tenour of the letter which Grangousier wrote to his son Gargantua
• Chapter 1.XXX.−−How Ulric Gallet was sent unto Picrochole
• Chapter 1.XXXI.−−The speech made by Gallet to Picrochole
• Chapter 1.XXXII.−−How Grangousier, to buy peace, caused the cakes to be restored
• Chapter 1.XXXIII.−−How some statesmen of Picrochole, by hairbrained counsel, put him in extreme
danger
• Chapter 1.XXXIV.−−How Gargantua left the city of Paris to succour his country, and how Gymnast
encountered with the enemy
• Chapter 1.XXXV.−−How Gymnast very souply and cunningly killed Captain Tripet and others of
Picrochole's men
• Chapter 1.XXXVI.−−How Gargantua demolished the castle at the ford of Vede, and how they passed the
ford
• Chapter 1.XXXVII.−−How Gargantua, in combing his head, made the great cannon−balls fall out of his
hair
• Chapter 1.XXXVIII.−−How Gargantua did eat up six pilgrims in a salad
• Chapter 1.XXXIX.−−How the Monk was feasted by Gargantua, and of the jovial discourse they had at
supper
• Chapter 1.XL.−−Why monks are the outcasts of the world; and wherefore some have bigger noses than
others
• Chapter 1.XLI.−−How the Monk made Gargantua sleep, and of his hours and breviaries
• Chapter 1.XLII.−−How the Monk encouraged his fellow−champions, and how he hanged upon a tree
• Chapter 1.XLIII.−−How the scouts and fore−party of Picrochole were met with by Gargantua, and how the
Monk slew Captain Drawforth, and then was taken prisoner by his enemies
• Chapter 1.XLIV.−−How the Monk rid himself of his keepers, and how Picrochole's forlorn hope was
defeated
• Chapter 1.XLV.−−How the Monk carried along with him the Pilgrims, and of the good words that
Grangousier gave them
• Chapter 1.XLVI.−−How Grangousier did very kindly entertain Touchfaucet his prisoner
• Chapter 1.XLVII.−−How Grangousier sent for his legions, and how Touchfaucet slew Rashcalf, and was
afterwards executed by the command of Picrochole
• Chapter 1.XLVIII.−−How Gargantua set upon Picrochole within the rock Clermond, and utterly defeated
the army of the said Picrochole
• Chapter 1.XLIX.−−How Picrochole in his flight fell into great misfortunes, and what Gargantua did after
the battle
• Chapter 1.L.−−Gargantua's speech to the vanquished
• Chapter 1.LI.−−How the victorious Gargantuists were recompensed after the battle
• Chapter 1.LII.−−How Gargantua caused to be built for the Monk the Abbey of Theleme
• Chapter 1.LIII.−−How the abbey of the Thelemites was built and endowed
• Chapter 1.LIV.−−The inscription set upon the great gate of Theleme
• Chapter LIV
• Chapter 1.LV.−−What manner of dwelling the Thelemites had
• Chapter 1.LVI.−−How the men and women of the religious order of Theleme were apparelled
• Chapter 1.LVII.−−How the Thelemites were governed, and of their manner of living
• Chapter 1.LVIII.−−A prophetical Riddle
• THE SECOND BOOK.
• For the Reader
• The Author's Prologue
• Chapter 2.I.−−Of the original and antiquity of the great Pantagruel
• Chapter 2.II.−−Of the nativity of the most dread and redoubted Pantagruel
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• Chapter 2.III.−−Of the grief wherewith Gargantua was moved at the decease of his wife Badebec
• Chapter 2.IV.−−Of the infancy of Pantagruel
• Chapter 2.V.−−Of the acts of the noble Pantagruel in his youthful age
• Chapter 2.VI.−−How Pantagruel met with a Limousin, who too affectedly did counterfeit the French
language
• Chapter 2.VII.−−How Pantagruel came to Paris, and of the choice books of the Library of St. Victor
• Chapter 2.VIII.−−How Pantagruel, being at Paris, received letters from his father Gargantua, and the copy
of them
• Chapter 2.IX.−−How Pantagruel found Panurge, whom he loved all his lifetime
• Chapter 2.X.−−How Pantagruel judged so equitably of a controversy, which was wonderfully obscure and
difficult, that, by reason of his just decree therein, he was reputed to have a most admirable judgment
• Chapter 2.XI.−−How the Lords of Kissbreech and Suckfist did plead before Pantagruel without an attorney
• Chapter 2.XII.−−How the Lord of Suckfist pleaded before Pantagruel
• Chapter 2.XIII.−−How Pantagruel gave judgment upon the difference of the two lords
• Chapter 2.XIV.−−How Panurge related the manner how he escaped out of the hands of the Turks
• Chapter 2.XV.−−How Panurge showed a very new way to build the walls of Paris
• Chapter 2.XVI.−−Of the qualities and conditions of Panurge
• Chapter 2.XVII.−−How Panurge gained the pardons, and married the old women, and of the suit in law
which he had at Paris
• Chapter 2.XVIII.−−How a great scholar of England would have argued against Pantagruel, and was
overcome by Panurge
• Chapter 2.XIX.−−How Panurge put to a nonplus the Englishman that argued by signs
• Chapter 2.XX.−−How Thaumast relateth the virtues and knowledge of Panurge
• Chapter 2.XXI.−−How Panurge was in love with a lady of Paris
• Chapter 2.XXII.−−How Panurge served a Parisian lady a trick that pleased her not very well
• Chapter 2.XXIII.−−How Pantagruel departed from Paris, hearing news that the Dipsodes had invaded the
land of the Amaurots; and the cause wherefore the leagues are so short in France
• Chapter 2.XXIV.−−A letter which a messenger brought to Pantagruel from a lady of Paris, together with
the exposition of a posy written in a gold ring
• Chapter 2.XXV.−−How Panurge, Carpalin, Eusthenes, and Epistemon, the gentlemen attendants of
Pantagruel, vanquished and discomfited six hundred and threescore horsemen very cunningly
• Chapter 2.XXVI.−−How Pantagruel and his company were weary in eating still salt meats; and how
Carpalin went a−hunting to have some venison
• Chapter 2.XXVII.−−How Pantagruel set up one trophy in memorial of their valour, and Panurge another in
remembrance of the hares. How Pantagruel likewise with his farts begat little men, and with his fisgs little
women; and how Panurge broke a great staff over two glasses
• Chapter 2.XXVIII.−−How Pantagruel got the victory very strangely over the Dipsodes and the Giants
• Chapter 2.XXIX.−−How Pantagruel discomfited the three hundred giants armed with free−stone, and
Loupgarou their captain
• Chapter 2.XXX.−−How Epistemon, who had his head cut off, was finely healed by Panurge, and of the
news which he brought from the devils, and of the damned people in hell
• Chapter 2.XXXI.−−How Pantagruel entered into the city of the Amaurots, and how Panurge married King
Anarchus to an old lantern−carrying hag, and made him a crier of green sauce
• Chapter 2.XXXII.−−How Pantagruel with his tongue covered a whole army, and what the author saw in
his mouth
• Chapter 2.XXXIII.−−How Pantagruel became sick, and the manner how he was recovered
• Chapter 2.XXXIV.−−The conclusion of this present book, and the excuse of the author
• Book the Third
• Chapter 3.I.−−How Pantagruel transported a colony of Utopians into Dipsody
• Chapter 3.II.−−How Panurge was made Laird of Salmigondin in Dipsody, and did waste his revenue
before it came in
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• Chapter 3.III.−−How Panurge praiseth the debtors and borrowers
• Chapter 3.IV.−−Panurge continueth his discourse in the praise of borrowers and lenders
• Chapter 3.V.−−How Pantagruel altogether abhorreth the debtors and borrowers
• Chapter 3.VI.−−Why new married men were privileged from going to the wars
• Chapter 3.VII.−−How Panurge had a flea in his ear, and forbore to wear any longer his magnificent
codpiece
• Chapter 3.VIII.−−Why the codpiece is held to be the chief piece of armour amongst warriors
• Chapter 3.IX.−−How Panurge asketh counsel of Pantagruel whether he should marry, yea, or no
• Chapter 3.X.−−How Pantagruel representeth unto Panurge the difficulty of giving advice in the matter of
marriage; and to that purpose mentioneth somewhat of the Homeric and Virgilian lotteries
• Chapter 3.XI.−−How Pantagruel showeth the trial of one's fortune by the throwing of dice to be unlawful
• Chapter 3.XII.−−How Pantagruel doth explore by the Virgilian lottery what fortune Panurge shall have in
his marriage
• Chapter 3.XIII.−−How Pantagruel adviseth Panurge to try the future good or bad luck of his marriage by
dreams
• Chapter 3.XIV.−−Panurge's dream, with the interpretation thereof
• Chapter 3.XV.−−Panurge's excuse and exposition of the monastic mystery concerning powdered beef
• Chapter 3.XVI.−−How Pantagruel adviseth Panurge to consult with the Sibyl of Panzoust
• Chapter 3.XVII.−−How Panurge spoke to the Sibyl of Panzoust
• Chapter 3.XVIII.−−How Pantagruel and Panurge did diversely expound the verses of the Sibyl of Panzoust
• Chapter 3.XIX.−−How Pantagruel praiseth the counsel of dumb men
• Chapter 3.XX.−−How Goatsnose by signs maketh answer to Panurge
• Chapter 3.XXI.−−How Panurge consulteth with an old French poet, named Raminagrobis
• Chapter 3.XXII.−−How Panurge patrocinates and defendeth the Order of the Begging Friars
• Chapter 3.XXIII.−−How Panurge maketh the motion of a return to Raminagrobis
• Chapter 3.XXIV.−−How Panurge consulteth with Epistemon
• Chapter 3.XXV.−−How Panurge consulteth with Herr Trippa
• Chapter 3.XXVI.−−How Panurge consulteth with Friar John of the Funnels
• Chapter 3.XXVII.−−How Friar John merrily and sportingly counselleth Panurge
• Chapter 3.XXVIII.−−How Friar John comforteth Panurge in the doubtful matter of cuckoldry
• Chapter 3.XXIX.−−How Pantagruel convocated together a theologian, physician, lawyer, and philosopher,
for extricating Panurge out of the perplexity wherein he was
• Chapter 3.XXX.−−How the theologue, Hippothadee, giveth counsel to Panurge in the matter and business
of his nuptial enterprise
• Chapter 3.XXXI.−−How the physician Rondibilis counselleth Panurge
• Chapter 3.XXXII.−−How Rondibilis declareth cuckoldry to be naturally one of the appendances of
marriage
• Chapter 3.XXXIII.−−Rondibilis the physician's cure of cuckoldry
• Chapter 3.XXXIV.−−How women ordinarily have the greatest longing after things prohibited
• Chapter 3.XXXV.−−How the philosopher Trouillogan handleth the difficulty of marriage
• Chapter 3.XXXVI.−−A continuation of the answer of the Ephectic and Pyrrhonian philosopher Trouillogan
• Chapter 3.XXXVII.−−How Pantagruel persuaded Panurge to take counsel of a fool
• Chapter 3.XXXVIII.−−How Triboulet is set forth and blazed by Pantagruel and Panurge
• Chapter 3.XXXIX.−−How Pantagruel was present at the trial of Judge Bridlegoose, who decided causes
and controversies in law by the chance and fortune of the dice
• Chapter 3.XL.−−How Bridlegoose giveth reasons why he looked upon those law− actions which he
decided by the chance of the dice
• Chapter 3.XLI.−−How Bridlegoose relateth the history of the reconcilers of parties at variance in matters
of law
• Chapter 3.XLII.−−How suits at law are bred at first, and how they come afterwards to their perfect growth
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• Chapter 3.XLIII.−−How Pantagruel excuseth Bridlegoose in the matter of sentencing actions at law by the
chance of the dice
• Chapter 3.XLIV.−−How Pantagruel relateth a strange history of the perplexity of human judgment
• Chapter 3.XLV.−−How Panurge taketh advice of Triboulet
• Chapter 3.XLVI.−−How Pantagruel and Panurge diversely interpret the words of Triboulet
• Chapter 3.XLVII.−−How Pantagruel and Panurge resolved to make a visit to the Oracle of the Holy Bottle
• Chapter 3.XLVIII.−−How Gargantua showeth that the children ought not to marry without the special
knowledge and advice of their fathers and mothers
• Chapter 3.XLIX.−−How Pantagruel did put himself in a readiness to go to sea; and of the herb named
Pantagruelion
• Chapter 3.L.−−How the famous Pantagruelion ought to be prepared and wrought
• Chapter 3.LI.−−Why it is called Pantagruelion, and of the admirable virtues thereof
• Chapter 3.LII.−−How a certain kind of Pantagruelion is of that nature that the fire is not able to consume it
• The Fourth Book
• The Translator's Preface
• The Author's Epistle Dedicatory
• Chapter 4.I.−−How Pantagruel went to sea to visit the oracle of Bacbuc, alias the Holy Bottle
• Chapter 4.II.−−How Pantagruel bought many rarities in the island of Medamothy
• Chapter 4.III.−−How Pantagruel received a letter from his father Gargantua, and of the strange way to have
speedy news from far distant places
• Chapter 4.IV.−−How Pantagruel writ to his father Gargantua, and sent him several curiosities
• Chapter 4.V.−−How Pantagruel met a ship with passengers returning from Lantern−land
• Chapter 4.VI.−−How, the fray being over, Panurge cheapened one of Dingdong's sheep
• Chapter 4.VII.−−Which if you read you'll find how Panurge bargained with Dingdong
• Chapter 4.VIII.−−How Panurge caused Dingdong and his sheep to be drowned in the sea
• Chapter 4.IX.−−How Pantagruel arrived at the island of Ennasin, and of the strange ways of being akin in
that country
• Chapter 4.X.−−How Pantagruel went ashore at the island of Chely, where he saw King St. Panigon
• Chapter 4.XI.−−Why monks love to be in kitchens
• Chapter 4.XII.−−How Pantagruel passed by the land of Pettifogging, and of the strange way of living
among the Catchpoles
• Chapter 4.XIII.−−How, like Master Francis Villon, the Lord of Basche commended his servants
• Chapter 4.XIV.−−A further account of catchpoles who were drubbed at Basche's house
• Chapter 4.XV.−−How the ancient custom at nuptials is renewed by the catchpole
• Chapter 4.XVI.−−How Friar John made trial of the nature of the catchpoles
• Chapter 4.XVII.−−How Pantagruel came to the islands of Tohu and Bohu; and of the strange death of
Wide−nostrils, the swallower of windmills
• Chapter 4.XVIII.−−How Pantagruel met with a great storm at sea
• Chapter 4.XIX.−−What countenances Panurge and Friar John kept during the storm
• Chapter 4.XX.−−How the pilots were forsaking their ships in the greatest stress of weather
• Chapter 4.XXI.−−A continuation of the storm, with a short discourse on the subject of making testaments
at sea
• Chapter 4.XXII.−−An end of the storm
• Chapter 4.XXIII.−−How Panurge played the good fellow when the storm was over
• Chapter 4.XXIV.−−How Panurge was said to have been afraid without reason during the storm
• Chapter 4.XXV.−−How, after the storm, Pantagruel went on shore in the islands of the Macreons
• Chapter 4.XXVI.−−How the good Macrobius gave us an account of the mansion and decease of the heroes
• Chapter 4.XXVII.−−Pantagruel's discourse of the decease of heroic souls; and of the dreadful prodigies
that happened before the death of the late Lord de Langey
• Chapter 4.XXVIII.−−How Pantagruel related a very sad story of the death of the heroes
• Chapter 4.XXIX.−−How Pantagruel sailed by the Sneaking Island, where Shrovetide reigned
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• Chapter 4.XXX.−−How Shrovetide is anatomized and described by Xenomanes
• Chapter 4.XXXI.−−Shrovetide's outward parts anatomized
• Chapter 4.XXXII.−−A continuation of Shrovetide's countenance
• Chapter 4.XXXIII.−−How Pantagruel discovered a monstrous physeter, or whirlpool, near the Wild Island
• Chapter 4.XXXIV.−−How the monstrous physeter was slain by Pantagruel
• Chapter 4.XXXV.−−How Pantagruel went on shore in the Wild Island, the ancient abode of the Chitterlings
• Chapter 4.XXXVI.−−How the wild Chitterlings laid an ambuscado for Pantagruel
• Chapter 4.XXXVII.−−How Pantagruel sent for Colonel Maul−chitterling and Colonel Cut−pudding; with a
discourse well worth your hearing about the names of places and persons
• Chapter 4.XXXVIII.−−How Chitterlings are not to be slighted by men
• Chapter 4.XXXIX.−−How Friar John joined with the cooks to fight the Chitterlings
• Chapter 4.XL.−−How Friar John fitted up the sow; and of the valiant cooks that went into it
• Chapter 4.XLI.−−How Pantagruel broke the Chitterlings at the knees
• Chapter 4.XLII.−−How Pantagruel held a treaty with Niphleseth, Queen of the Chitterlings
• Chapter 4.XLIII.−−How Pantagruel went into the island of Ruach
• Chapter 4.XLIV.−−How small rain lays a high wind
• Chapter 4.XLV.−−How Pantagruel went ashore in the island of Pope−Figland
• Chapter 4.XLVI.−−How a junior devil was fooled by a husbandman of Pope− Figland
• Chapter 4.XLVII.−−How the devil was deceived by an old woman of Pope− Figland
• Chapter 4.XLVIII.−−How Pantagruel went ashore at the island of Papimany
• Chapter 4.XLIX.−−How Homenas, Bishop of Papimany, showed us the Uranopet decretals
• Chapter 4.L.−−How Homenas showed us the archetype, or representation of a pope
• Chapter 4.LI.−−Table−talk in praise of the decretals
• Chapter 4.LII.−−A continuation of the miracles caused by the decretals
• Chapter 4.LIII.−−How, by the virtue of the decretals, gold is subtilely drawn out of France to Rome
• Chapter 4.LIV.−−How Homenas gave Pantagruel some bon−Christian pears
• Chapter 4.LV.−−How Pantagruel, being at sea, heard various unfrozen words
• Chapter 4.LVI.−−How among the frozen words Pantagruel found some odd ones
• Chapter 4.LVII.−−How Pantagruel went ashore at the dwelling of Gaster, the first master of arts in the
world
• Chapter 4.LVIII.−−How, at the court of the master of ingenuity, Pantagruel detested the Engastrimythes
and the Gastrolaters
• Chapter 4.LIX.−−Of the ridiculous statue Manduce; and how and what the Gastrolaters sacrifice to their
ventripotent god
• Chapter 4.LX.−−What the Gastrolaters sacrificed to their god on interlarded fish−days
• Chapter 4.LXI.−−How Gaster invented means to get and preserve corn
• Chapter 4.LXII.−−How Gaster invented an art to avoid being hurt or touched by cannon−balls
• Chapter 4.LXIII.−−How Pantagruel fell asleep near the island of Chaneph, and of the problems proposed
to be solved when he waked
• Chapter 4.LXIV.−−How Pantagruel gave no answer to the problems
• Chapter 4.LXV.−−How Pantagruel passed the time with his servants
• Chapter 4.LXVI.−−How, by Pantagruel's order, the Muses were saluted near the isle of Ganabim
• Chapter 4.LXVII.−−How Panurge berayed himself for fear; and of the huge cat Rodilardus, which he took
for a puny devil
• The Fifth Book
• The Author's Prologue
• Chapter 5.I.−−How Pantagruel arrived at the Ringing Island, and of the noise that we heard
• Chapter 5.II.−−How the Ringing Island had been inhabited by the Siticines, who were become birds
• Chapter 5.III.−−How there is but one pope−hawk in the Ringing Island
• Chapter 5.IV.−−How the birds of the Ringing Island were all passengers
• Chapter 5.V.−−Of the dumb Knight−hawks of the Ringing Island
6
• Chapter 5.VI.−−How the birds are crammed in the Ringing Island
• Chapter 5.VII.−−How Panurge related to Master Aedituus the fable of the horse and the ass
• Chapter 5.VIII.−−How with much ado we got a sight of the pope−hawk
• Chapter 5.IX.−−How we arrived at the island of Tools
• Chapter 5.X.−−How Pantagruel arrived at the island of Sharping
• Chapter 5.XI.−−How we passed through the wicket inhabited by Gripe−men−all, Archduke of the Furred
Law−cats
• Chapter 5.XII.−−How Gripe−men−all propounded a riddle to us
• Chapter 5.XIII.−−How Panurge solved Gripe−men−all's riddle
• Chapter 5.XIV.−−How the Furred Law−cats live on corruption
• Chapter 5.XV.−−How Friar John talks of rooting out the Furred Law−cats
• Chapter 5.XVI.−−How Pantagruel came to the island of the Apedefers, or Ignoramuses, with long claws
and crooked paws, and of terrible adventures and monsters there
• Chapter 5.XVII.−−How we went forwards, and how Panurge had like to have been killed
• Chapter 5.XVIII.−−How our ships were stranded, and we were relieved by some people that were subject
to Queen Whims (qui tenoient de la Quinte)
• Chapter 5.XIX.−−How we arrived at the queendom of Whims or Entelechy
• Chapter 5.XX.−−How the Quintessence cured the sick with a song
• Chapter 5.XXI.−−How the Queen passed her time after dinner
• Chapter 5.XXII.−−How Queen Whims' officers were employed; and how the said lady retained us among
her abstractors
• Chapter 5.XXIII.−−How the Queen was served at dinner, and of her way of eating
• Chapter 5.XXIV.−−How there was a ball in the manner of a tournament, at which Queen Whims was
present
• Chapter 5.XXV.−−How the thirty−two persons at the ball fought
• Chapter 5.XXVI.−−How we came to the island of Odes, where the ways go up and down
• Chapter 5.XXVII.−−How we came to the island of Sandals; and of the order of Semiquaver Friars
• Chapter 5.XXVIII.−−How Panurge asked a Semiquaver Friar many questions, and was only answered in
monosyllables
• Chapter 5.XXIX.−−How Epistemon disliked the institution of Lent
• Chapter 5.XXX.−−How we came to the land of Satin
• Chapter 5.XXXI.−−How in the land of Satin we saw Hearsay, who kept a school of vouching
• Chapter 5.XXXII.−−How we came in sight of Lantern−land
• Chapter 5.XXXIII.−−How we landed at the port of the Lychnobii, and came to Lantern−land
• Chapter 5.XXXIV.−−How we arrived at the Oracle of the Bottle
• Chapter 5.XXXV.−−How we went underground to come to the Temple of the Holy Bottle, and how
Chinon is the oldest city in the world
• Chapter 5.XXXVI.−−How we went down the tetradic steps, and of Panurge's fear
• Chapter 5.XXXVII.−−How the temple gates in a wonderful manner opened of themselves
• Chapter 5.XXXVIII.−−Of the temple's admirable pavement
• Chapter 5.XXXIX.−−How we saw Bacchus's army drawn up in battalia in mosaic work
• Chapter 5.XL. How the battle in which the good Bacchus overthrew the Indians was represented in mosaic
work.
• Chapter 5.XLI.−−How the temple was illuminated with a wonderful lamp
• Chapter 5.XLII.−−How the Priestess Bacbuc showed us a fantastic fountain in the temple, and how the
fountain−water had the taste of wine, according to the imagination of those who drank of it
• Chapter 5.XLIII.−−How the Priestess Bacbuc equipped Panurge in order to have the word of the Bottle
• Chapter 5.XLIV.−−How Bacbuc, the high−priestess, brought Panurge before the Holy Bottle
• Chapter 5.XLV.−−How Bacbuc explained the word of the Goddess−Bottle
• Chapter 5.XLVI.−−How Panurge and the rest rhymed with poetic fury
• Chapter 5.XLVII.−−How we took our leave of Bacbuc, and left the Oracle of the Holy Bottle
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This page copyright © 2000 Blackmask Online.
The text of the first Two Books of Rabelais has been reprinted from the first edition (1653) of Urquhart's
translation. Footnotes initialled 'M.' are drawn from the Maitland Club edition (1838); other footnotes are by
the translator. Urquhart's translation of Book III. appeared posthumously in 1693, with a new edition of
Books I. and II., under Motteux's editorship. Motteux's rendering of Books IV. and V. followed in 1708.
Occasionally (as the footnotes indicate) passages omitted by Motteux have been restored from the 1738 copy
edited by Ozell.
Introduction.
Had Rabelais never written his strange and marvellous romance, no one would ever have imagined the
possibility of its production. It stands outside other things−−a mixture of mad mirth and gravity, of folly and
reason, of childishness and grandeur, of the commonplace and the out−of−the−way, of popular verve and
polished humanism, of mother−wit and learning, of baseness and nobility, of personalities and broad
generalization, of the comic and the serious, of the impossible and the familiar. Throughout the whole there is
such a force of life and thought, such a power of good sense, a kind of assurance so authoritative, that he
takes rank with the greatest; and his peers are not many. You may like him or not, may attack him or sing his
praises, but you cannot ignore him. He is of those that die hard. Be as fastidious as you will; make up your
mind to recognize only those who are, without any manner of doubt, beyond and above all others; however
few the names you keep, Rabelais' will always remain.
We may know his work, may know it well, and admire it more every time we read it. After being amused by
it, after having enjoyed it, we may return again to study it and to enter more fully into its meaning. Yet there
is no possibility of knowing his own life in the same fashion. In spite of all the efforts, often successful, that
have been made to throw light on it, to bring forward a fresh document, or some obscure mention in a
forgotten book, to add some little fact, to fix a date more precisely, it remains nevertheless full of uncertainty
and of gaps. Besides, it has been burdened and sullied by all kinds of wearisome stories and foolish
anecdotes, so that really there is more to weed out than to add.
This injustice, at first wilful, had its rise in the sixteenth century, in the furious attacks of a monk of
Fontevrault, Gabriel de Puy−Herbault, who seems to have drawn his conclusions concerning the author from
the book, and, more especially, in the regrettable satirical epitaph of Ronsard, piqued, it is said, that the
Guises had given him only a little pavillon in the Forest of Meudon, whereas the presbytery was close to the
chateau. From that time legend has fastened on Rabelais, has completely travestied him, till, bit by bit, it has
made of him a buffoon, a veritable clown, a vagrant, a glutton, and a drunkard.
The likeness of his person has undergone a similar metamorphosis. He has been credited with a full moon of
a face, the rubicund nose of an incorrigible toper, and thick coarse lips always apart because always laughing.
The picture would have surprised his friends no less than himself. There have been portraits painted of
Rabelais; I have seen many such. They are all of the seventeenth century, and the greater number are
conceived in this jovial and popular style.
As a matter of fact there is only one portrait of him that counts, that has more than the merest chance of being
authentic, the one in the Chronologie collee or coupee. Under this double name is known and cited a large
sheet divided by lines and cross lines into little squares, containing about a hundred heads of illustrious
Frenchmen. This sheet was stuck on pasteboard for hanging on the wall, and was cut in little pieces, so that
the portraits might be sold separately. The majority of the portraits are of known persons and can therefore be
verified. Now it can be seen that these have been selected with care, and taken from the most authentic
sources; from statues, busts, medals, even stained glass, for the persons of most distinction, from earlier
engravings for the others. Moreover, those of which no other copies exist, and which are therefore the most
8
valuable, have each an individuality very distinct, in the features, the hair, the beard, as well as in the
costume. Not one of them is like another. There has been no tampering with them, no forgery. On the
contrary, there is in each a difference, a very marked personality. Leonard Gaultier, who published this
engraving towards the end of the sixteenth century, reproduced a great many portraits besides from chalk
drawings, in the style of his master, Thomas de Leu. It must have been such drawings that were the originals
of those portraits which he alone has issued, and which may therefore be as authentic and reliable as the
others whose correctness we are in a position to verify.
Now Rabelais has here nothing of the Roger Bontemps of low degree about him. His features are strong,
vigorously cut, and furrowed with deep wrinkles; his beard is short and scanty; his cheeks are thin and
already worn−looking. On his head he wears the square cap of the doctors and the clerks, and his dominant
expression, somewhat rigid and severe, is that of a physician and a scholar. And this is the only portrait to
which we need attach any importance.
This is not the place for a detailed biography, nor for an exhaustive study. At most this introduction will serve
as a framework on which to fix a few certain dates, to hang some general observations. The date of Rabelais'
birth is very doubtful. For long it was placed as far back as 1483: now scholars are disposed to put it forward
to about 1495. The reason, a good one, is that all those whom he has mentioned as his friends, or in any real
sense his contemporaries, were born at the very end of the fifteenth century. And, indeed, it is in the
references in his romance to names, persons, and places, that the most certain and valuable evidence is to be
found of his intercourse, his patrons, his friendships, his sojournings, and his travels: his own work is the best
and richest mine in which to search for the details of his life.
Like Descartes and Balzac, he was a native of Touraine, and Tours and Chinon have only done their duty in
each of them erecting in recent years a statue to his honour, a twofold homage reflecting credit both on the
province and on the town. But the precise facts about his birth are nevertheless vague. Huet speaks of the
village of Benais, near Bourgeuil, of whose vineyards Rabelais makes mention. As the little vineyard of La
Deviniere, near Chinon, and familiar to all his readers, is supposed to have belonged to his father, Thomas
Rabelais, some would have him born there. It is better to hold to the earlier general opinion that Chinon was
his native town; Chinon, whose praises he sang with such heartiness and affection. There he might well have
been born in the Lamproie house, which belonged to his father, who, to judge from this circumstance, must
have been in easy circumstances, with the position of a well−to−do citizen. As La Lamproie in the
seventeenth century was a hostelry, the father of Rabelais has been set down as an innkeeper. More probably
he was an apothecary, which would fit in with the medical profession adopted by his son in after years.
Rabelais had brothers, all older than himself. Perhaps because he was the youngest, his father destined him
for the Church.
The time he spent while a child with the Benedictine monks at Seuille is uncertain. There he might have
made the acquaintance of the prototype of his Friar John, a brother of the name of Buinart, afterwards Prior of
Sermaize. He was longer at the Abbey of the Cordeliers at La Baumette, half a mile from Angers, where he
became a novice. As the brothers Du Bellay, who were later his Maecenases, were then studying at the
University of Angers, where it is certain he was not a student, it is doubtless from this youthful period that his
acquaintance and alliance with them should date. Voluntarily, or induced by his family, Rabelais now
embraced the ecclesiastical profession, and entered the monastery of the Franciscan Cordeliers at
Fontenay−le−Comte, in Lower Poitou, which was honoured by his long sojourn at the vital period of his life
when his powers were ripening. There it was he began to study and to think, and there also began his
troubles.
In spite of the wide−spread ignorance among the monks of that age, the encyclopaedic movement of the
Renaissance was attracting all the lofty minds. Rabelais threw himself into it with enthusiasm, and Latin
antiquity was not enough for him. Greek, a study discountenanced by the Church, which looked on it as
9
dangerous and tending to freethought and heresy, took possession of him. To it he owed the warm friendship
of Pierre Amy and of the celebrated Guillaume Bude. In fact, the Greek letters of the latter are the best source
of information concerning this period of Rabelais' life. It was at Fontenay−le−Comte also that he became
acquainted with the Brissons and the great jurist Andre Tiraqueau, whom he never mentions but with
admiration and deep affection. Tiraqueau's treatise, De legibus connubialibus, published for the first time in
1513, has an important bearing on the life of Rabelais. There we learn that, dissatisfied with the incomplete
translation of Herodotus by Laurent Valla, Rabelais had retranslated into Latin the first book of the History.
That translation unfortunately is lost, as so many other of his scattered works. It is probably in this direction
that the hazard of fortune has most discoveries and surprises in store for the lucky searcher. Moreover, as in
this law treatise Tiraqueau attacked women in a merciless fashion, President Amaury Bouchard published in
1522 a body in their defence, and Rabelais, who was a friend of both the antagonists, took the side of
Tiraqueau. It should be observed also in passing, that there are several pages of such audacious
plain−speaking, that Rabelais, though he did not copy these in his Marriage of Panurge, has there been, in his
own fashion, as out spoken as Tiraqueau. If such freedom of language could be permitted in a grave treatise
of law, similar liberties were certainly, in the same century, more natural in a book which was meant to
amuse.
The great reproach always brought against Rabelais is not the want of reserve of his language merely, but his
occasional studied coarseness, which is enough to spoil his whole work, and which lowers its value. La
Bruyere, in the chapter Des ouvrages de l'esprit, not in the first edition of the Caracteres, but in the fifth, that
is to say in 1690, at the end of the great century, gives us on this subject his own opinion and that of his age:
'Marot and Rabelais are inexcusable in their habit of scattering filth about their writings. Both of them had
genius enough and wit enough to do without any such expedient, even for the amusement of those persons
who look more to the laugh to be got out of a book than to what is admirable in it. Rabelais especially is
incomprehensible. His book is an enigma,−−one may say inexplicable. It is a Chimera; it is like the face of a
lovely woman with the feet and the tail of a reptile, or of some creature still more loathsome. It is a monstrous
confusion of fine and rare morality with filthy corruption. Where it is bad, it goes beyond the worst; it is the
delight of the basest of men. Where it is good, it reaches the exquisite, the very best; it ministers to the most
delicate tastes.'
Putting aside the rather slight connection established between two men of whom one is of very little
importance compared with the other, this is otherwise very admirably said, and the judgment is a very just
one, except with regard to one point−−the misunderstanding of the atmosphere in which the book was
created, and the ignoring of the examples of a similar tendency furnished by literature as well as by the
popular taste. Was it not the Ancients that began it? Aristophanes, Catullus, Petronius, Martial, flew in the
face of decency in their ideas as well as in the words they used, and they dragged after them in this direction
not a few of the Latin poets of the Renaissance, who believed themselves bound to imitate them. Is Italy
without fault in this respect? Her story−tellers in prose lie open to easy accusation. Her Capitoli in verse go to
incredible lengths; and the astonishing success of Aretino must not be forgotten, nor the licence of the whole
Italian comic theatre of the sixteenth century. The Calandra of Bibbiena, who was afterwards a Cardinal, and
the Mandragola of Machiavelli, are evidence enough, and these were played before Popes, who were not a
whit embarrassed. Even in England the drama went very far for a time, and the comic authors of the reign of
Charles II., evidently from a reaction, and to shake off the excess and the wearisomeness of Puritan prudery
and affectation, which sent them to the opposite extreme, are not exactly noted for their reserve. But we need
not go beyond France. Slight indications, very easily verified, are all that may be set down here; a formal and
detailed proof would be altogether too dangerous.
Thus, for instance, the old Fabliaux−−the Farces of the fifteenth century, the story−tellers of the
sixteenth−−reveal one of the sides, one of the veins, so to speak, of our literature. The art that addresses itself
to the eye had likewise its share of this coarseness. Think of the sculptures on the capitals and the modillions
10
of churches, and the crude frankness of certain painted windows of the fifteenth century. Queen Anne was,
without any doubt, one of the most virtuous women in the world. Yet she used to go up the staircase of her
chateau at Blois, and her eyes were not offended at seeing at the foot of a bracket a not very decent carving of
a monk and a nun. Neither did she tear out of her book of Hours the large miniature of the winter month, in
which, careless of her neighbours' eyes, the mistress of the house, sitting before her great fireplace, warms
herself in a fashion which it is not advisable that dames of our age should imitate. The statue of Cybele by the
Tribolo, executed for Francis I., and placed, not against a wall, but in the middle of Queen Claude's chamber
at Fontainebleau, has behind it an attribute which would have been more in place on a statue of Priapus, and
which was the symbol of generativeness. The tone of the conversations was ordinarily of a surprising
coarseness, and the Precieuses, in spite of their absurdities, did a very good work in setting themselves in
opposition to it. The worthy Chevalier de La−Tour− Landry, in his Instructions to his own daughters, without
a thought of harm, gives examples which are singular indeed, and in Caxton's translation these are not
omitted. The Adevineaux Amoureux, printed at Bruges by Colard Mansion, are astonishing indeed when one
considers that they were the little society diversions of the Duchesses of Burgundy and of the great ladies of a
court more luxurious and more refined than the French court, which revelled in the Cent Nouvelles of good
King Louis XI. Rabelais' pleasantry about the woman folle a la messe is exactly in the style of the
Adevineaux.
A later work than any of his, the Novelle of Bandello, should be kept in mind−−for the writer was Bishop of
Agen, and his work was translated into French−−as also the Dames Galantes of Brantome. Read the Journal
of Heroard, that honest doctor, who day by day wrote down the details concerning the health of Louis XIII.
from his birth, and you will understand the tone of the conversation of Henry IV. The jokes at a country
wedding are trifles compared with this royal coarseness. Le Moyen de Parvenir is nothing but a tissue and a
mass of filth, and the too celebrated Cabinet Satyrique proves what, under Louis XIII., could be written,
printed, and read. The collection of songs formed by Clairambault shows that the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries were no purer than the sixteenth. Some of the most ribald songs are actually the work of Princesses
of the royal House.
It is, therefore, altogether unjust to make Rabelais the scapegoat, to charge him alone with the sins of
everybody else. He spoke as those of his time used to speak; when amusing them he used their language to
make himself understood, and to slip in his asides, which without this sauce would never have been accepted,
would have found neither eyes nor ears. Let us blame not him, therefore, but the manners of his time.
Besides, his gaiety, however coarse it my appear to us−−and how rare a thing is gaiety!−−has, after all,
nothing unwholesome about it; and this is too often overlooked. Where does he tempt one to stray from duty?
Where, even indirectly, does he give pernicious advice? Whom has he led to evil ways? Does he ever inspire
feelings that breed misconduct and vice, or is he ever the apologist of these? Many poets and romance
writers, under cover of a fastidious style, without one coarse expression, have been really and actively
hurtful; and of that it is impossible to accuse Rabelais. Women in particular quickly revolt from him, and turn
away repulsed at once by the archaic form of the language and by the outspokenness of the words. But if he
be read aloud to them, omitting the rougher parts and modernizing the pronunciation, it will be seen that they
too are impressed by his lively wit as by the loftiness of his thought. It would be possible, too, to extract, for
young persons, without modification, admirable passages of incomparable force. But those who have brought
out expurgated editions of him, or who have thought to improve him by trying to rewrite him in modern
French, have been fools for their pains, and their insulting attempts have had, and always will have, the
success they deserve.
His dedications prove to what extent his whole work was accepted. Not to speak of his epistolary relations
with Bude, with the Cardinal d'Armagnac and with Pellissier, the ambassador of Francis I. and Bishop of
Maguelonne, or of his dedication to Tiraqueau of his Lyons edition of the Epistolae Medicinales of Giovanni
Manardi of Ferrara, of the one addressed to the President Amaury Bouchard of the two legal texts which he
11
believed antique, there is still the evidence of his other and more important dedications. In 1532 he dedicated
his Hippocrates and his Galen to Geoffroy d'Estissac, Bishop of Maillezais, to whom in 1535 and 1536 he
addressed from Rome the three news letters, which alone have been preserved; and in 1534 he dedicated from
Lyons his edition of the Latin book of Marliani on the topography of Rome to Jean du Bellay (at that time
Bishop of Paris) who was raised to the Cardinalate in 1535. Beside these dedications we must set the
privilege of Francis I. of September, 1545, and the new privilege granted by Henry II. on August 6th, 1550,
Cardinal de Chatillon present, for the third book, which was dedicated, in an eight−lined stanza, to the Spirit
of the Queen of Navarre. These privileges, from the praises and eulogies they express in terms very personal
and very exceptional, are as important in Rabelais' life as were, in connection with other matters, the
Apostolic Pastorals in his favour. Of course, in these the popes had not to introduce his books of diversions,
which, nevertheless, would have seemed in their eyes but very venial sins. The Sciomachie of 1549, an
account of the festivities arranged at Rome by Cardinal du Bellay in honour of the birth of the second son of
Henry II., was addressed to Cardinal de Guise, and in 1552 the fourth book was dedicated, in a new prologue,
to Cardinal de Chatillon, the brother of Admiral de Coligny.
These are no unknown or insignificant personages, but the greatest lords and princes of the Church. They
loved and admired and protected Rabelais, and put no restrictions in his way. Why should we be more
fastidious and severe than they were? Their high contemporary appreciation gives much food for thought.
There are few translations of Rabelais in foreign tongues; and certainly the task is no light one, and demands
more than a familiarity with ordinary French. It would have been easier in Italy than anywhere else. Italian,
from its flexibility and its analogy to French, would have lent itself admirably to the purpose; the instrument
was ready, but the hand was not forthcoming. Neither is there any Spanish translation, a fact which can be
more easily understood. The Inquisition would have been a far more serious opponent than the Paris'
Sorbonne, and no one ventured on the experiment. Yet Rabelais forces comparison with Cervantes, whose
precursor he was in reality, though the two books and the two minds are very different. They have only one
point in common, their attack and ridicule of the romances of chivalry and of the wildly improbable
adventures of knight−errants. But in Don Quixote there is not a single detail which would suggest that
Cervantes knew Rabelais' book or owed anything to it whatsoever, even the starting− point of his subject.
Perhaps it was better he should not have been influenced by him, in however slight a degree; his originality is
the more intact and the more genial.
On the other hand, Rabelais has been several times translated into German. In the present century Regis
published at Leipsic, from 1831 to 1841, with copious notes, a close and faithful translation. The first one
cannot be so described, that of Johann Fischart, a native of Mainz or Strasburg, who died in 1614. He was a
Protestant controversialist, and a satirist of fantastic and abundant imagination. In 1575 appeared his
translation of Rabelais' first book, and in 1590 he published the comic catalogue of the library of Saint Victor,
borrowed from the second book. It is not a translation, but a recast in the boldest style, full of alterations and
of exaggerations, both as regards the coarse expressions which he took upon himself to develop and to add to,
and in the attacks on the Roman Catholic Church. According to Jean Paul Richter, Fischart is much superior
to Rabelais in style and in the fruitfulness of his ideas, and his equal in erudition and in the invention of new
expressions after the manner of Aristophanes. He is sure that his work was successful, because it was often
reprinted during his lifetime; but this enthusiasm of Jean Paul would hardly carry conviction in France. Who
treads in another's footprints must follow in the rear. Instead of a creator, he is but an imitator. Those who
take the ideas of others to modify them, and make of them creations of their own, like Shakespeare in
England, Moliere and La Fontaine in France, may be superior to those who have served them with
suggestions; but then the new works must be altogether different, must exist by themselves. Shakespeare and
the others, when they imitated, may be said always to have destroyed their models. These copyists, if we call
them so, created such works of genius that the only pity is they are so rare. This is not the case with Fischart,
but it would be none the less curious were some one thoroughly familiar with German to translate Fischart for
us, or at least, by long extracts from him, give an idea of the vagaries of German taste when it thought it
12
could do better than Rabelais. It is dangerous to tamper with so great a work, and he who does so runs a great
risk of burning his fingers.
England has been less daring, and her modesty and discretion have brought her success. But, before speaking
of Urquhart's translation, it is but right to mention the English−French Dictionary of Randle Cotgrave, the
first edition of which dates from 1611. It is in every way exceedingly valuable, and superior to that of Nicot,
because instead of keeping to the plane of classic and Latin French, it showed an acquaintance with and
mastery of the popular tongue as well as of the written and learned language. As a foreigner, Cotgrave is a
little behind in his information. He is not aware of all the changes and novelties of the passing fashion. The
Pleiad School he evidently knew nothing of, but kept to the writers of the fifteenth and the first half of the
sixteenth century. Thus words out of Rabelais, which he always translates with admirable skill, are frequent,
and he attaches to them their author's name. So Rabelais had already crossed the Channel, and was read in his
own tongue. Somewhat later, during the full sway of the Commonwealth−−and Maitre Alcofribas Nasier
must have been a surprising apparition in the midst of Puritan severity−−Captain Urquhart undertook to
translate him and to naturalize him completely in England.
Thomas Urquhart belonged to a very old family of good standing in the North of Scotland. After studying in
Aberdeen he travelled in France, Spain, and Italy, where his sword was as active as that intelligent curiosity
of his which is evidenced by his familiarity with three languages and the large library which he brought back,
according to his own account, from sixteen countries he had visited.
On his return to England he entered the service of Charles I., who knighted him in 1641. Next year, after the
death of his father, he went to Scotland to set his family affairs in order, and to redeem his house in
Cromarty. But, in spite of another sojourn in foreign lands, his efforts to free himself from pecuniary
embarrassments were unavailing. At the king's death his Scottish loyalty caused him to side with those who
opposed the Parliament. Formally proscribed in 1649, taken prisoner at the defeat of Worcester in 1651,
stripped of all his belongings, he was brought to London, but was released on parole at Cromwell's
recommendation. After receiving permission to spend five months in Scotland to try once more to settle his
affairs, he came back to London to escape from his creditors. And there he must have died, though the date of
his death is unknown. It probably took place after 1653, the date of the publication of the two first books, and
after having written the translation of the third, which was not printed from his manuscript till the end of the
seventeenth century.
His life was therefore not without its troubles, and literary activity must have been almost his only
consolation. His writings reveal him as the strangest character, fantastic, and full of a naive vanity, which,
even at the time he was translating the genealogy of Gargantua−−surely well calculated to cure any pondering
on his own−−caused him to trace his unbroken descent from Adam, and to state that his family name was
derived from his ancestor Esormon, Prince of Achaia, 2139 B.C., who was surnamed (Greek), that is to say
the Fortunate and the Well−beloved. A Gascon could not have surpassed this.
Gifted as he was, learned in many directions, an enthusiastic mathematician, master of several languages,
occasionally full of wit and humour, and even good sense, yet he gave his books the strangest titles, and his
ideas were no less whimsical. His style is mystic, fastidious, and too often of a wearisome length and
obscurity; his verses rhyme anyhow, or not at all; but vivacity, force and heat are never lacking, and the
Maitland Club did well in reprinting, in 1834, his various works, which are very rare. Yet, in spite of their
curious interest, he owes his real distinction and the survival of his name to his translation of Rabelais.
The first two books appeared in 1653. The original edition, exceedingly scarce, was carefully reprinted in
1838, only a hundred copies being issued, by an English bibliophile T(heodore) M(artin), whose interesting
preface I regret to sum up so cursorily. At the end of the seventeenth century, in 1693, a French refugee, Peter
Antony Motteux, whose English verses and whose plays are not without value, published in a little octavo
13
volume a reprint, very incorrect as to the text, of the first two books, to which he added the third, from the
manuscript found amongst Urquhart's papers. The success which attended this venture suggested to Motteux
the idea of completing the work, and a second edition, in two volumes, appeared in 1708, with the translation
of the fourth and fifth books, and notes. Nineteen years after his death, John Ozell, translator on a large scale
of French, Italian, and Spanish authors, revised Motteux's edition, which he published in five volumes in
1737, adding Le Duchat's notes; and this version has often been reprinted since.
The continuation by Motteux, who was also the translator of Don Quixote, has merits of its own. It is precise,
elegant, and very faithful. Urquhart's, without taking liberties with Rabelais like Fischart, is not always so
closely literal and exact. Nevertheless, it is much superior to Motteux's. If Urquhart does not constantly
adhere to the form of the expression, if he makes a few slight additions, not only has he an understanding of
the original, but he feels it, and renders the sense with a force and a vivacity full of warmth and brilliancy.
His own learning made the comprehension of the work easy to him, and his anglicization of words fabricated
by Rabelais is particularly successful. The necessity of keeping to his text prevented his indulgence in the
convolutions and divagations dictated by his exuberant fancy when writing on his own account. His style,
always full of life and vigour, is here balanced, lucid, and picturesque. Never elsewhere did he write so well.
And thus the translation reproduces the very accent of the original, besides possessing a very remarkable
character of its own. Such a literary tone and such literary qualities are rarely found in a translation.
Urquhart's, very useful for the interpretation of obscure passages, may, and indeed should be read as a whole,
both for Rabelais and for its own merits.
Holland, too, possesses a translation of Rabelais. They knew French in that country in the seventeenth
century better than they do to−day, and there Rabelais' works were reprinted when no editions were
appearing in France. This Dutch translation was published at Amsterdam in 1682, by J. Tenhoorn. The name
attached to it, Claudio Gallitalo (Claudius French− Italian) must certainly be a pseudonym. Only a Dutch
scholar could identify the translator, and state the value to be assigned to his work.
Rabelais' style has many different sources. Besides its force and brilliancy, its gaiety, wit, and dignity, its
abundant richness is no less remarkable. It would be impossible and useless to compile a glossary of
Voltaire's words. No French writer has used so few, and all of them are of the simplest. There is not one of
them that is not part of the common speech, or which demands a note or an explanation. Rabelais'
vocabulary, on the other hand, is of an astonishing variety. Where does it all come from? As a fact, he had at
his command something like three languages, which he used in turn, or which he mixed according to the
effect he wished to produce.
First of all, of course, he had ready to his hand the whole speech of his time, which had no secrets for him.
Provincials have been too eager to appropriate him, to make of him a local author, the pride of some village,
in order that their district might have the merit of being one of the causes, one of the factors of his genius.
Every neighbourhood where he ever lived has declared that his distinction was due to his knowledge of its
popular speech. But these dialect−patriots have fallen out among themselves. To which dialect was he
indebted? Was it that of Touraine, or Berri, or Poitou, or Paris? It is too often forgotten, in regard to French
patois−−leaving out of count the languages of the South−−that the words or expressions that are no longer in
use to−day are but a survival, a still living trace of the tongue and the pronunciation of other days. Rabelais,
more than any other writer, took advantage of the happy chances and the richness of the popular speech, but
he wrote in French, and nothing but French. That is why he remains so forcible, so lucid, and so living, more
living even−−speaking only of his style out of charity to the others−−than any of his contemporaries.
It has been said that great French prose is solely the work of the seventeenth century. There were
nevertheless, before that, two men, certainly very different and even hostile, who were its initiators and its
masters, Calvin on the one hand, on the other Rabelais.
14
Rabelais had a wonderful knowledge of the prose and the verse of the fifteenth century: he was familiar with
Villon, Pathelin, the Quinze Joies de Mariage, the Cent Nouvelles, the chronicles and the romances, and even
earlier works, too, such as the Roman de la Rose. Their words, their turns of expression came naturally to his
pen, and added a piquancy and, as it were, a kind of gloss of antique novelty to his work. He fabricated
words, too, on Greek and Latin models, with great ease, sometimes audaciously and with needless frequency.
These were for him so many means, so many elements of variety. Sometimes he did this in mockery, as in the
humorous discourse of the Limousin scholar, for which he is not a little indebted to Geoffroy Tory in the
Champfleury; sometimes, on the contrary, seriously, from a habit acquired in dealing with classical tongues.
Again, another reason of the richness of his vocabulary was that he invented and forged words for himself.
Following the example of Aristophanes, he coined an enormous number of interminable words, droll
expressions, sudden and surprising constructions. What had made Greece and the Athenians laugh was worth
transporting to Paris.
With an instrument so rich, resources so endless, and the skill to use them, it is no wonder that he could give
voice to anything, be as humorous as he could be serious, as comic as he could be grave, that he could
express himself and everybody else, from the lowest to the highest. He had every colour on his palette, and
such skill was in his fingers that he could depict every variety of light and shade.
We have evidence that Rabelais did not always write in the same fashion. The Chronique Gargantuaine is
uniform in style and quite simple, but cannot with certainty be attributed to him. His letters are bombastic and
thin; his few attempts at verse are heavy, lumbering, and obscure, altogether lacking in harmony, and quite as
bad as those of his friend, Jean Bouchet. He had no gift of poetic form, as indeed is evident even from his
prose. And his letters from Rome to the Bishop of Maillezais, interesting as they are in regard to the matter,
are as dull, bare, flat, and dry in style as possible. Without his signature no one would possibly have thought
of attributing them to him. He is only a literary artist when he wishes to be such; and in his romance he
changes the style completely every other moment: it has no constant character or uniform manner, and
therefore unity is almost entirely wanting in his work, while his endeavours after contrast are unceasing.
There is throughout the whole the evidence of careful and conscious elaboration.
Hence, however lucid and free be the style of his romance, and though its flexibility and ease seem at first
sight to have cost no trouble at all, yet its merit lies precisely in the fact that it succeeds in concealing the toil,
in hiding the seams. He could not have reached this perfection at a first attempt. He must have worked long at
the task, revised it again and again, corrected much, and added rather than cut away. The aptness of form and
expression has been arrived at by deliberate means, and owes nothing to chance. Apart from the toning down
of certain bold passages, to soften their effect, and appease the storm−−for these were not literary alterations,
but were imposed on him by prudence−−one can see how numerous are the variations in his text, how
necessary it is to take account of them, and to collect them. A good edition, of course, would make no attempt
at amalgamating these. That would give a false impression and end in confusion; but it should note them all,
and show them all, not combined, but simply as variations.
After Le Duchat, all the editions, in their care that nothing should be lost, made the mistake of collecting and
placing side by side things which had no connection with each other, which had even been substituted for
each other. The result was a fabricated text, full of contradictions naturally. But since the edition issued by M.
Jannet, the well−known publisher of the Bibliotheque Elzevirienne, who was the first to get rid of this
patchwork, this mosaic, Rabelais' latest text has been given, accompanied by all the earlier variations, to
show the changes he made, as well as his suppressions and additions. It would also be possible to reverse the
method. It would be interesting to take his first text as the basis, noting the later modifications. This would be
quite as instructive and really worth doing. Perhaps one might then see more clearly with what care he made
his revisions, after what fashion he corrected, and especially what were the additions he made.
15
No more striking instance can be quoted than the admirable chapter about the shipwreck. It was not always so
long as Rabelais made it in the end: it was much shorter at first. As a rule, when an author recasts some
passage that he wishes to revise, he does so by rewriting the whole, or at least by interpolating passages at
one stroke, so to speak. Nothing of the kind is seen here. Rabelais suppressed nothing, modified nothing; he
did not change his plan at all. What he did was to make insertions, to slip in between two clauses a new one.
He expressed his meaning in a lengthier way, and the former clause is found in its integrity along with the
additional one, of which it forms, as it were, the warp. It was by this method of touching up the smallest
details, by making here and there such little noticeable additions, that he succeeded in heightening the effect
without either change or loss. In the end it looks as if he had altered nothing, added nothing new, as if it had
always been so from the first, and had never been meddled with.
The comparison is most instructive, showing us to what an extent Rabelais' admirable style was due to
conscious effort, care, and elaboration, a fact which is generally too much overlooked, and how instead of
leaving any trace which would reveal toil and study, it has on the contrary a marvellous cohesion, precision,
and brilliancy. It was modelled and remodelled, repaired, touched up, and yet it has all the appearance of
having been created at a single stroke, or of having been run like molten wax into its final form.
Something should be said here of the sources from which Rabelais borrowed. He was not the first in France
to satirize the romances of chivalry. The romance in verse by Baudouin de Sebourc, printed in recent years,
was a parody of the Chansons de Geste. In the Moniage Guillaume, and especially in the Moniage Rainouart,
in which there is a kind of giant, and occasionally a comic giant, there are situations and scenes which remind
us of Rabelais. The kind of Fabliaux in mono−rhyme quatrains of the old Aubery anticipate his coarse and
popular jests. But all that is beside the question; Rabelais did not know these. Nothing is of direct interest
save what was known to him, what fell under his eyes, what lay to his hand−−as the Facetiae of Poggio, and
the last sermonnaires. In the course of one's reading one may often enough come across the origin of some of
Rabelais' witticisms; here and there we may discover how he had developed a situation. While gathering his
materials wherever he could find them, he was nevertheless profoundly original.
On this point much research and investigation might be employed. But there is no need why these researches
should be extended to the region of fancy. Gargantua has been proved by some to be of Celtic origin. Very
often he is a solar myth, and the statement that Rabelais only collected popular traditions and gave new life to
ancient legends is said to be proved by the large number of megalithic monuments to which is attached and
name of Gargantua. It was, of course, quite right to make a list of these, to draw up, as it were, a chart of
them, but the conclusion is not justified. The name, instead of being earlier, is really later, and is a witness,
not to the origin, but to the success and rapid popularity of his novel. No one has ever yet produced a written
passage or any ancient testimony to prove the existence of the name before Rabelais. To place such a
tradition on a sure basis, positive traces must be forthcoming; and they cannot be adduced even for the most
celebrated of these monuments, since he mentions himself the great menhir near Poitiers, which he christened
by the name of Passelourdin. That there is something in the theory is possible. Perrault found the subjects of
his stories in the tales told by mothers and nurses. He fixed them finally by writing them down. Floating
about vaguely as they were, he seized them, worked them up, gave them shape, and yet of scarcely any of
them is there to be found before his time a single trace. So we must resign ourselves to know just as little of
what Gargantua and Pantagruel were before the sixteenth century.
In a book of a contemporary of Rabelais, the Legende de Pierre Faifeu by the Angevin, Charles de
Bourdigne, the first edition of which dates from 1526 and the second 1531−−both so rare and so forgotten
that the work is only known since the eighteenth century by the reprint of Custelier−−in the introductory
ballad which recommends this book to readers, occur these lines in the list of popular books which Faifeu
would desire to replace:
'Laissez ester Caillette le folastre,
16
Les quatre filz Aymon vestuz de bleu,
Gargantua qui a cheveux de plastre.'
He has not 'cheveux de plastre' in Rabelais. If the rhyme had not suggested the phrase−−and the exigencies of
the strict form of the ballade and its forced repetitions often imposed an idea which had its whole origin in the
rhyme−−we might here see a dramatic trace found nowhere else. The name of Pantagruel is mentioned too,
incidentally, in a Mystery of the fifteenth century. These are the only references to the names which up till
now have been discovered, and they are, as one sees, of but little account.
On the other hand, the influence of Aristophanes and of Lucian, his intimate acquaintance with nearly all the
writers of antiquity, Greek as well as Latin, with whom Rabelais is more permeated even than Montaigne,
were a mine of inspiration. The proof of it is everywhere. Pliny especially was his encyclopaedia, his constant
companion. All he says of the Pantagruelian herb, though he amply developed it for himself, is taken from
Pliny's chapter on flax. And there is a great deal more of this kind to be discovered, for Rabelais does not
always give it as quotation. On the other hand, when he writes, 'Such an one says,' it would be difficult
enough to find who is meant, for the 'such an one' is a fictitious writer. The method is amusing, but it is
curious to account of it.
The question of the Chronique Gargantuaine is still undecided. Is it by Rabelais or by someone else? Both
theories are defensible, and can be supported by good reasons. In the Chronique everything is heavy,
occasionally meaningless, and nearly always insipid. Can the same man have written the Chronique and
Gargantua, replaced a book really commonplace by a masterpiece, changed the facts and incidents,
transformed a heavy icy pleasantry into a work glowing with wit and life, made it no longer a mass of
laborious trifling and cold−blooded exaggerations but a satire on human life of the highest genius? Still there
are points common to the two. Besides, Rabelais wrote other things; and it is only in his romance that he
shows literary skill. The conception of it would have entered his mind first only in a bare and summary
fashion. It would have been taken up again, expanded, developed, metamorphosed. That is possible, and, for
my part, I am of those who, like Brunet and Nodier, are inclined to think that the Chronique, in spite of its
inferiority, is really a first attempt, condemned as soon as the idea was conceived in another form. As its
earlier date is incontestable, we must conclude that if the Chronique is not by him, his Gargantua and its
continuation would not have existed without it. This should be a great obligation to stand under to some
unknown author, and in that case it is astonishing that his enemies did not reproach him during his lifetime
with being merely an imitator and a plagiarist. So there are reasons for and against his authorship of it, and it
would be dangerous to make too bold an assertion.
One fact which is absolutely certain and beyond all controversy, is that Rabelais owed much to one of his
contemporaries, an Italian, to the Histoire Macaronique of Merlin Coccaie. Its author, Theophilus Folengo,
who was also a monk, was born in 1491, and died only a short time before Rabelais, in 1544. But his
burlesque poem was published in 1517. It was in Latin verse, written in an elaborately fabricated style. It is
not dog Latin, but Latin ingeniously italianized, or rather Italian, even Mantuan, latinized. The contrast
between the modern form of the word and its Roman garb produces the most amusing effect. In the original it
is sometimes difficult to read, for Folengo has no objection to using the most colloquial words and phrases.
The subject is quite different. It is the adventures of Baldo, son of Guy de Montauban, the very lively history
of his youth, his trial, imprisonment and deliverance, his journey in search of his father, during which he
visits the Planets and Hell. The narration is constantly interrupted by incidental adventures. Occasionally they
are what would be called to−day very naturalistic, and sometimes they are madly extravagant.
But Fracasso, Baldo's friend, is a giant; another friend, Cingar, who delivers him, is Panurge exactly, and
quite as much given to practical joking. The women in the senile amour of the old Tognazzo, the judges, and
the poor sergeants, are no more gently dealt with by Folengo than by the monk of the Iles d'Hyeres. If
17
Dindenaut's name does not occur, there are the sheep. The tempest is there, and the invocation to all the
saints. Rabelais improves all he borrows, but it is from Folengo he starts. He does not reproduce the words,
but, like the Italian, he revels in drinking scenes, junkettings, gormandizing, battles, scuffles, wounds and
corpses, magic, witches, speeches, repeated enumerations, lengthiness, and a solemnly minute precision of
impossible dates and numbers. The atmosphere, the tone, the methods are the same, and to know Rabelais
well, you must know Folengo well too.
Detailed proof of this would be too lengthy a matter; one would have to quote too many passages, but on this
question of sources nothing is more interesting than a perusal of the Opus Macaronicorum. It was translated
into French only in 1606−−Paris, Gilley Robinot. This translation of course cannot reproduce all the many
amusing forms of words, but it is useful, nevertheless, in showing more clearly the points of resemblance
between the two works,−−how far in form, ideas, details, and phrases Rabelais was permeated by Folengo.
The anonymous translator saw this quite well, and said so in his title, 'Histoire macaronique de Merlin
Coccaie, prototype of Rabelais.' It is nothing but the truth, and Rabelais, who does not hide it from himself,
on more than one occasion mentions the name of Merlin Coccaie.
Besides, Rabelais was fed on the Italians of his time as on the Greeks and Romans. Panurge, who owes much
to Cingar, is also not free from obligations to the miscreant Margutte in the Morgante Maggiore of Pulci. Had
Rabelais in his mind the tale from the Florentine Chronicles, how in the Savonarola riots, when the Piagnoni
and the Arrabiati came to blows in the church of the Dominican convent of San−Marco, Fra Pietro in the
scuffle broke the heads of the assailants with the bronze crucifix he had taken from the altar? A well−handled
cross could so readily be used as a weapon, that probably it has served as such more than once, and other and
even quite modern instances might be quoted.
But other Italian sources are absolutely certain. There are few more wonderful chapters in Rabelais than the
one about the drinkers. It is not a dialogue: those short exclamations exploding from every side, all referring
to the same thing, never repeating themselves, and yet always varying the same theme. At the end of the
Novelle of Gentile Sermini of Siena, there is a chapter called Il Giuoco della pugna, the Game of Battle. Here
are the first lines of it: 'Apre, apre, apre. Chi gioca, chi gioca−− uh, uh!−−A Porrione, a Porrione.−−Viela,
viela; date a ognuno.−−Alle mantella, alle mantella.−−Oltre di corsa; non vi fermate.−−Voltate qui; ecco
costoro; fate veli innanzi.−−Viela, viela; date costi.−−Chi la fa? Io−−Ed io.−−Dagli; ah, ah, buona fu.−−Or
cosi; alla mascella, al fianco.−− Dagli basso; di punta, di punta.−−Ah, ah, buon gioco, buon gioco.'
And thus it goes on with fire and animation for pages. Rabelais probably translated or directly imitated it. He
changed the scene; there was no giuooco della pugna in France. He transferred to a drinking−bout this clatter
of exclamations which go off by themselves, which cross each other and get no answer. He made a wonderful
thing of it. But though he did not copy Sermini, yet Sermini's work provided him with the form of the subject,
and was the theme for Rabelais' marvellous variations.
Who does not remember the fantastic quarrel of the cook with the poor devil who had flavoured his dry bread
with the smoke of the roast, and the judgment of Seyny John, truly worthy of Solomon? It comes from the
Cento Novelle Antiche, rewritten from tales older than Boccaccio, and moreover of an extreme brevity and
dryness. They are only the framework, the notes, the skeleton of tales. The subject is often wonderful, but
nothing is made of it: it is left unshaped. Rabelais wrote a version of one, the ninth. The scene takes place, not
at Paris, but at Alexandria in Egypt among the Saracens, and the cook is called Fabrac. But the surprise at the
end, the sagacious judgment by which the sound of a piece of money was made the price of the smoke, is the
same. Now the first dated edition of the Cento Novelle (which were frequently reprinted) appeared at
Bologna in 1525, and it is certain that Rabelais had read the tales. And there would be much else of the same
kind to learn if we knew Rabelais' library.
18
A still stranger fact of this sort may be given to show how nothing came amiss to him. He must have known,
and even copied the Latin Chronicle of the Counts of Anjou. It is accepted, and rightly so, as an historical
document, but that is no reason for thinking that the truth may not have been manipulated and adorned. The
Counts of Anjou were not saints. They were proud, quarrelsome, violent, rapacious, and extravagant, as
greedy as they were charitable to the Church, treacherous and cruel. Yet their anonymous panegyrist has
made them patterns of all the virtues. In reality it is both a history and in some sort a romance; especially is it
a collection of examples worthy of being followed, in the style of the Cyropaedia, our Juvenal of the fifteenth
century, and a little like Fenelon's Telemaque. Now in it there occurs the address of one of the counts to those
who rebelled against him and who were at his mercy. Rabelais must have known it, for he has copied it, or
rather, literally translated whole lines of it in the wonderful speech of Gargantua to the vanquished. His
contemporaries, who approved of his borrowing from antiquity, could not detect this one, because the book
was not printed till much later. But Rabelais lived in Maine. In Anjou, which often figures among the
localities he names, he must have met with and read the Chronicles of the Counts in manuscript, probably in
some monastery library, whether at Fontenay−le−Comte or elsewhere it matters little. There is not only a
likeness in the ideas and tone, but in the words too, which cannot be a mere matter of chance. He must have
known the Chronicles of the Counts of Anjou, and they inspired one of his finest pages. One sees, therefore,
how varied were the sources whence he drew, and how many of them must probably always escape us.
When, as has been done for Moliere, a critical bibliography of the works relating to Rabelais is drawn
up−−which, by the bye, will entail a very great amount of labour−−the easiest part will certainly be the
bibliography of the old editions. That is the section that has been most satisfactorily and most completely
worked out. M. Brunet said the last word on the subject in his Researches in 1852, and in the important
article in the fifth edition of his Manuel du Libraire (iv., 1863, pp. 1037−1071).
The facts about the fifth book cannot be summed up briefly. It was printed as a whole at first, without the
name of the place, in 1564, and next year at Lyons by Jean Martin. It has given, and even still gives rise to
two contradictory opinions. Is it Rabelais' or not?
First of all, if he had left it complete, would sixteen years have gone by before it was printed? Then, does it
bear evident marks of his workmanship? Is the hand of the master visible throughout? Antoine Du Verdier in
the 1605 edition of his Prosopographie writes: '(Rabelais') misfortune has been that everybody has wished to
"pantagruelize!" and several books have appeared under his name, and have been added to his works, which
are not by him, as, for instance, l'Ile Sonnante, written by a certain scholar of Valence and others.'
The scholar of Valence might be Guillaume des Autels, to whom with more certainty can be ascribed the
authorship of a dull imitation of Rabelais, the History of Fanfreluche and Gaudichon, published in 1578,
which, to say the least of it, is very much inferior to the fifth book.
Louis Guyon, in his Diverses Lecons, is still more positive: 'As to the last book which has been included in
his works, entitled l'Ile Sonnante, the object of which seems to be to find fault with and laugh at the members
and the authorities of the Catholic Church, I protest that he did not compose it, for it was written long after
his death. I was at Paris when it was written, and I know quite well who was its author; he was not a doctor.'
That is very emphatic, and it is impossible to ignore it.
Yet everyone must recognize that there is a great deal of Rabelais in the fifth book. He must have planned it
and begun it. Remembering that in 1548 he had published, not as an experiment, but rather as a bait and as an
announcement, the first eleven chapters of the fourth book, we may conclude that the first sixteen chapters of
the fifth book published by themselves nine years after his death, in 1562, represent the remainder of his
definitely finished work. This is the more certain because these first chapters, which contain the Apologue of
the Horse and the Ass and the terrible Furred Law−cats, are markedly better than what follows them. They
are not the only ones where the master's hand may be traced, but they are the only ones where no other hand
19
could possibly have interfered.
In the remainder the sentiment is distinctly Protestant. Rabelais was much struck by the vices of the clergy
and did not spare them. Whether we are unable to forgive his criticisms because they were conceived in a
spirit of raillery, or whether, on the other hand, we feel admiration for him on this point, yet Rabelais was not
in the least a sectary. If he strongly desired a moral reform, indirectly pointing out the need of it in his
mocking fashion, he was not favourable to a political reform. Those who would make of him a Protestant
altogether forget that the Protestants of his time were not for him, but against him. Henri Estienne, for
instance, Ramus, Theodore de Beze, and especially Calvin, should know how he was to be regarded. Rabelais
belonged to what may be called the early reformation, to that band of honest men in the beginning of the
sixteenth century, precursors of the later one perhaps, but, like Erasmus, between the two extremes. He was
neither Lutheran nor Calvinist, neither German nor Genevese, and it is quite natural that his work was not
reprinted in Switzerland, which would certainly have happened had the Protestants looked on him as one of
themselves.
That Rabelais collected the materials for the fifth book, had begun it, and got on some way, there can be no
doubt: the excellence of a large number of passages prove it, but−−taken as a whole−−the fifth book has not
the value, the verve, and the variety of the others. The style is quite different, less rich, briefer, less elaborate,
drier, in parts even wearisome. In the first four books Rabelais seldom repeats himself. The fifth book
contains from the point of view of the vocabulary really the least novelty. On the contrary, it is full of words
and expressions already met with, which is very natural in an imitation, in a copy, forced to keep to a similar
tone, and to show by such reminders and likenesses that it is really by the same pen. A very striking point is
the profound difference in the use of anatomical terms. In the other books they are most frequently used in a
humorous sense, and nonsensically, with a quite other meaning than their own; in the fifth they are applied
correctly. It was necessary to include such terms to keep up the practice, but the writer has not thought of
using them to add to the comic effect: one cannot always think of everything. Trouble has been taken, of
course, to include enumerations, but there are much fewer fabricated and fantastic words. In short, the hand
of the maker is far from showing the same suppleness and strength.
A eulogistic quatrain is signed Nature quite, which, it is generally agreed, is an anagram of Jean Turquet. Did
the adapter of the fifth book sign his work in this indirect fashion? He might be of the Genevese family to
whom Louis Turquet and his son Theodore belonged, both well−known, and both strong Protestants. The
obscurity relating to this matter is far from being cleared up, and perhaps never will be.
It fell to my lot−−here, unfortunately, I am forced to speak of a personal matter−−to print for the first time the
manuscript of the fifth book. At first it was hoped it might be in Rabelais' own hand; afterwards that it might
be at least a copy of his unfinished work. The task was a difficult one, for the writing, extremely flowing and
rapid, is execrable, and most difficult to decipher and to transcribe accurately. Besides, it often happens in the
sixteenth and the end of the fifteenth century, that manuscripts are much less correct than the printed
versions, even when they have not been copied by clumsy and ignorant hands. In this case, it is the writing of
a clerk executed as quickly as possible. The farther it goes the more incorrect it becomes, as if the writer were
in haste to finish.
What is really the origin of it? It has less the appearance of notes or fragments prepared by Rabelais than of a
first attempt at revision. It is not an author's rough draft; still less is it his manuscript. If I had not printed this
enigmatical text with scrupulous and painful fidelity, I would do it now. It was necessary to do it so as to
clear the way. But as the thing is done, and accessible to those who may be interested, and who wish to
critically examine it, there is no further need of reprinting it. All the editions of Rabelais continue, and
rightly, to reproduce the edition of 1564. It is not the real Rabelais, but however open to criticism it may be, it
was under that form that the fifth book appeared in the sixteenth century, under that form it was accepted.
Consequently it is convenient and even necessary to follow and keep to the original edition.
20
The first sixteen chapters may, and really must be, the text of Rabelais, in the final form as left by him, and
found after his death; the framework, and a number of the passages in the continuation, the best ones, of
course, are his, but have been patched up and tampered with. Nothing can have been suppressed of what
existed; it was evidently thought that everything should be admitted with the final revision; but the tone was
changed, additions were made, and 'improvements.' Adapters are always strangely vain.
In the seventeenth century, the French printing−press, save for an edition issued at Troyes in 1613, gave up
publishing Rabelais, and the work passed to foreign countries. Jean Fuet reprinted him at Antwerp in 1602.
After the Amsterdam edition of 1659, where for the first time appears 'The Alphabet of the French Author,'
comes the Elzevire edition of 1663. The type, an imitation of what made the reputation of the little volumes
of the Gryphes of Lyons, is charming, the printing is perfect, and the paper, which is French−−the
development of paper−making in Holland and England did not take place till after the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes−−is excellent. They are pretty volumes to the eye, but, as in all the reprints of the seventeenth
century, the text is full of faults and most untrustworthy.
France, through a representative in a foreign land, however, comes into line again in the beginning of the
eighteenth century, and in a really serious fashion, thanks to the very considerable learning of a French
refugee, Jacob Le Duchat, who died in 1748. He had a most thorough knowledge of the French prose−writers
of the sixteenth century, and he made them accessible by his editions of the Quinze Joies du Mariage, of
Henri Estienne, of Agrippa d'Aubigne, of L'Etoile, and of the Satyre Menippee. In 1711 he published an
edition of Rabelais at Amsterdam, through Henry Bordesius, in five duodecimo volumes. The reprint in
quarto which he issued in 1741, seven years before his death, is, with its engravings by Bernard Picot, a fine
library edition. Le Duchat's is the first of the critical editions. It takes account of differences in the texts, and
begins to point out the variations. His very numerous notes are remarkable, and are still worthy of most
serious consideration. He was the first to offer useful elucidations, and these have been repeated after him,
and with good reason will continue to be so. The Abbe de Massy's edition of 1752, also an Amsterdam
production, has made use of Le Duchat's but does not take its place. Finally, at end of the century, Cazin
printed Rabelais in his little volume, in 1782, and Bartiers issued two editions (of no importance) at Paris in
1782 and 1798. Fortunately the nineteenth century has occupied itself with the great 'Satyrique' in a more
competent and useful fashion.
In 1820 L'Aulnaye published through Desoer his three little volumes, printed in exquisite style, and which
have other merits besides. His volume of annotations, in which, that nothing might be lost of his own notes,
he has included many things not directly relating to Rabelais, is full of observations and curious remarks
which are very useful additions to Le Duchat. One fault to be found with him is his further complication of
the spelling. This he did in accordance with a principle that the words should be referred to their real
etymology. Learned though he was, Rabelais had little care to be so etymological, and it is not his theories
but those of the modern scholar that have been ventilated.
Somewhat later, from 1823 to 1826, Esmangart and Johanneau issued a variorum edition in nine volumes, in
which the text is often encumbered by notes which are really too numerous, and, above all, too long. The
work was an enormous one, but the best part of it is Le Duchat's, and what is not his is too often absolutely
hypothetical and beside the truth. Le Duchat had already given too much importance to the false historical
explanation. Here it is constantly coming in, and it rests on no evidence. In reality, there is no need of the key
to Rabelais by which to discover the meaning of subtle allusions. He is neither so complicated nor so full of
riddles. We know how he has scattered the names of contemporaries about his work, sometimes of friends,
sometimes of enemies, and without disguising them under any mask. He is no more Panurge than Louis XII.
is Gargantua or Francis I. Pantagruel. Rabelais says what he wants, all he wants, and in the way he wants.
There are no mysteries below the surface, and it is a waste of time to look for knots in a bulrush. All the
historical explanations are purely imaginary, utterly without proof, and should the more emphatically be
looked on as baseless and dismissed. They are radically false, and therefore both worthless and harmful.
21
In 1840 there appeared in the Bibliotheque Charpentier the Rabelais in a single duodecimo volume, begun by
Charles Labiche, and, after his death, completed by M. Paul Lacroix, whose share is the larger. The text is
that of L'Aulnaye; the short footnotes, with all their brevity, contain useful explanations of difficult words.
Amongst the editions of Rabelais this is one of the most important, because it brought him many readers and
admirers. No other has made him so well and so widely known as this portable volume, which has been
constantly reprinted. No other has been so widely circulated, and the sale still goes on. It was, and must still
be looked on as a most serviceable edition.
The edition published by Didot in 1857 has an altogether special character. In the biographical notice M.
Rathery for the first time treated as they deserve the foolish prejudices which have made Rabelais
misunderstood, and M. Burgaud des Marets set the text on a quite new base. Having proved, what of course is
very evident, that in the original editions the spelling, and the language too, were of the simplest and clearest,
and were not bristling with the nonsensical and superfluous consonants which have given rise to the idea that
Rabelais is difficult to read, he took the trouble first of all to note the spelling of each word. Whenever in a
single instance he found it in accordance with modern spelling, he made it the same throughout. The task was
a hard one, and Rabelais certainly gained in clearness, but over−zeal is often fatal to a reform. In respect to its
precision and the value of its notes, which are short and very judicious, Burgaud des Marets' edition is
valuable, and is amongst those which should be known and taken into account.
Since Le Duchat all the editions have a common fault. They are not exactly guilty of fabricating, but they set
up an artificial text in the sense that, in order to lose as little as possible, they have collected and united what
originally were variations−−the revisions, in short, of the original editions. Guided by the wise counsels given
by Brunet in 1852 in his Researches on the old editions of Rabelais, Pierre Jannet published the first three
books in 1858; then, when the publication of the Bibliotheque Elzevirienne was discontinued, he took up the
work again and finished the edition in Picard's blue library, in little volumes, each book quite distinct. It was
M. Jannet who in our days first restored the pure and exact text of Rabelais, not only without retouching it,
but without making additions or insertions, or juxtaposition of things that were not formerly found together.
For each of the books he has followed the last edition issued by Rabelais, and all the earlier differences he
gives as variations. It is astonishing that a thing so simple and so fitting should not have been done before,
and the result is that this absolutely exact fidelity has restored a lucidity which was not wanting in Rabelais's
time, but which had since been obscured. All who have come after Jannet have followed in his path, and there
is no reason for straying from it.
THE FIRST BOOK.
To the Honoured, Noble Translator of Rabelais.
Rabelais, whose wit prodigiously was made,
All men, professions, actions to invade,
With so much furious vigour, as if it
Had lived o'er each of them, and each had quit,
Yet with such happy sleight and careless skill,
As, like the serpent, doth with laughter kill,
So that although his noble leaves appear
Antic and Gottish, and dull souls forbear
To turn them o'er, lest they should only find
Nothing but savage monsters of a mind,−−
No shapen beauteous thoughts; yet when the wise
Seriously strip him of his wild disguise,
Melt down his dross, refine his massy ore,
And polish that which seem'd rough−cast before,
Search his deep sense, unveil his hidden mirth,
And make that fiery which before seem'd earth
(Conquering those things of highest consequence,
22
What's difficult of language or of sense),
He will appear some noble table writ
In the old Egyptian hieroglyphic wit;
Where, though you monsters and grotescoes see,
You meet all mysteries of philosophy.
For he was wise and sovereignly bred
To know what mankind is, how 't may be led:
He stoop'd unto them, like that wise man, who
Rid on a stick, when 's children would do so.
For we are easy sullen things, and must
Be laugh'd aright, and cheated into trust;
Whilst a black piece of phlegm, that lays about
Dull menaces, and terrifies the rout,
And cajoles it, with all its peevish strength
Piteously stretch'd and botch'd up into length,
Whilst the tired rabble sleepily obey
Such opiate talk, and snore away the day,
By all his noise as much their minds relieves,
As caterwauling of wild cats frights thieves.
But Rabelais was another thing, a man
Made up of all that art and nature can
Form from a fiery genius,−−he was one
Whose soul so universally was thrown
Through all the arts of life, who understood
Each stratagem by which we stray from good;
So that he best might solid virtue teach,
As some 'gainst sins of their own bosoms preach:
He from wise choice did the true means prefer,
In fool's coat acting th' philosopher.
Thus hoary Aesop's beasts did mildly tame
Fierce man, and moralize him into shame;
Thus brave romances, while they seem to lay
Great trains of lust, platonic love display;
Thus would old Sparta, if a seldom chance
Show'd a drunk slave, teach children temperance;
Thus did the later poets nobly bring
The scene to height, making the fool the king.
And, noble sir, you vigorously have trod
In this hard path, unknown, un−understood
By its own countrymen, 'tis you appear
Our full enjoyment which was our despair,
Scattering his mists, cheering his cynic frowns
(For radiant brightness now dark Rabelais crowns),
Leaving your brave heroic cares, which must
Make better mankind and embalm your dust,
So undeceiving us, that now we see
All wit in Gascon and in Cromarty,
Besides that Rabelais is convey'd to us,
And that our Scotland is not barbarous.
J. De la Salle.
Rablophila.
The First Decade.
The Commendation.
Musa! canas nostrorum in testimonium Amorum,
Et Gargantueas perpetuato faces,
23
Utque homini tali resultet nobilis Eccho:
Quicquid Fama canit, Pantagruelis erit.
The Argument.
Here I intend mysteriously to sing
With a pen pluck'd from Fame's own wing,
Of Gargantua that learn'd breech−wiping king.
Decade the First.
I.
Help me, propitious stars; a mighty blaze
Benumbs me! I must sound the praise
Of him hath turn'd this crabbed work in such heroic phrase.
II.
What wit would not court martyrdom to hold
Upon his head a laurel of gold,
Where for each rich conceit a Pumpion−pearl is told:
III.
And such a one is this, art's masterpiece,
A thing ne'er equall'd by old Greece:
A thing ne'er match'd as yet, a real Golden Fleece.
IV.
Vice is a soldier fights against mankind;
Which you may look but never find:
For 'tis an envious thing, with cunning interlined.
V.
And thus he rails at drinking all before 'em,
And for lewd women does be−whore 'em,
And brings their painted faces and black patches to th' quorum.
VI.
To drink he was a furious enemy
Contented with a six−penny−−
(with diamond hatband, silver spurs, six horses.) pie−−
VII.
And for tobacco's pate−rotunding smoke,
Much had he said, and much more spoke,
But 'twas not then found out, so the design was broke.
VIII.
Muse! Fancy! Faith! come now arise aloud,
Assembled in a blue−vein'd cloud,
And this tall infant in angelic arms now shroud.
IX.
To praise it further I would now begin
24
Were 't now a thoroughfare and inn,
It harbours vice, though 't be to catch it in a gin.
X.
Therefore, my Muse, draw up thy flowing sail,
And acclamate a gentle hail
With all thy art and metaphors, which must prevail.
Jam prima Oceani pars est praeterita nostri.
Imparibus restat danda secunda modis.
Quam si praestiterit mentem Daemon malus addam,
Cum sapiens totus prodierit Rabelais.
Malevolus.
(Reader, the Errata, which in this book are not a few, are casually lost; and therefore the Translator, not
having leisure to collect them again, craves thy pardon for such as thou may'st meet with.)
The Author's Prologue to the First Book.
Most noble and illustrious drinkers, and you thrice precious pockified blades (for to you, and none else, do I
dedicate my writings), Alcibiades, in that dialogue of Plato's, which is entitled The Banquet, whilst he was
setting forth the praises of his schoolmaster Socrates (without all question the prince of philosophers),
amongst other discourses to that purpose, said that he resembled the Silenes. Silenes of old were little boxes,
like those we now may see in the shops of apothecaries, painted on the outside with wanton toyish figures, as
harpies, satyrs, bridled geese, horned hares, saddled ducks, flying goats, thiller harts, and other such− like
counterfeited pictures at discretion, to excite people unto laughter, as Silenus himself, who was the
foster−father of good Bacchus, was wont to do; but within those capricious caskets were carefully preserved
and kept many rich jewels and fine drugs, such as balm, ambergris, amomon, musk, civet, with several kinds
of precious stones, and other things of great price. Just such another thing was Socrates. For to have eyed his
outside, and esteemed of him by his exterior appearance, you would not have given the peel of an onion for
him, so deformed he was in body, and ridiculous in his gesture. He had a sharp pointed nose, with the look of
a bull, and countenance of a fool: he was in his carriage simple, boorish in his apparel, in fortune poor,
unhappy in his wives, unfit for all offices in the commonwealth, always laughing, tippling, and merrily
carousing to everyone, with continual gibes and jeers, the better by those means to conceal his divine
knowledge. Now, opening this box you would have found within it a heavenly and inestimable drug, a more
than human understanding, an admirable virtue, matchless learning, invincible courage, unimitable sobriety,
certain contentment of mind, perfect assurance, and an incredible misregard of all that for which men
commonly do so much watch, run, sail, fight, travel, toil and turmoil themselves.
Whereunto (in your opinion) doth this little flourish of a preamble tend? For so much as you, my good
disciples, and some other jolly fools of ease and leisure, reading the pleasant titles of some books of our
invention, as Gargantua, Pantagruel, Whippot (Fessepinte.), the Dignity of Codpieces, of Pease and Bacon
with a Commentary, are too ready to judge that there is nothing in them but jests, mockeries, lascivious
discourse, and recreative lies; because the outside (which is the title) is usually, without any farther inquiry,
entertained with scoffing and derision. But truly it is very unbeseeming to make so slight account of the
works of men, seeing yourselves avouch that it is not the habit makes the monk, many being monasterially
accoutred, who inwardly are nothing less than monachal, and that there are of those that wear Spanish capes,
who have but little of the valour of Spaniards in them. Therefore is it, that you must open the book, and
seriously consider of the matter treated in it. Then shall you find that it containeth things of far higher value
than the box did promise; that is to say, that the subject thereof is not so foolish as by the title at the first sight
25
it would appear to be.
And put the case, that in the literal sense you meet with purposes merry and solacious enough, and
consequently very correspondent to their inscriptions, yet must not you stop there as at the melody of the
charming syrens, but endeavour to interpret that in a sublimer sense which possibly you intended to have
spoken in the jollity of your heart. Did you ever pick the lock of a cupboard to steal a bottle of wine out of it?
Tell me truly, and, if you did, call to mind the countenance which then you had. Or, did you ever see a dog
with a marrowbone in his mouth,−−the beast of all other, says Plato, lib. 2, de Republica, the most
philosophical? If you have seen him, you might have remarked with what devotion and circumspectness he
wards and watcheth it: with what care he keeps it: how fervently he holds it: how prudently he gobbets it:
with what affection he breaks it: and with what diligence he sucks it. To what end all this? What moveth him
to take all these pains? What are the hopes of his labour? What doth he expect to reap thereby? Nothing but a
little marrow. True it is, that this little is more savoury and delicious than the great quantities of other sorts of
meat, because the marrow (as Galen testifieth, 5. facult. nat. 11. de usu partium) is a nourishment most
perfectly elaboured by nature.
In imitation of this dog, it becomes you to be wise, to smell, feel and have in estimation these fair goodly
books, stuffed with high conceptions, which, though seemingly easy in the pursuit, are in the cope and
encounter somewhat difficult. And then, like him, you must, by a sedulous lecture, and frequent meditation,
break the bone, and suck out the marrow,−−that is, my allegorical sense, or the things I to myself propose to
be signified by these Pythagorical symbols, with assured hope, that in so doing you will at last attain to be
both well−advised and valiant by the reading of them: for in the perusal of this treatise you shall find another
kind of taste, and a doctrine of a more profound and abstruse consideration, which will disclose unto you the
most glorious sacraments and dreadful mysteries, as well in what concerneth your religion, as matters of the
public state, and life economical.
Do you believe, upon your conscience, that Homer, whilst he was a−couching his Iliads and Odysses, had
any thought upon those allegories, which Plutarch, Heraclides Ponticus, Eustathius, Cornutus squeezed out of
him, and which Politian filched again from them? If you trust it, with neither hand nor foot do you come near
to my opinion, which judgeth them to have been as little dreamed of by Homer, as the Gospel sacraments
were by Ovid in his Metamorphoses, though a certain gulligut friar (Frere Lubin croquelardon.) and true
bacon−picker would have undertaken to prove it, if perhaps he had met with as very fools as himself, (and as
the proverb says) a lid worthy of such a kettle.
If you give no credit thereto, why do not you the same in these jovial new chronicles of mine? Albeit when I
did dictate them, I thought upon no more than you, who possibly were drinking the whilst as I was. For in the
composing of this lordly book, I never lost nor bestowed any more, nor any other time than what was
appointed to serve me for taking of my bodily refection, that is, whilst I was eating and drinking. And indeed
that is the fittest and most proper hour wherein to write these high matters and deep sciences: as Homer knew
very well, the paragon of all philologues, and Ennius, the father of the Latin poets, as Horace calls him,
although a certain sneaking jobernol alleged that his verses smelled more of the wine than oil.
So saith a turlupin or a new start−up grub of my books, but a turd for him. The fragrant odour of the wine, O
how much more dainty, pleasant, laughing (Riant, priant, friant.), celestial and delicious it is, than that smell
of oil! And I will glory as much when it is said of me, that I have spent more on wine than oil, as did
Demosthenes, when it was told him, that his expense on oil was greater than on wine. I truly hold it for an
honour and praise to be called and reputed a Frolic Gualter and a Robin Goodfellow; for under this name am
I welcome in all choice companies of Pantagruelists. It was upbraided to Demosthenes by an envious surly
knave, that his Orations did smell like the sarpler or wrapper of a foul and filthy oil− vessel. For this cause
interpret you all my deeds and sayings in the perfectest sense; reverence the cheese−like brain that feeds you
with these fair billevezees and trifling jollities, and do what lies in you to keep me always merry. Be frolic
26
now, my lads, cheer up your hearts, and joyfully read the rest, with all the ease of your body and profit of
your reins. But hearken, joltheads, you viedazes, or dickens take ye, remember to drink a health to me for the
like favour again, and I will pledge you instantly, Tout ares−metys.
Rabelais to the Reader.
Good friends, my Readers, who peruse this Book,
Be not offended, whilst on it you look:
Denude yourselves of all depraved affection,
For it contains no badness, nor infection:
'Tis true that it brings forth to you no birth
Of any value, but in point of mirth;
Thinking therefore how sorrow might your mind
Consume, I could no apter subject find;
One inch of joy surmounts of grief a span;
Because to laugh is proper to the man.
Chapter 1.I. Of the Genealogy and Antiquity of Gargantua.
I must refer you to the great chronicle of Pantagruel for the knowledge of that genealogy and antiquity of race
by which Gargantua is come unto us. In it you may understand more at large how the giants were born in this
world, and how from them by a direct line issued Gargantua, the father of Pantagruel: and do not take it ill, if
for this time I pass by it, although the subject be such, that the oftener it were remembered, the more it would
please your worshipful Seniorias; according to which you have the authority of Plato in Philebo and Gorgias;
and of Flaccus, who says that there are some kinds of purposes (such as these are without doubt), which, the
frequentlier they be repeated, still prove the more delectable.
Would to God everyone had as certain knowledge of his genealogy since the time of the ark of Noah until
this age. I think many are at this day emperors, kings, dukes, princes, and popes on the earth, whose
extraction is from some porters and pardon−pedlars; as, on the contrary, many are now poor wandering
beggars, wretched and miserable, who are descended of the blood and lineage of great kings and emperors,
occasioned, as I conceive it, by the transport and revolution of kingdoms and empires, from the Assyrians to
the Medes, from the Medes to the Persians, from the Persians to the Macedonians, from the Macedonians to
the Romans, from the Romans to the Greeks, from the Greeks to the French.
And to give you some hint concerning myself, who speaks unto you, I cannot think but I am come of the race
of some rich king or prince in former times; for never yet saw you any man that had a greater desire to be a
king, and to be rich, than I have, and that only that I may make good cheer, do nothing, nor care for anything,
and plentifully enrich my friends, and all honest and learned men. But herein do I comfort myself, that in the
other world I shall be so, yea and greater too than at this present I dare wish. As for you, with the same or a
better conceit consolate yourselves in your distresses, and drink fresh if you can come by it.
To return to our wethers, I say that by the sovereign gift of heaven, the antiquity and genealogy of Gargantua
hath been reserved for our use more full and perfect than any other except that of the Messias, whereof I
mean not to speak; for it belongs not unto my purpose, and the devils, that is to say, the false accusers and
dissembled gospellers, will therein oppose me. This genealogy was found by John Andrew in a meadow,
which he had near the pole−arch, under the olive−tree, as you go to Narsay: where, as he was making cast up
some ditches, the diggers with their mattocks struck against a great brazen tomb, and unmeasurably long, for
they could never find the end thereof, by reason that it entered too far within the sluices of Vienne. Opening
this tomb in a certain place thereof, sealed on the top with the mark of a goblet, about which was written in
Etrurian letters Hic Bibitur, they found nine flagons set in such order as they use to rank their kyles in
Gascony, of which that which was placed in the middle had under it a big, fat, great, grey, pretty, small,
27
mouldy, little pamphlet, smelling stronger, but no better than roses. In that book the said genealogy was
found written all at length, in a chancery hand, not in paper, not in parchment, nor in wax, but in the bark of
an elm−tree, yet so worn with the long tract of time, that hardly could three letters together be there perfectly
discerned.
I (though unworthy) was sent for thither, and with much help of those spectacles, whereby the art of reading
dim writings, and letters that do not clearly appear to the sight, is practised, as Aristotle teacheth it, did
translate the book as you may see in your Pantagruelizing, that is to say, in drinking stiffly to your own
heart's desire, and reading the dreadful and horrific acts of Pantagruel. At the end of the book there was a
little treatise entitled the Antidoted Fanfreluches, or a Galimatia of extravagant conceits. The rats and moths,
or (that I may not lie) other wicked beasts, had nibbled off the beginning: the rest I have hereto subjoined, for
the reverence I bear to antiquity.
Chapter 1.II. The Antidoted Fanfreluches: or, a Galimatia of extravagant Conceits found in an ancient
Monument.
No sooner did the Cymbrians' overcomer
Pass through the air to shun the dew of summer,
But at his coming straight great tubs were fill'd,
With pure fresh butter down in showers distill'd:
Wherewith when water'd was his grandam, Hey,
Aloud he cried, Fish it, sir, I pray y';
Because his beard is almost all beray'd;
Or, that he would hold to 'm a scale, he pray'd.
To lick his slipper, some told was much better,
Than to gain pardons, and the merit greater.
In th' interim a crafty chuff approaches,
From the depth issued, where they fish for roaches;
Who said, Good sirs, some of them let us save,
The eel is here, and in this hollow cave
You'll find, if that our looks on it demur,
A great waste in the bottom of his fur.
To read this chapter when he did begin,
Nothing but a calf's horns were found therein;
I feel, quoth he, the mitre which doth hold
My head so chill, it makes my brains take cold.
Being with the perfume of a turnip warm'd,
To stay by chimney hearths himself he arm'd,
Provided that a new thill−horse they made
Of every person of a hair−brain'd head.
They talked of the bunghole of Saint Knowles,
Of Gilbathar and thousand other holes,
If they might be reduced t' a scarry stuff,
Such as might not be subject to the cough:
Since ev'ry man unseemly did it find,
To see them gaping thus at ev'ry wind:
For, if perhaps they handsomely were closed,
For pledges they to men might be exposed.
In this arrest by Hercules the raven
Was flayed at her (his) return from Lybia haven.
Why am not I, said Minos, there invited?
Unless it be myself, not one's omitted:
And then it is their mind, I do no more
Of frogs and oysters send them any store:
In case they spare my life and prove but civil,
28
I give their sale of distaffs to the devil.
To quell him comes Q.B., who limping frets
At the safe pass of tricksy crackarets:
The boulter, the grand Cyclops' cousin, those
Did massacre, whilst each one wiped his nose:
Few ingles in this fallow ground are bred,
But on a tanner's mill are winnowed.
Run thither all of you, th' alarms sound clear,
You shall have more than you had the last year.
Short while thereafter was the bird of Jove
Resolved to speak, though dismal it should prove;
Yet was afraid, when he saw them in ire,
They should o'erthrow quite flat down dead th' empire.
He rather choosed the fire from heaven to steal,
To boats where were red herrings put to sale;
Than to be calm 'gainst those, who strive to brave us,
And to the Massorets' fond words enslave us.
All this at last concluded gallantly,
In spite of Ate and her hern−like thigh,
Who, sitting, saw Penthesilea ta'en,
In her old age, for a cress−selling quean.
Each one cried out, Thou filthy collier toad,
Doth it become thee to be found abroad?
Thou hast the Roman standard filch'd away,
Which they in rags of parchment did display.
Juno was born, who, under the rainbow,
Was a−bird−catching with her duck below:
When her with such a grievous trick they plied
That she had almost been bethwacked by it.
The bargain was, that, of that throatful, she
Should of Proserpina have two eggs free;
And if that she thereafter should be found,
She to a hawthorn hill should be fast bound.
Seven months thereafter, lacking twenty−two,
He, that of old did Carthage town undo,
Did bravely midst them all himself advance,
Requiring of them his inheritance;
Although they justly made up the division,
According to the shoe−welt−law's decision,
By distributing store of brews and beef
To these poor fellows that did pen the brief.
But th' year will come, sign of a Turkish bow,
Five spindles yarn'd, and three pot−bottoms too,
Wherein of a discourteous king the dock
Shall pepper'd be under an hermit's frock.
Ah! that for one she hypocrite you must
Permit so many acres to be lost!
Cease, cease, this vizard may become another,
Withdraw yourselves unto the serpent's brother.
'Tis in times past, that he who is shall reign
With his good friends in peace now and again.
No rash nor heady prince shall then rule crave,
Each good will its arbitrement shall have;
And the joy, promised of old as doom
To the heaven's guests, shall in its beacon come.
29
Then shall the breeding mares, that benumb'd were,
Like royal palfreys ride triumphant there.
And this continue shall from time to time,
Till Mars be fetter'd for an unknown crime;
Then shall one come, who others will surpass,
Delightful, pleasing, matchless, full of grace.
Cheer up your hearts, approach to this repast,
All trusty friends of mine; for he's deceased,
Who would not for a world return again,
So highly shall time past be cried up then.
He who was made of wax shall lodge each member
Close by the hinges of a block of timber.
We then no more shall Master, master, whoot,
The swagger, who th' alarum bell holds out;
Could one seize on the dagger which he bears,
Heads would be free from tingling in the ears,
To baffle the whole storehouse of abuses.
The thus farewell Apollo and the Muses.
Chapter 1.III. How Gargantua was carried eleven months in his mother's belly.
Grangousier was a good fellow in his time, and notable jester; he loved to drink neat, as much as any man
that then was in the world, and would willingly eat salt meat. To this intent he was ordinarily well furnished
with gammons of bacon, both of Westphalia, Mayence and Bayonne, with store of dried neat's tongues,
plenty of links, chitterlings and puddings in their season; together with salt beef and mustard, a good deal of
hard roes of powdered mullet called botargos, great provision of sausages, not of Bolonia (for he feared the
Lombard Boccone), but of Bigorre, Longaulnay, Brene, and Rouargue. In the vigour of his age he married
Gargamelle, daughter to the King of the Parpaillons, a jolly pug, and well−mouthed wench. These two did
oftentimes do the two−backed beast together, joyfully rubbing and frotting their bacon 'gainst one another, in
so far, that at last she became great with child of a fair son, and went with him unto the eleventh month; for
so long, yea longer, may a woman carry her great belly, especially when it is some masterpiece of nature, and
a person predestinated to the performance, in his due time, of great exploits. As Homer says, that the child,
which Neptune begot upon the nymph, was born a whole year after the conception, that is, in the twelfth
month. For, as Aulus Gellius saith, lib. 3, this long time was suitable to the majesty of Neptune, that in it the
child might receive his perfect form. For the like reason Jupiter made the night, wherein he lay with Alcmena,
last forty− eight hours, a shorter time not being sufficient for the forging of Hercules, who cleansed the world
of the monsters and tyrants wherewith it was suppressed. My masters, the ancient Pantagruelists, have
confirmed that which I say, and withal declared it to be not only possible, but also maintained the lawful birth
and legitimation of the infant born of a woman in the eleventh month after the decease of her husband.
Hypocrates, lib. de alimento. Plinius, lib. 7, cap. 5. Plautus, in his Cistelleria. Marcus Varro, in his satire
inscribed The Testament, alleging to this purpose the authority of Aristotle. Censorinus, lib. de die natali.
Arist. lib. 7, cap. 3 4, de natura animalium. Gellius, lib. 3, cap. 16. Servius, in his exposition upon this verse
of Virgil's eclogues, Matri longa decem, and a thousand other fools, whose number hath been increased by
the lawyers ff. de suis, et legit l. intestato. paragrapho. fin. and in Auth. de restitut. et ea quae parit in xi
mense. Moreover upon these grounds they have foisted in their Robidilardic, or Lapiturolive law. Gallus ff.
de lib. et posth. l. sept. ff. de stat. hom., and some other laws, which at this time I dare not name. By means
whereof the honest widows may without danger play at the close buttock game with might and main, and as
hard as they can, for the space of the first two months after the decease of their husbands. I pray you, my
good lusty springal lads, if you find any of these females, that are worth the pains of untying the
codpiece−point, get up, ride upon them, and bring them to me; for, if they happen within the third month to
conceive, the child should be heir to the deceased, if, before he died, he had no other children, and the mother
shall pass for an honest woman.
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When she is known to have conceived, thrust forward boldly, spare her not, whatever betide you, seeing the
paunch is full. As Julia, the daughter of the Emperor Octavian, never prostituted herself to her
belly−bumpers, but when she found herself with child, after the manner of ships, that receive not their
steersman till they have their ballast and lading. And if any blame them for this their rataconniculation, and
reiterated lechery upon their pregnancy and big−belliedness, seeing beasts, in the like exigent of their fulness,
will never suffer the male−masculant to encroach them, their answer will be, that those are beasts, but they
are women, very well skilled in the pretty vales and small fees of the pleasant trade and mysteries of
superfetation: as Populia heretofore answered, according to the relation of Macrobius, lib. 2. Saturnal. If the
devil will not have them to bag, he must wring hard the spigot, and stop the bung−hole.
Chapter 1.IV. How Gargamelle, being great with Gargantua, did eat a huge deal of tripes.
The occasion and manner how Gargamelle was brought to bed, and delivered of her child, was thus: and, if
you do not believe it, I wish your bum−gut fall out and make an escapade. Her bum−gut, indeed, or
fundament escaped her in an afternoon, on the third day of February, with having eaten at dinner too many
godebillios. Godebillios are the fat tripes of coiros. Coiros are beeves fattened at the cratch in ox−stalls, or in
the fresh guimo meadows. Guimo meadows are those that for their fruitfulness may be mowed twice a year.
Of those fat beeves they had killed three hundred sixty−seven thousand and fourteen, to be salted at
Shrovetide, that in the entering of the spring they might have plenty of powdered beef, wherewith to season
their mouths at the beginning of their meals, and to taste their wine the better.
They had abundance of tripes, as you have heard, and they were so delicious, that everyone licked his fingers.
But the mischief was this, that, for all men could do, there was no possibility to keep them long in that relish;
for in a very short while they would have stunk, which had been an undecent thing. It was therefore
concluded, that they should be all of them gulched up, without losing anything. To this effect they invited all
the burghers of Sainais, of Suille, of the Roche−Clermaud, of Vaugaudry, without omitting the Coudray,
Monpensier, the Gue de Vede, and other their neighbours, all stiff drinkers, brave fellows, and good players
at the kyles. The good man Grangousier took great pleasure in their company, and commanded there should
be no want nor pinching for anything. Nevertheless he bade his wife eat sparingly, because she was near her
time, and that these tripes were no very commendable meat. They would fain, said he, be at the chewing of
ordure, that would eat the case wherein it was. Notwithstanding these admonitions, she did eat sixteen
quarters, two bushels, three pecks and a pipkin full. O the fair fecality wherewith she swelled, by the
ingrediency of such shitten stuff!
After dinner they all went out in a hurl to the grove of the willows, where, on the green grass, to the sound of
the merry flutes and pleasant bagpipes, they danced so gallantly, that it was a sweet and heavenly sport to see
them so frolic.
Chapter 1.V. The Discourse of the Drinkers.
Then did they fall upon the chat of victuals and some belly furniture to be snatched at in the very same place.
Which purpose was no sooner mentioned, but forthwith began flagons to go, gammons to trot, goblets to fly,
great bowls to ting, glasses to ring. Draw, reach, fill, mix, give it me without water. So, my friend, so, whip
me off this glass neatly, bring me hither some claret, a full weeping glass till it run over. A cessation and
truce with thirst. Ha, thou false fever, wilt thou not be gone? By my figgins, godmother, I cannot as yet enter
in the humour of being merry, nor drink so currently as I would. You have catched a cold, gammer? Yea,
forsooth, sir. By the belly of Sanct Buff, let us talk of our drink: I never drink but at my hours, like the Pope's
mule. And I never drink but in my breviary, like a fair father guardian. Which was first, thirst or drinking?
Thirst, for who in the time of innocence would have drunk without being athirst? Nay, sir, it was drinking; for
privatio praesupponit habitum. I am learned, you see: Foecundi calices quem non fecere disertum? We poor
innocents drink but too much without thirst. Not I truly, who am a sinner, for I never drink without thirst,
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either present or future. To prevent it, as you know, I drink for the thirst to come. I drink eternally. This is to
me an eternity of drinking, and drinking of eternity. Let us sing, let us drink, and tune up our roundelays.
Where is my funnel? What, it seems I do not drink but by an attorney? Do you wet yourselves to dry, or do
you dry to wet you? Pish, I understand not the rhetoric (theoric, I should say), but I help myself somewhat by
the practice. Baste! enough! I sup, I wet, I humect, I moisten my gullet, I drink, and all for fear of dying.
Drink always and you shall never die. If I drink not, I am a−ground, dry, gravelled and spent. I am stark dead
without drink, and my soul ready to fly into some marsh amongst frogs; the soul never dwells in a dry place,
drouth kills it. O you butlers, creators of new forms, make me of no drinker a drinker, a perennity and
everlastingness of sprinkling and bedewing me through these my parched and sinewy bowels. He drinks in
vain that feels not the pleasure of it. This entereth into my veins,−−the pissing tools and urinal vessels shall
have nothing of it. I would willingly wash the tripes of the calf which I apparelled this morning. I have pretty
well now ballasted my stomach and stuffed my paunch. If the papers of my bonds and bills could drink as
well as I do, my creditors would not want for wine when they come to see me, or when they are to make any
formal exhibition of their rights to what of me they can demand. This hand of yours spoils your nose. O how
many other such will enter here before this go out! What, drink so shallow? It is enough to break both girds
and petrel. This is called a cup of dissimulation, or flagonal hypocrisy.
What difference is there between a bottle and a flagon. Great difference; for the bottle is stopped and shut up
with a stopple, but the flagon with a vice (La bouteille est fermee a bouchon, et le flaccon a vis.). Bravely and
well played upon the words! Our fathers drank lustily, and emptied their cans. Well cacked, well sung! Come,
let us drink: will you send nothing to the river? Here is one going to wash the tripes. I drink no more than a
sponge. I drink like a Templar knight. And I, tanquam sponsus. And I, sicut terra sine aqua. Give me a
synonymon for a gammon of bacon. It is the compulsory of drinkers: it is a pulley. By a pulley− rope wine is
let down into a cellar, and by a gammon into the stomach. Hey! now, boys, hither, some drink, some drink.
There is no trouble in it. Respice personam, pone pro duos, bus non est in usu. If I could get up as well as I
can swallow down, I had been long ere now very high in the air.
Thus became Tom Tosspot rich,−−thus went in the tailor's stitch. Thus did Bacchus conquer th' Inde−−thus
Philosophy, Melinde. A little rain allays a great deal of wind: long tippling breaks the thunder. But if there
came such liquor from my ballock, would you not willingly thereafter suck the udder whence it issued? Here,
page, fill! I prithee, forget me not when it comes to my turn, and I will enter the election I have made of thee
into the very register of my heart. Sup, Guillot, and spare not, there is somewhat in the pot. I appeal from
thirst, and disclaim its jurisdiction. Page, sue out my appeal in form. This remnant in the bottom of the glass
must follow its leader. I was wont heretofore to drink out all, but now I leave nothing. Let us not make too
much haste; it is requisite we carry all along with us. Heyday, here are tripes fit for our sport, and, in earnest,
excellent godebillios of the dun ox (you know) with the black streak. O, for God's sake, let us lash them
soundly, yet thriftily. Drink, or I will,−−No, no, drink, I beseech you (Ou je vous, je vous prie.). Sparrows
will not eat unless you bob them on the tail, nor can I drink if I be not fairly spoke to. The concavities of my
body are like another Hell for their capacity. Lagonaedatera (Greek lateris cavitas: Greek orcus: and Greek
alter.). There is not a corner, nor coney−burrow in all my body, where this wine doth not ferret out my thirst.
Ho, this will bang it soundly. But this shall banish it utterly. Let us wind our horns by the sound of flagons
and bottles, and cry aloud, that whoever hath lost his thirst come not hither to seek it. Long clysters of
drinking are to be voided without doors. The great God made the planets, and we make the platters neat. I
have the word of the gospel in my mouth, Sitio. The stone called asbestos is not more unquenchable than the
thirst of my paternity. Appetite comes with eating, says Angeston, but the thirst goes away with drinking. I
have a remedy against thirst, quite contrary to that which is good against the biting of a mad dog. Keep
running after a dog, and he will never bite you; drink always before the thirst, and it will never come upon
you. There I catch you, I awake you. Argus had a hundred eyes for his sight, a butler should have (like
Briareus) a hundred hands wherewith to fill us wine indefatigably. Hey now, lads, let us moisten ourselves, it
will be time to dry hereafter. White wine here, wine, boys! Pour out all in the name of Lucifer, fill here, you,
fill and fill (peascods on you) till it be full. My tongue peels. Lans trinque; to thee, countryman, I drink to
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thee, good fellow, comrade to thee, lusty, lively! Ha, la, la, that was drunk to some purpose, and bravely
gulped over. O lachryma Christi, it is of the best grape! I'faith, pure Greek, Greek! O the fine white wine!
upon my conscience, it is a kind of taffetas wine,−−hin, hin, it is of one ear, well wrought, and of good wool.
Courage, comrade, up thy heart, billy! We will not be beasted at this bout, for I have got one trick. Ex hoc in
hoc. There is no enchantment nor charm there, every one of you hath seen it. My 'prenticeship is out, I am a
free man at this trade. I am prester mast (Prestre mace, maistre passe.), Prish, Brum! I should say, master
past. O the drinkers, those that are a−dry, O poor thirsty souls! Good page, my friend, fill me here some, and
crown the wine, I pray thee. Like a cardinal! Natura abhorret vacuum. Would you say that a fly could drink in
this? This is after the fashion of Switzerland. Clear off, neat, supernaculum! Come, therefore, blades, to this
divine liquor and celestial juice, swill it over heartily, and spare not! It is a decoction of nectar and ambrosia.
Chapter 1.VI. How Gargantua was born in a strange manner.
Whilst they were on this discourse and pleasant tattle of drinking, Gargamelle began to be a little unwell in
her lower parts; whereupon Grangousier arose from off the grass, and fell to comfort her very honestly and
kindly, suspecting that she was in travail, and told her that it was best for her to sit down upon the grass under
the willows, because she was like very shortly to see young feet, and that therefore it was convenient she
should pluck up her spirits, and take a good heart of new at the fresh arrival of her baby; saying to her withal,
that although the pain was somewhat grievous to her, it would be but of short continuance, and that the
succeeding joy would quickly remove that sorrow, in such sort that she should not so much as remember it.
On, with a sheep's courage! quoth he. Despatch this boy, and we will speedily fall to work for the making of
another. Ha! said she, so well as you speak at your own ease, you that are men! Well, then, in the name of
God, I'll do my best, seeing that you will have it so, but would to God that it were cut off from you! What?
said Grangousier. Ha, said she, you are a good man indeed, you understand it well enough. What, my
member? said he. By the goat's blood, if it please you, that shall be done instantly; cause bring hither a knife.
Alas, said she, the Lord forbid, and pray Jesus to forgive me! I did not say it from my heart, therefore let it
alone, and do not do it neither more nor less any kind of harm for my speaking so to you. But I am like to
have work enough to do to−day and all for your member, yet God bless you and it.
Courage, courage, said he, take you no care of the matter, let the four foremost oxen do the work. I will yet
go drink one whiff more, and if in the mean time anything befall you that may require my presence, I will be
so near to you, that, at the first whistling in your fist, I shall be with you forthwith. A little while after she
began to groan, lament and cry. Then suddenly came the midwives from all quarters, who groping her below,
found some peloderies, which was a certain filthy stuff, and of a taste truly bad enough. This they thought
had been the child, but it was her fundament, that was slipped out with the mollification of her straight
entrail, which you call the bum−gut, and that merely by eating of too many tripes, as we have showed you
before. Whereupon an old ugly trot in the company, who had the repute of an expert she−physician, and was
come from Brisepaille, near to Saint Genou, three score years before, made her so horrible a restrictive and
binding medicine, and whereby all her larris, arse−pipes, and conduits were so oppilated, stopped, obstructed,
and contracted, that you could hardly have opened and enlarged them with your teeth, which is a terrible
thing to think upon; seeing the Devil at the mass at Saint Martin's was puzzled with the like task, when with
his teeth he had lengthened out the parchment whereon he wrote the tittle−tattle of two young mangy whores.
By this inconvenient the cotyledons of her matrix were presently loosed, through which the child sprang up
and leaped, and so, entering into the hollow vein, did climb by the diaphragm even above her shoulders,
where the vein divides itself into two, and from thence taking his way towards the left side, issued forth at her
left ear. As soon as he was born, he cried not as other babes use to do, Miez, miez, miez, miez, but with a
high, sturdy, and big voice shouted about, Some drink, some drink, some drink, as inviting all the world to
drink with him. The noise hereof was so extremely great, that it was heard in both the countries at once of
Beauce and Bibarois. I doubt me, that you do not thoroughly believe the truth of this strange nativity. Though
you believe it not, I care not much: but an honest man, and of good judgment, believeth still what is told him,
and that which he finds written.
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Is this beyond our law or our faith−−against reason or the holy Scripture? For my part, I find nothing in the
sacred Bible that is against it. But tell me, if it had been the will of God, would you say that he could not do
it? Ha, for favour sake, I beseech you, never emberlucock or inpulregafize your spirits with these vain
thoughts and idle conceits; for I tell you, it is not impossible with God, and, if he pleased, all women
henceforth should bring forth their children at the ear. Was not Bacchus engendered out of the very thigh of
Jupiter? Did not Roquetaillade come out at his mother's heel, and Crocmoush from the slipper of his nurse?
Was not Minerva born of the brain, even through the ear of Jove? Adonis, of the bark of a myrrh tree; and
Castor and Pollux of the doupe of that egg which was laid and hatched by Leda? But you would wonder
more, and with far greater amazement, if I should now present you with that chapter of Plinius, wherein he
treateth of strange births, and contrary to nature, and yet am not I so impudent a liar as he was. Read the
seventh book of his Natural History, chap.3, and trouble not my head any more about this.
Chapter 1.VII. After what manner Gargantua had his name given him, and how he tippled, bibbed, and
curried the can.
The good man Grangousier, drinking and making merry with the rest, heard the horrible noise which his son
had made as he entered into the light of this world, when he cried out, Some drink, some drink, some drink;
whereupon he said in French, Que grand tu as et souple le gousier! that is to say, How great and nimble a
throat thou hast. Which the company hearing, said that verily the child ought to be called Gargantua; because
it was the first word that after his birth his father had spoke, in imitation, and at the example of the ancient
Hebrews; whereunto he condescended, and his mother was very well pleased therewith. In the meanwhile, to
quiet the child, they gave him to drink a tirelaregot, that is, till his throat was like to crack with it; then was he
carried to the font, and there baptized, according to the manner of good Christians.
Immediately thereafter were appointed for him seventeen thousand, nine hundred, and thirteen cows of the
towns of Pautille and Brehemond, to furnish him with milk in ordinary, for it was impossible to find a nurse
sufficient for him in all the country, considering the great quantity of milk that was requisite for his
nourishment; although there were not wanting some doctors of the opinion of Scotus, who affirmed that his
own mother gave him suck, and that she could draw out of her breasts one thousand, four hundred, two pipes,
and nine pails of milk at every time.
Which indeed is not probable, and this point hath been found duggishly scandalous and offensive to tender
ears, for that it savoured a little of heresy. Thus was he handled for one year and ten months; after which
time, by the advice of physicians, they began to carry him, and then was made for him a fine little cart drawn
with oxen, of the invention of Jan Denio, wherein they led him hither and thither with great joy; and he was
worth the seeing, for he was a fine boy, had a burly physiognomy, and almost ten chins. He cried very little,
but beshit himself every hour: for, to speak truly of him, he was wonderfully phlegmatic in his posteriors,
both by reason of his natural complexion and the accidental disposition which had befallen him by his too
much quaffing of the Septembral juice. Yet without a cause did not he sup one drop; for if he happened to be
vexed, angry, displeased, or sorry, if he did fret, if he did weep, if he did cry, and what grievous quarter
soever he kept, in bringing him some drink, he would be instantly pacified, reseated in his own temper, in a
good humour again, and as still and quiet as ever. One of his governesses told me (swearing by her fig), how
he was so accustomed to this kind of way, that, at the sound of pints and flagons, he would on a sudden fall
into an ecstasy, as if he had then tasted of the joys of paradise; so that they, upon consideration of this, his
divine complexion, would every morning, to cheer him up, play with a knife upon the glasses, on the bottles
with their stopples, and on the pottle−pots with their lids and covers, at the sound whereof he became gay, did
leap for joy, would loll and rock himself in the cradle, then nod with his head, monochordizing with his
fingers, and barytonizing with his tail.
Chapter 1.VIII. How they apparelled Gargantua.
34
Being of this age, his father ordained to have clothes made to him in his own livery, which was white and
blue. To work then went the tailors, and with great expedition were those clothes made, cut, and sewed,
according to the fashion that was then in request. I find by the ancient records or pancarts, to be seen in the
chamber of accounts, or court of the exchequer at Montsoreau, that he was accoutred in manner as followeth.
To make him every shirt of his were taken up nine hundred ells of Chasteleraud linen, and two hundred for
the gussets, in manner of cushions, which they put under his armpits. His shirt was not gathered nor plaited,
for the plaiting of shirts was not found out till the seamstresses (when the point of their needle (Besongner du
cul, Englished The eye of the needle.) was broken) began to work and occupy with the tail. There were taken
up for his doublet, eight hundred and thirteen ells of white satin, and for his points fifteen hundred and nine
dogs' skins and a half. Then was it that men began to tie their breeches to their doublets, and not their
doublets to their breeches: for it is against nature, as hath most amply been showed by Ockham upon the
exponibles of Master Haultechaussade.
For his breeches were taken up eleven hundred and five ells and a third of white broadcloth. They were cut in
the form of pillars, chamfered, channelled and pinked behind that they might not over−heat his reins: and
were, within the panes, puffed out with the lining of as much blue damask as was needful: and remark, that he
had very good leg−harness, proportionable to the rest of his stature.
For his codpiece were used sixteen ells and a quarter of the same cloth, and it was fashioned on the top like
unto a triumphant arch, most gallantly fastened with two enamelled clasps, in each of which was set a great
emerald, as big as an orange; for, as says Orpheus, lib. de lapidibus, and Plinius, libro ultimo, it hath an
erective virtue and comfortative of the natural member. The exiture, outjecting or outstanding, of his
codpiece was of the length of a yard, jagged and pinked, and withal bagging, and strutting out with the blue
damask lining, after the manner of his breeches. But had you seen the fair embroidery of the small
needlework purl, and the curiously interlaced knots, by the goldsmith's art set out and trimmed with rich
diamonds, precious rubies, fine turquoises, costly emeralds, and Persian pearls, you would have compared it
to a fair cornucopia, or horn of abundance, such as you see in antiques, or as Rhea gave to the two nymphs,
Amalthea and Ida, the nurses of Jupiter.
And, like to that horn of abundance, it was still gallant, succulent, droppy, sappy, pithy, lively, always
flourishing, always fructifying, full of juice, full of flower, full of fruit, and all manner of delight. I avow
God, it would have done one good to have seen him, but I will tell you more of him in the book which I have
made of the dignity of codpieces. One thing I will tell you, that as it was both long and large, so was it well
furnished and victualled within, nothing like unto the hypocritical codpieces of some fond wooers and
wench−courtiers, which are stuffed only with wind, to the great prejudice of the female sex.
For his shoes were taken up four hundred and six ells of blue crimson− velvet, and were very nearly cut by
parallel lines, joined in uniform cylinders. For the soling of them were made use of eleven hundred hides of
brown cows, shapen like the tail of a keeling.
For his coat were taken up eighteen hundred ells of blue velvet, dyed in grain, embroidered in its borders with
fair gilliflowers, in the middle decked with silver purl, intermixed with plates of gold and store of pearls,
hereby showing that in his time he would prove an especial good fellow and singular whipcan.
His girdle was made of three hundred ells and a half of silken serge, half white and half blue, if I mistake it
not. His sword was not of Valentia, nor his dagger of Saragossa, for his father could not endure these
hidalgos borrachos maranisados como diablos: but he had a fair sword made of wood, and the dagger of
boiled leather, as well painted and gilded as any man could wish.
His purse was made of the cod of an elephant, which was given him by Herr Pracontal, proconsul of Lybia.
35
For his gown were employed nine thousand six hundred ells, wanting two− thirds, of blue velvet, as before,
all so diagonally purled, that by true perspective issued thence an unnamed colour, like that you see in the
necks of turtle−doves or turkey−cocks, which wonderfully rejoiced the eyes of the beholders. For his bonnet
or cap were taken up three hundred, two ells and a quarter of white velvet, and the form thereof was wide and
round, of the bigness of his head; for his father said that the caps of the Marrabaise fashion, made like the
cover of a pasty, would one time or other bring a mischief on those that wore them. For his plume, he wore a
fair great blue feather, plucked from an onocrotal of the country of Hircania the wild, very prettily hanging
down over his right ear. For the jewel or brooch which in his cap he carried, he had in a cake of gold,
weighing three score and eight marks, a fair piece enamelled, wherein was portrayed a man's body with two
heads, looking towards one another, four arms, four feet, two arses, such as Plato, in Symposio, says was the
mystical beginning of man's nature; and about it was written in Ionic letters, Greek, or rather, Greek, that is,
Vir et mulier junctim propriissime homo. To wear about his neck, he had a golden chain, weighing
twenty−five thousand and sixty−three marks of gold, the links thereof being made after the manner of great
berries, amongst which were set in work green jaspers engraven and cut dragon−like, all environed with
beams and sparks, as king Nicepsos of old was wont to wear them: and it reached down to the very bust of
the rising of his belly, whereby he reaped great benefit all his life long, as the Greek physicians know well
enough. For his gloves were put in work sixteen otters' skins, and three of the loupgarous, or men−eating
wolves, for the bordering of them: and of this stuff were they made, by the appointment of the Cabalists of
Sanlouand. As for the rings which his father would have him to wear, to renew the ancient mark of nobility,
he had on the forefinger of his left hand a carbuncle as big as an ostrich's egg, enchased very daintily in gold
of the fineness of a Turkey seraph. Upon the middle finger of the same hand he had a ring made of four
metals together, of the strangest fashion that ever was seen; so that the steel did not crash against the gold,
nor the silver crush the copper. All this was made by Captain Chappuys, and Alcofribas his good agent. On
the medical finger of his right hand he had a ring made spire−wise, wherein was set a perfect Balas ruby, a
pointed diamond, and a Physon emerald, of an inestimable value. For Hans Carvel, the king of Melinda's
jeweller, esteemed them at the rate of threescore nine millions, eight hundred ninety−four thousand, and
eighteen French crowns of Berry, and at so much did the Foucres of Augsburg prize them.
Chapter 1.IX. The colours and liveries of Gargantua.
Gargantua's colours were white and blue, as I have showed you before, by which his father would give us to
understand that his son to him was a heavenly joy; for the white did signify gladness, pleasure, delight, and
rejoicing, and the blue, celestial things. I know well enough that, in reading this, you laugh at the old drinker,
and hold this exposition of colours to be very extravagant, and utterly disagreeable to reason, because white is
said to signify faith, and blue constancy. But without moving, vexing, heating, or putting you in a chafe (for
the weather is dangerous), answer me, if it please you; for no other compulsory way of arguing will I use
towards you, or any else; only now and then I will mention a word or two of my bottle. What is it that
induceth you, what stirs you up to believe, or who told you that white signifieth faith, and blue constancy? An
old paltry book, say you, sold by the hawking pedlars and balladmongers, entitled The Blason of Colours.
Who made it? Whoever it was, he was wise in that he did not set his name to it. But, besides, I know not what
I should rather admire in him, his presumption or his sottishness. His presumption and overweening, for that
he should without reason, without cause, or without any appearance of truth, have dared to prescribe, by his
private authority, what things should be denotated and signified by the colour: which is the custom of tyrants,
who will have their will to bear sway in stead of equity, and not of the wise and learned, who with the
evidence of reason satisfy their readers. His sottishness and want of spirit, in that he thought that, without any
other demonstration or sufficient argument, the world would be pleased to make his blockish and ridiculous
impositions the rule of their devices. In effect, according to the proverb, To a shitten tail fails never ordure, he
hath found, it seems, some simple ninny in those rude times of old, when the wearing of high round bonnets
was in fashion, who gave some trust to his writings, according to which they carved and engraved their
apophthegms and mottoes, trapped and caparisoned their mules and sumpter−horses, apparelled their pages,
quartered their breeches, bordered their gloves, fringed the curtains and valances of their beds, painted their
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ensigns, composed songs, and, which is worse, placed many deceitful jugglings and unworthy base tricks
undiscoveredly amongst the very chastest matrons and most reverend sciences. In the like darkness and mist
of ignorance are wrapped up these vain−glorious courtiers and name−transposers, who, going about in their
impresas to signify esperance (that is, hope), have portrayed a sphere−−and birds' pennes for
pains−−l'ancholie (which is the flower colombine) for melancholy−−a waning moon or crescent, to show the
increasing or rising of one's fortune−−a bench rotten and broken, to signify bankrupt−−non and a corslet for
non dur habit (otherwise non durabit, it shall not last), un lit sans ciel, that is, a bed without a tester, for un
licencie, a graduated person, as bachelor in divinity or utter barrister−at−law; which are equivocals so absurd
and witless, so barbarous and clownish, that a fox's tail should be fastened to the neck−piece of, and a vizard
made of a cowsherd given to everyone that henceforth should offer, after the restitution of learning, to make
use of any such fopperies in France.
By the same reasons (if reasons I should call them, and not ravings rather, and idle triflings about words),
might I cause paint a pannier, to signify that I am in pain−−a mustard−pot, that my heart tarries much
for't−−one pissing upwards for a bishop−−the bottom of a pair of breeches for a vessel full of fart−hings−−a
codpiece for the office of the clerks of the sentences, decrees, or judgments, or rather, as the English bears it,
for the tail of a codfish−−and a dog's turd for the dainty turret wherein lies the love of my sweetheart. Far
otherwise did heretofore the sages of Egypt, when they wrote by letters, which they called hieroglyphics,
which none understood who were not skilled in the virtue, property, and nature of the things represented by
them. Of which Orus Apollon hath in Greek composed two books, and Polyphilus, in his Dream of Love, set
down more. In France you have a taste of them in the device or impresa of my Lord Admiral, which was
carried before that time by Octavian Augustus. But my little skiff alongst these unpleasant gulfs and shoals
will sail no further, therefore must I return to the port from whence I came. Yet do I hope one day to write
more at large of these things, and to show both by philosophical arguments and authorities, received and
approved of by and from all antiquity, what, and how many colours there are in nature, and what may be
signified by every one of them, if God save the mould of my cap, which is my best wine−pot, as my grandam
said.
Chapter 1.X. Of that which is signified by the colours white and blue.
The white therefore signifieth joy, solace, and gladness, and that not at random, but upon just and very good
grounds: which you may perceive to be true, if laying aside all prejudicate affections, you will but give ear to
what presently I shall expound unto you.
Aristotle saith that, supposing two things contrary in their kind, as good and evil, virtue and vice, heat and
cold, white and black, pleasure and pain, joy and grief,−−and so of others,−−if you couple them in such
manner that the contrary of one kind may agree in reason with the contrary of the other, it must follow by
consequence that the other contrary must answer to the remanent opposite to that wherewith it is conferred.
As, for example, virtue and vice are contrary in one kind, so are good and evil. If one of the contraries of the
first kind be consonant to one of those of the second, as virtue and goodness, for it is clear that virtue is good,
so shall the other two contraries, which are evil and vice, have the same connection, for vice is evil.
This logical rule being understood, take these two contraries, joy and sadness; then these other two, white and
black, for they are physically contrary. If so be, then, that black do signify grief, by good reason then should
white import joy. Nor is this signification instituted by human imposition, but by the universal consent of the
world received, which philosophers call Jus Gentium, the Law of Nations, or an uncontrollable right of force
in all countries whatsoever. For you know well enough that all people, and all languages and nations, except
the ancient Syracusans and certain Argives, who had cross and thwarting souls, when they mean outwardly to
give evidence of their sorrow, go in black; and all mourning is done with black. Which general consent is not
without some argument and reason in nature, the which every man may by himself very suddenly
comprehend, without the instruction of any−−and this we call the law of nature. By virtue of the same natural
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instinct we know that by white all the world hath understood joy, gladness, mirth, pleasure, and delight. In
former times the Thracians and Cretans did mark their good, propitious, and fortunate days with white stones,
and their sad, dismal, and unfortunate ones with black. Is not the night mournful, sad, and melancholic? It is
black and dark by the privation of light. Doth not the light comfort all the world? And it is more white than
anything else. Which to prove, I could direct you to the book of Laurentius Valla against Bartolus; but an
evangelical testimony I hope will content you. Matth. 17 it is said that, at the transfiguration of our Lord,
Vestimenta ejus facta sunt alba sicut lux, his apparel was made white like the light. By which lightsome
whiteness he gave his three apostles to understand the idea and figure of the eternal joys; for by the light are
all men comforted, according to the word of the old woman, who, although she had never a tooth in her head,
was wont to say, Bona lux. And Tobit, chap.5, after he had lost his sight, when Raphael saluted him,
answered, What joy can I have, that do not see the light of Heaven? In that colour did the angels testify the
joy of the whole world at the resurrection of our Saviour, John 20, and at his ascension, Acts 1. With the like
colour of vesture did St. John the Evangelist, Apoc. 4.7, see the faithful clothed in the heavenly and blessed
Jerusalem.
Read the ancient, both Greek and Latin histories, and you shall find that the town of Alba (the first pattern of
Rome) was founded and so named by reason of a white sow that was seen there. You shall likewise find in
those stories, that when any man, after he had vanquished his enemies, was by decree of the senate to enter
into Rome triumphantly, he usually rode in a chariot drawn by white horses: which in the ovation triumph
was also the custom; for by no sign or colour would they so significantly express the joy of their coming as
by the white. You shall there also find, how Pericles, the general of the Athenians, would needs have that part
of his army unto whose lot befell the white beans, to spend the whole day in mirth, pleasure, and ease, whilst
the rest were a−fighting. A thousand other examples and places could I allege to this purpose, but that it is not
here where I should do it.
By understanding hereof, you may resolve one problem, which Alexander Aphrodiseus hath accounted
unanswerable: why the lion, who with his only cry and roaring affrights all beasts, dreads and feareth only a
white cock? For, as Proclus saith, Libro de Sacrificio et Magia, it is because the presence of the virtue of the
sun, which is the organ and promptuary of all terrestrial and sidereal light, doth more symbolize and agree
with a white cock, as well in regard of that colour, as of his property and specifical quality, than with a lion.
He saith, furthermore, that devils have been often seen in the shape of lions, which at the sight of a white
cock have presently vanished. This is the cause why Galli or Gallices (so are the Frenchmen called, because
they are naturally white as milk, which the Greeks call Gala,) do willingly wear in their caps white feathers,
for by nature they are of a candid disposition, merry, kind, gracious, and well− beloved, and for their
cognizance and arms have the whitest flower of any, the Flower de luce or Lily.
If you demand how, by white, nature would have us understand joy and gladness, I answer, that the analogy
and uniformity is thus. For, as the white doth outwardly disperse and scatter the rays of the sight, whereby the
optic spirits are manifestly dissolved, according to the opinion of Aristotle in his problems and perspective
treatises; as you may likewise perceive by experience, when you pass over mountains covered with snow,
how you will complain that you cannot see well; as Xenophon writes to have happened to his men, and as
Galen very largely declareth, lib. 10, de usu partium: just so the heart with excessive joy is inwardly dilated,
and suffereth a manifest resolution of the vital spirits, which may go so far on that it may thereby be deprived
of its nourishment, and by consequence of life itself, by this perichary or extremity of gladness, as Galen
saith, lib. 12, method, lib. 5, de locis affectis, and lib. 2, de symptomatum causis. And as it hath come to pass
in former times, witness Marcus Tullius, lib. 1, Quaest. Tuscul., Verrius, Aristotle, Titus Livius, in his
relation of the battle of Cannae, Plinius, lib. 7, cap. 32 and 34, A. Gellius, lib. 3, c. 15, and many other
writers,−−to Diagoras the Rhodian, Chilon, Sophocles, Dionysius the tyrant of Sicily, Philippides, Philemon,
Polycrates, Philistion, M. Juventi, and others who died with joy. And as Avicen speaketh, in 2 canon et lib. de
virib. cordis, of the saffron, that it doth so rejoice the heart that, if you take of it excessively, it will by a
superfluous resolution and dilation deprive it altogether of life. Here peruse Alex. Aphrodiseus, lib. 1, Probl.,
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cap. 19, and that for a cause. But what? It seems I am entered further into this point than I intended at the
first. Here, therefore, will I strike sail, referring the rest to that book of mine which handleth this matter to the
full. Meanwhile, in a word I will tell you, that blue doth certainly signify heaven and heavenly things, by the
same very tokens and symbols that white signifieth joy and pleasure.
Chapter 1.XI. Of the youthful age of Gargantua.
Gargantua, from three years upwards unto five, was brought up and instructed in all convenient discipline by
the commandment of his father; and spent that time like the other little children of the country, that is, in
drinking, eating, and sleeping: in eating, sleeping, and drinking: and in sleeping, drinking, and eating. Still he
wallowed and rolled up and down himself in the mire and dirt−−he blurred and sullied his nose with
filth−−he blotted and smutched his face with any kind of scurvy stuff−−he trod down his shoes in the
heel−−at the flies he did oftentimes yawn, and ran very heartily after the butterflies, the empire whereof
belonged to his father. He pissed in his shoes, shit in his shirt, and wiped his nose on his sleeve−−he did let
his snot and snivel fall in his pottage, and dabbled, paddled, and slobbered everywhere−−he would drink in
his slipper, and ordinarily rub his belly against a pannier. He sharpened his teeth with a top, washed his hands
with his broth, and combed his head with a bowl. He would sit down betwixt two stools, and his arse to the
ground−− would cover himself with a wet sack, and drink in eating of his soup. He did eat his cake
sometimes without bread, would bite in laughing, and laugh in biting. Oftentimes did he spit in the basin, and
fart for fatness, piss against the sun, and hide himself in the water for fear of rain. He would strike out of the
cold iron, be often in the dumps, and frig and wriggle it. He would flay the fox, say the ape's paternoster,
return to his sheep, and turn the hogs to the hay. He would beat the dogs before the lion, put the plough
before the oxen, and claw where it did not itch. He would pump one to draw somewhat out of him, by griping
all would hold fast nothing, and always eat his white bread first. He shoed the geese, kept a self− tickling to
make himself laugh, and was very steadable in the kitchen: made a mock at the gods, would cause sing
Magnificat at matins, and found it very convenient so to do. He would eat cabbage, and shite beets,−−knew
flies in a dish of milk, and would make them lose their feet. He would scrape paper, blur parchment, then run
away as hard as he could. He would pull at the kid's leather, or vomit up his dinner, then reckon without his
host. He would beat the bushes without catching the birds, thought the moon was made of green cheese, and
that bladders are lanterns. Out of one sack he would take two moultures or fees for grinding; would act the
ass's part to get some bran, and of his fist would make a mallet. He took the cranes at the first leap, and would
have the mail−coats to be made link after link. He always looked a given horse in the mouth, leaped from the
cock to the ass, and put one ripe between two green. By robbing Peter he paid Paul, he kept the moon from
the wolves, and hoped to catch larks if ever the heavens should fall. He did make of necessity virtue, of such
bread such pottage, and cared as little for the peeled as for the shaven. Every morning he did cast up his
gorge, and his father's little dogs eat out of the dish with him, and he with them. He would bite their ears, and
they would scratch his nose−−he would blow in their arses, and they would lick his chaps.
But hearken, good fellows, the spigot ill betake you, and whirl round your brains, if you do not give ear! This
little lecher was always groping his nurses and governesses, upside down, arsiversy, topsyturvy, harri
bourriquet, with a Yacco haick, hyck gio! handling them very rudely in jumbling and tumbling them to keep
them going; for he had already begun to exercise the tools, and put his codpiece in practice. Which codpiece,
or braguette, his governesses did every day deck up and adorn with fair nosegays, curious rubies, sweet
flowers, and fine silken tufts, and very pleasantly would pass their time in taking you know what between
their fingers, and dandling it, till it did revive and creep up to the bulk and stiffness of a suppository, or street
magdaleon, which is a hard rolled−up salve spread upon leather. Then did they burst out in laughing, when
they saw it lift up its ears, as if the sport had liked them. One of them would call it her little dille, her staff of
love, her quillety, her faucetin, her dandilolly. Another, her peen, her jolly kyle, her bableret, her
membretoon, her quickset imp: another again, her branch of coral, her female adamant, her placket−racket,
her Cyprian sceptre, her jewel for ladies. And some of the other women would give it these names,−−my
bunguetee, my stopple too, my bush−rusher, my gallant wimble, my pretty borer, my coney−burrow−ferret,
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my little piercer, my augretine, my dangling hangers, down right to it, stiff and stout, in and to, my pusher,
dresser, pouting stick, my honey pipe, my pretty pillicock, linky pinky, futilletie, my lusty andouille, and
crimson chitterling, my little couille bredouille, my pretty rogue, and so forth. It belongs to me, said one. It is
mine, said the other. What, quoth a third, shall I have no share in it? By my faith, I will cut it then. Ha, to cut
it, said the other, would hurt him. Madam, do you cut little children's things? Were his cut off, he would be
then Monsieur sans queue, the curtailed master. And that he might play sport himself after the manner of the
other little children of the country, they made him a fair weather whirl−jack of the wings of the windmill of
Myrebalais.
Chapter 1.XII. Of Gargantua's wooden horses.
Afterwards, that he might be all his lifetime a good rider, they made to him a fair great horse of wood, which
he did make leap, curvet, jerk out behind, and skip forward, all at a time: to pace, trot, rack, gallop, amble, to
play the hobby, the hackney−gelding: go the gait of the camel, and of the wild ass. He made him also change
his colour of hair, as the monks of Coultibo (according to the variety of their holidays) use to do their clothes,
from bay brown, to sorrel, dapple−grey, mouse−dun, deer− colour, roan, cow−colour, gingioline, skewed
colour, piebald, and the colour of the savage elk.
Himself of a huge big post made a hunting nag, and another for daily service of the beam of a vinepress: and
of a great oak made up a mule, with a footcloth, for his chamber. Besides this, he had ten or twelve spare
horses, and seven horses for post; and all these were lodged in his own chamber, close by his bedside. One
day the Lord of Breadinbag (Painensac.) came to visit his father in great bravery, and with a gallant train:
and, at the same time, to see him came likewise the Duke of Freemeal (Francrepas.) and the Earl of Wetgullet
(Mouillevent.). The house truly for so many guests at once was somewhat narrow, but especially the stables;
whereupon the steward and harbinger of the said Lord Breadinbag, to know if there were any other empty
stable in the house, came to Gargantua, a little young lad, and secretly asked him where the stables of the
great horses were, thinking that children would be ready to tell all. Then he led them up along the stairs of the
castle, passing by the second hall unto a broad great gallery, by which they entered into a large tower, and as
they were going up at another pair of stairs, said the harbinger to the steward, This child deceives us, for the
stables are never on the top of the house. You may be mistaken, said the steward, for I know some places at
Lyons, at the Basmette, at Chaisnon, and elsewhere, which have their stables at the very tops of the houses:
so it may be that behind the house there is a way to come to this ascent. But I will question with him further.
Then said he to Gargantua, My pretty little boy, whither do you lead us? To the stable, said he, of my great
horses. We are almost come to it; we have but these stairs to go up at. Then leading them alongst another
great hall, he brought them into his chamber, and, opening the door, said unto them, This is the stable you ask
for; this is my jennet; this is my gelding; this is my courser, and this is my hackney, and laid on them with a
great lever. I will bestow upon you, said he, this Friesland horse; I had him from Frankfort, yet will I give
him you; for he is a pretty little nag, and will go very well, with a tessel of goshawks, half a dozen of
spaniels, and a brace of greyhounds: thus are you king of the hares and partridges for all this winter. By St.
John, said they, now we are paid, he hath gleeked us to some purpose, bobbed we are now for ever. I deny it,
said he,−−he was not here above three days. Judge you now, whether they had most cause, either to hide their
heads for shame, or to laugh at the jest. As they were going down again thus amazed, he asked them, Will
you have a whimwham (Aubeliere.)? What is that, said they? It is, said he, five turds to make you a muzzle.
To−day, said the steward, though we happen to be roasted, we shall not be burnt, for we are pretty well
quipped and larded, in my opinion. O my jolly dapper boy, thou hast given us a gudgeon; I hope to see thee
Pope before I die. I think so, said he, myself; and then shall you be a puppy, and this gentle popinjay a perfect
papelard, that is, dissembler. Well, well, said the harbinger. But, said Gargantua, guess how many stitches
there are in my mother's smock. Sixteen, quoth the harbinger. You do not speak gospel, said Gargantua, for
there is cent before, and cent behind, and you did not reckon them ill, considering the two under holes.
When? said the harbinger. Even then, said Gargantua, when they made a shovel of your nose to take up a
quarter of dirt, and of your throat a funnel, wherewith to put it into another vessel, because the bottom of the
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old one was out. Cocksbod, said the steward, we have met with a prater. Farewell, master tattler, God keep
you, so goodly are the words which you come out with, and so fresh in your mouth, that it had need to be
salted.
Thus going down in great haste, under the arch of the stairs they let fall the great lever, which he had put
upon their backs; whereupon Gargantua said, What a devil! you are, it seems, but bad horsemen, that suffer
your bilder to fail you when you need him most. If you were to go from hence to Cahusac, whether had you
rather, ride on a gosling or lead a sow in a leash? I had rather drink, said the harbinger. With this they entered
into the lower hall, where the company was, and relating to them this new story, they made them laugh like a
swarm of flies.
Chapter 1.XIII. How Gargantua's wonderful understanding became known to his father Grangousier, by
the invention of a torchecul or wipebreech.
About the end of the fifth year, Grangousier returning from the conquest of the Canarians, went by the way to
see his son Gargantua. There was he filled with joy, as such a father might be at the sight of such a child of
his: and whilst he kissed and embraced him, he asked many childish questions of him about divers matters,
and drank very freely with him and with his governesses, of whom in great earnest he asked, amongst other
things, whether they had been careful to keep him clean and sweet. To this Gargantua answered, that he had
taken such a course for that himself, that in all the country there was not to be found a cleanlier boy than he.
How is that? said Grangousier. I have, answered Gargantua, by a long and curious experience, found out a
means to wipe my bum, the most lordly, the most excellent, and the most convenient that ever was seen.
What is that? said Grangousier, how is it? I will tell you by−and−by, said Gargantua. Once I did wipe me
with a gentle−woman's velvet mask, and found it to be good; for the softness of the silk was very voluptuous
and pleasant to my fundament. Another time with one of their hoods, and in like manner that was
comfortable. At another time with a lady's neckerchief, and after that I wiped me with some ear−pieces of
hers made of crimson satin, but there was such a number of golden spangles in them (turdy round things, a
pox take them) that they fetched away all the skin of my tail with a vengeance. Now I wish St. Antony's fire
burn the bum−gut of the goldsmith that made them, and of her that wore them! This hurt I cured by wiping
myself with a page's cap, garnished with a feather after the Switzers' fashion.
Afterwards, in dunging behind a bush, I found a March−cat, and with it I wiped my breech, but her claws
were so sharp that they scratched and exulcerated all my perinee. Of this I recovered the next morning
thereafter, by wiping myself with my mother's gloves, of a most excellent perfume and scent of the Arabian
Benin. After that I wiped me with sage, with fennel, with anet, with marjoram, with roses, with gourd−leaves,
with beets, with colewort, with leaves of the vine−tree, with mallows, wool− blade, which is a tail−scarlet,
with lettuce, and with spinach leaves. All this did very great good to my leg. Then with mercury, with
parsley, with nettles, with comfrey, but that gave me the bloody flux of Lombardy, which I healed by wiping
me with my braguette. Then I wiped my tail in the sheets, in the coverlet, in the curtains, with a cushion, with
arras hangings, with a green carpet, with a table−cloth, with a napkin, with a handkerchief, with a
combing−cloth; in all which I found more pleasure than do the mangy dogs when you rub them. Yea, but,
said Grangousier, which torchecul did you find to be the best? I was coming to it, said Gargantua, and
by−and−by shall you hear the tu autem, and know the whole mystery and knot of the matter. I wiped myself
with hay, with straw, with thatch− rushes, with flax, with wool, with paper, but,
Who his foul tail with paper wipes, Shall at his ballocks leave some chips.
What, said Grangousier, my little rogue, hast thou been at the pot, that thou dost rhyme already? Yes, yes, my
lord the king, answered Gargantua, I can rhyme gallantly, and rhyme till I become hoarse with rheum. Hark,
what our privy says to the skiters:
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Shittard, Squirtard, Crackard, Turdous, Thy bung Hath flung Some dung On us: Filthard, Cackard, Stinkard,
St. Antony's fire seize on thy toane (bone?), If thy Dirty Dounby Thou do not wipe, ere thou be gone.
Will you have any more of it? Yes, yes, answered Grangousier. Then, said Gargantua,
A Roundelay.
In shitting yes'day I did know The sess I to my arse did owe: The smell was such came from that slunk, That I
was with it all bestunk: O had but then some brave Signor Brought her to me I waited for, In shitting!
I would have cleft her watergap, And join'd it close to my flipflap, Whilst she had with her fingers guarded
My foul nockandrow, all bemerded In shitting.
Now say that I can do nothing! By the Merdi, they are not of my making, but I heard them of this good old
grandam, that you see here, and ever since have retained them in the budget of my memory.
Let us return to our purpose, said Grangousier. What, said Gargantua, to skite? No, said Grangousier, but to
wipe our tail. But, said Gargantua, will not you be content to pay a puncheon of Breton wine, if I do not blank
and gravel you in this matter, and put you to a non−plus? Yes, truly, said Grangousier.
There is no need of wiping one's tail, said Gargantua, but when it is foul; foul it cannot be, unless one have
been a−skiting; skite then we must before we wipe our tails. O my pretty little waggish boy, said
Grangousier, what an excellent wit thou hast? I will make thee very shortly proceed doctor in the jovial
quirks of gay learning, and that, by G−−, for thou hast more wit than age. Now, I prithee, go on in this
torcheculative, or wipe−bummatory discourse, and by my beard I swear, for one puncheon, thou shalt have
threescore pipes, I mean of the good Breton wine, not that which grows in Britain, but in the good country of
Verron. Afterwards I wiped my bum, said Gargantua, with a kerchief, with a pillow, with a pantoufle, with a
pouch, with a pannier, but that was a wicked and unpleasant torchecul; then with a hat. Of hats, note that
some are shorn, and others shaggy, some velveted, others covered with taffeties, and others with satin. The
best of all these is the shaggy hat, for it makes a very neat abstersion of the fecal matter.
Afterwards I wiped my tail with a hen, with a cock, with a pullet, with a calf's skin, with a hare, with a
pigeon, with a cormorant, with an attorney's bag, with a montero, with a coif, with a falconer's lure. But, to
conclude, I say and maintain, that of all torcheculs, arsewisps, bumfodders, tail−napkins, bunghole cleansers,
and wipe−breeches, there is none in the world comparable to the neck of a goose, that is well downed, if you
hold her head betwixt your legs. And believe me therein upon mine honour, for you will thereby feel in your
nockhole a most wonderful pleasure, both in regard of the softness of the said down and of the temporate heat
of the goose, which is easily communicated to the bum−gut and the rest the inwards, in so far as to come
even to the regions of the heart and brains. And think not that the felicity of the heroes and demigods in the
Elysian fields consisteth either in their asphodel, ambrosia, or nectar, as our old women here used to say; but
in this, according to my judgment, that they wipe their tails with the neck of a goose, holding her head
betwixt their legs, and such is the opinion of Master John of Scotland, alias Scotus.
Chapter 1.XIV. How Gargantua was taught Latin by a Sophister.
The good man Grangousier having heard this discourse, was ravished with admiration, considering the high
reach and marvellous understanding of his son Gargantua, and said to his governesses, Philip, king of
Macedon, knew the great wit of his son Alexander by his skilful managing of a horse; for his horse
Bucephalus was so fierce and unruly that none durst adventure to ride him, after that he had given to his
riders such devilish falls, breaking the neck of this man, the other man's leg, braining one, and putting another
out of his jawbone. This by Alexander being considered, one day in the hippodrome (which was a place
42
appointed for the breaking and managing of great horses), he perceived that the fury of the horse proceeded
merely from the fear he had of his own shadow, whereupon getting on his back, he run him against the sun,
so that the shadow fell behind, and by that means tamed the horse and brought him to his hand. Whereby his
father, knowing the divine judgment that was in him, caused him most carefully to be instructed by Aristotle,
who at that time was highly renowned above all the philosophers of Greece. After the same manner I tell you,
that by this only discourse, which now I have here had before you with my son Gargantua, I know that his
understanding doth participate of some divinity, and that, if he be well taught, and have that education which
is fitting, he will attain to a supreme degree of wisdom. Therefore will I commit him to some learned man, to
have him indoctrinated according to his capacity, and will spare no cost. Presently they appointed him a great
sophister−doctor, called Master Tubal Holofernes, who taught him his ABC so well, that he could say it by
heart backwards; and about this he was five years and three months. Then read he to him Donat, Le Facet,
Theodolet, and Alanus in parabolis. About this he was thirteen years, six months, and two weeks. But you
must remark that in the mean time he did learn to write in Gothic characters, and that he wrote all his
books−−for art of printing was not then in use−−and did ordinarily carry a great pen and inkhorn, weighing
about seven thousand quintals (that is, 700,000 pound weight), the penner whereof was as big and as long as
the great pillars of Enay, and the horn was hanging to it in great iron chains, it being of the wideness of a tun
of merchant ware. After that he read unto him the book de modis significandi, with the commentaries of
Hurtbise, of Fasquin, of Tropdieux, of Gualhaut, of John Calf, of Billonio, of Berlinguandus, and a rabble of
others; and herein he spent more than eighteen years and eleven months, and was so well versed in it that, to
try masteries in school disputes with his condisciples, he would recite it by heart backwards, and did
sometimes prove on his finger−ends to his mother, quod de modis significandi non erat scientia. Then did he
read to him the compost for knowing the age of the moon, the seasons of the year, and tides of the sea, on
which he spent sixteen years and two months, and that justly at the time that his said preceptor died of the
French pox, which was in the year one thousand four hundred and twenty. Afterwards he got an old coughing
fellow to teach him, named Master Jobelin Bride, or muzzled dolt, who read unto him Hugutio, Hebrard('s)
Grecism, the Doctrinal, the Parts, the Quid est, the Supplementum, Marmotretus, De moribus in mensa
servandis, Seneca de quatuor virtutibus cardinalibus, Passavantus cum commento, and Dormi secure for the
holidays, and some other of such like mealy stuff, by reading whereof he became as wise as any we ever
since baked in an oven.
Chapter 1.XV. How Gargantua was put under other schoolmasters.
At the last his father perceived that indeed he studied hard, and that, although he spent all his time in it, he
did nevertheless profit nothing, but which is worse, grew thereby foolish, simple, doted, and blockish,
whereof making a heavy regret to Don Philip of Marays, Viceroy or Depute King of Papeligosse, he found
that it were better for him to learn nothing at all, than to be taught such−like books, under such
schoolmasters; because their knowledge was nothing but brutishness, and their wisdom but blunt foppish
toys, serving only to bastardize good and noble spirits, and to corrupt all the flower of youth. That it is so,
take, said he, any young boy of this time who hath only studied two years,−−if he have not a better judgment,
a better discourse, and that expressed in better terms than your son, with a completer carriage and civility to
all manner of persons, account me for ever hereafter a very clounch and bacon−slicer of Brene. This pleased
Grangousier very well, and he commanded that it should be done. At night at supper, the said Des Marays
brought in a young page of his, of Ville−gouges, called Eudemon, so neat, so trim, so handsome in his
apparel, so spruce, with his hair in so good order, and so sweet and comely in his behaviour, that he had the
resemblance of a little angel more than of a human creature. Then he said to Grangousier, Do you see this
young boy? He is not as yet full twelve years old. Let us try, if it please you, what difference there is betwixt
the knowledge of the doting Mateologians of old time and the young lads that are now. The trial pleased
Grangousier, and he commanded the page to begin. Then Eudemon, asking leave of the vice−king his master
so to do, with his cap in his hand, a clear and open countenance, beautiful and ruddy lips, his eyes steady, and
his looks fixed upon Gargantua with a youthful modesty, standing up straight on his feet, began very
gracefully to commend him; first, for his virtue and good manners; secondly, for his knowledge, thirdly, for
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his nobility; fourthly, for his bodily accomplishments; and, in the fifth place, most sweetly exhorted him to
reverence his father with all due observancy, who was so careful to have him well brought up. In the end he
prayed him, that he would vouchsafe to admit of him amongst the least of his servants; for other favour at that
time desired he none of heaven, but that he might do him some grateful and acceptable service. All this was
by him delivered with such proper gestures, such distinct pronunciation, so pleasant a delivery, in such
exquisite fine terms, and so good Latin, that he seemed rather a Gracchus, a Cicero, an Aemilius of the time
past, than a youth of this age. But all the countenance that Gargantua kept was, that he fell to crying like a
cow, and cast down his face, hiding it with his cap, nor could they possibly draw one word from him, no
more than a fart from a dead ass. Whereat his father was so grievously vexed that he would have killed
Master Jobelin, but the said Des Marays withheld him from it by fair persuasions, so that at length he pacified
his wrath. Then Grangousier commanded he should be paid his wages, that they should whittle him up
soundly, like a sophister, with good drink, and then give him leave to go to all the devils in hell. At least, said
he, today shall it not cost his host much if by chance he should die as drunk as a Switzer. Master Jobelin
being gone out of the house, Grangousier consulted with the Viceroy what schoolmaster they should choose
for him, and it was betwixt them resolved that Ponocrates, the tutor of Eudemon, should have the charge, and
that they should go altogether to Paris, to know what was the study of the young men of France at that time.
Chapter 1.XVI. How Gargantua was sent to Paris, and of the huge great mare that he rode on; how she
destroyed the oxflies of the Beauce.
In the same season Fayoles, the fourth King of Numidia, sent out of the country of Africa to Grangousier the
most hideously great mare that ever was seen, and of the strangest form, for you know well enough how it is
said that Africa always is productive of some new thing. She was as big as six elephants, and had her feet
cloven into fingers, like Julius Caesar's horse, with slouch−hanging ears, like the goats in Languedoc, and a
little horn on her buttock. She was of a burnt sorrel hue, with a little mixture of dapple−grey spots, but above
all she had horrible tail; for it was little more or less than every whit as great as the steeple−pillar of St. Mark
beside Langes: and squared as that is, with tuffs and ennicroches or hair−plaits wrought within one another,
no otherwise than as the beards are upon the ears of corn.
If you wonder at this, wonder rather at the tails of the Scythian rams, which weighed above thirty pounds
each; and of the Surian sheep, who need, if Tenaud say true, a little cart at their heels to bear up their tail, it is
so long and heavy. You female lechers in the plain countries have no such tails. And she was brought by sea
in three carricks and a brigantine unto the harbour of Olone in Thalmondois. When Grangousier saw her,
Here is, said he, what is fit to carry my son to Paris. So now, in the name of God, all will be well. He will in
times coming be a great scholar. If it were not, my masters, for the beasts, we should live like clerks. The
next morning−−after they had drunk, you must understand−−they took their journey; Gargantua, his
pedagogue Ponocrates, and his train, and with them Eudemon, the young page. And because the weather was
fair and temperate, his father caused to be made for him a pair of dun boots,−−Babin calls them buskins. Thus
did they merrily pass their time in travelling on their high way, always making good cheer, and were very
pleasant till they came a little above Orleans, in which place there was a forest of five−and−thirty leagues
long, and seventeen in breadth, or thereabouts. This forest was most horribly fertile and copious in dorflies,
hornets, and wasps, so that it was a very purgatory for the poor mares, asses, and horses. But Gargantua's
mare did avenge herself handsomely of all the outrages therein committed upon beasts of her kind, and that
by a trick whereof they had no suspicion. For as soon as ever they were entered into the said forest, and that
the wasps had given the assault, she drew out and unsheathed her tail, and therewith skirmishing, did so
sweep them that she overthrew all the wood alongst and athwart, here and there, this way and that way,
longwise and sidewise, over and under, and felled everywhere the wood with as much ease as a mower doth
the grass, in such sort that never since hath there been there neither wood nor dorflies: for all the country was
thereby reduced to a plain champaign field. Which Gargantua took great pleasure to behold, and said to his
company no more but this: Je trouve beau ce (I find this pretty); whereupon that country hath been ever since
that time called Beauce. But all the breakfast the mare got that day was but a little yawning and gaping, in
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memory whereof the gentlemen of Beauce do as yet to this day break their fast with gaping, which they find
to be very good, and do spit the better for it. At last they came to Paris, where Gargantua refreshed himself
two or three days, making very merry with his folks, and inquiring what men of learning there were then in
the city, and what wine they drunk there.
Chapter 1.XVII. How Gargantua paid his welcome to the Parisians, and how he took away the great bells
of Our Lady's Church.
Some few days after that they had refreshed themselves, he went to see the city, and was beheld of everybody
there with great admiration; for the people of Paris are so sottish, so badot, so foolish and fond by nature, that
a juggler, a carrier of indulgences, a sumpter−horse, or mule with cymbals or tinkling bells, a blind fiddler in
the middle of a cross lane, shall draw a greater confluence of people together than an evangelical preacher.
And they pressed so hard upon him that he was constrained to rest himself upon the towers of Our Lady's
Church. At which place, seeing so many about him, he said with a loud voice, I believe that these buzzards
will have me to pay them here my welcome hither, and my Proficiat. It is but good reason. I will now give
them their wine, but it shall be only in sport. Then smiling, he untied his fair braguette, and drawing out his
mentul into the open air, he so bitterly all−to−bepissed them, that he drowned two hundred and sixty
thousand, four hundred and eighteen, besides the women and little children. Some, nevertheless, of the
company escaped this piss−flood by mere speed of foot, who, when they were at the higher end of the
university, sweating, coughing, spitting, and out of breath, they began to swear and curse, some in good hot
earnest, and others in jest. Carimari, carimara: golynoly, golynolo. By my sweet Sanctess, we are washed in
sport, a sport truly to laugh at;−−in French, Par ris, for which that city hath been ever since called Paris;
whose name formerly was Leucotia, as Strabo testifieth, lib. quarto, from the Greek word Greek,
whiteness,−−because of the white thighs of the ladies of that place. And forasmuch as, at this imposition of a
new name, all the people that were there swore everyone by the Sancts of his parish, the Parisians, which are
patched up of all nations and all pieces of countries, are by nature both good jurors and good jurists, and
somewhat overweening; whereupon Joanninus de Barrauco, libro de copiositate reverentiarum, thinks that
they are called Parisians from the Greek word Greek, which signifies boldness and liberty in speech. This
done, he considered the great bells, which were in the said towers, and made them sound very harmoniously.
Which whilst he was doing, it came into his mind that they would serve very well for tingling tantans and
ringing campanels to hang about his mare's neck when she should be sent back to his father, as he intended to
do, loaded with Brie cheese and fresh herring. And indeed he forthwith carried them to his lodging. In the
meanwhile there came a master beggar of the friars of St. Anthony to demand in his canting way the usual
benevolence of some hoggish stuff, who, that he might be heard afar off, and to make the bacon he was in
quest of shake in the very chimneys, made account to filch them away privily. Nevertheless, he left them
behind very honestly, not for that they were too hot, but that they were somewhat too heavy for his carriage.
This was not he of Bourg, for he was too good a friend of mine. All the city was risen up in sedition, they
being, as you know, upon any slight occasion, so ready to uproars and insurrections, that foreign nations
wonder at the patience of the kings of France, who do not by good justice restrain them from such tumultuous
courses, seeing the manifold inconveniences which thence arise from day to day. Would to God I knew the
shop wherein are forged these divisions and factious combinations, that I might bring them to light in the
confraternities of my parish! Believe for a truth, that the place wherein the people gathered together, were
thus sulphured, hopurymated, moiled, and bepissed, was called Nesle, where then was, but now is no more,
the oracle of Leucotia. There was the case proposed, and the inconvenience showed of the transporting of the
bells. After they had well ergoted pro and con, they concluded in baralipton, that they should send the oldest
and most sufficient of the faculty unto Gargantua, to signify unto him the great and horrible prejudice they
sustain by the want of those bells. And notwithstanding the good reasons given in by some of the university
why this charge was fitter for an orator than a sophister, there was chosen for this purpose our Master Janotus
de Bragmardo.
Chapter 1.XVIII. How Janotus de Bragmardo was sent to Gargantua to recover the great bells.
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Master Janotus, with his hair cut round like a dish a la Caesarine, in his most antique accoutrement
liripipionated with a graduate's hood, and having sufficiently antidoted his stomach with oven−marmalades,
that is, bread and holy water of the cellar, transported himself to the lodging of Gargantua, driving before him
three red−muzzled beadles, and dragging after him five or six artless masters, all thoroughly bedaggled with
the mire of the streets. At their entry Ponocrates met them, who was afraid, seeing them so disguised, and
thought they had been some masquers out of their wits, which moved him to inquire of one of the said artless
masters of the company what this mummery meant. It was answered him, that they desired to have their bells
restored to them. As soon as Ponocrates heard that, he ran in all haste to carry the news unto Gargantua, that
he might be ready to answer them, and speedily resolve what was to be done. Gargantua being advertised
hereof, called apart his schoolmaster Ponocrates, Philotimus, steward of his house, Gymnastes, his esquire,
and Eudemon, and very summarily conferred with them, both of what he should do and what answer he
should give. They were all of opinion that they should bring them unto the goblet−office, which is the
buttery, and there make them drink like roysters and line their jackets soundly. And that this cougher might
not be puffed up with vain−glory by thinking the bells were restored at his request, they sent, whilst he was
chopining and plying the pot, for the mayor of the city, the rector of the faculty, and the vicar of the church,
unto whom they resolved to deliver the bells before the sophister had propounded his commission. After that,
in their hearing, he should pronounce his gallant oration, which was done; and they being come, the sophister
was brought in full hall, and began as followeth, in coughing.
Chapter 1.XIX. The oration of Master Janotus de Bragmardo for recovery of the bells.
Hem, hem, gud−day, sirs, gud−day. Et vobis, my masters. It were but reason that you should restore to us our
bells; for we have great need of them. Hem, hem, aihfuhash. We have oftentimes heretofore refused good
money for them of those of London in Cahors, yea and those of Bourdeaux in Brie, who would have bought
them for the substantific quality of the elementary complexion, which is intronificated in the terrestreity of
their quidditative nature, to extraneize the blasting mists and whirlwinds upon our vines, indeed not ours, but
these round about us. For if we lose the piot and liquor of the grape, we lose all, both sense and law. If you
restore them unto us at my request, I shall gain by it six basketfuls of sausages and a fine pair of breeches,
which will do my legs a great deal of good, or else they will not keep their promise to me. Ho by gob,
Domine, a pair of breeches is good, et vir sapiens non abhorrebit eam. Ha, ha, a pair of breeches is not so
easily got; I have experience of it myself. Consider, Domine, I have been these eighteen days in
matagrabolizing this brave speech. Reddite quae sunt Caesaris, Caesari, et quae sunt Dei, Deo. Ibi jacet lepus.
By my faith, Domine, if you will sup with me in cameris, by cox body, charitatis, nos faciemus bonum
cherubin. Ego occiditunum porcum, et ego habet bonum vino: but of good wine we cannot make bad Latin.
Well, de parte Dei date nobis bellas nostras. Hold, I give you in the name of the faculty a Sermones de Utino,
that utinam you would give us our bells. Vultis etiam pardonos? Per diem vos habebitis, et nihil payabitis. O,
sir, Domine, bellagivaminor nobis; verily, est bonum vobis. They are useful to everybody. If they fit your
mare well, so do they do our faculty; quae comparata est jumentis insipientibus, et similis facta est eis,
Psalmo nescio quo. Yet did I quote it in my note−book, et est unum bonum Achilles, a good defending
argument. Hem, hem, hem, haikhash! For I prove unto you, that you should give me them. Ego sic
argumentor. Omnis bella bellabilis in bellerio bellando, bellans, bellativo, bellare facit, bellabiliter bellantes.
Parisius habet bellas. Ergo gluc, Ha, ha, ha. This is spoken to some purpose. It is in tertio primae, in Darii, or
elsewhere. By my soul, I have seen the time that I could play the devil in arguing, but now I am much failed,
and henceforward want nothing but a cup of good wine, a good bed, my back to the fire, my belly to the
table, and a good deep dish. Hei, Domine, I beseech you, in nomine Patris, Filii, et Spiritus sancti, Amen, to
restore unto us our bells: and God keep you from evil, and our Lady from health, qui vivit et regnat per omnia
secula seculorum, Amen. Hem, hashchehhawksash, qzrchremhemhash.
Verum enim vero, quandoquidem, dubio procul. Edepol, quoniam, ita certe, medius fidius; a town without
bells is like a blind man without a staff, an ass without a crupper, and a cow without cymbals. Therefore be
assured, until you have restored them unto us, we will never leave crying after you, like a blind man that hath
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lost his staff, braying like an ass without a crupper, and making a noise like a cow without cymbals. A certain
latinisator, dwelling near the hospital, said since, producing the authority of one Taponnus,−−I lie, it was one
Pontanus the secular poet,−− who wished those bells had been made of feathers, and the clapper of a foxtail,
to the end they might have begot a chronicle in the bowels of his brain, when he was about the composing of
his carminiformal lines. But nac petetin petetac, tic, torche lorgne, or rot kipipur kipipot put pantse malf, he
was declared an heretic. We make them as of wax. And no more saith the deponent. Valete et plaudite.
Calepinus recensui.
Chapter 1.XX. How the Sophister carried away his cloth, and how he had a suit in law against the other
masters.
The sophister had no sooner ended, but Ponocrates and Eudemon burst out in a laughing so heartily, that they
had almost split with it, and given up the ghost, in rendering their souls to God: even just as Crassus did,
seeing a lubberly ass eat thistles; and as Philemon, who, for seeing an ass eat those figs which were provided
for his own dinner, died with force of laughing. Together with them Master Janotus fell a−laughing too as
fast as he could, in which mood of laughing they continued so long, that their eyes did water by the vehement
concussion of the substance of the brain, by which these lachrymal humidities, being pressed out, glided
through the optic nerves, and so to the full represented Democritus Heraclitizing and Heraclitus
Democritizing.
When they had done laughing, Gargantua consulted with the prime of his retinue what should be done. There
Ponocrates was of opinion that they should make this fair orator drink again; and seeing he had showed them
more pastime, and made them laugh more than a natural soul could have done, that they should give him ten
baskets full of sausages, mentioned in his pleasant speech, with a pair of hose, three hundred great billets of
logwood, five−and−twenty hogsheads of wine, a good large down−bed, and a deep capacious dish, which he
said were necessary for his old age. All this was done as they did appoint: only Gargantua, doubting that they
could not quickly find out breeches fit for his wearing, because he knew not what fashion would best become
the said orator, whether the martingale fashion of breeches, wherein is a spunghole with a drawbridge for the
more easy caguing: or the fashion of the mariners, for the greater solace and comfort of his kidneys: or that of
the Switzers, which keeps warm the bedondaine or belly−tabret: or round breeches with straight cannions,
having in the seat a piece like a cod's tail, for fear of over−heating his reins:−−all which considered, he
caused to be given him seven ells of white cloth for the linings. The wood was carried by the porters, the
masters of arts carried the sausages and the dishes, and Master Janotus himself would carry the cloth. One of
the said masters, called Jousse Bandouille, showed him that it was not seemly nor decent for one of his
condition to do so, and that therefore he should deliver it to one of them. Ha, said Janotus, baudet, baudet, or
blockhead, blockhead, thou dost not conclude in modo et figura. For lo, to this end serve the suppositions and
parva logicalia. Pannus, pro quo supponit? Confuse, said Bandouille, et distributive. I do not ask thee, said
Janotus, blockhead, quomodo supponit, but pro quo? It is, blockhead, pro tibiis meis, and therefore I will
carry it, Egomet, sicut suppositum portat appositum. So did he carry it away very close and covertly, as
Patelin the buffoon did his cloth. The best was, that when this cougher, in a full act or assembly held at the
Mathurins, had with great confidence required his breeches and sausages, and that they were flatly denied
him, because he had them of Gargantua, according to the informations thereupon made, he showed them that
this was gratis, and out of his liberality, by which they were not in any sort quit of their promises.
Notwithstanding this, it was answered him that he should be content with reason, without expectation of any
other bribe there. Reason? said Janotus. We use none of it here. Unlucky traitors, you are not worth the
hanging. The earth beareth not more arrant villains than you are. I know it well enough; halt not before the
lame. I have practised wickedness with you. By God's rattle, I will inform the king of the enormous abuses
that are forged here and carried underhand by you, and let me be a leper, if he do not burn you alive like
sodomites, traitors, heretics and seducers, enemies to God and virtue.
47
Upon these words they framed articles against him: he on the other side warned them to appear. In sum, the
process was retained by the court, and is there as yet. Hereupon the magisters made a vow never to decrott
themselves in rubbing off the dirt of either their shoes or clothes: Master Janotus with his adherents vowed
never to blow or snuff their noses, until judgment were given by a definitive sentence.
By these vows do they continue unto this time both dirty and snotty; for the court hath not garbled, sifted, and
fully looked into all the pieces as yet. The judgment or decree shall be given out and pronounced at the next
Greek kalends, that is, never. As you know that they do more than nature, and contrary to their own articles.
The articles of Paris maintain that to God alone belongs infinity, and nature produceth nothing that is
immortal; for she putteth an end and period to all things by her engendered, according to the saying, Omnia
orta cadunt, But these thick mist− swallowers make the suits in law depending before them both infinite and
immortal. In doing whereof, they have given occasion to, and verified the saying of Chilo the
Lacedaemonian, consecrated to the oracle at Delphos, that misery is the inseparable companion of
law−debates; and that pleaders are miserable; for sooner shall they attain to the end of their lives, than to the
final decision of their pretended rights.
Chapter 1.XXI. The study of Gargantua, according to the discipline of his schoolmasters the Sophisters.
The first day being thus spent, and the bells put up again in their own place, the citizens of Paris, in
acknowledgment of this courtesy, offered to maintain and feed his mare as long as he pleased, which
Gargantua took in good part, and they sent her to graze in the forest of Biere. I think she is not there now.
This done, he with all his heart submitted his study to the discretion of Ponocrates; who for the beginning
appointed that he should do as he was accustomed, to the end he might understand by what means, in so long
time, his old masters had made him so sottish and ignorant. He disposed therefore of his time in such fashion,
that ordinarily he did awake betwixt eight and nine o'clock, whether it was day or not, for so had his ancient
governors ordained, alleging that which David saith, Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere. Then did he
tumble and toss, wag his legs, and wallow in the bed some time, the better to stir up and rouse his vital spirits,
and apparelled himself according to the season: but willingly he would wear a great long gown of thick
frieze, furred with fox−skins. Afterwards he combed his head with an Almain comb, which is the four fingers
and the thumb. For his preceptor said that to comb himself otherwise, to wash and make himself neat, was to
lose time in this world. Then he dunged, pissed, spewed, belched, cracked, yawned, spitted, coughed, yexed,
sneezed and snotted himself like an archdeacon, and, to suppress the dew and bad air, went to breakfast,
having some good fried tripes, fair rashers on the coals, excellent gammons of bacon, store of fine minced
meat, and a great deal of sippet brewis, made up of the fat of the beef−pot, laid upon bread, cheese, and
chopped parsley strewed together. Ponocrates showed him that he ought not to eat so soon after rising out of
his bed, unless he had performed some exercise beforehand. Gargantua answered, What! have not I
sufficiently well exercised myself? I have wallowed and rolled myself six or seven turns in my bed before I
rose. Is not that enough? Pope Alexander did so, by the advice of a Jew his physician, and lived till his dying
day in despite of his enemies. My first masters have used me to it, saying that to breakfast made a good
memory, and therefore they drank first. I am very well after it, and dine but the better. And Master Tubal,
who was the first licenciate at Paris, told me that it was not enough to run apace, but to set forth betimes: so
doth not the total welfare of our humanity depend upon perpetual drinking in a ribble rabble, like ducks, but
on drinking early in the morning; unde versus,
To rise betimes is no good hour, To drink betimes is better sure.
After that he had thoroughly broke his fast, he went to church, and they carried to him, in a great basket, a
huge impantoufled or thick−covered breviary, weighing, what in grease, clasps, parchment and cover, little
more or less than eleven hundred and six pounds. There he heard six−and− twenty or thirty masses. This
while, to the same place came his orison− mutterer impaletocked, or lapped up about the chin like a tufted
whoop, and his breath pretty well antidoted with store of the vine−tree−syrup. With him he mumbled all his
48
kiriels and dunsical breborions, which he so curiously thumbed and fingered, that there fell not so much as
one grain to the ground. As he went from the church, they brought him, upon a dray drawn with oxen, a
confused heap of paternosters and aves of St. Claude, every one of them being of the bigness of a hat−block;
and thus walking through the cloisters, galleries, or garden, he said more in turning them over than sixteen
hermits would have done. Then did he study some paltry half−hour with his eyes fixed upon his book; but, as
the comic saith, his mind was in the kitchen. Pissing then a full urinal, he sat down at table; and because he
was naturally phlegmatic, he began his meal with some dozens of gammons, dried neat's tongues, hard roes
of mullet, called botargos, andouilles or sausages, and such other forerunners of wine. In the meanwhile, four
of his folks did cast into his mouth one after another continually mustard by whole shovelfuls. Immediately
after that, he drank a horrible draught of white wine for the ease of his kidneys. When that was done, he ate
according to the season meat agreeable to his appetite, and then left off eating when his belly began to strout,
and was like to crack for fulness. As for his drinking, he had in that neither end nor rule. For he was wont to
say, That the limits and bounds of drinking were, when the cork of the shoes of him that drinketh swelleth up
half a foot high.
Chapter 1.XXII. The games of Gargantua.
Then blockishly mumbling with a set on countenance a piece of scurvy grace, he washed his hands in fresh
wine, picked his teeth with the foot of a hog, and talked jovially with his attendants. Then the carpet being
spread, they brought plenty of cards, many dice, with great store and abundance of chequers and chessboards.
There he played.
At flush.
At love.
At primero.
At the chess.
At the beast.
At Reynard the fox.
At the rifle.
At the squares.
At trump.
At the cows.
At the prick and spare not.
At the lottery.
At the hundred.
At the chance or mumchance.
At the peeny.
At three dice or maniest bleaks.
At the unfortunate woman.
At the tables.
At the fib.
At nivinivinack.
At the pass ten.
At the lurch.
At one−and−thirty.
At doublets or queen's game.
At post and pair, or even and
At the faily.
sequence.
At the French trictrac.
At three hundred.
At the long tables or ferkeering.
At the unlucky man.
At feldown.
At the last couple in hell.
At tod's body.
At the hock.
At needs must.
At the surly.
At the dames or draughts.
At the lansquenet.
At bob and mow.
At the cuckoo.
At primus secundus.
At puff, or let him speak that
At mark−knife.
hath it.
At the keys.
At take nothing and throw out.
At span−counter.
At the marriage.
At even or odd.
At the frolic or jackdaw.
At cross or pile.
At the opinion.
At ball and huckle−bones.
At who doth the one, doth the
At ivory balls.
other.
At the billiards.
At the sequences.
At bob and hit.
At the ivory bundles.
At the owl.
At the tarots.
At the charming of the hare.
At losing load him.
At pull yet a little.
At he's gulled and esto.
At trudgepig.
At the torture.
At the magatapies.
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At the handruff.
At the horn.
At the click.
At the flowered or Shrovetide ox.
At honours.
At the madge−owlet.
At pinch without laughing.
At tilt at weeky.
At prickle me tickle me.
At ninepins.
At the unshoeing of the ass.
At the cock quintin.
At the cocksess.
At tip and hurl.
At hari hohi.
At the flat bowls.
At I set me down.
At the veer and turn.
At earl beardy.
At rogue and ruffian.
At the old mode.
At bumbatch touch.
At draw the spit.
At the mysterious trough.
At put out.
At the short bowls.
At gossip lend me your sack.
At the dapple−grey.
At the ramcod ball.
At cock and crank it.
At thrust out the harlot.
At break−pot.
At Marseilles figs.
At my desire.
At nicknamry.
At twirly whirlytrill.
At stick and hole.
At the rush bundles.
At boke or him, or flaying the fox. At the short staff.
At the branching it.
At the whirling gig.
At trill madam, or grapple my lady. At hide and seek, or are you all
At the cat selling.
hid?
At blow the coal.
At the picket.
At the re−wedding.
At the blank.
At the quick and dead judge.
At the pilferers.
At unoven the iron.
At the caveson.
At the false clown.
At prison bars.
At the flints, or at the nine stones.At have at the nuts.
At to the crutch hulch back.
At cherry−pit.
At the Sanct is found.
At rub and rice.
At hinch, pinch and laugh not.
At whiptop.
At the leek.
At the casting top.
At bumdockdousse.
At the hobgoblins.
At the loose gig.
At the O wonderful.
At the hoop.
At the soily smutchy.
At the sow.
At fast and loose.
At belly to belly.
At scutchbreech.
At the dales or straths.
At the broom−besom.
At the twigs.
At St. Cosme, I come to adore
At the quoits.
thee.
At I'm for that.
At the lusty brown boy.
At I take you napping.
At greedy glutton.
At fair and softly passeth Lent. At the morris dance.
At the forked oak.
At feeby.
At truss.
At the whole frisk and gambol.
At the wolf's tail.
At battabum, or riding of the
At bum to buss, or nose in breech. wild mare.
At Geordie, give me my lance.
At Hind the ploughman.
At swaggy, waggy or shoggyshou.
At the good mawkin.
At stook and rook, shear and
At the dead beast.
threave.
At climb the ladder, Billy.
At the birch.
At the dying hog.
At the muss.
At the salt doup.
At the dilly dilly darling.
At the pretty pigeon.
At ox moudy.
At barley break.
At purpose in purpose.
At the bavine.
At nine less.
At the bush leap.
At blind−man−buff.
At crossing.
At the fallen bridges.
At bo−peep.
At bridled nick.
At the hardit arsepursy.
At the white at butts.
At the harrower's nest.
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At thwack swinge him.
At apple, pear, plum.
At mumgi.
At the toad.
At cricket.
At the pounding stick.
At jack and the box.
At the queens.
At the trades.
At heads and points.
At the vine−tree hug.
At black be thy fall.
At ho the distaff.
At Joan Thomson.
At the bolting cloth.
At the oat's seed.
At forward hey.
At the fig.
At gunshot crack.
At mustard peel.
At the gome.
At the relapse.
At jog breech, or prick him for−
ward.
At knockpate.
At the Cornish c(h)ough.
At the crane−dance.
At slash and cut.
At bobbing, or flirt on the
nose.
At the larks.
At fillipping.
After he had thus well played, revelled, past and spent his time, it was thought fit to drink a little, and that
was eleven glassfuls the man, and, immediately after making good cheer again, he would stretch himself
upon a fair bench, or a good large bed, and there sleep two or three hours together, without thinking or
speaking any hurt. After he was awakened he would shake his ears a little. In the mean time they brought him
fresh wine. There he drank better than ever. Ponocrates showed him that it was an ill diet to drink so after
sleeping. It is, answered Gargantua, the very life of the patriarchs and holy fathers; for naturally I sleep salt,
and my sleep hath been to me in stead of so many gammons of bacon. Then began he to study a little, and out
came the paternosters or rosary of beads, which the better and more formally to despatch, he got upon an old
mule, which had served nine kings, and so mumbling with his mouth, nodding and doddling his head, would
go see a coney ferreted or caught in a gin. At his return he went into the kitchen to know what roast meat was
on the spit, and what otherwise was to be dressed for supper. And supped very well, upon my conscience, and
commonly did invite some of his neighbours that were good drinkers, with whom carousing and drinking
merrily, they told stories of all sorts from the old to the new. Amongst others he had for domestics the Lords
of Fou, of Gourville, of Griniot, and of Marigny. After supper were brought in upon the place the fair wooden
gospels and the books of the four kings, that is to say, many pairs of tables and cards−−or the fair flush, one,
two, three−−or at all, to make short work; or else they went to see the wenches thereabouts, with little small
banquets, intermixed with collations and rear−suppers. Then did he sleep, without unbridling, until eight
o'clock in the next morning.
Chapter 1.XXIII. How Gargantua was instructed by Ponocrates, and in such sort disciplinated, that he lost
not one hour of the day.
When Ponocrates knew Gargantua's vicious manner of living, he resolved to bring him up in another kind;
but for a while he bore with him, considering that nature cannot endure a sudden change, without great
violence. Therefore, to begin his work the better, he requested a learned physician of that time, called Master
Theodorus, seriously to perpend, if it were possible, how to bring Gargantua into a better course. The said
physician purged him canonically with Anticyrian hellebore, by which medicine he cleansed all the alteration
and perverse habitude of his brain. By this means also Ponocrates made him forget all that he had learned
under his ancient preceptors, as Timotheus did to his disciples, who had been instructed under other
musicians. To do this the better, they brought him into the company of learned men, which were there, in
whose imitation he had a great desire and affection to study otherwise, and to improve his parts. Afterwards
he put himself into such a road and way of studying, that he lost not any one hour in the day, but employed
all his time in learning and honest knowledge. Gargantua awaked, then, about four o'clock in the morning.
Whilst they were in rubbing of him, there was read unto him some chapter of the holy Scripture aloud and
clearly, with a pronunciation fit for the matter, and hereunto was appointed a young page born in Basche,
named Anagnostes. According to the purpose and argument of that lesson, he oftentimes gave himself to
worship, adore, pray, and send up his supplications to that good God, whose Word did show his majesty and
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marvellous judgment. Then went he unto the secret places to make excretion of his natural digestions. There
his master repeated what had been read, expounding unto him the most obscure and difficult points. In
returning, they considered the face of the sky, if it was such as they had observed it the night before, and into
what signs the sun was entering, as also the moon for that day. This done, he was apparelled, combed, curled,
trimmed, and perfumed, during which time they repeated to him the lessons of the day before. He himself
said them by heart, and upon them would ground some practical cases concerning the estate of man, which he
would prosecute sometimes two or three hours, but ordinarily they ceased as soon as he was fully clothed.
Then for three good hours he had a lecture read unto him. This done they went forth, still conferring of the
substance of the lecture, either unto a field near the university called the Brack, or unto the meadows, where
they played at the ball, the long−tennis, and at the piletrigone (which is a play wherein we throw a triangular
piece of iron at a ring, to pass it), most gallantly exercising their bodies, as formerly they had done their
minds. All their play was but in liberty, for they left off when they pleased, and that was commonly when
they did sweat over all their body, or were otherwise weary. Then were they very well wiped and rubbed,
shifted their shirts, and, walking soberly, went to see if dinner was ready. Whilst they stayed for that, they did
clearly and eloquently pronounce some sentences that they had retained of the lecture. In the meantime
Master Appetite came, and then very orderly sat they down at table. At the beginning of the meal there was
read some pleasant history of the warlike actions of former times, until he had taken a glass of wine. Then, if
they thought good, they continued reading, or began to discourse merrily together; speaking first of the virtue,
propriety, efficacy, and nature of all that was served in at the table; of bread, of wine, of water, of salt, of
fleshes, fishes, fruits, herbs, roots, and of their dressing. By means whereof he learned in a little time all the
passages competent for this that were to be found in Pliny, Athenaeus, Dioscorides, Julius Pollux, Galen,
Porphyry, Oppian, Polybius, Heliodore, Aristotle, Aelian, and others. Whilst they talked of these things,
many times, to be the more certain, they caused the very books to be brought to the table, and so well and
perfectly did he in his memory retain the things above said, that in that time there was not a physician that
knew half so much as he did. Afterwards they conferred of the lessons read in the morning, and, ending their
repast with some conserve or marmalade of quinces, he picked his teeth with mastic tooth−pickers, washed
his hands and eyes with fair fresh water, and gave thanks unto God in some fine cantiques, made in praise of
the divine bounty and munificence. This done, they brought in cards, not to play, but to learn a thousand
pretty tricks and new inventions, which were all grounded upon arithmetic. By this means he fell in love with
that numerical science, and every day after dinner and supper he passed his time in it as pleasantly as he was
wont to do at cards and dice; so that at last he understood so well both the theory and practical part thereof,
that Tunstall the Englishman, who had written very largely of that purpose, confessed that verily in
comparison of him he had no skill at all. And not only in that, but in the other mathematical sciences, as
geometry, astronomy, music, For in waiting on the concoction and attending the digestion of his food, they
made a thousand pretty instruments and geometrical figures, and did in some measure practise the
astronomical canons.
After this they recreated themselves with singing musically, in four or five parts, or upon a set theme or
ground at random, as it best pleased them. In matter of musical instruments, he learned to play upon the lute,
the virginals, the harp, the Almain flute with nine holes, the viol, and the sackbut. This hour thus spent, and
digestion finished, he did purge his body of natural excrements, then betook himself to his principal study for
three hours together, or more, as well to repeat his matutinal lectures as to proceed in the book wherein he
was, as also to write handsomely, to draw and form the antique and Roman letters. This being done, they
went out of their house, and with them a young gentleman of Touraine, named the Esquire Gymnast, who
taught him the art of riding. Changing then his clothes, he rode a Naples courser, a Dutch roussin, a Spanish
jennet, a barded or trapped steed, then a light fleet horse, unto whom he gave a hundred carieres, made him
go the high saults, bounding in the air, free the ditch with a skip, leap over a stile or pale, turn short in a ring
both to the right and left hand. There he broke not his lance; for it is the greatest foolery in the world to say, I
have broken ten lances at tilts or in fight. A carpenter can do even as much. But it is a glorious and
praise−worthy action with one lance to break and overthrow ten enemies. Therefore, with a sharp, stiff,
strong, and well−steeled lance would he usually force up a door, pierce a harness, beat down a tree, carry
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away the ring, lift up a cuirassier saddle, with the mail−coat and gauntlet. All this he did in complete arms
from head to foot. As for the prancing flourishes and smacking popisms for the better cherishing of the horse,
commonly used in riding, none did them better than he. The cavallerize of Ferrara was but as an ape
compared to him. He was singularly skilful in leaping nimbly from one horse to another without putting foot
to ground, and these horses were called desultories. He could likewise from either side, with a lance in his
hand, leap on horseback without stirrups, and rule the horse at his pleasure without a bridle, for such things
are useful in military engagements. Another day he exercised the battle−axe, which he so dexterously
wielded, both in the nimble, strong, and smooth management of that weapon, and that in all the feats
practicable by it, that he passed knight of arms in the field, and at all essays.
Then tossed he the pike, played with the two−handed sword, with the backsword, with the Spanish tuck, the
dagger, poniard, armed, unarmed, with a buckler, with a cloak, with a target. Then would he hunt the hart, the
roebuck, the bear, the fallow deer, the wild boar, the hare, the pheasant, the partridge, and the bustard. He
played at the balloon, and made it bound in the air, both with fist and foot. He wrestled, ran, jumped−−not at
three steps and a leap, called the hops, nor at clochepied, called the hare's leap, nor yet at the Almains; for,
said Gymnast, these jumps are for the wars altogether unprofitable, and of no use−−but at one leap he would
skip over a ditch, spring over a hedge, mount six paces upon a wall, ramp and grapple after this fashion up
against a window of the full height of a lance. He did swim in deep waters on his belly, on his back,
sideways, with all his body, with his feet only, with one hand in the air, wherein he held a book, crossing thus
the breadth of the river of Seine without wetting it, and dragged along his cloak with his teeth, as did Julius
Caesar; then with the help of one hand he entered forcibly into a boat, from whence he cast himself again
headlong into the water, sounded the depths, hollowed the rocks, and plunged into the pits and gulfs. Then
turned he the boat about, governed it, led it swiftly or slowly with the stream and against the stream, stopped
it in his course, guided it with one hand, and with the other laid hard about him with a huge great oar, hoisted
the sail, hied up along the mast by the shrouds, ran upon the edge of the decks, set the compass in order,
tackled the bowlines, and steered the helm. Coming out of the water, he ran furiously up against a hill, and
with the same alacrity and swiftness ran down again. He climbed up at trees like a cat, and leaped from the
one to the other like a squirrel. He did pull down the great boughs and branches like another Milo; then with
two sharp well−steeled daggers and two tried bodkins would he run up by the wall to the very top of a house
like a rat; then suddenly came down from the top to the bottom, with such an even composition of members
that by the fall he would catch no harm.
He did cast the dart, throw the bar, put the stone, practise the javelin, the boar−spear or partisan, and the
halbert. He broke the strongest bows in drawing, bended against his breast the greatest crossbows of steel,
took his aim by the eye with the hand−gun, and shot well, traversed and planted the cannon, shot at
butt−marks, at the papgay from below upwards, or to a height from above downwards, or to a descent; then
before him, sideways, and behind him, like the Parthians. They tied a cable−rope to the top of a high tower,
by one end whereof hanging near the ground he wrought himself with his hands to the very top; then upon the
same track came down so sturdily and firm that you could not on a plain meadow have run with more
assurance. They set up a great pole fixed upon two trees. There would he hang by his hands, and with them
alone, his feet touching at nothing, would go back and fore along the foresaid rope with so great swiftness
that hardly could one overtake him with running; and then, to exercise his breast and lungs, he would shout
like all the devils in hell. I heard him once call Eudemon from St. Victor's gate to Montmartre. Stentor had
never such a voice at the siege of Troy. Then for the strengthening of his nerves or sinews they made him two
great sows of lead, each of them weighing eight thousand and seven hundred quintals, which they called
alteres. Those he took up from the ground, in each hand one, then lifted them up over his head, and held them
so without stirring three quarters of an hour and more, which was an inimitable force. He fought at barriers
with the stoutest and most vigorous champions; and when it came to the cope, he stood so sturdily on his feet
that he abandoned himself unto the strongest, in case they could remove him from his place, as Milo was
wont to do of old. In whose imitation, likewise, he held a pomegranate in his hand, to give it unto him that
could take it from him. The time being thus bestowed, and himself rubbed, cleansed, wiped, and refreshed
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with other clothes, he returned fair and softly; and passing through certain meadows, or other grassy places,
beheld the trees and plants, comparing them with what is written of them in the books of the ancients, such as
Theophrast, Dioscorides, Marinus, Pliny, Nicander, Macer, and Galen, and carried home to the house great
handfuls of them, whereof a young page called Rizotomos had charge; together with little mattocks, pickaxes,
grubbing−hooks, cabbies, pruning−knives, and other instruments requisite for herborizing. Being come to
their lodging, whilst supper was making ready, they repeated certain passages of that which hath been read,
and sat down to table. Here remark, that his dinner was sober and thrifty, for he did then eat only to prevent
the gnawings of his stomach, but his supper was copious and large, for he took then as much as was fit to
maintain and nourish him; which, indeed, is the true diet prescribed by the art of good and sound physic,
although a rabble of loggerheaded physicians, nuzzeled in the brabbling shop of sophisters, counsel the
contrary. During that repast was continued the lesson read at dinner as long as they thought good; the rest was
spent in good discourse, learned and profitable. After that they had given thanks, he set himself to sing
vocally, and play upon harmonious instruments, or otherwise passed his time at some pretty sports, made
with cards or dice, or in practising the feats of legerdemain with cups and balls. There they stayed some
nights in frolicking thus, and making themselves merry till it was time to go to bed; and on other nights they
would go make visits unto learned men, or to such as had been travellers in strange and remote countries.
When it was full night before they retired themselves, they went unto the most open place of the house to see
the face of the sky, and there beheld the comets, if any were, as likewise the figures, situations, aspects,
oppositions, and conjunctions of both the fixed stars and planets.
Then with his master did he briefly recapitulate, after the manner of the Pythagoreans, that which he had read,
seen, learned, done, and understood in the whole course of that day.
Then prayed they unto God the Creator, in falling down before him, and strengthening their faith towards
him, and glorifying him for his boundless bounty; and, giving thanks unto him for the time that was past, they
recommended themselves to his divine clemency for the future. Which being done, they went to bed, and
betook themselves to their repose and rest.
Chapter 1.XXIV. How Gargantua spent his time in rainy weather.
If it happened that the weather were anything cloudy, foul, and rainy, all the forenoon was employed, as
before specified, according to custom, with this difference only, that they had a good clear fire lighted to
correct the distempers of the air. But after dinner, instead of their wonted exercitations, they did abide within,
and, by way of apotherapy (that is, a making the body healthful by exercise), did recreate themselves in
bottling up of hay, in cleaving and sawing of wood, and in threshing sheaves of corn at the barn. Then they
studied the art of painting or carving; or brought into use the antique play of tables, as Leonicus hath written
of it, and as our good friend Lascaris playeth at it. In playing they examined the passages of ancient authors
wherein the said play is mentioned or any metaphor drawn from it. They went likewise to see the drawing of
metals, or the casting of great ordnance; how the lapidaries did work; as also the goldsmiths and cutters of
precious stones. Nor did they omit to visit the alchemists, money−coiners, upholsterers, weavers,
velvet−workers, watchmakers, looking−glass framers, printers, organists, and other such kind of artificers,
and, everywhere giving them somewhat to drink, did learn and consider the industry and invention of the
trades. They went also to hear the public lectures, the solemn commencements, the repetitions, the
acclamations, the pleadings of the gentle lawyers, and sermons of evangelical preachers. He went through the
halls and places appointed for fencing, and there played against the masters themselves at all weapons, and
showed them by experience that he knew as much in it as, yea, more than, they. And, instead of herborizing,
they visited the shops of druggists, herbalists, and apothecaries, and diligently considered the fruits, roots,
leaves, gums, seeds, the grease and ointments of some foreign parts, as also how they did adulterate them. He
went to see the jugglers, tumblers, mountebanks, and quacksalvers, and considered their cunning, their shifts,
their somersaults and smooth tongue, especially of those of Chauny in Picardy, who are naturally great
praters, and brave givers of fibs, in matter of green apes.
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At their return they did eat more soberly at supper than at other times, and meats more desiccative and
extenuating; to the end that the intemperate moisture of the air, communicated to the body by a necessary
confinitive, might by this means be corrected, and that they might not receive any prejudice for want of their
ordinary bodily exercise. Thus was Gargantua governed, and kept on in this course of education, from day to
day profiting, as you may understand such a young man of his age may, of a pregnant judgment, with good
discipline well continued. Which, although at the beginning it seemed difficult, became a little after so sweet,
so easy, and so delightful, that it seemed rather the recreation of a king than the study of a scholar.
Nevertheless Ponocrates, to divert him from this vehement intension of the spirits, thought fit, once in a
month, upon some fair and clear day, to go out of the city betimes in the morning, either towards Gentilly, or
Boulogne, or to Montrouge, or Charanton bridge, or to Vanves, or St. Clou, and there spend all the day long
in making the greatest cheer that could be devised, sporting, making merry, drinking healths, playing,
singing, dancing, tumbling in some fair meadow, unnestling of sparrows, taking of quails, and fishing for
frogs and crabs. But although that day was passed without books or lecture, yet was it not spent without
profit; for in the said meadows they usually repeated certain pleasant verses of Virgil's agriculture, of Hesiod
and of Politian's husbandry, would set a−broach some witty Latin epigrams, then immediately turned them
into roundelays and songs for dancing in the French language. In their feasting they would sometimes
separate the water from the wine that was therewith mixed, as Cato teacheth, De re rustica, and Pliny with an
ivy cup would wash the wine in a basinful of water, then take it out again with a funnel as pure as ever. They
made the water go from one glass to another, and contrived a thousand little automatory engines, that is to
say, moving of themselves.
Chapter 1.XXV. How there was great strife and debate raised betwixt the cake−bakers of Lerne, and those
of Gargantua's country, whereupon were waged great wars.
At that time, which was the season of vintage, in the beginning of harvest, when the country shepherds were
set to keep the vines, and hinder the starlings from eating up the grapes, as some cake−bakers of Lerne
happened to pass along in the broad highway, driving into the city ten or twelve horses loaded with cakes, the
said shepherds courteously entreated them to give them some for their money, as the price then ruled in the
market. For here it is to be remarked, that it is a celestial food to eat for breakfast hot fresh cakes with grapes,
especially the frail clusters, the great red grapes, the muscadine, the verjuice grape, and the laskard, for those
that are costive in their belly, because it will make them gush out, and squirt the length of a hunter's staff, like
the very tap of a barrel; and oftentimes, thinking to let a squib, they did all−to−besquatter and conskite
themselves, whereupon they are commonly called the vintage thinkers. The bun−sellers or cake−makers were
in nothing inclinable to their request; but, which was worse, did injure them most outrageously, called them
prattling gabblers, lickorous gluttons, freckled bittors, mangy rascals, shite−a−bed scoundrels, drunken
roysters, sly knaves, drowsy loiterers, slapsauce fellows, slabberdegullion druggels, lubberly louts, cozening
foxes, ruffian rogues, paltry customers, sycophant−varlets, drawlatch hoydens, flouting milksops, jeering
companions, staring clowns, forlorn snakes, ninny lobcocks, scurvy sneaksbies, fondling fops, base loons,
saucy coxcombs, idle lusks, scoffing braggarts, noddy meacocks, blockish grutnols, doddipol−joltheads,
jobbernol goosecaps, foolish loggerheads, flutch calf−lollies, grouthead gnat−snappers, lob−dotterels, gaping
changelings, codshead loobies, woodcock slangams, ninny−hammer flycatchers, noddypeak simpletons,
turdy gut, shitten shepherds, and other suchlike defamatory epithets; saying further, that it was not for them to
eat of these dainty cakes, but might very well content themselves with the coarse unranged bread, or to eat of
the great brown household loaf. To which provoking words, one amongst them, called Forgier, an honest
fellow of his person and a notable springal, made answer very calmly thus: How long is it since you have got
horns, that you are become so proud? Indeed formerly you were wont to give us some freely, and will you not
now let us have any for our money? This is not the part of good neighbours, neither do we serve you thus
when you come hither to buy our good corn, whereof you make your cakes and buns. Besides that, we would
have given you to the bargain some of our grapes, but, by his zounds, you may chance to repent it, and
possibly have need of us at another time, when we shall use you after the like manner, and therefore
remember it. Then Marquet, a prime man in the confraternity of the cake−bakers, said unto him, Yea, sir,
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thou art pretty well crest−risen this morning, thou didst eat yesternight too much millet and bolymong. Come
hither, sirrah, come hither, I will give thee some cakes. Whereupon Forgier, dreading no harm, in all
simplicity went towards him, and drew a sixpence out of his leather satchel, thinking that Marquet would
have sold him some of his cakes. But, instead of cakes, he gave him with his whip such a rude lash
overthwart the legs, that the marks of the whipcord knots were apparent in them, then would have fled away;
but Forgier cried out as loud as he could, O, murder, murder, help, help, help! and in the meantime threw a
great cudgel after him, which he carried under his arm, wherewith he hit him in the coronal joint of his head,
upon the crotaphic artery of the right side thereof, so forcibly, that Marquet fell down from his mare more
like a dead than living man. Meanwhile the farmers and country swains, that were watching their walnuts
near to that place, came running with their great poles and long staves, and laid such load on these
cake−bakers, as if they had been to thresh upon green rye. The other shepherds and shepherdesses, hearing
the lamentable shout of Forgier, came with their slings and slackies following them, and throwing great
stones at them, as thick as if it had been hail. At last they overtook them, and took from them about four or
five dozen of their cakes. Nevertheless they paid for them the ordinary price, and gave them over and above
one hundred eggs and three baskets full of mulberries. Then did the cake−bakers help to get up to his mare
Marquet, who was most shrewdly wounded, and forthwith returned to Lerne, changing the resolution they
had to go to Pareille, threatening very sharp and boisterously the cowherds, shepherds, and farmers of Seville
and Sinays. This done, the shepherds and shepherdesses made merry with these cakes and fine grapes, and
sported themselves together at the sound of the pretty small pipe, scoffing and laughing at those vainglorious
cake−bakers, who had that day met with a mischief for want of crossing themselves with a good hand in the
morning. Nor did they forget to apply to Forgier's leg some fair great red medicinal grapes, and so
handsomely dressed it and bound it up that he was quickly cured.
Chapter 1.XXVI. How the inhabitants of Lerne, by the commandment of Picrochole their king, assaulted
the shepherds of Gargantua unexpectedly and on a sudden.
The cake−bakers, being returned to Lerne, went presently, before they did either eat or drink, to the Capitol,
and there before their king, called Picrochole, the third of that name, made their complaint, showing their
panniers broken, their caps all crumpled, their coats torn, their cakes taken away, but, above all, Marquet
most enormously wounded, saying that all that mischief was done by the shepherds and herdsmen of
Grangousier, near the broad highway beyond Seville. Picrochole incontinent grew angry and furious; and,
without asking any further what, how, why, or wherefore, commanded the ban and arriere ban to be sounded
throughout all his country, that all his vassals of what condition soever should, upon pain of the halter, come,
in the best arms they could, unto the great place before the castle, at the hour of noon, and, the better to
strengthen his design, he caused the drum to be beat about the town. Himself, whilst his dinner was making
ready, went to see his artillery mounted upon the carriage, to display his colours, and set up the great royal
standard, and loaded wains with store of ammunition both for the field and the belly, arms and victuals. At
dinner he despatched his commissions, and by his express edict my Lord Shagrag was appointed to command
the vanguard, wherein were numbered sixteen thousand and fourteen arquebusiers or firelocks, together with
thirty thousand and eleven volunteer adventurers. The great Touquedillon, master of the horse, had the charge
of the ordnance, wherein were reckoned nine hundred and fourteen brazen pieces, in cannons, double
cannons, basilisks, serpentines, culverins, bombards or murderers, falcons, bases or passevolins, spirols, and
other sorts of great guns. The rearguard was committed to the Duke of Scrapegood. In the main battle was the
king and the princes of his kingdom. Thus being hastily furnished, before they would set forward, they sent
three hundred light horsemen, under the conduct of Captain Swillwind, to discover the country, clear the
avenues, and see whether there was any ambush laid for them. But, after they had made diligent search, they
found all the land round about in peace and quiet, without any meeting or convention at all; which Picrochole
understanding, commanded that everyone should march speedily under his colours. Then immediately in all
disorder, without keeping either rank or file, they took the fields one amongst another, wasting, spoiling,
destroying, and making havoc of all wherever they went, not sparing poor nor rich, privileged or unprivileged
places, church nor laity, drove away oxen and cows, bulls, calves, heifers, wethers, ewes, lambs, goats, kids,
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hens, capons, chickens, geese, ganders, goslings, hogs, swine, pigs, and such like; beating down the walnuts,
plucking the grapes, tearing the hedges, shaking the fruit−trees, and committing such incomparable abuses,
that the like abomination was never heard of. Nevertheless, they met with none to resist them, for everyone
submitted to their mercy, beseeching them that they might be dealt with courteously in regard that they had
always carried themselves as became good and loving neighbours, and that they had never been guilty of any
wrong or outrage done upon them, to be thus suddenly surprised, troubled, and disquieted, and that, if they
would not desist, God would punish them very shortly. To which expostulations and remonstrances no other
answer was made, but that they would teach them to eat cakes.
Chapter 1.XXVII. How a monk of Seville saved the close of the abbey from being ransacked by the enemy.
So much they did, and so far they went pillaging and stealing, that at last they came to Seville, where they
robbed both men and women, and took all they could catch: nothing was either too hot or too heavy for them.
Although the plague was there in the most part of all the houses, they nevertheless entered everywhere, then
plundered and carried away all that was within, and yet for all this not one of them took any hurt, which is a
most wonderful case. For the curates, vicars, preachers, physicians, chirurgeons, and apothecaries, who went
to visit, to dress, to cure, to heal, to preach unto and admonish those that were sick, were all dead of the
infection, and these devilish robbers and murderers caught never any harm at all. Whence comes this to pass,
my masters? I beseech you think upon it. The town being thus pillaged, they went unto the abbey with a
horrible noise and tumult, but they found it shut and made fast against them. Whereupon the body of the
army marched forward towards a pass or ford called the Gue de Vede, except seven companies of foot and
two hundred lancers, who, staying there, broke down the walls of the close, to waste, spoil, and make havoc
of all the vines and vintage within that place. The monks (poor devils) knew not in that extremity to which of
all their sancts they should vow themselves. Nevertheless, at all adventures they rang the bells ad capitulum
capitulantes. There it was decreed that they should make a fair procession, stuffed with good lectures,
prayers, and litanies contra hostium insidias, and jolly responses pro pace.
There was then in the abbey a claustral monk, called Friar John of the funnels and gobbets, in French des
entoumeures, young, gallant, frisk, lusty, nimble, quick, active, bold, adventurous, resolute, tall, lean,
wide−mouthed, long−nosed, a fair despatcher of morning prayers, unbridler of masses, and runner over of
vigils; and, to conclude summarily in a word, a right monk, if ever there was any, since the monking world
monked a monkery: for the rest, a clerk even to the teeth in matter of breviary. This monk, hearing the noise
that the enemy made within the enclosure of the vineyard, went out to see what they were doing; and
perceiving that they were cutting and gathering the grapes, whereon was grounded the foundation of all their
next year's wine, returned unto the choir of the church where the other monks were, all amazed and
astonished like so many bell−melters. Whom when he heard sing, im, nim, pe, ne, ne, ne, ne, nene, tum, ne,
num, num, ini, i mi, co, o, no, o, o, neno, ne, no, no, no, rum, nenum, num: It is well shit, well sung, said he.
By the virtue of God, why do not you sing, Panniers, farewell, vintage is done? The devil snatch me, if they
be not already within the middle of our close, and cut so well both vines and grapes, that, by Cod's body,
there will not be found for these four years to come so much as a gleaning in it. By the belly of Sanct James,
what shall we poor devils drink the while? Lord God! da mihi potum. Then said the prior of the convent:
What should this drunken fellow do here? let him be carried to prison for troubling the divine service. Nay,
said the monk, the wine service, let us behave ourselves so that it be not troubled; for you yourself, my lord
prior, love to drink of the best, and so doth every honest man. Never yet did a man of worth dislike good
wine, it is a monastical apophthegm. But these responses that you chant here, by G−−, are not in season.
Wherefore is it, that our devotions were instituted to be short in the time of harvest and vintage, and long in
the advent, and all the winter? The late friar, Massepelosse, of good memory, a true zealous man, or else I
give myself to the devil, of our religion, told me, and I remember it well, how the reason was, that in this
season we might press and make the wine, and in winter whiff it up. Hark you, my masters, you that love the
wine, Cop's body, follow me; for Sanct Anthony burn me as freely as a faggot, if they get leave to taste one
drop of the liquor that will not now come and fight for relief of the vine. Hog's belly, the goods of the church!
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Ha, no, no. What the devil, Sanct Thomas of England was well content to die for them; if I died in the same
cause, should not I be a sanct likewise? Yes. Yet shall not I die there for all this, for it is I that must do it to
others and send them a− packing.
As he spake this he threw off his great monk's habit, and laid hold upon the staff of the cross, which was
made of the heart of a sorbapple−tree, it being of the length of a lance, round, of a full grip, and a little
powdered with lilies called flower de luce, the workmanship whereof was almost all defaced and worn out.
Thus went he out in a fair long−skirted jacket, putting his frock scarfwise athwart his breast, and in this
equipage, with his staff, shaft or truncheon of the cross, laid on so lustily, brisk, and fiercely upon his
enemies, who, without any order, or ensign, or trumpet, or drum, were busied in gathering the grapes of the
vineyard. For the cornets, guidons, and ensign−bearers had laid down their standards, banners, and colours by
the wall sides: the drummers had knocked out the heads of their drums on one end to fill them with grapes:
the trumpeters were loaded with great bundles of bunches and huge knots of clusters: in sum, everyone of
them was out of array, and all in disorder. He hurried, therefore, upon them so rudely, without crying gare or
beware, that he overthrew them like hogs, tumbled them over like swine, striking athwart and alongst, and by
one means or other laid so about him, after the old fashion of fencing, that to some he beat out their brains, to
others he crushed their arms, battered their legs, and bethwacked their sides till their ribs cracked with it. To
others again he unjointed the spondyles or knuckles of the neck, disfigured their chaps, gashed their faces,
made their cheeks hang flapping on their chin, and so swinged and balammed them that they fell down before
him like hay before a mower. To some others he spoiled the frame of their kidneys, marred their backs, broke
their thigh− bones, pashed in their noses, poached out their eyes, cleft their mandibles, tore their jaws, dung
in their teeth into their throat, shook asunder their omoplates or shoulder−blades, sphacelated their shins,
mortified their shanks, inflamed their ankles, heaved off of the hinges their ishies, their sciatica or hip−gout,
dislocated the joints of their knees, squattered into pieces the boughts or pestles of their thighs, and so
thumped, mauled and belaboured them everywhere, that never was corn so thick and threefold threshed upon
by ploughmen's flails as were the pitifully disjointed members of their mangled bodies under the merciless
baton of the cross. If any offered to hide himself amongst the thickest of the vines, he laid him squat as a
flounder, bruised the ridge of his back, and dashed his reins like a dog. If any thought by flight to escape, he
made his head to fly in pieces by the lamboidal commissure, which is a seam in the hinder part of the skull. If
anyone did scramble up into a tree, thinking there to be safe, he rent up his perinee, and impaled him in at the
fundament. If any of his old acquaintance happened to cry out, Ha, Friar John, my friend Friar John, quarter,
quarter, I yield myself to you, to you I render myself! So thou shalt, said he, and must, whether thou wouldst
or no, and withal render and yield up thy soul to all the devils in hell; then suddenly gave them dronos, that
is, so many knocks, thumps, raps, dints, thwacks, and bangs, as sufficed to warn Pluto of their coming and
despatch them a−going. If any was so rash and full of temerity as to resist him to his face, then was it he did
show the strength of his muscles, for without more ado he did transpierce him, by running him in at the
breast, through the mediastine and the heart. Others, again, he so quashed and bebumped, that, with a sound
bounce under the hollow of their short ribs, he overturned their stomachs so that they died immediately. To
some, with a smart souse on the epigaster, he would make their midriff swag, then, redoubling the blow, gave
them such a homepush on the navel that he made their puddings to gush out. To others through their ballocks
he pierced their bumgut, and left not bowel, tripe, nor entrail in their body that had not felt the impetuosity,
fierceness, and fury of his violence. Believe, that it was the most horrible spectacle that ever one saw. Some
cried unto Sanct Barbe, others to St. George. O the holy Lady Nytouch, said one, the good Sanctess; O our
Lady of Succours, said another, help, help! Others cried, Our Lady of Cunaut, of Loretto, of Good Tidings,
on the other side of the water St. Mary Over. Some vowed a pilgrimage to St. James, and others to the holy
handkerchief at Chamberry, which three months after that burnt so well in the fire that they could not get one
thread of it saved. Others sent up their vows to St. Cadouin, others to St. John d'Angely, and to St. Eutropius
of Xaintes. Others again invoked St. Mesmes of Chinon, St. Martin of Candes, St. Clouaud of Sinays, the
holy relics of Laurezay, with a thousand other jolly little sancts and santrels. Some died without speaking,
others spoke without dying; some died in speaking, others spoke in dying. Others shouted as loud as they
could Confession, Confession, Confiteor, Miserere, In manus! So great was the cry of the wounded, that the
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prior of the abbey with all his monks came forth, who, when they saw these poor wretches so slain amongst
the vines, and wounded to death, confessed some of them. But whilst the priests were busied in confessing
them, the little monkies ran all to the place where Friar John was, and asked him wherein he would be
pleased to require their assistance. To which he answered that they should cut the throats of those he had
thrown down upon the ground. They presently, leaving their outer habits and cowls upon the rails, began to
throttle and make an end of those whom he had already crushed. Can you tell with what instruments they did
it? With fair gullies, which are little hulchbacked demi−knives, the iron tool whereof is two inches long, and
the wooden handle one inch thick, and three inches in length, wherewith the little boys in our country cut ripe
walnuts in two while they are yet in the shell, and pick out the kernel, and they found them very fit for the
expediting of that weasand−slitting exploit. In the meantime Friar John, with his formidable baton of the
cross, got to the breach which the enemies had made, and there stood to snatch up those that endeavoured to
escape. Some of the monkitos carried the standards, banners, ensigns, guidons, and colours into their cells
and chambers to make garters of them. But when those that had been shriven would have gone out at the gap
of the said breach, the sturdy monk quashed and felled them down with blows, saying, These men have had
confession and are penitent souls; they have got their absolution and gained the pardons; they go into paradise
as straight as a sickle, or as the way is to Faye (like Crooked−Lane at Eastcheap). Thus by his prowess and
valour were discomfited all those of the army that entered into the close of the abbey, unto the number of
thirteen thousand, six hundred, twenty and two, besides the women and little children, which is always to be
understood. Never did Maugis the Hermit bear himself more valiantly with his bourdon or pilgrim's staff
against the Saracens, of whom is written in the Acts of the four sons of Aymon, than did this monk against
his enemies with the staff of the cross.
Chapter 1.XXVIII. How Picrochole stormed and took by assault the rock Clermond, and of Grangousier's
unwillingness and aversion from the undertaking of war.
Whilst the monk did thus skirmish, as we have said, against those which were entered within the close,
Picrochole in great haste passed the ford of Vede−−a very especial pass−−with all his soldiers, and set upon
the rock Clermond, where there was made him no resistance at all; and, because it was already night, he
resolved to quarter himself and his army in that town, and to refresh himself of his pugnative choler. In the
morning he stormed and took the bulwarks and castle, which afterwards he fortified with rampiers, and
furnished with all ammunition requisite, intending to make his retreat there, if he should happen to be
otherwise worsted; for it was a strong place, both by art and nature, in regard of the stance and situation of it.
But let us leave them there, and return to our good Gargantua, who is at Paris very assiduous and earnest at
the study of good letters and athletical exercitations, and to the good old man Grangousier his father, who
after supper warmeth his ballocks by a good, clear, great fire, and, waiting upon the broiling of some
chestnuts, is very serious in drawing scratches on the hearth, with a stick burnt at the one end, wherewith they
did stir up the fire, telling to his wife and the rest of the family pleasant old stories and tales of former times.
Whilst he was thus employed, one of the shepherds which did keep the vines, named Pillot, came towards
him, and to the full related the enormous abuses which were committed, and the excessive spoil that was
made by Picrochole, King of Lerne, upon his lands and territories, and how he had pillaged, wasted, and
ransacked all the country, except the enclosure at Seville, which Friar John des Entoumeures to his great
honour had preserved; and that at the same present time the said king was in the rock Clermond, and there,
with great industry and circumspection, was strengthening himself and his whole army. Halas, halas, alas!
said Grangousier, what is this, good people? Do I dream, or is it true that they tell me? Picrochole, my ancient
friend of old time, of my own kindred and alliance, comes he to invade me? What moves him? What
provokes him? What sets him on? What drives him to it? Who hath given him this counsel? Ho, ho, ho, ho,
ho, my God, my Saviour, help me, inspire me, and advise me what I shall do! I protest, I swear before thee,
so be thou favourable to me, if ever I did him or his subjects any damage or displeasure, or committed any the
least robbery in his country; but, on the contrary, I have succoured and supplied him with men, money,
friendship, and counsel, upon any occasion wherein I could be steadable for the improvement of his good.
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That he hath therefore at this nick of time so outraged and wronged me, it cannot be but by the malevolent
and wicked spirit. Good God, thou knowest my courage, for nothing can be hidden from thee. If perhaps he
be grown mad, and that thou hast sent him hither to me for the better recovery and re−establishment of his
brain, grant me power and wisdom to bring him to the yoke of thy holy will by good discipline. Ho, ho, ho,
ho, my good people, my friends and my faithful servants, must I hinder you from helping me? Alas, my old
age required hence−forward nothing else but rest, and all the days of my life I have laboured for nothing so
much as peace; but now I must, I see it well, load with arms my poor, weary, and feeble shoulders, and take
in my trembling hand the lance and horseman's mace, to succour and protect my honest subjects. Reason will
have it so; for by their labour am I entertained, and with their sweat am I nourished, I, my children and my
family. This notwithstanding, I will not undertake war, until I have first tried all the ways and means of
peace: that I resolve upon.
Then assembled he his council, and proposed the matter as it was indeed. Whereupon it was concluded that
they should send some discreet man unto Picrochole, to know wherefore he had thus suddenly broken the
peace and invaded those lands unto which he had no right nor title. Furthermore, that they should send for
Gargantua, and those under his command, for the preservation of the country, and defence thereof now at
need. All this pleased Grangousier very well, and he commanded that so it should be done. Presently
therefore he sent the Basque his lackey to fetch Gargantua with all diligence, and wrote him as followeth.
Chapter 1.XXIX. The tenour of the letter which Grangousier wrote to his son Gargantua.
The fervency of thy studies did require that I should not in a long time recall thee from that philosophical rest
thou now enjoyest, if the confidence reposed in our friends and ancient confederates had not at this present
disappointed the assurance of my old age. But seeing such is my fatal destiny, that I should be now disquieted
by those in whom I trusted most, I am forced to call thee back to help the people and goods which by the
right of nature belong unto thee. For even as arms are weak abroad, if there be not counsel at home, so is that
study vain and counsel unprofitable which in a due and convenient time is not by virtue executed and put in
effect. My deliberation is not to provoke, but to appease−−not to assault, but to defend−−not to conquer, but
to preserve my faithful subjects and hereditary dominions, into which Picrochole is entered in a hostile
manner without any ground or cause, and from day to day pursueth his furious enterprise with that height of
insolence that is intolerable to freeborn spirits. I have endeavoured to moderate his tyrannical choler, offering
him all that which I thought might give him satisfaction; and oftentimes have I sent lovingly unto him to
understand wherein, by whom, and how he found himself to be wronged. But of him could I obtain no other
answer but a mere defiance, and that in my lands he did pretend only to the right of a civil correspondency
and good behaviour, whereby I knew that the eternal God hath left him to the disposure of his own free will
and sensual appetite−−which cannot choose but be wicked, if by divine grace it be not continually
guided−−and to contain him within his duty, and bring him to know himself, hath sent him hither to me by a
grievous token. Therefore, my beloved son, as soon as thou canst, upon sight of these letters, repair hither
with all diligence, to succour not me so much, which nevertheless by natural piety thou oughtest to do, as
thine own people, which by reason thou mayest save and preserve. The exploit should be done with as little
effusion of blood as may be. And, if possible, by means far more expedient, such as military policy, devices,
and stratagems of war, we shall save all the souls, and send them home as merry as crickets unto their own
houses. My dearest son, the peace of Jesus Christ our Redeemer be with thee. Salute from me Ponocrates,
Gymnastes, and Eudemon. The twentieth of September. Thy Father Grangousier.
Chapter 1.XXX. How Ulric Gallet was sent unto Picrochole.
The letters being dictated, signed, and sealed, Grangousier ordained that Ulric Gallet, master of the requests,
a very wise and discreet man, of whose prudence and sound judgment he had made trial in several difficult
and debateful matters, (should) go unto Picrochole, to show what had been decreed amongst them. At the
same hour departed the good man Gallet, and having passed the ford, asked at the miller that dwelt there in
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what condition Picrochole was: who answered him that his soldiers had left him neither cock nor hen, that
they were retired and shut up into the rock Clermond, and that he would not advise him to go any further for
fear of the scouts, because they were enormously furious. Which he easily believed, and therefore lodged that
night with the miller.
The next morning he went with a trumpeter to the gate of the castle, and required the guards he might be
admitted to speak with the king of somewhat that concerned him. These words being told unto the king, he
would by no means consent that they should open the gate; but, getting upon the top of the bulwark, said unto
the ambassador, What is the news, what have you to say? Then the ambassador began to speak as followeth.
Chapter 1.XXXI. The speech made by Gallet to Picrochole.
There cannot arise amongst men a juster cause of grief than when they receive hurt and damage where they
may justly expect for favour and good will; and not without cause, though without reason, have many, after
they had fallen into such a calamitous accident, esteemed this indignity less supportable than the loss of their
own lives, in such sort that, if they have not been able by force of arms nor any other means, by reach of wit
or subtlety, to stop them in their course and restrain their fury, they have fallen into desperation, and utterly
deprived themselves of this light. It is therefore no wonder if King Grangousier, my master, be full of high
displeasure and much disquieted in mind upon thy outrageous and hostile coming; but truly it would be a
marvel if he were not sensible of and moved with the incomparable abuses and injuries perpetrated by thee
and thine upon those of his country, towards whom there hath been no example of inhumanity omitted.
Which in itself is to him so grievous, for the cordial affection wherewith he hath always cherished his
subjects, that more it cannot be to any mortal man; yet in this, above human apprehension, is it to him the
more grievous that these wrongs and sad offences have been committed by thee and thine, who, time out of
mind, from all antiquity, thou and thy predecessors have been in a continual league and amity with him and
all his ancestors; which, even until this time, you have as sacred together inviolably preserved, kept, and
entertained, so well, that not he and his only, but the very barbarous nations of the Poictevins, Bretons,
Manceaux, and those that dwell beyond the isles of the Canaries, and that of Isabella, have thought it as easy
to pull down the firmament, and to set up the depths above the clouds, as to make a breach in your alliance;
and have been so afraid of it in their enterprises that they have never dared to provoke, incense, or endamage
the one for fear of the other. Nay, which is more, this sacred league hath so filled the world, that there are few
nations at this day inhabiting throughout all the continent and isles of the ocean, who have not ambitiously
aspired to be received into it, upon your own covenants and conditions, holding your joint confederacy in as
high esteem as their own territories and dominions, in such sort, that from the memory of man there hath not
been either prince or league so wild and proud that durst have offered to invade, I say not your countries, but
not so much as those of your confederates. And if, by rash and heady counsel, they have attempted any new
design against them, as soon as they heard the name and title of your alliance, they have suddenly desisted
from their enterprises. What rage and madness, therefore, doth now incite thee, all old alliance infringed, all
amity trod under foot, and all right violated, thus in a hostile manner to invade his country, without having
been by him or his in anything prejudiced, wronged, or provoked? Where is faith? Where is law? Where is
reason? Where is humanity? Where is the fear of God? Dost thou think that these atrocious abuses are hidden
from the eternal spirit and the supreme God who is the just rewarder of all our undertakings? If thou so think,
thou deceivest thyself; for all things shall come to pass as in his incomprehensible judgment he hath
appointed. Is it thy fatal destiny, or influences of the stars, that would put an end to thy so long enjoyed east
and rest? For that all things have their end and period, so as that, when they are come to the superlative point
of their greatest height, they are in a trice tumbled down again, as not being able to abide long in that state.
This is the conclusion and end of those who cannot by reason and temperance moderate their fortunes and
prosperities. But if it be predestinated that thy happiness and ease must now come to an end, must it needs be
by wronging my king,−−him by whom thou wert established? If thy house must come to ruin, should it
therefore in its fall crush the heels of him that set it up? The matter is so unreasonable, and so dissonant from
common sense, that hardly can it be conceived by human understanding, and altogether incredible unto
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strangers, till by the certain and undoubted effects thereof it be made apparent that nothing is either sacred or
holy to those who, having emancipated themselves from God and reason, do merely follow the perverse
affections of their own depraved nature. If any wrong had been done by us to thy subjects and dominions−−if
we had favoured thy ill−willers−−if we had not assisted thee in thy need−−if thy name and reputation had
been wounded by us−−or, to speak more truly, if the calumniating spirit, tempting to induce thee to evil, had,
by false illusions and deceitful fantasies, put into thy conceit the impression of a thought that we had done
unto thee anything unworthy of our ancient correspondence and friendship, thou oughtest first to have
inquired out the truth, and afterwards by a seasonable warning to admonish us thereof; and we should have so
satisfied thee, according to thine own heart's desire, that thou shouldst have had occasion to be contented.
But, O eternal God, what is thy enterprise? Wouldst thou, like a perfidious tyrant, thus spoil and lay waste my
master's kingdom? Hast thou found him so silly and blockish, that he would not−−or so destitute of men and
money, of counsel and skill in military discipline, that he cannot withstand thy unjust invasion? March hence
presently, and to−morrow, some time of the day, retreat unto thine own country, without doing any kind of
violence or disorderly act by the way; and pay withal a thousand besans of gold (which, in English money,
amounteth to five thousand pounds), for reparation of the damages thou hast done in this country. Half thou
shalt pay to−morrow, and the other half at the ides of May next coming, leaving with us in the mean time, for
hostages, the Dukes of Turnbank, Lowbuttock, and Smalltrash, together with the Prince of Itches and
Viscount of Snatchbit (Tournemoule, Bas−de−fesses, Menuail, Gratelles, Morpiaille.).
Chapter 1.XXXII. How Grangousier, to buy peace, caused the cakes to be restored.
With that the good man Gallet held his peace, but Picrochole to all his discourse answered nothing but Come
and fetch them, come and fetch them,−− they have ballocks fair and soft,−−they will knead and provide some
cakes for you. Then returned he to Grangousier, whom he found upon his knees bareheaded, crouching in a
little corner of his cabinet, and humbly praying unto God that he would vouchsafe to assuage the choler of
Picrochole, and bring him to the rule of reason without proceeding by force. When the good man came back,
he asked him, Ha, my friend, what news do you bring me? There is neither hope nor remedy, said Gallet; the
man is quite out of his wits, and forsaken of God. Yea, but, said Grangousier, my friend, what cause doth he
pretend for his outrages? He did not show me any cause at all, said Gallet, only that in a great anger he spoke
some words of cakes. I cannot tell if they have done any wrong to his cake−bakers. I will know, said
Grangousier, the matter thoroughly, before I resolve any more upon what is to be done. Then sent he to learn
concerning that business, and found by true information that his men had taken violently some cakes from
Picrochole's people, and that Marquet's head was broken with a slacky or short cudgel; that, nevertheless, all
was well paid, and that the said Marquet had first hurt Forgier with a stroke of his whip athwart the legs. And
it seemed good to his whole council, that he should defend himself with all his might. Notwithstanding all
this, said Grangousier, seeing the question is but about a few cakes, I will labour to content him; for I am very
unwilling to wage war against him. He inquired then what quantity of cakes they had taken away, and
understanding that it was but some four or five dozen, he commanded five cartloads of them to be baked that
same night; and that there should be one full of cakes made with fine butter, fine yolks of eggs, fine saffron,
and fine spice, to be bestowed upon Marquet, unto whom likewise he directed to be given seven hundred
thousand and three Philips (that is, at three shillings the piece, one hundred five thousand pounds and nine
shillings of English money), for reparation of his losses and hindrances, and for satisfaction of the chirurgeon
that had dressed his wound; and furthermore settled upon him and his for ever in freehold the apple−orchard
called La Pomardiere. For the conveyance and passing of all which was sent Gallet, who by the way as they
went made them gather near the willow−trees great store of boughs, canes, and reeds, wherewith all the
carriers were enjoined to garnish and deck their carts, and each of them to carry one in his hand, as himself
likewise did, thereby to give all men to understand that they demanded but peace, and that they came to buy
it.
Being come to the gate, they required to speak with Picrochole from Grangousier. Picrochole would not so
much as let them in, nor go to speak with them, but sent them word that he was busy, and that they should
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deliver their mind to Captain Touquedillon, who was then planting a piece of ordnance upon the wall. Then
said the good man unto him, My lord, to ease you of all this labour, and to take away all excuses why you
may not return unto our former alliance, we do here presently restore unto you the cakes upon which the
quarrel arose. Five dozen did our people take away: they were well paid for: we love peace so well that we
restore unto you five cartloads, of which this cart shall be for Marquet, who doth most complain. Besides, to
content him entirely, here are seven hundred thousand and three Philips, which I deliver to him, and, for the
losses he may pretend to have sustained, I resign for ever the farm of the Pomardiere, to be possessed in
fee−simple by him and his for ever, without the payment of any duty, or acknowledgement of homage, fealty,
fine, or service whatsoever, and here is the tenour of the deed. And, for God's sake, let us live henceforward
in peace, and withdraw yourselves merrily into your own country from within this place, unto which you
have no right at all, as yourselves must needs confess, and let us be good friends as before. Touquedillon
related all this to Picrochole, and more and more exasperated his courage, saying to him, These clowns are
afraid to some purpose. By G−−, Grangousier conskites himself for fear, the poor drinker. He is not skilled in
warfare, nor hath he any stomach for it. He knows better how to empty the flagons,−−that is his art. I am of
opinion that it is fit we send back the carts and the money, and, for rest, that very speedily we fortify
ourselves here, then prosecute our fortune. But what! Do they think to have to do with a ninnywhoop, to feed
you thus with cakes? You may see what it is. The good usage and great familiarity which you have had with
them heretofore hath made you contemptible in their eyes. Anoint a villain, he will prick you: prick a villain,
and he will anoint you (Ungentem pungit, pungentem rusticus ungit.).
Sa, sa, sa, said Picrochole, by St. James you have given a true character of them. One thing I will advise you,
said Touquedillon. We are here but badly victualled, and furnished with mouth−harness very slenderly. If
Grangousier should come to besiege us, I would go presently, and pluck out of all your soldiers' heads and
mine own all the teeth, except three to each of us, and with them alone we should make an end of our
provision but too soon. We shall have, said Picrochole, but too much sustenance and feeding−stuff. Came we
hither to eat or to fight? To fight, indeed, said Touquedillon; yet from the paunch comes the dance, and where
famine rules force is exiled. Leave off your prating, said Picrochole, and forthwith seize upon what they have
brought. Then took they money and cakes, oxen and carts, and sent them away without speaking one word,
only that they would come no more so near, for a reason that they would give them the morrow after. Thus,
without doing anything, returned they to Grangousier, and related the whole matter unto him, subjoining that
there was no hope left to draw them to peace but by sharp and fierce wars.
Chapter 1.XXXIII. How some statesmen of Picrochole, by hairbrained counsel, put him in extreme danger.
The carts being unloaded, and the money and cakes secured, there came before Picrochole the Duke of
Smalltrash, the Earl Swashbuckler, and Captain Dirt−tail (Menuail, Spadassin, Merdaille.), who said unto
him, Sir, this day we make you the happiest, the most warlike and chivalrous prince that ever was since the
death of Alexander of Macedonia. Be covered, be covered, said Picrochole. Gramercy, said they, we do but
our duty. The manner is thus. You shall leave some captain here to have the charge of this garrison, with a
party competent for keeping of the place, which, besides its natural strength, is made stronger by the rampiers
and fortresses of your devising. Your army you are to divide into two parts, as you know very well how to do.
One part thereof shall fall upon Grangousier and his forces. By it shall he be easily at the very first shock
routed, and then shall you get money by heaps, for the clown hath store of ready coin. Clown we call him,
because a noble and generous prince hath never a penny, and that to hoard up treasure is but a clownish trick.
The other part of the army, in the meantime, shall draw towards Onys, Xaintonge, Angomois, and Gascony.
Then march to Perigot, Medoc, and Elanes, taking wherever you come, without resistance, towns, castles, and
forts; afterwards to Bayonne, St. John de Luc, to Fontarabia, where you shall seize upon all the ships, and
coasting along Galicia and Portugal, shall pillage all the maritime places, even unto Lisbon, where you shall
be supplied with all necessaries befitting a conqueror. By copsody, Spain will yield, for they are but a race of
loobies. Then are you to pass by the Straits of Gibraltar, where you shall erect two pillars more stately than
those of Hercules, to the perpetual memory of your name, and the narrow entrance there shall be called the
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Picrocholinal sea.
Having passed the Picrocholinal sea, behold, Barbarossa yields himself your slave. I will, said Picrochole,
give him fair quarter and spare his life. Yea, said they, so that he be content to be christened. And you shall
conquer the kingdoms of Tunis, of Hippo, Argier, Bomine (Bona), Corone, yea, all Barbary. Furthermore,
you shall take into your hands Majorca, Minorca, Sardinia, Corsica, with the other islands of the Ligustic and
Balearian seas. Going alongst on the left hand, you shall rule all Gallia Narbonensis, Provence, the
Allobrogians, Genoa, Florence, Lucca, and then God b'w'ye, Rome. (Our poor Monsieur the Pope dies now
for fear.) By my faith, said Picrochole, I will not then kiss his pantoufle.
Italy being thus taken, behold Naples, Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily, all ransacked, and Malta too. I wish the
pleasant Knights of the Rhodes heretofore would but come to resist you, that we might see their urine. I
would, said Picrochole, very willingly go to Loretto. No, no, said they, that shall be at our return. From
thence we will sail eastwards, and take Candia, Cyprus, Rhodes, and the Cyclade Islands, and set upon (the)
Morea. It is ours, by St. Trenian. The Lord preserve Jerusalem; for the great Soldan is not comparable to you
in power. I will then, said he, cause Solomon's temple to be built. No, said they, not yet, have a little patience,
stay awhile, be never too sudden in your enterprises. Can you tell what Octavian Augustus said? Festina
lente. It is requisite that you first have the Lesser Asia, Caria, Lycia, Pamphilia, Cilicia, Lydia, Phrygia,
Mysia, Bithynia, Carazia, Satalia, Samagaria, Castamena, Luga, Savasta, even unto Euphrates. Shall we see,
said Picrochole, Babylon and Mount Sinai? There is no need, said they, at this time. Have we not hurried up
and down, travelled and toiled enough, in having transfretted and passed over the Hircanian sea, marched
alongst the two Armenias and the three Arabias? Ay, by my faith, said he, we have played the fools, and are
undone. Ha, poor souls! What's the matter? said they. What shall we have, said he, to drink in these deserts?
For Julian Augustus with his whole army died there for thirst, as they say. We have already, said they, given
order for that. In the Syriac sea you have nine thousand and fourteen great ships laden with the best wines in
the world. They arrived at Port Joppa. There they found two−and−twenty thousand camels and sixteen
hundred elephants, which you shall have taken at one hunting about Sigelmes, when you entered into Lybia;
and, besides this, you had all the Mecca caravan. Did not they furnish you sufficiently with wine? Yes, but,
said he, we did not drink it fresh. By the virtue, said they, not of a fish, a valiant man, a conqueror, who
pretends and aspires to the monarchy of the world, cannot always have his ease. God be thanked that you and
your men are come safe and sound unto the banks of the river Tigris. But, said he, what doth that part of our
army in the meantime which overthrows that unworthy swillpot Grangousier? They are not idle, said they.
We shall meet with them by−and−by. They shall have won you Brittany, Normandy, Flanders, Hainault,
Brabant, Artois, Holland, Zealand; they have passed the Rhine over the bellies of the Switzers and
lansquenets, and a party of these hath subdued Luxembourg, Lorraine, Champagne, and Savoy, even to
Lyons, in which place they have met with your forces returning from the naval conquests of the
Mediterranean sea; and have rallied again in Bohemia, after they had plundered and sacked Suevia,
Wittemberg, Bavaria, Austria, Moravia, and Styria. Then they set fiercely together upon Lubeck, Norway,
Swedeland, Rie, Denmark, Gitland, Greenland, the Sterlins, even unto the frozen sea. This done, they
conquered the Isles of Orkney and subdued Scotland, England, and Ireland. From thence sailing through the
sandy sea and by the Sarmates, they have vanquished and overcome Prussia, Poland, Lithuania, Russia,
Wallachia, Transylvania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkeyland, and are now at Constantinople. Come, said
Picrochole, let us go join with them quickly, for I will be Emperor of Trebizond also. Shall we not kill all
these dogs, Turks and Mahometans? What a devil should we do else? said they. And you shall give their
goods and lands to such as shall have served you honestly. Reason, said he, will have it so, that is but just. I
give unto you the Caramania, Suria, and all the Palestine. Ha, sir, said they, it is out of your goodness;
gramercy, we thank you. God grant you may always prosper. There was there present at that time an old
gentleman well experienced in the wars, a stern soldier, and who had been in many great hazards, named
Echephron, who, hearing this discourse, said, I do greatly doubt that all this enterprise will be like the tale or
interlude of the pitcher full of milk wherewith a shoemaker made himself rich in conceit; but, when the
pitcher was broken, he had not whereupon to dine. What do you pretend by these large conquests? What shall
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be the end of so many labours and crosses? Thus it shall be, said Picrochole, that when we are returned we
shall sit down, rest, and be merry. But, said Echephron, if by chance you should never come back, for the
voyage is long and dangerous, were it not better for us to take our rest now, than unnecessarily to expose
ourselves to so many dangers? O, said Swashbuckler, by G−−, here is a good dotard; come, let us go hide
ourselves in the corner of a chimney, and there spend the whole time of our life amongst ladies, in threading
of pearls, or spinning, like Sardanapalus. He that nothing ventures hath neither horse nor mule, says
Solomon. He who adventureth too much, said Echephron, loseth both horse and mule, answered Malchon.
Enough, said Picrochole, go forward. I fear nothing but that these devilish legions of Grangousier, whilst we
are in Mesopotamia, will come on our backs and charge up our rear. What course shall we then take? What
shall be our remedy? A very good one, said Dirt−tail; a pretty little commission, which you must send unto
the Muscovites, shall bring you into the field in an instant four hundred and fifty thousand choice men of war.
Oh that you would but make me your lieutenant−general, I should for the lightest faults of any inflict great
punishments. I fret, I charge, I strike, I take, I kill, I slay, I play the devil. On, on, said Picrochole, make
haste, my lads, and let him that loves me follow me.
Chapter 1.XXXIV. How Gargantua left the city of Paris to succour his country, and how Gymnast
encountered with the enemy.
In this same very hour Gargantua, who was gone out of Paris as soon as he had read his father's letters,
coming upon his great mare, had already passed the Nunnery−bridge, himself, Ponocrates, Gymnast, and
Eudemon, who all three, the better to enable them to go along with him, took post− horses. The rest of his
train came after him by even journeys at a slower pace, bringing with them all his books and philosophical
instruments. As soon as he had alighted at Parille, he was informed by a farmer of Gouguet how Picrochole
had fortified himself within the rock Clermond, and had sent Captain Tripet with a great army to set upon the
wood of Vede and Vaugaudry, and that they had already plundered the whole country, not leaving cock nor
hen, even as far as to the winepress of Billard. These strange and almost incredible news of the enormous
abuses thus committed over all the land, so affrighted Gargantua that he knew not what to say nor do. But
Ponocrates counselled him to go unto the Lord of Vauguyon, who at all times had been their friend and
confederate, and that by him they should be better advised in their business. Which they did incontinently,
and found him very willing and fully resolved to assist them, and therefore was of opinion that they should
send some one of his company to scout along and discover the country, to learn in what condition and posture
the enemy was, that they might take counsel, and proceed according to the present occasion. Gymnast offered
himself to go. Whereupon it was concluded, that for his safety and the better expedition, he should have with
him someone that knew the ways, avenues, turnings, windings, and rivers thereabout. Then away went he and
Prelingot, the equerry or gentleman of Vauguyon's horse, who scouted and espied as narrowly as they could
upon all quarters without any fear. In the meantime Gargantua took a little refreshment, ate somewhat
himself, the like did those who were with him, and caused to give to his mare a picotine of oats, that is, three
score and fourteen quarters and three bushels. Gymnast and his comrade rode so long, that at last they met
with the enemy's forces, all scattered and out of order, plundering, stealing, robbing, and pillaging all they
could lay their hands on. And, as far off as they could perceive him, they ran thronging upon the back of one
another in all haste towards him, to unload him of his money, and untruss his portmantles. Then cried he out
unto them, My masters, I am a poor devil, I desire you to spare me. I have yet one crown left. Come, we must
drink it, for it is aurum potabile, and this horse here shall be sold to pay my welcome. Afterwards take me for
one of your own, for never yet was there any man that knew better how to take, lard, roast, and dress, yea, by
G−−, to tear asunder and devour a hen, than I that am here: and for my proficiat I drink to all good fellows.
With that he unscrewed his borracho (which was a great Dutch leathern bottle), and without putting in his
nose drank very honestly. The maroufle rogues looked upon him, opening their throats a foot wide, and
putting out their tongues like greyhounds, in hopes to drink after him; but Captain Tripet, in the very nick of
that their expectation, came running to him to see who it was. To him Gymnast offered his bottle, saying,
Hold, captain, drink boldly and spare not; I have been thy taster, it is wine of La Faye Monjau. What! said
Tripet, this fellow gibes and flouts us? Who art thou? said Tripet. I am, said Gymnast, a poor devil (pauvre
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diable). Ha, said Tripet, seeing thou art a poor devil, it is reason that thou shouldst be permitted to go
whithersoever thou wilt, for all poor devils pass everywhere without toll or tax. But it is not the custom of
poor devils to be so well mounted; therefore, sir devil, come down, and let me have your horse, and if he do
not carry me well, you, master devil, must do it: for I love a life that such a devil as you should carry me
away.
Chapter 1.XXXV. How Gymnast very souply and cunningly killed Captain Tripet and others of
Picrochole's men.
When they heard these words, some amongst them began to be afraid, and blessed themselves with both
hands, thinking indeed that he had been a devil disguised, insomuch that one of them, named Good John,
captain of the trained bands of the country bumpkins, took his psalter out of his codpiece, and cried out aloud,
Hagios ho theos. If thou be of God, speak; if thou be of the other spirit, avoid hence, and get thee going. Yet
he went not away. Which words being heard by all the soldiers that were there, divers of them being a little
inwardly terrified, departed from the place. All this did Gymnast very well remark and consider, and
therefore making as if he would have alighted from off his horse, as he was poising himself on the mounting
side, he most nimbly, with his short sword by his thigh, shifting his foot in the stirrup, performed the
stirrup−leather feat, whereby, after the inclining of his body downwards, he forthwith launched himself aloft
in the air, and placed both his feet together on the saddle, standing upright with his back turned towards the
horse's head. Now, said he, my case goes backward. Then suddenly in the same very posture wherein he was,
he fetched a gambol upon one foot, and, turning to the left hand, failed not to carry his body perfectly round,
just into its former stance, without missing one jot. Ha, said Tripet, I will not do that at this time, and not
without cause. Well, said Gymnast, I have failed, I will undo this leap. Then with a marvellous strength and
agility, turning towards the right hand, he fetched another frisking gambol as before, which done, he set his
right−hand thumb upon the hind−bow of the saddle, raised himself up, and sprung in the air, poising and
upholding his whole body upon the muscle and nerve of the said thumb, and so turned and whirled himself
about three times. At the fourth, reversing his body, and overturning it upside down, and foreside back,
without touching anything, he brought himself betwixt the horse's two ears, springing with all his body into
the air, upon the thumb of his left hand, and in that posture, turning like a windmill, did most actively do that
trick which is called the miller's pass. After this, clapping his right hand flat upon the middle of the saddle, he
gave himself such a jerking swing that he thereby seated himself upon the crupper, after the manner of
gentlewomen sitting on horseback. This done, he easily passed his right leg over the saddle, and placed
himself like one that rides in croup. But, said he, it were better for me to get into the saddle; then putting the
thumbs of both hands upon the crupper before him, and thereupon leaning himself, as upon the only
supporters of his body, he incontinently turned heels over head in the air, and straight found himself betwixt
the bow of the saddle in a good settlement. Then with a somersault springing into the air again, he fell to
stand with both his feet close together upon the saddle, and there made above a hundred frisks, turns, and
demipommads, with his arms held out across, and in so doing cried out aloud, I rage, I rage, devils, I am stark
mad, devils, I am mad, hold me, devils, hold me, hold, devils, hold, hold!
Whilst he was thus vaulting, the rogues in great astonishment said to one another, By cock's death, he is a
goblin or a devil thus disguised. Ab hoste maligno libera nos, Domine, and ran away in a full flight, as if they
had been routed, looking now and then behind them, like a dog that carrieth away a goose−wing in his mouth.
Then Gymnast, spying his advantage, alighted from his horse, drew his sword, and laid on great blows upon
the thickset and highest crested among them, and overthrew them in great heaps, hurt, wounded, and bruised,
being resisted by nobody, they thinking he had been a starved devil, as well in regard of his wonderful feats
in vaulting, which they had seen, as for the talk Tripet had with him, calling him poor devil. Only Tripet
would have traitorously cleft his head with his horseman's sword, or lance−knight falchion; but he was well
armed, and felt nothing of the blow but the weight of the stroke. Whereupon, turning suddenly about, his
gave Tripet a home−thrust, and upon the back of that, whilst he was about to ward his head from a slash, he
ran him in at the breast with a hit, which at once cut his stomach, the fifth gut called the colon, and the half of
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his liver, wherewith he fell to the ground, and in falling gushed forth above four pottles of pottage, and his
soul mingled with the pottage.
This done, Gymnast withdrew himself, very wisely considering that a case of great adventure and hazard
should not be pursued unto its utmost period, and that it becomes all cavaliers modestly to use their good
fortune, without troubling or stretching it too far. Wherefore, getting to horse, he gave him the spur, taking
the right way unto Vauguyon, and Prelinguand with him.
Chapter 1.XXXVI. How Gargantua demolished the castle at the ford of Vede, and how they passed the ford.
As soon as he came, he related the estate and condition wherein they had found the enemy, and the stratagem
which he alone had used against all their multitude, affirming that they were but rascally rogues, plunderers,
thieves, and robbers, ignorant of all military discipline, and that they might boldly set forward unto the field;
it being an easy matter to fell and strike them down like beasts. Then Gargantua mounted his great mare,
accompanied as we have said before, and finding in his way a high and great tree, which commonly was
called by the name of St. Martin's tree, because heretofore St. Martin planted a pilgrim's staff there, which in
tract of time grew to that height and greatness, said, This is that which I lacked; this tree shall serve me both
for a staff and lance. With that he pulled it up easily, plucked off the boughs, and trimmed it at his pleasure.
In the meantime his mare pissed to ease her belly, but it was in such abundance that it did overflow the
country seven leagues, and all the piss of that urinal flood ran glib away towards the ford of Vede, wherewith
the water was so swollen that all the forces the enemy had there were with great horror drowned, except some
who had taken the way on the left hand towards the hills. Gargantua, being come to the place of the wood of
Vede, was informed by Eudemon that there was some remainder of the enemy within the castle, which to
know, Gargantua cried out as loud as he was able, Are you there, or are you not there? If you be there, be
there no more; and if you are not there, I have no more to say. But a ruffian gunner, whose charge was to
attend the portcullis over the gate, let fly a cannon−ball at him, and hit him with that shot most furiously on
the right temple of his head, yet did him no more hurt than if he had but cast a prune or kernel of a
wine−grape at him. What is this? said Gargantua; do you throw at us grape−kernels here? The vintage shall
cost you dear; thinking indeed that the bullet had been the kernel of a grape, or raisin−kernel.
Those who were within the castle, being till then busy at the pillage, when they heard this noise ran to the
towers and fortresses, from whence they shot at him above nine thousand and five−and−twenty falconshot
and arquebusades, aiming all at his head, and so thick did they shoot at him that he cried out, Ponocrates, my
friend, these flies here are like to put out mine eyes; give me a branch of those willow−trees to drive them
away, thinking that the bullets and stones shot out of the great ordnance had been but dunflies. Ponocrates
looked and saw that there were no other flies but great shot which they had shot from the castle. Then was it
that he rushed with his great tree against the castle, and with mighty blows overthrew both towers and
fortresses, and laid all level with the ground, by which means all that were within were slain and broken in
pieces. Going from thence, they came to the bridge at the mill, where they found all the ford covered with
dead bodies, so thick that they had choked up the mill and stopped the current of its water, and these were
those that were destroyed in the urinal deluge of the mare. There they were at a stand, consulting how they
might pass without hindrance by these dead carcasses. But Gymnast said, If the devils have passed there, I
will pass well enough. The devils have passed there, said Eudemon, to carry away the damned souls. By St.
Treignan! said Ponocrates, then by necessary consequence he shall pass there. Yes, yes, said Gymnastes, or I
shall stick in the way. Then setting spurs to his horse, he passed through freely, his horse not fearing nor
being anything affrighted at the sight of the dead bodies; for he had accustomed him, according to the
doctrine of Aelian, not to fear armour, nor the carcasses of dead men; and that not by killing men as
Diomedes did the Thracians, or as Ulysses did in throwing the corpses of his enemies at his horse's feet, as
Homer saith, but by putting a Jack−a−lent amongst his hay, and making him go over it ordinarily when he
gave him his oats. The other three followed him very close, except Eudemon only, whose horse's fore−right
or far forefoot sank up to the knee in the paunch of a great fat chuff who lay there upon his back drowned,
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and could not get it out. There was he pestered, until Gargantua, with the end of his staff, thrust down the rest
of the villain's tripes into the water whilst the horse pulled out his foot; and, which is a wonderful thing in
hippiatry, the said horse was thoroughly cured of a ringbone which he had in that foot by this touch of the
burst guts of that great looby.
Chapter 1.XXXVII. How Gargantua, in combing his head, made the great cannon−balls fall out of his
hair.
Being come out of the river of Vede, they came very shortly after to Grangousier's castle, who waited for
them with great longing. At their coming they were entertained with many congees, and cherished with
embraces. Never was seen a more joyful company, for Supplementum Supplementi Chronicorum saith that
Gargamelle died there with joy; for my part, truly I cannot tell, neither do I care very much for her, nor for
anybody else. The truth was, that Gargantua, in shifting his clothes, and combing his head with a comb,
which was nine hundred foot long of the Jewish cane measure, and whereof the teeth were great tusks of
elephants, whole and entire, he made fall at every rake above seven balls of bullets, at a dozen the ball, that
stuck in his hair at the razing of the castle of the wood of Vede. Which his father Grangousier seeing, thought
they had been lice, and said unto him, What, my dear son, hast thou brought us this far some short−winged
hawks of the college of Montague? I did not mean that thou shouldst reside there. Then answered Ponocrates,
My sovereign lord, think not that I have placed him in that lousy college which they call Montague; I had
rather have put him amongst the grave−diggers of Sanct Innocent, so enormous is the cruelty and villainy that
I have known there: for the galley−slaves are far better used amongst the Moors and Tartars, the murderers in
the criminal dungeons, yea, the very dogs in your house, than are the poor wretched students in the aforesaid
college. And if I were King of Paris, the devil take me if I would not set it on fire, and burn both principal and
regents, for suffering this inhumanity to be exercised before their eyes. Then, taking up one of these bullets,
he said, These are cannon−shot, which your son Gargantua hath lately received by the treachery of your
enemies, as he was passing before the wood of Vede.
But they have been so rewarded, that they are all destroyed in the ruin of the castle, as were the Philistines by
the policy of Samson, and those whom the tower of Silohim slew, as it is written in the thirteenth of Luke.
My opinion is, that we pursue them whilst the luck is on our side; for occasion hath all her hair on her
forehead; when she is passed, you may not recall her,−−she hath no tuft whereby you can lay hold on her, for
she is bald in the hind−part of her head, and never returneth again. Truly, said Grangousier, it should not be at
this time; for I will make you a feast this night, and bid you welcome.
This said, they made ready supper, and, of extraordinary besides his daily fare, were roasted sixteen oxen,
three heifers, two and thirty calves, three score and three fat kids, four score and fifteen wethers, three
hundred farrow pigs or sheats soused in sweet wine or must, eleven score partridges, seven hundred snipes
and woodcocks, four hundred Loudun and Cornwall capons, six thousand pullets, and as many pigeons, six
hundred crammed hens, fourteen hundred leverets, or young hares and rabbits, three hundred and three
buzzards, and one thousand and seven hundred cockerels. For venison, they could not so suddenly come by it,
only eleven wild boars, which the Abbot of Turpenay sent, and eighteen fallow deer which the Lord of
Gramount bestowed; together with seven score pheasants, which were sent by the Lord of Essars; and some
dozens of queests, coushats, ringdoves, and woodculvers; river−fowl, teals and awteals, bitterns, courtes,
plovers, francolins, briganders, tyrasons, young lapwings, tame ducks, shovellers, woodlanders, herons,
moorhens, criels, storks, canepetiers, oranges, flamans, which are phaenicopters, or crimson−winged
sea−fowls, terrigoles, turkeys, arbens, coots, solan−geese, curlews, termagants, and water− wagtails, with a
great deal of cream, curds, and fresh cheese, and store of soup, pottages, and brewis with great variety.
Without doubt there was meat enough, and it was handsomely dressed by Snapsauce, Hotchpot, and
Brayverjuice, Grangousier's cooks. Jenkin Trudgeapace and Cleanglass were very careful to fill them drink.
Chapter 1.XXXVIII. How Gargantua did eat up six pilgrims in a salad.
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The story requireth that we relate that which happened unto six pilgrims who came from Sebastian near to
Nantes, and who for shelter that night, being afraid of the enemy, had hid themselves in the garden upon the
chichling peas, among the cabbages and lettuces. Gargantua finding himself somewhat dry, asked whether
they could get any lettuce to make him a salad; and hearing that there were the greatest and fairest in the
country, for they were as great as plum−trees or as walnut−trees, he would go thither himself, and brought
thence in his hand what he thought good, and withal carried away the six pilgrims, who were in so great fear
that they did not dare to speak nor cough.
Washing them, therefore, first at the fountain, the pilgrims said one to another softly, What shall we do? We
are almost drowned here amongst these lettuce, shall we speak? But if we speak, he will kill us for spies.
And, as they were thus deliberating what to do, Gargantua put them with the lettuce into a platter of the
house, as large as the huge tun of the White Friars of the Cistercian order; which done, with oil, vinegar, and
salt, he ate them up, to refresh himself a little before supper, and had already swallowed up five of the
pilgrims, the sixth being in the platter, totally hid under a lettuce, except his bourdon or staff that appeared,
and nothing else. Which Grangousier seeing, said to Gargantua, I think that is the horn of a shell−snail, do
not eat it. Why not? said Gargantua, they are good all this month: which he no sooner said, but, drawing up
the staff, and therewith taking up the pilgrim, he ate him very well, then drank a terrible draught of excellent
white wine. The pilgrims, thus devoured, made shift to save themselves as well as they could, by
withdrawing their bodies out of the reach of the grinders of his teeth, but could not escape from thinking they
had been put in the lowest dungeon of a prison. And when Gargantua whiffed the great draught, they thought
to have been drowned in his mouth, and the flood of wine had almost carried them away into the gulf of his
stomach. Nevertheless, skipping with their bourdons, as St. Michael's palmers use to do, they sheltered
themselves from the danger of that inundation under the banks of his teeth. But one of them by chance,
groping or sounding the country with his staff, to try whether they were in safety or no, struck hard against
the cleft of a hollow tooth, and hit the mandibulary sinew or nerve of the jaw, which put Gargantua to very
great pain, so that he began to cry for the rage that he felt. To ease himself therefore of his smarting ache, he
called for his toothpicker, and rubbing towards a young walnut−tree, where they lay skulking, unnestled you
my gentlemen pilgrims.
For he caught one by the legs, another by the scrip, another by the pocket, another by the scarf, another by the
band of the breeches, and the poor fellow that had hurt him with the bourdon, him he hooked to him by the
codpiece, which snatch nevertheless did him a great deal of good, for it pierced unto him a pocky botch he
had in the groin, which grievously tormented him ever since they were past Ancenis. The pilgrims, thus
dislodged, ran away athwart the plain a pretty fast pace, and the pain ceased, even just at the time when by
Eudemon he was called to supper, for all was ready. I will go then, said he, and piss away my misfortune;
which he did do in such a copious measure, that the urine taking away the feet from the pilgrims, they were
carried along with the stream unto the bank of a tuft of trees. Upon which, as soon as they had taken footing,
and that for their self−preservation they had run a little out of the road, they on a sudden fell all six, except
Fourniller, into a trap that had been made to take wolves by a train, out of which, nevertheless, they escaped
by the industry of the said Fourniller, who broke all the snares and ropes. Being gone from thence, they lay
all the rest of that night in a lodge near unto Coudray, where they were comforted in their miseries by the
gracious words of one of their company, called Sweer−to−go, who showed them that this adventure had been
foretold by the prophet David, Psalm. Quum exsurgerent homines in nos, forte vivos deglutissent nos; when
we were eaten in the salad, with salt, oil, and vinegar. Quum irasceretur furor eorum in nos, forsitan aqua
absorbuisset nos; when he drank the great draught. Torrentem pertransivit anima nostra; when the stream of
his water carried us to the thicket. Forsitan pertransisset anima nostra aquam intolerabilem; that is, the water
of his urine, the flood whereof, cutting our way, took our feet from us. Benedictus Dominus qui non dedit nos
in captionem dentibus eorum. Anima nostra sicut passer erepta est de laqueo venantium; when we fell in the
trap. Laqueus contritus est, by Fourniller, et nos liberati sumus. Adjutorium nostrum,
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Chapter 1.XXXIX. How the Monk was feasted by Gargantua, and of the jovial discourse they had at
supper.
When Gargantua was set down at table, after all of them had somewhat stayed their stomachs by a snatch or
two of the first bits eaten heartily, Grangousier began to relate the source and cause of the war raised between
him and Picrochole; and came to tell how Friar John of the Funnels had triumphed at the defence of the close
of the abbey, and extolled him for his valour above Camillus, Scipio, Pompey, Caesar, and Themistocles.
Then Gargantua desired that he might be presently sent for, to the end that with him they might consult of
what was to be done. Whereupon, by a joint consent, his steward went for him, and brought him along
merrily, with his staff of the cross, upon Grangousier's mule. When he was come, a thousand huggings, a
thousand embracements, a thousand good days were given. Ha, Friar John, my friend Friar John, my brave
cousin Friar John from the devil! Let me clip thee, my heart, about the neck; to me an armful. I must grip
thee, my ballock, till thy back crack with it. Come, my cod, let me coll thee till I kill thee. And Friar John, the
gladdest man in the world, never was man made welcomer, never was any more courteously and graciously
received than Friar John. Come, come, said Gargantua, a stool here close by me at this end. I am content, said
the monk, seeing you will have it so. Some water, page; fill, my boy, fill; it is to refresh my liver. Give me
some, child, to gargle my throat withal. Deposita cappa, said Gymnast, let us pull off this frock. Ho, by G−−,
gentlemen, said the monk, there is a chapter in Statutis Ordinis which opposeth my laying of it down. Pish!
said Gymnast, a fig for your chapter! This frock breaks both your shoulders, put it off. My friend, said the
monk, let me alone with it; for, by G−−, I'll drink the better that it is on. It makes all my body jocund. If I
should lay it aside, the waggish pages would cut to themselves garters out of it, as I was once served at
Coulaines. And, which is worse, I shall lose my appetite. But if in this habit I sit down at table, I will drink,
by G−−, both to thee and to thy horse, and so courage, frolic, God save the company! I have already supped,
yet will I eat never a whit the less for that; for I have a paved stomach, as hollow as a butt of malvoisie or St.
Benedictus' boot (butt), and always open like a lawyer's pouch. Of all fishes but the tench take the wing of a
partridge or the thigh of a nun. Doth not he die like a good fellow that dies with a stiff catso? Our prior loves
exceedingly the white of a capon. In that, said Gymnast, he doth not resemble the foxes; for of the capons,
hens, and pullets which they carry away they never eat the white. Why? said the monk. Because, said
Gymnast, they have no cooks to dress them; and, if they be not competently made ready, they remain red and
not white; the redness of meats being a token that they have not got enough of the fire, whether by boiling,
roasting, or otherwise, except the shrimps, lobsters, crabs, and crayfishes, which are cardinalized with
boiling. By God's feast−gazers, said the monk, the porter of our abbey then hath not his head well boiled, for
his eyes are as red as a mazer made of an alder−tree. The thigh of this leveret is good for those that have the
gout. To the purpose of the truel,−−what is the reason that the thighs of a gentlewoman are always fresh and
cool? This problem, said Gargantua, is neither in Aristotle, in Alexander Aphrodiseus, nor in Plutarch. There
are three causes, said the monk, by which that place is naturally refreshed. Primo, because the water runs all
along by it. Secundo, because it is a shady place, obscure and dark, upon which the sun never shines. And
thirdly, because it is continually flabbelled, blown upon, and aired by the north winds of the hole arstick, the
fan of the smock, and flipflap of the codpiece. And lusty, my lads. Some bousing liquor, page! So! crack,
crack, crack. O how good is God, that gives us of this excellent juice! I call him to witness, if I had been in
the time of Jesus Christ, I would have kept him from being taken by the Jews in the garden of Olivet. And the
devil fail me, if I should have failed to cut off the hams of these gentlemen apostles who ran away so basely
after they had well supped, and left their good master in the lurch. I hate that man worse than poison that
offers to run away when he should fight and lay stoutly about him. Oh that I were but King of France for
fourscore or a hundred years! By G−−, I should whip like curtail−dogs these runaways of Pavia. A plague
take them; why did they not choose rather to die there than to leave their good prince in that pinch and
necessity? Is it not better and more honourable to perish in fighting valiantly than to live in disgrace by a
cowardly running away? We are like to eat no great store of goslings this year; therefore, friend, reach me
some of that roasted pig there.
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Diavolo, is there no more must? No more sweet wine? Germinavit radix Jesse. Je renie ma vie, je meurs de
soif; I renounce my life, I rage for thirst. This wine is none of the worst. What wine drink you at Paris? I give
myself to the devil, if I did not once keep open house at Paris for all comers six months together. Do you
know Friar Claude of the high kilderkins? Oh the good fellow that he is! But I do not know what fly hath
stung him of late, he is become so hard a student. For my part, I study not at all. In our abbey we never study
for fear of the mumps, which disease in horses is called the mourning in the chine. Our late abbot was wont to
say that it is a monstrous thing to see a learned monk. By G−−, master, my friend, Magis magnos clericos non
sunt magis magnos sapientes. You never saw so many hares as there are this year. I could not anywhere come
by a goshawk nor tassel of falcon. My Lord Belloniere promised me a lanner, but he wrote to me not long ago
that he was become pursy. The partridges will so multiply henceforth, that they will go near to eat up our
ears. I take no delight in the stalking−horse, for I catch such cold that I am like to founder myself at that
sport. If I do not run, toil, travel, and trot about, I am not well at ease. True it is that in leaping over the
hedges and bushes my frock leaves always some of its wool behind it. I have recovered a dainty greyhound; I
give him to the devil, if he suffer a hare to escape him. A groom was leading him to my Lord Huntlittle, and I
robbed him of him. Did I ill? No, Friar John, said Gymnast, no, by all the devils that are, no! So, said the
monk, do I attest these same devils so long as they last, or rather, virtue (of) G−−, what could that gouty
limpard have done with so fine a dog? By the body of G−−, he is better pleased when one presents him with a
good yoke of oxen. How now, said Ponocrates, you swear, Friar John. It is only, said the monk, but to grace
and adorn my speech. They are colours of a Ciceronian rhetoric.
Chapter 1.XL. Why monks are the outcasts of the world; and wherefore some have bigger noses than
others.
By the faith of a Christian, said Eudemon, I do wonderfully dote and enter in a great ecstasy when I consider
the honesty and good fellowship of this monk, for he makes us here all merry. How is it, then, that they
exclude the monks from all good companies, calling them feast−troublers, marrers of mirth, and disturbers of
all civil conversation, as the bees drive away the drones from their hives? Ignavum fucos pecus, said Maro, a
praesepibus arcent. Hereunto, answered Gargantua, there is nothing so true as that the frock and cowl draw
unto itself the opprobries, injuries, and maledictions of the world, just as the wind called Cecias attracts the
clouds. The peremptory reason is, because they eat the ordure and excrements of the world, that is to say, the
sins of the people, and, like dung−chewers and excrementitious eaters, they are cast into the privies and
secessive places, that is, the convents and abbeys, separated from political conversation, as the jakes and
retreats of a house are. But if you conceive how an ape in a family is always mocked and provokingly
incensed, you shall easily apprehend how monks are shunned of all men, both young and old. The ape keeps
not the house as a dog doth, he draws not in the plough as the ox, he yields neither milk nor wool as the
sheep, he carrieth no burden as a horse doth. That which he doth, is only to conskite, spoil, and defile all,
which is the cause wherefore he hath of all men mocks, frumperies, and bastinadoes.
After the same manner a monk−−I mean those lither, idle, lazy monks−−doth not labour and work, as do the
peasant and artificier; doth not ward and defend the country, as doth the man of war; cureth not the sick and
diseased, as the physician doth; doth neither preach nor teach, as do the evangelical doctors and
schoolmasters; doth not import commodities and things necessary for the commonwealth, as the merchant
doth. Therefore is it that by and of all men they are hooted at, hated, and abhorred. Yea, but, said
Grangousier, they pray to God for us. Nothing less, answered Gargantua. True it is, that with a tingle tangle
jangling of bells they trouble and disquiet all their neighbours about them. Right, said the monk; a mass, a
matin, a vesper well rung, are half said. They mumble out great store of legends and psalms, by them not at
all understood; they say many paternosters interlarded with Ave−Maries, without thinking upon or
apprehending the meaning of what it is they say, which truly I call mocking of God, and not prayers. But so
help them God, as they pray for us, and not for being afraid to lose their victuals, their manchots, and good fat
pottage. All true Christians, of all estates and conditions, in all places and at all times, send up their prayers to
God, and the Mediator prayeth and intercedeth for them, and God is gracious to them. Now such a one is our
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good Friar John; therefore every man desireth to have him in his company. He is no bigot or hypocrite; he is
not torn and divided betwixt reality and appearance; no wretch of a rugged and peevish disposition, but
honest, jovial, resolute, and a good fellow. He travels, he labours, he defends the oppressed, comforts the
afflicted, helps the needy, and keeps the close of the abbey. Nay, said the monk, I do a great deal more than
that; for whilst we are in despatching our matins and anniversaries in the choir, I make withal some
crossbow−strings, polish glass bottles and bolts, I twist lines and weave purse nets wherein to catch coneys. I
am never idle. But now, hither come, some drink, some drink here! Bring the fruit. These chestnuts are of the
wood of Estrox, and with good new wine are able to make you a fine cracker and composer of bum−sonnets.
You are not as yet, it seems, well moistened in this house with the sweet wine and must. By G−−, I drink to
all men freely, and at all fords, like a proctor or promoter's horse. Friar John, said Gymnast, take away the
snot that hangs at your nose. Ha, ha, said the monk, am not I in danger of drowning, seeing I am in water
even to the nose? No, no, Quare? Quia, though some water come out from thence, there never goes in any;
for it is well antidoted with pot−proof armour and syrup of the vine−leaf.
Oh, my friend, he that hath winter−boots made of such leather may boldly fish for oysters, for they will never
take water. What is the cause, said Gargantua, that Friar John hath such a fair nose? Because, said
Grangousier, that God would have it so, who frameth us in such form and for such end as is most agreeable
with his divine will, even as a potter fashioneth his vessels. Because, said Ponocrates, he came with the first
to the fair of noses, and therefore made choice of the fairest and the greatest. Pish, said the monk, that is not
the reason of it, but, according to the true monastical philosophy, it is because my nurse had soft teats, by
virtue whereof, whilst she gave me suck, my nose did sink in as in so much butter. The hard breasts of nurses
make children short− nosed. But hey, gay, Ad formam nasi cognoscitur ad te levavi. I never eat any
confections, page, whilst I am at the bibbery. Item, bring me rather some toasts.
Chapter 1.XLI. How the Monk made Gargantua sleep, and of his hours and breviaries.
Supper being ended, they consulted of the business in hand, and concluded that about midnight they should
fall unawares upon the enemy, to know what manner of watch and ward they kept, and that in the meanwhile
they should take a little rest the better to refresh themselves. But Gargantua could not sleep by any means, on
which side soever he turned himself. Whereupon the monk said to him, I never sleep soundly but when I am
at sermon or prayers. Let us therefore begin, you and I, the seven penitential psalms, to try whether you shall
not quickly fall asleep. The conceit pleased Gargantua very well, and, beginning the first of these psalms, as
soon as they came to the words Beati quorum they fell asleep, both the one and the other. But the monk, for
his being formerly accustomed to the hour of claustral matins, failed not to awake a little before midnight,
and, being up himself, awaked all the rest, in singing aloud, and with a full clear voice, the song:
Awake, O Reinian, ho, awake! Awake, O Reinian, ho! Get up, you no more sleep must take; Get up, for we
must go.
When they were all roused and up, he said, My masters, it is a usual saying, that we begin matins with
coughing and supper with drinking. Let us now, in doing clean contrarily, begin our matins with drinking,
and at night before supper we shall cough as hard as we can. What, said Gargantua, to drink so soon after
sleep? This is not to live according to the diet and prescript rule of the physicians, for you ought first to scour
and cleanse your stomach of all its superfluities and excrements. Oh, well physicked, said the monk; a
hundred devils leap into my body, if there be not more old drunkards than old physicians! I have made this
paction and covenant with my appetite, that it always lieth down and goes to bed with myself, for to that I
every day give very good order; then the next morning it also riseth with me and gets up when I am awake.
Mind you your charges, gentlemen, or tend your cures as much as you will. I will get me to my drawer; in
terms of falconry, my tiring. What drawer or tiring do you mean? said Gargantua. My breviary, said the
monk, for just as the falconers, before they feed their hawks, do make them draw at a hen's leg to purge their
brains of phlegm and sharpen them to a good appetite, so, by taking this merry little breviary in the morning,
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I scour all my lungs and am presently ready to drink.
After what manner, said Gargantua, do you say these fair hours and prayers of yours? After the manner of
Whipfield (Fessecamp, and corruptly Fecan.), said the monk, by three psalms and three lessons, or nothing at
all, he that will. I never tie myself to hours, prayers, and sacraments; for they are made for the man and not
the man for them. Therefore is it that I make my prayers in fashion of stirrup−leathers; I shorten or lengthen
them when I think good. Brevis oratio penetrat caelos et longa potatio evacuat scyphos. Where is that
written? By my faith, said Ponocrates, I cannot tell, my pillicock, but thou art more worth than gold. Therein,
said the monk, I am like you; but, venite, apotemus. Then made they ready store of carbonadoes, or rashers
on the coals, and good fat soups, or brewis with sippets; and the monk drank what he pleased. Some kept him
company, and the rest did forbear, for their stomachs were not as yet opened. Afterwards every man began to
arm and befit himself for the field. And they armed the monk against his will; for he desired no other armour
for back and breast but his frock, nor any other weapon in his hand but the staff of the cross. Yet at their
pleasure was he completely armed cap−a−pie, and mounted upon one of the best horses in the kingdom, with
a good slashing shable by his side, together with Gargantua, Ponocrates, Gymnast, Eudemon, and
five−and−twenty more of the most resolute and adventurous of Grangousier's house, all armed at proof with
their lances in their hands, mounted like St. George, and everyone of them having an arquebusier behind him.
Chapter 1.XLII. How the Monk encouraged his fellow−champions, and how he hanged upon a tree.
Thus went out those valiant champions on their adventure, in full resolution to know what enterprise they
should undertake, and what to take heed of and look well to in the day of the great and horrible battle. And
the monk encouraged them, saying, My children, do not fear nor doubt, I will conduct you safely. God and
Sanct Benedict be with us! If I had strength answerable to my courage, by's death, I would plume them for
you like ducks. I fear nothing but the great ordnance; yet I know of a charm by way of prayer, which the
subsexton of our abbey taught me, that will preserve a man from the violence of guns and all manner of
fire−weapons and engines; but it will do me no good, because I do not believe it. Nevertheless, I hope my
staff of the cross shall this day play devilish pranks amongst them. By G−−, whoever of our party shall offer
to play the duck, and shrink when blows are a−dealing, I give myself to the devil, if I do not make a monk of
him in my stead, and hamper him within my frock, which is a sovereign cure against cowardice. Did you
never hear of my Lord Meurles his greyhound, which was not worth a straw in the fields? He put a frock
about his neck: by the body of G−−, there was neither hare nor fox that could escape him, and, which is more,
he lined all the bitches in the country, though before that he was feeble−reined and ex frigidis et maleficiatis.
The monk uttering these words in choler, as he passed under a walnut−tree, in his way towards the causey, he
broached the vizor of his helmet on the stump of a great branch of the said tree. Nevertheless, he set his spurs
so fiercely to the horse, who was full of mettle and quick on the spur, that he bounded forwards, and the
monk going about to ungrapple his vizor, let go his hold of the bridle, and so hanged by his hand upon the
bough, whilst his horse stole away from under him. By this means was the monk left hanging on the
walnut−tree, and crying for help, murder, murder, swearing also that he was betrayed. Eudemon perceived
him first, and calling Gargantua said, Sir, come and see Absalom hanging. Gargantua, being come,
considered the countenance of the monk, and in what posture he hanged; wherefore he said to Eudemon, You
were mistaken in comparing him to Absalom; for Absalom hung by his hair, but this shaveling monk hangeth
by the ears. Help me, said the monk, in the devil's name; is this a time for you to prate? You seem to me to be
like the decretalist preachers, who say that whosoever shall see his neighbour in the danger of death, ought,
upon pain of trisulk excommunication, rather choose to admonish him to make his confession to a priest, and
put his conscience in the state of peace, than otherwise to help and relieve him.
And therefore when I shall see them fallen into a river, and ready to be drowned, I shall make them a fair
long sermon de contemptu mundi, et fuga seculi; and when they are stark dead, shall then go to their aid and
succour in fishing after them. Be quiet, said Gymnast, and stir not, my minion. I am now coming to unhang
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thee and to set thee at freedom, for thou art a pretty little gentle monachus. Monachus in claustro non valet
ova duo; sed quando est extra, bene valet triginta. I have seen above five hundred hanged, but I never saw any
have a better countenance in his dangling and pendilatory swagging. Truly, if I had so good a one, I would
willingly hang thus all my lifetime. What, said the monk, have you almost done preaching? Help me, in the
name of God, seeing you will not in the name of the other spirit, or, by the habit which I wear, you shall
repent it, tempore et loco praelibatis.
Then Gymnast alighted from his horse, and, climbing up the walnut−tree, lifted up the monk with one hand
by the gussets of his armour under the armpits, and with the other undid his vizor from the stump of the
broken branch; which done, he let him fall to the ground and himself after. As soon as the monk was down,
he put off all his armour, and threw away one piece after another about the field, and, taking to him again his
staff of the cross, remounted up to his horse, which Eudemon had caught in his running away. Then went
they on merrily, riding along on the highway.
Chapter 1.XLIII. How the scouts and fore−party of Picrochole were met with by Gargantua, and how the
Monk slew Captain Drawforth (Tirevant.), and then was taken prisoner by his enemies.
Picrochole, at the relation of those who had escaped out of the broil and defeat wherein Tripet was untriped,
grew very angry that the devils should have so run upon his men, and held all that night a counsel of war, at
which Rashcalf and Touchfaucet (Hastiveau, Touquedillon.), concluded his power to be such that he was able
to defeat all the devils of hell if they should come to jostle with his forces. This Picrochole did not fully
believe, though he doubted not much of it. Therefore sent he under the command and conduct of the Count
Drawforth, for discovering of the country, the number of sixteen hundred horsemen, all well mounted upon
light horses for skirmish and thoroughly besprinkled with holy water; and everyone for their field−mark or
cognizance had the sign of a star in his scarf, to serve at all adventures in case they should happen to
encounter with devils, that by the virtue, as well of that Gregorian water as of the stars which they wore, they
might make them disappear and evanish.
In this equipage they made an excursion upon the country till they came near to the Vauguyon, which is the
valley of Guyon, and to the spital, but could never find anybody to speak unto; whereupon they returned a
little back, and took occasion to pass above the aforesaid hospital to try what intelligence they could come by
in those parts. In which resolution riding on, and by chance in a pastoral lodge or shepherd's cottage near to
Coudray hitting upon the five pilgrims, they carried them way−bound and manacled, as if they had been
spies, for all the exclamations, adjurations, and requests that they could make. Being come down from thence
towards Seville, they were heard by Gargantua, who said then unto those that were with him, Comrades and
fellow−soldiers, we have here met with an encounter, and they are ten times in number more than we. Shall
we charge them or no? What a devil, said the monk, shall we do else? Do you esteem men by their number
rather than by their valour and prowess? With this he cried out, Charge, devils, charge! Which when the
enemies heard, they thought certainly that they had been very devils, and therefore even then began all of
them to run away as hard as they could drive, Drawforth only excepted, who immediately settled his lance on
its rest, and therewith hit the monk with all his force on the very middle of his breast, but, coming against his
horrific frock, the point of the iron being with the blow either broke off or blunted, it was in matter of
execution as if you had struck against an anvil with a little wax−candle.
Then did the monk with his staff of the cross give him such a sturdy thump and whirret betwixt his neck and
shoulders, upon the acromion bone, that he made him lose both sense and motion and fall down stone dead at
his horse's feet; and, seeing the sign of the star which he wore scarfwise, he said unto Gargantua, These men
are but priests, which is but the beginning of a monk; by St. John, I am a perfect monk, I will kill them to you
like flies. Then ran he after them at a swift and full gallop till he overtook the rear, and felled them down like
tree−leaves, striking athwart and alongst and every way. Gymnast presently asked Gargantua if they should
pursue them. To whom Gargantua answered, By no means; for, according to right military discipline, you
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must never drive your enemy unto despair, for that such a strait doth multiply his force and increase his
courage, which was before broken and cast down; neither is there any better help or outrage of relief for men
that are amazed, out of heart, toiled, and spent, than to hope for no favour at all. How many victories have
been taken out of the hands of the victors by the vanquished, when they would not rest satisfied with reason,
but attempt to put all to the sword, and totally to destroy their enemies, without leaving so much as one to
carry home news of the defeat of his fellows. Open, therefore, unto your enemies all the gates and ways, and
make to them a bridge of silver rather than fail, that you may be rid of them. Yea, but, said Gymnast, they
have the monk. Have they the monk? said Gargantua. Upon mine honour, then, it will prove to their cost. But
to prevent all dangers, let us not yet retreat, but halt here quietly as in an ambush; for I think I do already
understand the policy and judgment of our enemies. They are truly more directed by chance and mere fortune
than by good advice and counsel. In the meanwhile, whilst these made a stop under the walnut−trees, the
monk pursued on the chase, charging all he overtook, and giving quarter to none, until he met with a trooper
who carried behind him one of the poor pilgrims, and there would have rifled him. The pilgrim, in hope of
relief at the sight of the monk, cried out, Ha, my lord prior, my good friend, my lord prior, save me, I beseech
you, save me! Which words being heard by those that rode in the van, they instantly faced about, and seeing
there was nobody but the monk that made this great havoc and slaughter among them, they loaded him with
blows as thick as they use to do an ass with wood. But of all this he felt nothing, especially when they struck
upon his frock, his skin was so hard. Then they committed him to two of the marshal's men to keep, and,
looking about, saw nobody coming against them, whereupon they thought that Gargantua and his party were
fled. Then was it that they rode as hard as they could towards the walnut−trees to meet with them, and left the
monk there all alone, with his two foresaid men to guard him. Gargantua heard the noise and neighing of the
horses, and said to his men, Comrades, I hear the track and beating of the enemy's horse−feet, and withal
perceive that some of them come in a troop and full body against us. Let us rally and close here, then set
forward in order, and by this means we shall be able to receive their charge to their loss and our honour.
Chapter 1.XLIV. How the Monk rid himself of his keepers, and how Picrochole's forlorn hope was
defeated.
The monk, seeing them break off thus without order, conjectured that they were to set upon Gargantua and
those that were with him, and was wonderfully grieved that he could not succour them. Then considered he
the countenance of the two keepers in whose custody he was, who would have willingly run after the troops
to get some booty and plunder, and were always looking towards the valley unto which they were going.
Farther, he syllogized, saying, These men are but badly skilled in matters of war, for they have not required
my parole, neither have they taken my sword from me. Suddenly hereafter he drew his brackmard or
horseman's sword, wherewith he gave the keeper which held him on the right side such a sound slash that he
cut clean through the jugulary veins and the sphagitid or transparent arteries of the neck, with the fore−part of
the throat called the gargareon, even unto the two adenes, which are throat kernels; and, redoubling the blow,
he opened the spinal marrow betwixt the second and third vertebrae. There fell down that keeper stark dead to
the ground. Then the monk, reining his horse to the left, ran upon the other, who, seeing his fellow dead, and
the monk to have the advantage of him, cried with a loud voice, Ha, my lord prior, quarter; I yield, my lord
prior, quarter; quarter, my good friend, my lord prior. And the monk cried likewise, My lord posterior, my
friend, my lord posterior, you shall have it upon your posteriorums. Ha, said the keeper, my lord prior, my
minion, my gentle lord prior, I pray God make you an abbot. By the habit, said the monk, which I wear, I will
here make you a cardinal. What! do you use to pay ransoms to religious men? You shall therefore have
by−and−by a red hat of my giving. And the fellow cried, Ha, my lord prior, my lord prior, my lord abbot that
shall be, my lord cardinal, my lord all! Ha, ha, hes, no, my lord prior, my good little lord the prior, I yield,
render and deliver myself up to you. And I deliver thee, said the monk, to all the devils in hell. Then at one
stroke he cut off his head, cutting his scalp upon the temple−bones, and lifting up in the upper part of the
skull the two triangulary bones called sincipital, or the two bones bregmatis, together with the sagittal
commissure or dartlike seam which distinguisheth the right side of the head from the left, as also a great part
of the coronal or forehead bone, by which terrible blow likewise he cut the two meninges or films which
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enwrap the brain, and made a deep wound in the brain's two posterior ventricles, and the cranium or skull
abode hanging upon his shoulders by the skin of the pericranium behind, in form of a doctor's bonnet, black
without and red within. Thus fell he down also to the ground stark dead.
And presently the monk gave his horse the spur, and kept the way that the enemy held, who had met with
Gargantua and his companions in the broad highway, and were so diminished of their number for the
enormous slaughter that Gargantua had made with his great tree amongst them, as also Gymnast, Ponocrates,
Eudemon, and the rest, that they began to retreat disorderly and in great haste, as men altogether affrighted
and troubled in both sense and understanding, and as if they had seen the very proper species and form of
death before their eyes; or rather, as when you see an ass with a brizze or gadbee under his tail, or fly that
stings him, run hither and thither without keeping any path or way, throwing down his load to the ground,
breaking his bridle and reins, and taking no breath nor rest, and no man can tell what ails him, for they see not
anything touch him. So fled these people destitute of wit, without knowing any cause of flying, only pursued
by a panic terror which in their minds they had conceived. The monk, perceiving that their whole intent was
to betake themselves to their heels, alighted from his horse and got upon a big large rock which was in the
way, and with his great brackmard sword laid such load upon those runaways, and with main strength
fetching a compass with his arm without feigning or sparing, slew and overthrew so many that his sword
broke in two pieces. Then thought he within himself that he had slain and killed sufficiently, and that the rest
should escape to carry news. Therefore he took up a battle−axe of those that lay there dead, and got upon the
rock again, passing his time to see the enemy thus flying and to tumble himself amongst the dead bodies,
only that he suffered none to carry pike, sword, lance, nor gun with him, and those who carried the pilgrims
bound he made to alight, and gave their horses unto the said pilgrims, keeping them there with him under the
hedge, and also Touchfaucet, who was then his prisoner.
Chapter 1.XLV. How the Monk carried along with him the Pilgrims, and of the good words that
Grangousier gave them.
This skirmish being ended, Gargantua retreated with his men, excepting the monk, and about the dawning of
the day they came unto Grangousier, who in his bed was praying unto God for their safety and victory. And
seeing them all safe and sound, he embraced them lovingly, and asked what was become of the monk.
Gargantua answered him that without doubt the enemies had the monk. Then have they mischief and ill luck,
said Grangousier; which was very true. Therefore is it a common proverb to this day, to give a man the monk,
or, as in French, lui bailler le moine, when they would express the doing unto one a mischief. Then
commanded he a good breakfast to be provided for their refreshment. When all was ready, they called
Gargantua, but he was so aggrieved that the monk was not to be heard of that he would neither eat nor drink.
In the meanwhile the monk comes, and from the gate of the outer court cries out aloud, Fresh wine, fresh
wine, Gymnast my friend! Gymnast went out and saw that it was Friar John, who brought along with him
five pilgrims and Touchfaucet prisoners; whereupon Gargantua likewise went forth to meet him, and all of
them made him the best welcome that possibly they could, and brought him before Grangousier, who asked
him of all his adventures. The monk told him all, both how he was taken, how he rid himself of his keepers,
of the slaughter he had made by the way, and how he had rescued the pilgrims and brought along with him
Captain Touchfaucet. Then did they altogether fall to banqueting most merrily. In the meantime Grangousier
asked the pilgrims what countrymen they were, whence they came, and whither they went. Sweer−to−go in
the name of the rest answered, My sovereign lord, I am of Saint Genou in Berry, this man is of Palvau, this
other is of Onzay, this of Argy, this of St. Nazarand, and this man of Villebrenin. We come from Saint
Sebastian near Nantes, and are now returning, as we best may, by easy journeys. Yea, but, said Grangousier,
what went you to do at Saint Sebastian? We went, said Sweer− to−go, to offer up unto that sanct our vows
against the plague. Ah, poor men! said Grangousier, do you think that the plague comes from Saint
Sebastian? Yes, truly, answered Sweer−to−go, our preachers tell us so indeed. But is it so, said Grangousier,
do the false prophets teach you such abuses? Do they thus blaspheme the sancts and holy men of God, as to
make them like unto the devils, who do nothing but hurt unto mankind,−−as Homer writeth, that the plague
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was sent into the camp of the Greeks by Apollo, and as the poets feign a great rabble of Vejoves and
mischievous gods. So did a certain cafard or dissembling religionary preach at Sinay, that Saint Anthony sent
the fire into men's legs, that Saint Eutropius made men hydropic, Saint Clidas, fools, and that Saint Genou
made them goutish. But I punished him so exemplarily, though he called me heretic for it, that since that time
no such hypocritical rogue durst set his foot within my territories. And truly I wonder that your king should
suffer them in their sermons to publish such scandalous doctrine in his dominions; for they deserve to be
chastised with greater severity than those who, by magical art, or any other device, have brought the
pestilence into a country. The pest killeth but the bodies, but such abominable imposters empoison our very
souls. As he spake these words, in came the monk very resolute, and asked them, Whence are you, you poor
wretches? Of Saint Genou, said they. And how, said the monk, does the Abbot Gulligut, the good
drinker,−−and the monks, what cheer make they? By G−− body, they'll have a fling at your wives, and breast
them to some purpose, whilst you are upon your roaming rant and gadding pilgrimage. Hin, hen, said
Sweer−to−go, I am not afraid of mine, for he that shall see her by day will never break his neck to come to
her in the night−time. Yea, marry, said the monk, now you have hit it. Let her be as ugly as ever was
Proserpina, she will once, by the Lord G−−, be overturned, and get her skin−coat shaken, if there dwell any
monks near to her; for a good carpenter will make use of any kind of timber. Let me be peppered with the
pox, if you find not all your wives with child at your return; for the very shadow of the steeple of an abbey is
fruitful. It is, said Gargantua, like the water of Nilus in Egypt, if you believe Strabo and Pliny, Lib. 7, cap. 3.
What virtue will there be then, said the monk, in their bullets of concupiscence, their habits and their bodies?
Then, said Grangousier, go your ways, poor men, in the name of God the Creator, to whom I pray to guide
you perpetually, and henceforward be not so ready to undertake these idle and unprofitable journeys. Look to
your families, labour every man in his vocation, instruct your children, and live as the good apostle St. Paul
directeth you; in doing whereof, God, his angels and sancts, will guard and protect you, and no evil or plague
at any time shall befall you. Then Gargantua led them into the hall to take their refection; but the pilgrims did
nothing but sigh, and said to Gargantua, O how happy is that land which hath such a man for their lord! We
have been more edified and instructed by the talk which he had with us, than by all the sermons that ever
were preached in our town. This is, said Gargantua, that which Plato saith, Lib. 5 de Republ., that those
commonwealths are happy, whose rulers philosophate, and whose philosophers rule. Then caused he their
wallets to be filled with victuals and their bottles with wine, and gave unto each of them a horse to ease them
upon the way, together with some pence to live by.
Chapter 1.XLVI. How Grangousier did very kindly entertain Touchfaucet his prisoner.
Touchfaucet was presented unto Grangousier, and by him examined upon the enterprise and attempt of
Picrochole, what it was he could pretend to, or aim at, by the rustling stir and tumultuary coil of this his
sudden invasion. Whereunto he answered, that his end and purpose was to conquer all the country, if he
could, for the injury done to his cake−bakers. It is too great an undertaking, said Grangousier; and, as the
proverb is, He that grips too much, holds fast but little. The time is not now as formerly, to conquer the
kingdoms of our neighbour princes, and to build up our own greatness upon the loss of our nearest Christian
Brother. This imitation of the ancient Herculeses, Alexanders, Hannibals, Scipios, Caesars, and other such
heroes, is quite contrary to the profession of the gospel of Christ, by which we are commanded to preserve,
keep, rule, and govern every man his own country and lands, and not in a hostile manner to invade others;
and that which heretofore the Barbars and Saracens called prowess and valour, we do now call robbing,
thievery, and wickedness. It would have been more commendable in him to have contained himself within
the bounds of his own territories, royally governing them, than to insult and domineer in mine, pillaging and
plundering everywhere like a most unmerciful enemy; for, by ruling his own with discretion, he might have
increased his greatness, but by robbing me he cannot escape destruction. Go your ways in the name of God,
prosecute good enterprises, show your king what is amiss, and never counsel him with regard unto your own
particular profit, for the public loss will swallow up the private benefit. As for your ransom, I do freely remit
it to you, and will that your arms and horse be restored to you; so should good neighbours do, and ancient
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friends, seeing this our difference is not properly war. As Plato, Lib. 5 de Repub., would not have it called
war, but sedition, when the Greeks took up arms against one another, and that therefore, when such
combustions should arise amongst them, his advice was to behave themselves in the managing of them with
all discretion and modesty. Although you call it war, it is but superficial; it entereth not into the closet and
inmost cabinet of our hearts. For neither of us hath been wronged in his honour, nor is there any question
betwixt us in the main, but only how to redress, by the bye, some petty faults committed by our men,−−I
mean, both yours and ours, which, although you knew, you ought to let pass; for these quarrelsome persons
deserve rather to be contemned than mentioned, especially seeing I offered them satisfaction according to the
wrong. God shall be the just judge of our variances, whom I beseech by death rather to take me out of this
life, and to permit my goods to perish and be destroyed before mine eyes, than that by me or mine he should
in any sort be wronged. These words uttered, he called the monk, and before them all thus spoke unto him,
Friar John, my good friend, it is you that took prisoner the Captain Touchfaucet here present? Sir, said the
monk, seeing himself is here, and that he is of the years of discretion, I had rather you should know it by his
confession than by any words of mine. Then said Touchfaucet, My sovereign lord it is he indeed that took
me, and I do therefore most freely yield myself his prisoner. Have you put him to any ransom? said
Grangousier to the monk. No, said the monk, of that I take no care. How much would you have for having
taken him? Nothing, nothing, said the monk; I am not swayed by that, nor do I regard it. Then Grangousier
commanded that, in presence of Touchfaucet, should be delivered to the monk for taking him the sum of
three score and two thousand saluts (in English money, fifteen thousand and five hundred pounds), which
was done, whilst they made a collation or little banquet to the said Touchfaucet, of whom Grangousier asked
if he would stay with him, or if he loved rather to return to his king. Touchfaucet answered that he was
content to take whatever course he would advise him to. Then, said Grangousier, return unto your king, and
God be with you.
Then he gave him an excellent sword of a Vienne blade, with a golden scabbard wrought with
vine−branch−like flourishes, of fair goldsmith's work, and a collar or neck−chain of gold, weighing seven
hundred and two thousand marks (at eight ounces each), garnished with precious stones of the finest sort,
esteemed at a hundred and sixty thousand ducats, and ten thousand crowns more, as an honourable donative,
by way of present.
After this talk Touchfaucet got to his horse, and Gargantua for his safety allowed him the guard of thirty
men−at−arms and six score archers to attend him, under the conduct of Gymnast, to bring him even unto the
gate of the rock Clermond, if there were need. As soon as he was gone, the monk restored unto Grangousier
the three score and two thousand saluts which he had received, saying, Sir, it is not as yet the time for you to
give such gifts; stay till this war be at an end, for none can tell what accidents may occur, and war begun
without good provision of money beforehand for going through with it, is but as a breathing of strength, and
blast that will quickly pass away. Coin is the sinews of war. Well then, said Grangousier, at the end I will
content you by some honest recompense, as also all those who shall do me good service.
Chapter 1.XLVII. How Grangousier sent for his legions, and how Touchfaucet slew Rashcalf, and was
afterwards executed by the command of Picrochole.
About this same time those of Besse, of the Old Market, of St. James' Bourg, of the Draggage, of Parille, of
the Rivers, of the rocks St. Pol, of the Vaubreton, of Pautille, of the Brehemont, of Clainbridge, of Cravant,
of Grammont, of the town at the Badgerholes, of Huymes, of Segre, of Husse, of St. Lovant, of Panzoust, of
the Coldraux, of Verron, of Coulaines, of Chose, of Varenes, of Bourgueil, of the Bouchard Island, of the
Croullay, of Narsay, of Cande, of Montsoreau, and other bordering places, sent ambassadors unto
Grangousier, to tell him that they were advised of the great wrongs which Picrochole had done him, and, in
regard of their ancient confederacy, offered him what assistance they could afford, both in men, money,
victuals, and ammunition, and other necessaries for war. The money which by the joint agreement of them all
was sent unto him, amounted to six score and fourteen millions, two crowns and a half of pure gold. The
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forces wherewith they did assist him did consist in fifteen thousand cuirassiers, two−and−thirty thousand
light horsemen, four score and nine thousand dragoons, and a hundred−and−forty thousand volunteer
adventurers. These had with them eleven thousand and two hundred cannons, double cannons, long pieces of
artillery called basilisks, and smaller sized ones known by the name of spirols, besides the mortar−pieces and
grenadoes. Of pioneers they had seven−and−forty thousand, all victualled and paid for six months and four
days of advance. Which offer Gargantua did not altogether refuse, nor wholly accept of; but, giving them
hearty thanks, said that he would compose and order the war by such a device, that there should not be found
great need to put so many honest men to trouble in the managing of it; and therefore was content at that time
to give order only for bringing along the legions which he maintained in his ordinary garrison towns of the
Deviniere, of Chavigny, of Gravot, and of the Quinquenais, amounting to the number of two thousand
cuirassiers, three score and six thousand foot− soldiers, six−and−twenty thousand dragoons, attended by two
hundred pieces of great ordnance, two−and−twenty thousand pioneers, and six thousand light horsemen, all
drawn up in troops, so well befitted and accommodated with their commissaries, sutlers, farriers,
harness−makers, and other such like necessary members in a military camp, so fully instructed in the art of
warfare, so perfectly knowing and following their colours, so ready to hear and obey their captains, so nimble
to run, so strong at their charging, so prudent in their adventures, and every day so well disciplined, that they
seemed rather to be a concert of organ−pipes, or mutual concord of the wheels of a clock, than an infantry
and cavalry, or army of soldiers.
Touchfaucet immediately after his return presented himself before Picrochole, and related unto him at large
all that he had done and seen, and at last endeavoured to persuade him with strong and forcible arguments to
capitulate and make an agreement with Grangousier, whom he found to be the honestest man in the world;
saying further, that it was neither right nor reason thus to trouble his neighbours, of whom they had never
received anything but good. And in regard of the main point, that they should never be able to go through
stitch with that war, but to their great damage and mischief; for the forces of Picrochole were not so
considerable but that Grangousier could easily overthrow them.
He had not well done speaking when Rashcalf said out aloud, Unhappy is that prince which is by such men
served, who are so easily corrupted, as I know Touchfaucet is. For I see his courage so changed that he had
willingly joined with our enemies to fight against us and betray us, if they would have received him; but as
virtue is of all, both friends and foes, praised and esteemed, so is wickedness soon known and suspected, and
although it happen the enemies to make use thereof for their profit, yet have they always the wicked and the
traitors in abomination.
Touchfaucet being at these words very impatient, drew out his sword, and therewith ran Rashcalf through the
body, a little under the nipple of his left side, whereof he died presently, and pulling back his sword out of his
body said boldly, So let him perish that shall a faithful servant blame. Picrochole incontinently grew furious,
and seeing Touchfaucet's new sword and his scabbard so richly diapered with flourishes of most excellent
workmanship, said, Did they give thee this weapon so feloniously therewith to kill before my face my so
good friend Rashcalf? Then immediately commanded he his guard to hew him in pieces, which was instantly
done, and that so cruelly that the chamber was all dyed with blood. Afterwards he appointed the corpse of
Rashcalf to be honourably buried, and that of Touchfaucet to be cast over the walls into the ditch.
The news of these excessive violences were quickly spread through all the army; whereupon many began to
murmur against Picrochole, in so far that Pinchpenny said to him, My sovereign lord, I know not what the
issue of this enterprise will be. I see your men much dejected, and not well resolved in their minds, by
considering that we are here very ill provided of victual, and that our number is already much diminished by
three or four sallies. Furthermore, great supplies and recruits come daily in to your enemies; but we so
moulder away that, if we be once besieged, I do not see how we can escape a total destruction. Tush, pish,
said Picrochole, you are like the Melun eels, you cry before they come to you. Let them come, let them come,
if they dare.
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Chapter 1.XLVIII. How Gargantua set upon Picrochole within the rock Clermond, and utterly defeated
the army of the said Picrochole.
Gargantua had the charge of the whole army, and his father Grangousier stayed in his castle, who,
encouraging them with good words, promised great rewards unto those that should do any notable service.
Having thus set forward, as soon as they had gained the pass at the ford of Vede, with boats and bridges
speedily made they passed over in a trice. Then considering the situation of the town, which was on a high
and advantageous place, Gargantua thought fit to call his council, and pass that night in deliberation upon
what was to be done. But Gymnast said unto him, My sovereign lord, such is the nature and complexion of
the French, that they are worth nothing but at the first push. Then are they more fierce than devils. But if they
linger a little and be wearied with delays, they'll prove more faint and remiss than women. My opinion is,
therefore, that now presently, after your men have taken breath and some small refection, you give order for a
resolute assault, and that we storm them instantly. His advice was found very good, and for effectuating
thereof he brought forth his army into the plain field, and placed the reserves on the skirt or rising of a little
hill. The monk took along with him six companies of foot and two hundred horsemen well armed, and with
great diligence crossed the marsh, and valiantly got upon the top of the green hillock even unto the highway
which leads to Loudun. Whilst the assault was thus begun, Picrochole's men could not tell well what was
best, to issue out and receive the assailants, or keep within the town and not to stir. Himself in the mean time,
without deliberation, sallied forth in a rage with the cavalry of his guard, who were forthwith received and
royally entertained with great cannon−shot that fell upon them like hail from the high grounds on which the
artillery was planted. Whereupon the Gargantuists betook themselves unto the valleys, to give the ordnance
leave to play and range with the larger scope.
Those of the town defended themselves as well as they could, but their shot passed over us without doing us
any hurt at all. Some of Picrochole's men that had escaped our artillery set most fiercely upon our soldiers,
but prevailed little; for they were all let in betwixt the files, and there knocked down to the ground, which
their fellow−soldiers seeing, they would have retreated, but the monk having seized upon the pass by the
which they were to return, they ran away and fled in all the disorder and confusion that could be imagined.
Some would have pursued after them and followed the chase, but the monk withheld them, apprehending that
in their pursuit the pursuers might lose their ranks, and so give occasion to the besieged to sally out of the
town upon them. Then staying there some space and none coming against him, he sent the Duke Phrontist to
advise Gargantua to advance towards the hill upon the left hand, to hinder Picrochole's retreat at that gate;
which Gargantua did with all expedition, and sent thither four brigades under the conduct of Sebast, which
had no sooner reached the top of the hill, but they met Picrochole in the teeth, and those that were with him
scattered.
Then charged they upon them stoutly, yet were they much endamaged by those that were upon the walls, who
galled them with all manner of shot, both from the great ordnance, small guns, and bows. Which Gargantua
perceiving, he went with a strong party to their relief, and with his artillery began to thunder so terribly upon
that canton of the wall, and so long, that all the strength within the town, to maintain and fill up the breach,
was drawn thither. The monk seeing that quarter which he kept besieged void of men and competent guards,
and in a manner altogether naked and abandoned, did most magnanimously on a sudden lead up his men
towards the fort, and never left it till he had got up upon it, knowing that such as come to the reserve in a
conflict bring with them always more fear and terror than those that deal about them with they hands in the
fight.
Nevertheless, he gave no alarm till all his soldiers had got within the wall, except the two hundred horsemen,
whom he left without to secure his entry. Then did he give a most horrible shout, so did all these who were
with him, and immediately thereafter, without resistance, putting to the edge of the sword the guard that was
at that gate, they opened it to the horsemen, with whom most furiously they altogether ran towards the east
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gate, where all the hurlyburly was, and coming close upon them in the rear overthrew all their forces.
The besieged, seeing that the Gargantuists had won the town upon them, and that they were like to be secure
in no corner of it, submitted themselves unto the mercy of the monk, and asked for quarter, which the monk
very nobly granted to them, yet made them lay down their arms; then, shutting them up within churches, gave
order to seize upon all the staves of the crosses, and placed men at the doors to keep them from coming forth.
Then opening that east gate, he issued out to succour and assist Gargantua. But Picrochole, thinking it had
been some relief coming to him from the town, adventured more forwardly than before, and was upon the
giving of a most desperate home−charge, when Gargantua cried out, Ha, Friar John, my friend Friar John,
you are come in a good hour. Which unexpected accident so affrighted Picrochole and his men, that, giving
all for lost, they betook themselves to their heels, and fled on all hands. Gargantua chased them till they came
near to Vaugaudry, killing and slaying all the way, and then sounded the retreat.
Chapter 1.XLIX. How Picrochole in his flight fell into great misfortunes, and what Gargantua did after
the battle.
Picrochole thus in despair fled towards the Bouchard Island, and in the way to Riviere his horse stumbled and
fell down, whereat he on a sudden was so incensed, that he with his sword without more ado killed him in his
choler; then, not finding any that would remount him, he was about to have taken an ass at the mill that was
thereby; but the miller's men did so baste his bones and so soundly bethwack him that they made him both
black and blue with strokes; then stripping him of all his clothes, gave him a scurvy old canvas jacket
wherewith to cover his nakedness. Thus went along this poor choleric wretch, who, passing the water at
Port−Huaulx, and relating his misadventurous disasters, was foretold by an old Lourpidon hag that his
kingdom should be restored to him at the coming of the Cocklicranes, which she called Coquecigrues. What
is become of him since we cannot certainly tell, yet was I told that he is now a porter at Lyons, as testy and
pettish in humour as ever he was before, and would be always with great lamentation inquiring at all
strangers of the coming of the Cocklicranes, expecting assuredly, according to the old woman's prophecy,
that at their coming he shall be re−established in his kingdom. The first thing Gargantua did after his return
into the town was to call the muster−roll of his men, which when he had done, he found that there were very
few either killed or wounded, only some few foot of Captain Tolmere's company, and Ponocrates, who was
shot with a musket−ball through the doublet. Then he caused them all at and in their several posts and
divisions to take a little refreshment, which was very plenteously provided for them in the best drink and
victuals that could be had for money, and gave order to the treasurers and commissaries of the army to pay
for and defray that repast, and that there should be no outrage at all nor abuse committed in the town, seeing
it was his own. And furthermore commanded, that immediately after the soldiers had done with eating and
drinking for that time sufficiently and to their own hearts' desire, a gathering should be beaten for bringing
them altogether, to be drawn up on the piazza before the castle, there to receive six months' pay completely.
All which was done. After this, by his direction, were brought before him in the said place all those that
remained of Picrochole's party, unto whom, in the presence of the princes, nobles, and officers of his court
and army, he spoke as followeth.
Chapter 1.L. Gargantua's speech to the vanquished.
Our forefathers and ancestors of all times have been of this nature and disposition, that, upon the winning of a
battle, they have chosen rather, for a sign and memorial of their triumphs and victories, to erect trophies and
monuments in the hearts of the vanquished by clemency than by architecture in the lands which they had
conquered. For they did hold in greater estimation the lively remembrance of men purchased by liberality
than the dumb inscription of arches, pillars, and pyramids, subject to the injury of storms and tempests, and to
the envy of everyone. You may very well remember of the courtesy which by them was used towards the
Bretons in the battle of St. Aubin of Cormier and at the demolishing of Partenay. You have heard, and
hearing admire, their gentle comportment towards those at the barriers (the barbarians) of Spaniola, who had
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plundered, wasted, and ransacked the maritime borders of Olone and Thalmondois. All this hemisphere of the
world was filled with the praises and congratulations which yourselves and your fathers made, when
Alpharbal, King of Canarre, not satisfied with his own fortunes, did most furiously invade the land of Onyx,
and with cruel piracies molest all the Armoric Islands and confine regions of Britany. Yet was he in a set
naval fight justly taken and vanquished by my father, whom God preserve and protect. But what? Whereas
other kings and emperors, yea, those who entitle themselves Catholics, would have dealt roughly with him,
kept him a close prisoner, and put him to an extreme high ransom, he entreated him very courteously, lodged
him kindly with himself in his own palace, and out of his incredible mildness and gentle disposition sent him
back with a safe conduct, laden with gifts, laden with favours, laden with all offices of friendship. What fell
out upon it? Being returned into his country, he called a parliament, where all the princes and states of his
kingdom being assembled, he showed them the humanity which he had found in us, and therefore wished
them to take such course by way of compensation therein as that the whole world might be edified by the
example, as well of their honest graciousness to us as of our gracious honesty towards them. The result hereof
was, that it was voted and decreed by an unanimous consent, that they should offer up entirely their lands,
dominions, and kingdoms, to be disposed of by us according to our pleasure.
Alpharbal in his own person presently returned with nine thousand and thirty−eight great ships of burden,
bringing with him the treasures, not only of his house and royal lineage, but almost of all the country besides.
For he embarking himself, to set sail with a west−north−east wind, everyone in heaps did cast into the ship
gold, silver, rings, jewels, spices, drugs, and aromatical perfumes, parrots, pelicans, monkeys, civet−cats,
black− spotted weasels, porcupines, He was accounted no good mother's son that did not cast in all the rare
and precious things he had.
Being safely arrived, he came to my said father, and would have kissed his feet. That action was found too
submissively low, and therefore was not permitted, but in exchange he was most cordially embraced. He
offered his presents; they were not received, because they were too excessive: he yielded himself voluntarily
a servant and vassal, and was content his whole posterity should be liable to the same bondage; this was not
accepted of, because it seemed not equitable: he surrendered, by virtue of the decree of his great
parliamentary council, his whole countries and kingdoms to him, offering the deed and conveyance, signed,
sealed, and ratified by all those that were concerned in it; this was altogether refused, and the parchments cast
into the fire. In end, this free goodwill and simple meaning of the Canarians wrought such tenderness in my
father's heart that he could not abstain from shedding tears, and wept most profusely; then, by choice words
very congruously adapted, strove in what he could to diminish the estimation of the good offices which he
had done them, saying, that any courtesy he had conferred upon them was not worth a rush, and what favour
soever he had showed them he was bound to do it. But so much the more did Alpharbal augment the repute
thereof. What was the issue? Whereas for his ransom, in the greatest extremity of rigour and most tyrannical
dealing, could not have been exacted above twenty times a hundred thousand crowns, and his eldest sons
detained as hostages till that sum had been paid, they made themselves perpetual tributaries, and obliged to
give us every year two millions of gold at four−and−twenty carats fine. The first year we received the whole
sum of two millions; the second year of their own accord they paid freely to us three−and−twenty hundred
thousand crowns; the third year, six−and−twenty hundred thousand; the fourth year, three millions, and do so
increase it always out of their own goodwill that we shall be constrained to forbid them to bring us any more.
This is the nature of gratitude and true thankfulness. For time, which gnaws and diminisheth all things else,
augments and increaseth benefits; because a noble action of liberality, done to a man of reason, doth grow
continually by his generous thinking of it and remembering it.
Being unwilling therefore any way to degenerate from the hereditary mildness and clemency of my parents, I
do now forgive you, deliver you from all fines and imprisonments, fully release you, set you at liberty, and
every way make you as frank and free as ever you were before. Moreover, at your going out of the gate, you
shall have every one of you three months' pay to bring you home into your houses and families, and shall
have a safe convoy of six hundred cuirassiers and eight thousand foot under the conduct of Alexander,
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esquire of my body, that the clubmen of the country may not do you any injury. God be with you! I am sorry
from my heart that Picrochole is not here; for I would have given him to understand that this war was
undertaken against my will and without any hope to increase either my goods or renown. But seeing he is
lost, and that no man can tell where nor how he went away, it is my will that his kingdom remain entire to his
son; who, because he is too young, he not being yet full five years old, shall be brought up and instructed by
the ancient princes and learned men of the kingdom. And because a realm thus desolate may easily come to
ruin, if the covetousness and avarice of those who by their places are obliged to administer justice in it be not
curbed and restrained, I ordain and will have it so, that Ponocrates be overseer and superintendent above all
his governors, with whatever power and authority is requisite thereto, and that he be continually with the
child until he find him able and capable to rule and govern by himself.
Now I must tell you, that you are to understand how a too feeble and dissolute facility in pardoning evildoers
giveth them occasion to commit wickedness afterwards more readily, upon this pernicious confidence of
receiving favour. I consider that Moses, the meekest man that was in his time upon the earth, did severely
punish the mutinous and seditious people of Israel. I consider likewise that Julius Caesar, who was so
gracious an emperor that Cicero said of him that his fortune had nothing more excellent than that he could,
and his virtue nothing better than that he would always save and pardon every man−−he, notwithstanding all
this, did in certain places most rigorously punish the authors of rebellion. After the example of these good
men, it is my will and pleasure that you deliver over unto me before you depart hence, first, that fine fellow
Marquet, who was the prime cause, origin, and groundwork of this war by his vain presumption and
overweening; secondly, his fellow cake−bakers, who were neglective in checking and reprehending his idle
hairbrained humour in the instant time; and lastly, all the councillors, captains, officers, and domestics of
Picrochole, who had been incendiaries or fomenters of the war by provoking, praising, or counselling him to
come out of his limits thus to trouble us.
Chapter 1.LI. How the victorious Gargantuists were recompensed after the battle.
When Gargantua had finished his speech, the seditious men whom he required were delivered up unto him,
except Swashbuckler, Dirt−tail, and Smalltrash, who ran away six hours before the battle−−one of them as far
as to Lainiel− neck at one course, another to the valley of Vire, and the third even unto Logroine, without
looking back or taking breath by the way−−and two of the cake−bakers who were slain in the fight.
Gargantua did them no other hurt but that he appointed them to pull at the presses of his printing−house
which he had newly set up. Then those who died there he caused to be honourably buried in Black−soile
valley and Burn−hag field, and gave order that the wounded should be dressed and had care of in his great
hospital or nosocome. After this, considering the great prejudice done to the town and its inhabitants, he
reimbursed their charges and repaired all the losses that by their confession upon oath could appear they had
sustained; and, for their better defence and security in times coming against all sudden uproars and invasions,
commanded a strong citadel to be built there with a competent garrison to maintain it. At his departure he did
very graciously thank all the soldiers of the brigades that had been at this overthrow, and sent them back to
their winter−quarters in their several stations and garrisons; the decumane legion only excepted, whom in the
field on that day he saw do some great exploit, and their captains also, whom he brought along with himself
unto Grangousier.
At the sight and coming of them, the good man was so joyful, that it is not possible fully to describe it. He
made them a feast the most magnificent, plentiful, and delicious that ever was seen since the time of the king
Ahasuerus. At the taking up of the table he distributed amongst them his whole cupboard of plate, which
weighed eight hundred thousand and fourteen bezants (Each bezant is worth five pounds English money.) of
gold, in great antique vessels, huge pots, large basins, big tasses, cups, goblets, candlesticks, comfit−boxes,
and other such plate, all of pure massy gold, besides the precious stones, enamelling, and workmanship,
which by all men's estimation was more worth than the matter of the gold. Then unto every one of them out
of his coffers caused he to be given the sum of twelve hundred thousand crowns ready money. And, further,
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he gave to each of them for ever and in perpetuity, unless he should happen to decease without heirs, such
castles and neighbouring lands of his as were most commodious for them. To Ponocrates he gave the rock
Clermond; to Gymnast, the Coudray; to Eudemon, Montpensier; Rivau, to Tolmere, to Ithibolle, Montsoreau;
to Acamas, Cande; Varenes, to Chironacte; Gravot, to Sebast; Quinquenais, to Alexander; Legre, to
Sophrone, and so of his other places.
Chapter 1.LII. How Gargantua caused to be built for the Monk the Abbey of Theleme.
There was left only the monk to provide for, whom Gargantua would have made Abbot of Seville, but he
refused it. He would have given him the Abbey of Bourgueil, or of Sanct Florent, which was better, or both,
if it pleased him; but the monk gave him a very peremptory answer, that he would never take upon him the
charge nor government of monks. For how shall I be able, said he, to rule over others, that have not full
power and command of myself? If you think I have done you, or may hereafter do any acceptable service,
give me leave to found an abbey after my own mind and fancy. The motion pleased Gargantua very well,
who thereupon offered him all the country of Theleme by the river of Loire till within two leagues of the
great forest of Port−Huaulx. The monk then requested Gargantua to institute his religious order contrary to all
others. First, then, said Gargantua, you must not build a wall about your convent, for all other abbeys are
strongly walled and mured about. See, said the monk, and not without cause (seeing wall and mur signify but
one and the same thing); where there is mur before and mur behind, there is store of murmur, envy, and
mutual conspiracy. Moreover, seeing there are certain convents in the world whereof the custom is, if any
woman come in, I mean chaste and honest women, they immediately sweep the ground which they have trod
upon; therefore was it ordained, that if any man or woman entered into religious orders should by chance
come within this new abbey, all the rooms should be thoroughly washed and cleansed through which they
had passed. And because in all other monasteries and nunneries all is compassed, limited, and regulated by
hours, it was decreed that in this new structure there should be neither clock nor dial, but that according to the
opportunities and incident occasions all their hours should be disposed of; for, said Gargantua, the greatest
loss of time that I know is to count the hours. What good comes of it? Nor can there be any greater dotage in
the world than for one to guide and direct his courses by the sound of a bell, and not by his own judgment and
discretion.
Item, Because at that time they put no women into nunneries but such as were either purblind, blinkards,
lame, crooked, ill−favoured, misshapen, fools, senseless, spoiled, or corrupt; nor encloistered any men but
those that were either sickly, subject to defluxions, ill−bred louts, simple sots, or peevish trouble−houses. But
to the purpose, said the monk. A woman that is neither fair nor good, to what use serves she? To make a nun
of, said Gargantua. Yea, said the monk, and to make shirts and smocks. Therefore was it ordained that into
this religious order should be admitted no women that were not fair, well−featured, and of a sweet
disposition; nor men that were not comely, personable, and well conditioned.
Item, Because in the convents of women men come not but underhand, privily, and by stealth, it was
therefore enacted that in this house there shall be no women in case there be not men, nor men in case there
be not women.
Item, Because both men and women that are received into religious orders after the expiring of their noviciate
or probation year were constrained and forced perpetually to stay there all the days of their life, it was
therefore ordered that all whatever, men or women, admitted within this abbey, should have leave to depart
with peace and contentment whensoever it should seem good to them so to do.
Item, for that the religious men and women did ordinarily make three vows, to wit, those of chastity, poverty,
and obedience, it was therefore constituted and appointed that in this convent they might be honourably
married, that they might be rich, and live at liberty. In regard of the legitimate time of the persons to be
initiated, and years under and above which they were not capable of reception, the women were to be
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admitted from ten till fifteen, and the men from twelve till eighteen.
Chapter 1.LIII. How the abbey of the Thelemites was built and endowed.
For the fabric and furniture of the abbey Gargantua caused to be delivered out in ready money
seven−and−twenty hundred thousand, eight hundred and one−and−thirty of those golden rams of Berry
which have a sheep stamped on the one side and a flowered cross on the other; and for every year, until the
whole work were completed, he allotted threescore nine thousand crowns of the sun, and as many of the
seven stars, to be charged all upon the receipt of the custom. For the foundation and maintenance thereof for
ever, he settled a perpetual fee−farm−rent of three−and−twenty hundred, three score and nine thousand, five
hundred and fourteen rose nobles, exempted from all homage, fealty, service, or burden whatsoever, and
payable every year at the gate of the abbey; and of this by letters patent passed a very good grant. The
architecture was in a figure hexagonal, and in such a fashion that in every one of the six corners there was
built a great round tower of threescore foot in diameter, and were all of a like form and bigness. Upon the
north side ran along the river of Loire, on the bank whereof was situated the tower called Arctic. Going
towards the east, there was another called Calaer,−−the next following Anatole,−−the next
Mesembrine,−−the next Hesperia, and the last Criere. Every tower was distant from other the space of three
hundred and twelve paces. The whole edifice was everywhere six storeys high, reckoning the cellars
underground for one. The second was arched after the fashion of a basket−handle; the rest were ceiled with
pure wainscot, flourished with Flanders fretwork, in the form of the foot of a lamp, and covered above with
fine slates, with an endorsement of lead, carrying the antique figures of little puppets and animals of all sorts,
notably well suited to one another, and gilt, together with the gutters, which, jutting without the walls from
betwixt the crossbars in a diagonal figure, painted with gold and azure, reached to the very ground, where
they ended into great conduit−pipes, which carried all away unto the river from under the house.
This same building was a hundred times more sumptuous and magnificent than ever was Bonnivet,
Chambourg, or Chantilly; for there were in it nine thousand, three hundred and two−and−thirty chambers,
every one whereof had a withdrawing−room, a handsome closet, a wardrobe, an oratory, and neat passage,
leading into a great and spacious hall. Between every tower in the midst of the said body of building there
was a pair of winding, such as we now call lantern stairs, whereof the steps were part of porphyry, which is a
dark red marble spotted with white, part of Numidian stone, which is a kind of yellowishly−streaked marble
upon various colours, and part of serpentine marble, with light spots on a dark green ground, each of those
steps being two−and−twenty foot in length and three fingers thick, and the just number of twelve betwixt
every rest, or, as we now term it, landing− place. In every resting−place were two fair antique arches where
the light came in: and by those they went into a cabinet, made even with and of the breadth of the said
winding, and the reascending above the roofs of the house ended conically in a pavilion. By that vise or
winding they entered on every side into a great hall, and from the halls into the chambers. From the Arctic
tower unto the Criere were the fair great libraries in Greek, Latin, Hebrew, French, Italian, and Spanish,
respectively distributed in their several cantons, according to the diversity of these languages. In the midst
there was a wonderful scalier or winding−stair, the entry whereof was without the house, in a vault or arch
six fathom broad. It was made in such symmetry and largeness that six men−at−arms with their lances in
their rests might together in a breast ride all up to the very top of all the palace. From the tower Anatole to the
Mesembrine were fair spacious galleries, all coloured over and painted with the ancient prowesses, histories,
and descriptions of the world. In the midst thereof there was likewise such another ascent and gate as we said
there was on the river−side. Upon that gate was written in great antique letters that which followeth.
Chapter 1.LIV. The inscription set upon the great gate of Theleme.
Here enter not vile bigots, hypocrites,
Externally devoted apes, base snites,
Puffed−up, wry−necked beasts, worse than the Huns,
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Or Ostrogoths, forerunners of baboons:
Cursed snakes, dissembled varlets, seeming sancts,
Slipshod caffards, beggars pretending wants,
Fat chuffcats, smell−feast knockers, doltish gulls,
Out−strouting cluster−fists, contentious bulls,
Fomenters of divisions and debates,
Elsewhere, not here, make sale of your deceits.
Your filthy trumperies
Stuffed with pernicious lies
(Not worth a bubble),
Would do but trouble
Our earthly paradise,
Your filthy trumperies.
Here enter not attorneys, barristers,
Nor bridle−champing law−practitioners:
Clerks, commissaries, scribes, nor pharisees,
Wilful disturbers of the people's ease:
Judges, destroyers, with an unjust breath,
Of honest men, like dogs, even unto death.
Your salary is at the gibbet−foot:
Go drink there! for we do not here fly out
On those excessive courses, which may draw
A waiting on your courts by suits in law.
Lawsuits, debates, and wrangling
Hence are exiled, and jangling.
Here we are very
Frolic and merry,
And free from all entangling,
Lawsuits, debates, and wrangling.
Here enter not base pinching usurers,
Pelf−lickers, everlasting gatherers,
Gold−graspers, coin−gripers, gulpers of mists,
Niggish deformed sots, who, though your chests
Vast sums of money should to you afford,
Would ne'ertheless add more unto that hoard,
And yet not be content,−−you clunchfist dastards,
Insatiable fiends, and Pluto's bastards,
Greedy devourers, chichy sneakbill rogues,
Hell−mastiffs gnaw your bones, you ravenous dogs.
You beastly−looking fellows,
Reason doth plainly tell us
That we should not
To you allot
Room here, but at the gallows,
You beastly−looking fellows.
Here enter not fond makers of demurs
In love adventures, peevish, jealous curs,
Sad pensive dotards, raisers of garboils,
Hags, goblins, ghosts, firebrands of household broils,
Nor drunkards, liars, cowards, cheaters, clowns,
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Thieves, cannibals, faces o'ercast with frowns,
Nor lazy slugs, envious, covetous,
Nor blockish, cruel, nor too credulous,−−
Here mangy, pocky folks shall have no place,
No ugly lusks, nor persons of disgrace.
Grace, honour, praise, delight,
Here sojourn day and night.
Sound bodies lined
With a good mind,
Do here pursue with might
Grace, honour, praise, delight.
Here enter you, and welcome from our hearts,
All noble sparks, endowed with gallant parts.
This is the glorious place, which bravely shall
Afford wherewith to entertain you all.
Were you a thousand, here you shall not want
For anything; for what you'll ask we'll grant.
Stay here, you lively, jovial, handsome, brisk,
Gay, witty, frolic, cheerful, merry, frisk,
Spruce, jocund, courteous, furtherers of trades,
And, in a word, all worthy gentle blades.
Blades of heroic breasts
Shall taste here of the feasts,
Both privily
And civilly
Of the celestial guests,
Blades of heroic breasts.
Here enter you, pure, honest, faithful, true
Expounders of the Scriptures old and new.
Whose glosses do not blind our reason, but
Make it to see the clearer, and who shut
Its passages from hatred, avarice,
Pride, factions, covenants, and all sort of vice.
Come, settle here a charitable faith,
Which neighbourly affection nourisheth.
And whose light chaseth all corrupters hence,
Of the blest word, from the aforesaid sense.
The holy sacred Word,
May it always afford
T' us all in common,
Both man and woman,
A spiritual shield and sword,
The holy sacred Word.
Here enter you all ladies of high birth,
Delicious, stately, charming, full of mirth,
Ingenious, lovely, miniard, proper, fair,
Magnetic, graceful, splendid, pleasant, rare,
Obliging, sprightly, virtuous, young, solacious,
Kind, neat, quick, feat, bright, compt, ripe, choice, dear, precious.
Alluring, courtly, comely, fine, complete,
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Wise, personable, ravishing, and sweet,
Come joys enjoy. The Lord celestial
Hath given enough wherewith to please us all.
Gold give us, God forgive us,
And from all woes relieve us;
That we the treasure
May reap of pleasure,
And shun whate'er is grievous,
Gold give us, God forgive us.
Chapter 1.LV. What manner of dwelling the Thelemites had.
In the middle of the lower court there was a stately fountain of fair alabaster. Upon the top thereof stood the
three Graces, with their cornucopias, or horns of abundance, and did jet out the water at their breasts, mouth,
ears, eyes, and other open passages of the body. The inside of the buildings in this lower court stood upon
great pillars of chalcedony stone and porphyry marble made archways after a goodly antique fashion. Within
those were spacious galleries, long and large, adorned with curious pictures, the horns of bucks and unicorns:
with rhinoceroses, water−horses called hippopotames, the teeth and tusks of elephants, and other things well
worth the beholding. The lodging of the ladies, for so we may call those gallant women, took up all from the
tower Arctic unto the gate Mesembrine. The men possessed the rest. Before the said lodging of the ladies,
that they might have their recreation, between the two first towers, on the outside, were placed the tiltyard,
the barriers or lists for tournaments, the hippodrome or riding−court, the theatre or public playhouse, and
natatory or place to swim in, with most admirable baths in three stages, situated above one another, well
furnished with all necessary accommodation, and store of myrtle−water. By the river−side was the fair
garden of pleasure, and in the midst of that the glorious labyrinth. Between the two other towers were the
courts for the tennis and the balloon. Towards the tower Criere stood the orchard full of all fruit− trees, set
and ranged in a quincuncial order. At the end of that was the great park, abounding with all sort of venison.
Betwixt the third couple of towers were the butts and marks for shooting with a snapwork gun, an ordinary
bow for common archery, or with a crossbow. The office−houses were without the tower Hesperia, of one
storey high. The stables were beyond the offices, and before them stood the falconry, managed by ostrich−
keepers and falconers very expert in the art, and it was yearly supplied and furnished by the Candians,
Venetians, Sarmates, now called Muscoviters, with all sorts of most excellent hawks, eagles, gerfalcons,
goshawks, sacres, lanners, falcons, sparrowhawks, marlins, and other kinds of them, so gentle and perfectly
well manned, that, flying of themselves sometimes from the castle for their own disport, they would not fail
to catch whatever they encountered. The venery, where the beagles and hounds were kept, was a little farther
off, drawing towards the park.
All the halls, chambers, and closets or cabinets were richly hung with tapestry and hangings of divers sorts,
according to the variety of the seasons of the year. All the pavements and floors were covered with green
cloth. The beds were all embroidered. In every back−chamber or withdrawing−room there was a
looking−glass of pure crystal set in a frame of fine gold, garnished all about with pearls, and was of such
greatness that it would represent to the full the whole lineaments and proportion of the person that stood
before it. At the going out of the halls which belong to the ladies' lodgings were the perfumers and trimmers
through whose hands the gallants passed when they were to visit the ladies. Those sweet artificers did every
morning furnish the ladies' chambers with the spirit of roses, orange−flower−water, and angelica; and to each
of them gave a little precious casket vapouring forth the most odoriferous exhalations of the choicest
aromatical scents.
Chapter 1.LVI. How the men and women of the religious order of Theleme were apparelled.
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The ladies at the foundation of this order were apparelled after their own pleasure and liking; but, since that
of their own accord and free will they have reformed themselves, their accoutrement is in manner as
followeth. They wore stockings of scarlet crimson, or ingrained purple dye, which reached just three inches
above the knee, having a list beautified with exquisite embroideries and rare incisions of the cutter's art. Their
garters were of the colour of their bracelets, and circled the knee a little both over and under. Their shoes,
pumps, and slippers were either of red, violet, or crimson−velvet, pinked and jagged like lobster waddles.
Next to their smock they put on the pretty kirtle or vasquin of pure silk camlet: above that went the taffety or
tabby farthingale, of white, red, tawny, grey, or of any other colour. Above this taffety petticoat they had
another of cloth of tissue or brocade, embroidered with fine gold and interlaced with needlework, or as they
thought good, and according to the temperature and disposition of the weather had their upper coats of satin,
damask, or velvet, and those either orange, tawny, green, ash−coloured, blue, yellow, bright red, crimson, or
white, and so forth; or had them of cloth of gold, cloth of silver, or some other choice stuff, enriched with
purl, or embroidered according to the dignity of the festival days and times wherein they wore them.
Their gowns, being still correspondent to the season, were either of cloth of gold frizzled with a silver−raised
work; of red satin, covered with gold purl; of tabby, or taffety, white, blue, black, tawny, of silk serge, silk
camlet, velvet, cloth of silver, silver tissue, cloth of gold, gold wire, figured velvet, or figured satin tinselled
and overcast with golden threads, in divers variously purfled draughts.
In the summer some days instead of gowns they wore light handsome mantles, made either of the stuff of the
aforesaid attire, or like Moresco rugs, of violet velvet frizzled, with a raised work of gold upon silver purl, or
with a knotted cord−work of gold embroidery, everywhere garnished with little Indian pearls. They always
carried a fair panache, or plume of feathers, of the colour of their muff, bravely adorned and tricked out with
glistering spangles of gold. In the winter time they had their taffety gowns of all colours, as above−named,
and those lined with the rich furrings of hind−wolves, or speckled lynxes, black−spotted weasels, martlet
skins of Calabria, sables, and other costly furs of an inestimable value. Their beads, rings, bracelets, collars,
carcanets, and neck−chains were all of precious stones, such as carbuncles, rubies, baleus, diamonds,
sapphires, emeralds, turquoises, garnets, agates, beryls, and excellent margarites. Their head−dressing also
varied with the season of the year, according to which they decked themselves. In winter it was of the French
fashion; in the spring, of the Spanish; in summer, of the fashion of Tuscany, except only upon the holy days
and Sundays, at which times they were accoutred in the French mode, because they accounted it more
honourable and better befitting the garb of a matronal pudicity.
The men were apparelled after their fashion. Their stockings were of tamine or of cloth serge, of white, black,
scarlet, or some other ingrained colour. Their breeches were of velvet, of the same colour with their
stockings, or very near, embroidered and cut according to their fancy. Their doublet was of cloth of gold, of
cloth of silver, of velvet, satin, damask, taffeties, of the same colours, cut, embroidered, and suitably trimmed
up in perfection. The points were of silk of the same colours; the tags were of gold well enamelled. Their
coats and jerkins were of cloth of gold, cloth of silver, gold, tissue or velvet embroidered, as they thought fit.
Their gowns were every whit as costly as those of the ladies. Their girdles were of silks, of the colour of their
doublets. Every one had a gallant sword by his side, the hilt and handle whereof were gilt, and the scabbard
of velvet, of the colour of his breeches, with a chape of gold, and pure goldsmith's work. The dagger was of
the same. Their caps or bonnets were of black velvet, adorned with jewels and buttons of gold. Upon that
they wore a white plume, most prettily and minion−like parted by so many rows of gold spangles, at the end
whereof hung dangling in a more sparkling resplendency fair rubies, emeralds, diamonds, but there was such
a sympathy betwixt the gallants and the ladies, that every day they were apparelled in the same livery. And
that they might not miss, there were certain gentlemen appointed to tell the youths every morning what
vestments the ladies would on that day wear: for all was done according to the pleasure of the ladies. In these
so handsome clothes, and habiliments so rich, think not that either one or other of either sex did waste any
time at all; for the masters of the wardrobes had all their raiments and apparel so ready for every morning,
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and the chamber−ladies so well skilled, that in a trice they would be dressed and completely in their clothes
from head to foot. And to have those accoutrements with the more conveniency, there was about the wood of
Theleme a row of houses of the extent of half a league, very neat and cleanly, wherein dwelt the goldsmiths,
lapidaries, jewellers, embroiderers, tailors, gold−drawers, velvet−weavers, tapestry− makers and upholsterers,
who wrought there every one in his own trade, and all for the aforesaid jolly friars and nuns of the new stamp.
They were furnished with matter and stuff from the hands of the Lord Nausiclete, who every year brought
them seven ships from the Perlas and Cannibal Islands, laden with ingots of gold, with raw silk, with pearls
and precious stones. And if any margarites, called unions, began to grow old and lose somewhat of their
natural whiteness and lustre, those with their art they did renew by tendering them to eat to some pretty
cocks, as they use to give casting unto hawks.
Chapter 1.LVII. How the Thelemites were governed, and of their manner of living.
All their life was spent not in laws, statutes, or rules, but according to their own free will and pleasure. They
rose out of their beds when they thought good; they did eat, drink, labour, sleep, when they had a mind to it
and were disposed for it. None did awake them, none did offer to constrain them to eat, drink, nor to do any
other thing; for so had Gargantua established it. In all their rule and strictest tie of their order there was but
this one clause to be observed,
Do What Thou Wilt;
because men that are free, well−born, well−bred, and conversant in honest companies, have naturally an
instinct and spur that prompteth them unto virtuous actions, and withdraws them from vice, which is called
honour. Those same men, when by base subjection and constraint they are brought under and kept down, turn
aside from that noble disposition by which they formerly were inclined to virtue, to shake off and break that
bond of servitude wherein they are so tyrannously enslaved; for it is agreeable with the nature of man to long
after things forbidden and to desire what is denied us.
By this liberty they entered into a very laudable emulation to do all of them what they saw did please one. If
any of the gallants or ladies should say, Let us drink, they would all drink. If any one of them said, Let us
play, they all played. If one said, Let us go a−walking into the fields they went all. If it were to go a−hawking
or a−hunting, the ladies mounted upon dainty well−paced nags, seated in a stately palfrey saddle, carried on
their lovely fists, miniardly begloved every one of them, either a sparrowhawk or a laneret or a marlin, and
the young gallants carried the other kinds of hawks. So nobly were they taught, that there was neither he nor
she amongst them but could read, write, sing, play upon several musical instruments, speak five or six several
languages, and compose in them all very quaintly, both in verse and prose. Never were seen so valiant
knights, so noble and worthy, so dexterous and skilful both on foot and a− horse−back, more brisk and lively,
more nimble and quick, or better handling all manner of weapons than were there. Never were seen ladies so
proper and handsome, so miniard and dainty, less froward, or more ready with their hand and with their
needle in every honest and free action belonging to that sex, than were there. For this reason, when the time
came that any man of the said abbey, either at the request of his parents, or for some other cause, had a mind
to go out of it, he carried along with him one of the ladies, namely, her whom he had before that chosen for
his mistress, and (they) were married together. And if they had formerly in Theleme lived in good devotion
and amity, they did continue therein and increase it to a greater height in their state of matrimony; and did
entertain that mutual love till the very last day of their life, in no less vigour and fervency than at the very day
of their wedding. Here must not I forget to set down unto you a riddle which was found under the ground as
they were laying the foundation of the abbey, engraven in a copper plate, and it was thus as followeth.
Chapter 1.LVIII. A prophetical Riddle.
Poor mortals, who wait for a happy day,
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Cheer up your hearts, and hear what I shall say:
If it be lawful firmly to believe
That the celestial bodies can us give
Wisdom to judge of things that are not yet;
Or if from heaven such wisdom we may get
As may with confidence make us discourse
Of years to come, their destiny and course;
I to my hearers give to understand
That this next winter, though it be at hand,
Yea and before, there shall appear a race
Of men who, loth to sit still in one place,
Shall boldly go before all people's eyes,
Suborning men of divers qualities
To draw them unto covenants and sides,
In such a manner that, whate'er betides,
They'll move you, if you give them ear, no doubt,
With both your friends and kindred to fall out.
They'll make a vassal to gain−stand his lord,
And children their own parents; in a word,
All reverence shall then be banished,
No true respect to other shall be had.
They'll say that every man should have his turn,
Both in his going forth and his return;
And hereupon there shall arise such woes,
Such jarrings, and confused to's and fro's,
That never were in history such coils
Set down as yet, such tumults and garboils.
Then shall you many gallant men see by
Valour stirr'd up, and youthful fervency,
Who, trusting too much in their hopeful time,
Live but a while, and perish in their prime.
Neither shall any, who this course shall run,
Leave off the race which he hath once begun,
Till they the heavens with noise by their contention
Have fill'd, and with their steps the earth's dimension.
Then those shall have no less authority,
That have no faith, than those that will not lie;
For all shall be governed by a rude,
Base, ignorant, and foolish multitude;
The veriest lout of all shall be their judge,
O horrible and dangerous deluge!
Deluge I call it, and that for good reason,
For this shall be omitted in no season;
Nor shall the earth of this foul stir be free,
Till suddenly you in great store shall see
The waters issue out, with whose streams the
Most moderate of all shall moistened be,
And justly too; because they did not spare
The flocks of beasts that innocentest are,
But did their sinews and their bowels take,
Not to the gods a sacrifice to make,
But usually to serve themselves for sport:
And now consider, I do you exhort,
In such commotions so continual,
What rest can take the globe terrestrial?
Most happy then are they, that can it hold,
And use it carefully as precious gold,
By keeping it in gaol, whence it shall have
No help but him who being to it gave.
And to increase his mournful accident,
The sun, before it set in th' occident,
Shall cease to dart upon it any light,
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More than in an eclipse, or in the night,−−
So that at once its favour shall be gone,
And liberty with it be left alone.
And yet, before it come to ruin thus,
Its quaking shall be as impetuous
As Aetna's was when Titan's sons lay under,
And yield, when lost, a fearful sound like thunder.
Inarime did not more quickly move,
When Typheus did the vast huge hills remove,
And for despite into the sea them threw.
Thus shall it then be lost by ways not few,
And changed suddenly, when those that have it
To other men that after come shall leave it.
Then shall it be high time to cease from this
So long, so great, so tedious exercise;
For the great waters told you now by me,
Will make each think where his retreat shall be;
And yet, before that they be clean disperst,
You may behold in th' air, where nought was erst,
The burning heat of a great flame to rise,
Lick up the water, and the enterprise.
It resteth after those things to declare,
That those shall sit content who chosen are,
With all good things, and with celestial man (ne,)
And richly recompensed every man:
The others at the last all stripp'd shall be,
That after this great work all men may see,
How each shall have his due. This is their lot;
O he is worthy praise that shrinketh not!
No sooner was this enigmatical monument read over, but Gargantua, fetching a very deep sigh, said unto
those that stood by, It is not now only, I perceive, that people called to the faith of the gospel, and convinced
with the certainty of evangelical truths, are persecuted. But happy is that man that shall not be scandalized,
but shall always continue to the end in aiming at that mark which God by his dear Son hath set before us,
without being distracted or diverted by his carnal affections and depraved nature.
The monk then said, What do you think in your conscience is meant and signified by this riddle? What? said
Gargantua,−−the progress and carrying on of the divine truth. By St. Goderan, said the monk, that is not my
exposition. It is the style of the prophet Merlin. Make upon it as many grave allegories and glosses as you
will, and dote upon it you and the rest of the world as long as you please; for my part, I can conceive no other
meaning in it but a description of a set at tennis in dark and obscure terms. The suborners of men are the
makers of matches, which are commonly friends. After the two chases are made, he that was in the upper end
of the tennis−court goeth out, and the other cometh in. They believe the first that saith the ball was over or
under the line. The waters are the heats that the players take till they sweat again. The cords of the rackets are
made of the guts of sheep or goats. The globe terrestrial is the tennis−ball. After playing, when the game is
done, they refresh themselves before a clear fire, and change their shirts; and very willingly they make all
good cheer, but most merrily those that have gained. And so, farewell!
End book 1
THE SECOND BOOK.
For the Reader.
The Reader here may be pleased to take notice that the copy of verses by the title of 'Rablophila', premised to
the first book of this translation, being but a kind of mock poem, in imitation of somewhat lately published
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(as to any indifferent observer will easily appear, by the false quantities in the Latin, the abusive strain of the
English, and extravagant subscription to both), and as such, by a friend of the translator's, at the desire of
some frolic gentlemen of his acquaintance, more for a trial of skill than prejudicacy to any, composed in his
jollity to please their fancies, was only ordained to be prefixed to a dozen of books, and no more, thereby to
save the labour of transcribing so many as were requisite for satisfying the curiosity of a company of just that
number; and that, therefore, the charging of the whole impression with it is merely to be imputed to the
negligence of the pressmen, who, receiving it about the latter end of the night, were so eager before the next
morning to afford complete books, that, as they began, they went on, without animadverting what was
recommended to their discretion. This is hoped will suffice to assure the ingenuous Reader that in no treatise
of the translator's, whether original or translatitious, shall willingly be offered the meanest rub to the
reputation of any worthy gentleman, and that, however providence dispose of him, no misfortune shall be
able to induce his mind to any complacency in the disparagement of another.
Again.
The Pentateuch of Rabelais mentioned in the title−page of the first book of this translation being written
originally in the French tongue (as it comprehendeth some of its brusquest dialects), with so much ingeniosity
and wit, that more impressions have been sold thereof in that language than of any other book that hath been
set forth at any time within these fifteen hundred years; so difficult nevertheless to be turned into any other
speech that many prime spirits in most of the nations of Europe, since the year 1573, which was fourscore
years ago, after having attempted it, were constrained with no small regret to give it over as a thing
impossible to be done, is now in its translation thus far advanced, and the remainder faithfully undertaken
with the same hand to be rendered into English by a person of quality, who (though his lands be sequestered,
his house garrisoned, his other goods sold, and himself detained a prisoner of war at London, for his having
been at Worcester fight) hath, at the most earnest entreaty of some of his especial friends well acquainted
with his inclination to the performance of conducible singularities, promised, besides his version of these two
already published, very speedily to offer up unto this Isle of Britain the virginity of the translation of the other
three most admirable books of the aforesaid author; provided that by the plurality of judicious and
understanding men it be not declared he hath already proceeded too far, or that the continuation of the rigour
whereby he is dispossessed of all his both real and personal estate, by pressing too hard upon him, be not an
impediment thereto, and to other more eminent undertakings of his, as hath been oftentimes very fully
mentioned by the said translator in several original treatises of his own penning, lately by him so numerously
dispersed that there is scarce any, who being skilful in the English idiom, or curious of any new ingenious
invention, hath not either read them or heard of them.
Mr. Hugh Salel to Rabelais.
If profit mixed with pleasure may suffice
T' extol an author's worth above the skies,
Thou certainly for both must praised be:
I know it; for thy judgment hath in the
Contexture of this book set down such high
Contentments, mingled with utility,
That (as I think) I see Democritus
Laughing at men as things ridiculous.
Insist in thy design; for, though we prove
Ungrate on earth, thy merit is above.
The Author's Prologue.
Most illustrious and thrice valorous champions, gentlemen and others, who willingly apply your minds to the
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entertainment of pretty conceits and honest harmless knacks of wit; you have not long ago seen, read, and
understood the great and inestimable Chronicle of the huge and mighty giant Gargantua, and, like upright
faithfullists, have firmly believed all to be true that is contained in them, and have very often passed your
time with them amongst honourable ladies and gentlewomen, telling them fair long stories, when you were
out of all other talk, for which you are worthy of great praise and sempiternal memory. And I do heartily wish
that every man would lay aside his own business, meddle no more with his profession nor trade, and throw all
affairs concerning himself behind his back, to attend this wholly, without distracting or troubling his mind
with anything else, until he have learned them without book; that if by chance the art of printing should cease,
or in case that in time to come all books should perish, every man might truly teach them unto his children,
and deliver them over to his successors and survivors from hand to hand as a religious cabal; for there is in it
more profit than a rabble of great pocky loggerheads are able to discern, who surely understand far less in
these little merriments than the fool Raclet did in the Institutions of Justinian.
I have known great and mighty lords, and of those not a few, who, going a− deer−hunting, or a−hawking
after wild ducks, when the chase had not encountered with the blinks that were cast in her way to retard her
course, or that the hawk did but plain and smoothly fly without moving her wings, perceiving the prey by
force of flight to have gained bounds of her, have been much chafed and vexed, as you understand well
enough; but the comfort unto which they had refuge, and that they might not take cold, was to relate the
inestimable deeds of the said Gargantua. There are others in the world−−these are no flimflam stories, nor
tales of a tub−−who, being much troubled with the toothache, after they had spent their goods upon
physicians without receiving at all any ease of their pain, have found no more ready remedy than to put the
said Chronicles betwixt two pieces of linen cloth made somewhat hot, and so apply them to the place that
smarteth, sinapizing them with a little powder of projection, otherwise called doribus.
But what shall I say of those poor men that are plagued with the pox and the gout? O how often have we seen
them, even immediately after they were anointed and thoroughly greased, till their faces did glister like the
keyhole of a powdering tub, their teeth dance like the jacks of a pair of little organs or virginals when they are
played upon, and that they foamed from their very throats like a boar which the mongrel mastiff−hounds have
driven in and overthrown amongst the toils,−−what did they then? All their consolation was to have some
page of the said jolly book read unto them. And we have seen those who have given themselves to a hundred
puncheons of old devils, in case that they did not feel a manifest ease and assuagement of pain at the hearing
of the said book read, even when they were kept in a purgatory of torment; no more nor less than women in
travail use to find their sorrow abated when the life of St. Margaret is read unto them. Is this nothing? Find
me a book in any language, in any faculty or science whatsoever, that hath such virtues, properties, and
prerogatives, and I will be content to pay you a quart of tripes. No, my masters, no; it is peerless,
incomparable, and not to be matched; and this am I resolved for ever to maintain even unto the fire exclusive.
And those that will pertinaciously hold the contrary opinion, let them be accounted abusers, predestinators,
impostors, and seducers of the people. It is very true that there are found in some gallant and stately books,
worthy of high estimation, certain occult and hid properties; in the number of which are reckoned Whippot,
Orlando Furioso, Robert the Devil, Fierabras, William without Fear, Huon of Bordeaux, Monteville, and
Matabrune: but they are not comparable to that which we speak of, and the world hath well known by
infallible experience the great emolument and utility which it hath received by this Gargantuine Chronicle,
for the printers have sold more of them in two months' time than there will be bought of Bibles in nine years.
I therefore, your humble slave, being very willing to increase your solace and recreation yet a little more, do
offer you for a present another book of the same stamp, only that it is a little more reasonable and worthy of
credit than the other was. For think not, unless you wilfully will err against your knowledge, that I speak of it
as the Jews do of the Law. I was not born under such a planet, neither did it ever befall me to lie, or affirm a
thing for true that was not. I speak of it like a lusty frolic onocrotary (Onocratal is a bird not much unlike a
swan, which sings like an ass's braying.), I should say crotenotary (Crotenotaire or notaire crotte,
croquenotaire or notaire croque are but allusions in derision of protonotaire, which signifieth a pregnotary.) of
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the martyrized lovers, and croquenotary of love. Quod vidimus, testamur. It is of the horrible and dreadful
feats and prowesses of Pantagruel, whose menial servant I have been ever since I was a page, till this hour
that by his leave I am permitted to visit my cow−country, and to know if any of my kindred there be alive.
And therefore, to make an end of this Prologue, even as I give myself to a hundred panniersful of fair devils,
body and soul, tripes and guts, in case that I lie so much as one single word in this whole history; after the
like manner, St. Anthony's fire burn you, Mahoom's disease whirl you, the squinance with a stitch in your
side and the wolf in your stomach truss you, the bloody flux seize upon you, the cursed sharp inflammations
of wild−fire, as slender and thin as cow's hair strengthened with quicksilver, enter into your fundament, and,
like those of Sodom and Gomorrah, may you fall into sulphur, fire, and bottomless pits, in case you do not
firmly believe all that I shall relate unto you in this present Chronicle.
THE SECOND BOOK.
Chapter 2.I. Of the original and antiquity of the great Pantagruel.
It will not be an idle nor unprofitable thing, seeing we are at leisure, to put you in mind of the fountain and
original source whence is derived unto us the good Pantagruel. For I see that all good historiographers have
thus handled their chronicles, not only the Arabians, Barbarians, and Latins, but also the gentle Greeks, who
were eternal drinkers. You must therefore remark that at the beginning of the world−−I speak of a long time;
it is above forty quarantains, or forty times forty nights, according to the supputation of the ancient
Druids−−a little after that Abel was killed by his brother Cain, the earth, imbrued with the blood of the just,
was one year so exceeding fertile in all those fruits which it usually produceth to us, and especially in
medlars, that ever since throughout all ages it hath been called the year of the great medlars; for three of them
did fill a bushel. In it the kalends were found by the Grecian almanacks. There was that year nothing of the
month of March in the time of Lent, and the middle of August was in May. In the month of October, as I take
it, or at least September, that I may not err, for I will carefully take heed of that, was the week so famous in
the annals, which they call the week of the three Thursdays; for it had three of them by means of their
irregular leap−years, called Bissextiles, occasioned by the sun's having tripped and stumbled a little towards
the left hand, like a debtor afraid of sergeants, coming right upon him to arrest him: and the moon varied
from her course above five fathom, and there was manifestly seen the motion of trepidation in the firmament
of the fixed stars, called Aplanes, so that the middle Pleiade, leaving her fellows, declined towards the
equinoctial, and the star named Spica left the constellation of the Virgin to withdraw herself towards the
Balance, known by the name of Libra, which are cases very terrible, and matters so hard and difficult that
astrologians cannot set their teeth in them; and indeed their teeth had been pretty long if they could have
reached thither.
However, account you it for a truth that everybody then did most heartily eat of these medlars, for they were
fair to the eye and in taste delicious. But even as Noah, that holy man, to whom we are so much beholding,
bound, and obliged, for that he planted to us the vine, from whence we have that nectarian, delicious,
precious, heavenly, joyful, and deific liquor which they call the piot or tiplage, was deceived in the drinking
of it, for he was ignorant of the great virtue and power thereof; so likewise the men and women of that time
did delight much in the eating of that fair great fruit, but divers and very different accidents did ensue
thereupon; for there fell upon them all in their bodies a most terrible swelling, but not upon all in the same
place, for some were swollen in the belly, and their belly strouted out big like a great tun, of whom it is
written, Ventrem omnipotentem, who were all very honest men, and merry blades. And of this race came St.
Fatgulch and Shrove Tuesday (Pansart, Mardigras.). Others did swell at the shoulders, who in that place were
so crump and knobby that they were therefore called Montifers, which is as much to say as Hill− carriers, of
whom you see some yet in the world, of divers sexes and degrees. Of this race came Aesop, some of whose
excellent words and deeds you have in writing. Some other puffs did swell in length by the member which
they call the labourer of nature, in such sort that it grew marvellous long, fat, great, lusty, stirring, and
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crest−risen, in the antique fashion, so that they made use of it as of a girdle, winding it five or six times about
their waist: but if it happened the foresaid member to be in good case, spooming with a full sail bunt fair
before the wind, then to have seen those strouting champions, you would have taken them for men that had
their lances settled on their rest to run at the ring or tilting whintam (quintain). Of these, believe me, the race
is utterly lost and quite extinct, as the women say; for they do lament continually that there are none extant
now of those great, You know the rest of the song. Others did grow in matter of ballocks so enormously that
three of them would well fill a sack able to contain five quarters of wheat. From them are descended the
ballocks of Lorraine, which never dwell in codpieces, but fall down to the bottom of the breeches. Others
grew in the legs, and to see them you would have said they had been cranes, or the
reddish−long−billed−storklike−scrank−legged sea−fowls called flamans, or else men walking upon stilts or
scatches. The little grammar−school boys, known by the name of Grimos, called those leg−grown slangams
Jambus, in allusion to the French word jambe, which signifieth a leg. In others, their nose did grow so, that it
seemed to be the beak of a limbeck, in every part thereof most variously diapered with the twinkling sparkles
of crimson blisters budding forth, and purpled with pimples all enamelled with thickset wheals of a sanguine
colour, bordered with gules; and such have you seen the Canon or Prebend Panzoult, and Woodenfoot, the
physician of Angiers. Of which race there were few that looked the ptisane, but all of them were perfect
lovers of the pure Septembral juice. Naso and Ovid had their extraction from thence, and all those of whom it
is written, Ne reminiscaris. Others grew in ears, which they had so big that out of one would have been stuff
enough got to make a doublet, a pair of breeches, and a jacket, whilst with the other they might have covered
themselves as with a Spanish cloak: and they say that in Bourbonnois this race remaineth yet. Others grew in
length of body, and of those came the Giants, and of them Pantagruel.
And the first was Chalbroth, Who begat Sarabroth, Who begat Faribroth, Who begat Hurtali, that was a brave
eater of pottage, and reigned in the time of the flood; Who begat Nembroth, Who begat Atlas, that with his
shoulders kept the sky from falling; Who begat Goliah, Who begat Erix, that invented the hocus pocus plays
of legerdemain; Who begat Titius, Who begat Eryon, Who begat Polyphemus, Who begat Cacus, Who begat
Etion, the first man that ever had the pox, for not drinking fresh in summer, as Bartachin witnesseth; Who
begat Enceladus, Who begat Ceus, Who begat Tiphaeus, Who begat Alaeus, Who begat Othus, Who begat
Aegeon, Who begat Briareus, that had a hundred hands; Who begat Porphyrio, Who begat Adamastor, Who
begat Anteus, Who begat Agatho, Who begat Porus, against whom fought Alexander the Great; Who begat
Aranthas, Who begat Gabbara, that was the first inventor of the drinking of healths; Who begat Goliah of
Secondille, Who begat Offot, that was terribly well nosed for drinking at the barrel−head; Who begat
Artachaeus, Who begat Oromedon, Who begat Gemmagog, the first inventor of Poulan shoes, which are open
on the foot and tied over the instep with a lachet; Who begat Sisyphus, Who begat the Titans, of whom
Hercules was born; Who begat Enay, the most skilful man that ever was in matter of taking the little worms
(called cirons) out of the hands; Who begat Fierabras, that was vanquished by Oliver, peer of France and
Roland's comrade; Who begat Morgan, the first in the world that played at dice with spectacles; Who begat
Fracassus, of whom Merlin Coccaius hath written, and of him was born Ferragus, Who begat Hapmouche,
the first that ever invented the drying of neat's tongues in the chimney; for, before that, people salted them as
they do now gammons of bacon; Who begat Bolivorax, Who begat Longis, Who begat Gayoffo, whose
ballocks were of poplar, and his pr... of the service or sorb−apple−tree; Who begat Maschefain, Who begat
Bruslefer, Who begat Angoulevent, Who begat Galehaut, the inventor of flagons; Who begat Mirelangaut,
Who begat Gallaffre, Who begat Falourdin, Who begat Roboast, Who begat Sortibrant of Conimbres, Who
begat Brushant of Mommiere, Who begat Bruyer that was overcome by Ogier the Dane, peer of France; Who
begat Mabrun, Who begat Foutasnon, Who begat Haquelebac, Who begat Vitdegrain, Who begat
Grangousier, Who begat Gargantua, Who begat the noble Pantagruel, my master.
I know that, reading this passage, you will make a doubt within yourselves, and that grounded upon very
good reason, which is this−−how it is possible that this relation can be true, seeing at the time of the flood all
the world was destroyed, except Noah and seven persons more with him in the ark, into whose number
Hurtali is not admitted. Doubtless the demand is well made and very apparent, but the answer shall satisfy
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you, or my wit is not rightly caulked. And because I was not at that time to tell you anything of my own
fancy, I will bring unto you the authority of the Massorets, good honest fellows, true ballockeering blades and
exact Hebraical bagpipers, who affirm that verily the said Hurtali was not within the ark of Noah, neither
could he get in, for he was too big, but he sat astride upon it, with one leg on the one side and another on the
other, as little children use to do upon their wooden horses; or as the great bull of Berne, which was killed at
Marinian, did ride for his hackney the great murdering piece called the canon−pevier, a pretty beast of a fair
and pleasant amble without all question.
In that posture, he, after God, saved the said ark from danger, for with his legs he gave it the brangle that was
needful, and with his foot turned it whither he pleased, as a ship answereth her rudder. Those that were within
sent him up victuals in abundance by a chimney, as people very thankfully acknowledging the good that he
did them. And sometimes they did talk together as Icaromenippus did to Jupiter, according to the report of
Lucian. Have you understood all this well? Drink then one good draught without water, for if you believe it
not,−−no truly do I not, quoth she.
Chapter 2.II. Of the nativity of the most dread and redoubted Pantagruel.
Gargantua at the age of four hundred fourscore forty and four years begat his son Pantagruel, upon his wife
named Badebec, daughter to the king of the Amaurots in Utopia, who died in childbirth; for he was so
wonderfully great and lumpish that he could not possibly come forth into the light of the world without thus
suffocating his mother. But that we may fully understand the cause and reason of the name of Pantagruel
which at his baptism was given him, you are to remark that in that year there was so great drought over all the
country of Africa that there passed thirty and six months, three weeks, four days, thirteen hours and a little
more without rain, but with a heat so vehement that the whole earth was parched and withered by it. Neither
was it more scorched and dried up with heat in the days of Elijah than it was at that time; for there was not a
tree to be seen that had either leaf or bloom upon it. The grass was without verdure or greenness, the rivers
were drained, the fountains dried up, the poor fishes, abandoned and forsaken by their proper element,
wandering and crying upon the ground most horribly. The birds did fall down from the air for want of
moisture and dew wherewith to refresh them. The wolves, foxes, harts, wild boars, fallow deer, hares, coneys,
weasels, brocks, badgers, and other such beasts, were found dead in the fields with their mouths open. In
respect of men, there was the pity, you should have seen them lay out their tongues like hares that have been
run six hours. Many did throw themselves into the wells. Others entered within a cow's belly to be in the
shade; those Homer calls Alibants. All the country was idle, and could do no virtue. It was a most lamentable
case to have seen the labour of mortals in defending themselves from the vehemency of this horrific drought;
for they had work enough to do to save the holy water in the churches from being wasted; but there was such
order taken by the counsel of my lords the cardinals and of our holy Father, that none did dare to take above
one lick. Yet when anyone came into the church, you shall have seen above twenty poor thirsty fellows hang
upon him that was the distributor of the water, and that with a wide open throat, gaping for some little drop,
like the rich glutton in Luke, that might fall by, lest anything should be lost. O how happy was he in that year
who had a cool cellar under ground, well plenished with fresh wine!
The philosopher reports, in moving the question, Wherefore it is that the sea−water is salt, that at the time
when Phoebus gave the government of his resplendent chariot to his son Phaeton, the said Phaeton, unskilful
in the art, and not knowing how to keep the ecliptic line betwixt the two tropics of the latitude of the sun's
course, strayed out of his way, and came so near the earth that he dried up all the countries that were under it,
burning a great part of the heavens which the philosophers call Via lactea, and the huffsnuffs St. James's way;
although the most coped, lofty, and high−crested poets affirm that to be the place where Juno's milk fell when
she gave suck to Hercules. The earth at that time was so excessively heated that it fell into an enormous
sweat, yea, such a one as made it sweat out the sea, which is therefore salt, because all sweat is salt; and this
you cannot but confess to be true if you will taste of your own, or of those that have the pox, when they are
put into sweating, it is all one to me.
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Just such another case fell out this same year: for on a certain Friday, when the whole people were bent upon
their devotions, and had made goodly processions, with store of litanies, and fair preachings, and beseechings
of God Almighty to look down with his eye of mercy upon their miserable and disconsolate condition, there
was even then visibly seen issue out of the ground great drops of water, such as fall from a puff−bagged man
in a top sweat, and the poor hoidens began to rejoice as if it had been a thing very profitable unto them; for
some said that there was not one drop of moisture in the air whence they might have any rain, and that the
earth did supply the default of that. Other learned men said that it was a shower of the antipodes, as Seneca
saith in his fourth book Quaestionum naturalium, speaking of the source and spring of Nilus. But they were
deceived, for, the procession being ended, when everyone went about to gather of this dew, and to drink of it
with full bowls, they found that it was nothing but pickle and the very brine of salt, more brackish in taste
than the saltest water of the sea. And because in that very day Pantagruel was born, his father gave him that
name; for Panta in Greek is as much to say as all, and Gruel in the Hagarene language doth signify thirsty,
inferring hereby that at his birth the whole world was a−dry and thirsty, as likewise foreseeing that he would
be some day supreme lord and sovereign of the thirsty Ethrappels, which was shown to him at that very same
hour by a more evident sign. For when his mother Badebec was in the bringing of him forth, and that the
midwives did wait to receive him, there came first out of her belly three score and eight tregeneers, that is,
salt−sellers, every one of them leading in a halter a mule heavy laden with salt; after whom issued forth nine
dromedaries, with great loads of gammons of bacon and dried neat's tongues on their backs. Then followed
seven camels loaded with links and chitterlings, hogs' puddings, and sausages. After them came out five great
wains, full of leeks, garlic, onions, and chibots, drawn with five−and−thirty strong cart−horses, which was six
for every one, besides the thiller. At the sight hereof the said midwives were much amazed, yet some of them
said, Lo, here is good provision, and indeed we need it; for we drink but lazily, as if our tongues walked on
crutches, and not lustily like Lansman Dutches. Truly this is a good sign; there is nothing here but what is fit
for us; these are the spurs of wine, that set it a−going. As they were tattling thus together after their own
manner of chat, behold! out comes Pantagruel all hairy like a bear, whereupon one of them, inspired with a
prophetical spirit, said, This will be a terrible fellow; he is born with all his hair; he is undoubtedly to do
wonderful things, and if he live he shall have age.
Chapter 2.III. Of the grief wherewith Gargantua was moved at the decease of his wife Badebec.
When Pantagruel was born, there was none more astonished and perplexed than was his father Gargantua; for
of the one side seeing his wife Badebec dead, and on the other side his son Pantagruel born, so fair and so
great, he knew not what to say nor what to do. And the doubt that troubled his brain was to know whether he
should cry for the death of his wife or laugh for the joy of his son. He was hinc inde choked with sophistical
arguments, for he framed them very well in modo et figura, but he could not resolve them, remaining pestered
and entangled by this means, like a mouse caught in a trap or kite snared in a gin. Shall I weep? said he. Yes,
for why? My so good wife is dead, who was the most this, the most that, that ever was in the world. Never
shall I see her, never shall I recover such another; it is unto me an inestimable loss! O my good God, what
had I done that thou shouldest thus punish me? Why didst thou not take me away before her, seeing for me to
live without her is but to languish? Ah, Badebec, Badebec, my minion, my dear heart, my sugar, my
sweeting, my honey, my little c−− (yet it had in circumference full six acres, three rods, five poles, four
yards, two foot, one inch and a half of good woodland measure), my tender peggy, my codpiece darling, my
bob and hit, my slipshoe−lovey, never shall I see thee! Ah, poor Pantagruel, thou hast lost thy good mother,
thy sweet nurse, thy well−beloved lady! O false death, how injurious and despiteful hast thou been to me!
How malicious and outrageous have I found thee in taking her from me, my well−beloved wife, to whom
immortality did of right belong!
With these words he did cry like a cow, but on a sudden fell a−laughing like a calf, when Pantagruel came
into his mind. Ha, my little son, said he, my childilolly, fedlifondy, dandlichucky, my ballocky, my pretty
rogue! O how jolly thou art, and how much am I bound to my gracious God, that hath been pleased to bestow
on me a son so fair, so spriteful, so lively, so smiling, so pleasant, and so gentle! Ho, ho, ho, ho, how glad I
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am! Let us drink, ho, and put away melancholy! Bring of the best, rinse the glasses, lay the cloth, drive out
these dogs, blow this fire, light candles, shut that door there, cut this bread in sippets for brewis, send away
these poor folks in giving them what they ask, hold my gown. I will strip myself into my doublet (en cuerpo),
to make the gossips merry, and keep them company.
As he spake this, he heard the litanies and the mementos of the priests that carried his wife to be buried, upon
which he left the good purpose he was in, and was suddenly ravished another way, saying, Lord God! must I
again contrist myself? This grieves me. I am no longer young, I grow old, the weather is dangerous; I may
perhaps take an ague, then shall I be foiled, if not quite undone. By the faith of a gentleman, it were better to
cry less, and drink more. My wife is dead, well, by G−−! (da jurandi) I shall not raise her again by my crying:
she is well, she is in paradise at least, if she be no higher: she prayeth to God for us, she is happy, she is
above the sense of our miseries, nor can our calamities reach her. What though she be dead, must not we also
die? The same debt which she hath paid hangs over our heads; nature will require it of us, and we must all of
us some day taste of the same sauce. Let her pass then, and the Lord preserve the survivors; for I must now
cast about how to get another wife. But I will tell you what you shall do, said he to the midwives, in France
called wise women (where be they, good folks? I cannot see them): Go you to my wife's interment, and I will
the while rock my son; for I find myself somewhat altered and distempered, and should otherwise be in
danger of falling sick; but drink one good draught first, you will be the better for it. And believe me, upon
mine honour, they at his request went to her burial and funeral obsequies. In the meanwhile, poor Gargantua
staying at home, and willing to have somewhat in remembrance of her to be engraven upon her tomb, made
this epitaph in the manner as followeth.
Dead is the noble Badebec, Who had a face like a rebeck; A Spanish body, and a belly Of Switzerland; she
died, I tell ye, In childbirth. Pray to God, that her He pardon wherein she did err. Here lies her body, which
did live Free from all vice, as I believe, And did decease at my bedside, The year and day in which she died.
Chapter 2.IV. Of the infancy of Pantagruel.
I find by the ancient historiographers and poets that divers have been born in this world after very strange
manners, which would be too long to repeat; read therefore the seventh chapter of Pliny, if you have so much
leisure. Yet have you never heard of any so wonderful as that of Pantagruel; for it is a very difficult matter to
believe, how in the little time he was in his mother's belly he grew both in body and strength. That which
Hercules did was nothing, when in his cradle he slew two serpents, for those serpents were but little and
weak, but Pantagruel, being yet in the cradle, did far more admirable things, and more to be amazed at. I pass
by here the relation of how at every one of his meals he supped up the milk of four thousand and six hundred
cows, and how, to make him a skillet to boil his milk in, there were set a−work all the braziers of Somure in
Anjou, of Villedieu in Normandy, and of Bramont in Lorraine. And they served in this whitepot−meat to him
in a huge great bell, which is yet to be seen in the city of Bourges in Berry, near the palace, but his teeth were
already so well grown, and so strengthened with vigour, that of the said bell he bit off a great morsel, as very
plainly doth appear till this hour.
One day in the morning, when they would have made him suck one of his cows− −for he never had any other
nurse, as the history tells us−−he got one of his arms loose from the swaddling bands wherewith he was kept
fast in the cradle, laid hold on the said cow under the left foreham, and grasping her to him ate up her udder
and half of her paunch, with the liver and the kidneys, and had devoured all up if she had not cried out most
horribly, as if the wolves had held her by the legs, at which noise company came in and took away the said
cow from Pantagruel. Yet could they not so well do it but that the quarter whereby he caught her was left in
his hand, of which quarter he gulped up the flesh in a trice, even with as much ease as you would eat a
sausage, and that so greedily with desire of more, that, when they would have taken away the bone from him,
he swallowed it down whole, as a cormorant would do a little fish; and afterwards began fumblingly to say,
Good, good, good−−for he could not yet speak plain−−giving them to understand thereby that he had found it
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very good, and that he did lack but so much more. Which when they saw that attended him, they bound him
with great cable−ropes, like those that are made at Tain for the carriage of salt to Lyons, or such as those are
whereby the great French ship rides at anchor in the road of Newhaven in Normandy. But, on a certain time, a
great bear, which his father had bred, got loose, came towards him, began to lick his face, for his nurses had
not thoroughly wiped his chaps, at which unexpected approach being on a sudden offended, he as lightly rid
himself of those great cables as Samson did of the hawser ropes wherewith the Philistines had tied him, and,
by your leave, takes me up my lord the bear, and tears him to you in pieces like a pullet, which served him for
a gorgeful or good warm bit for that meal.
Whereupon Gargantua, fearing lest the child should hurt himself, caused four great chains of iron to be made
to bind him, and so many strong wooden arches unto his cradle, most firmly stocked and morticed in huge
frames. Of those chains you have one at Rochelle, which they draw up at night betwixt the two great towers
of the haven. Another is at Lyons,−−a third at Angiers,−−and the fourth was carried away by the devils to
bind Lucifer, who broke his chains in those days by reason of a colic that did extraordinarily torment him,
taken with eating a sergeant's soul fried for his breakfast. And therefore you may believe that which Nicholas
de Lyra saith upon that place of the Psalter where it is written, Et Og Regem Basan, that the said Og, being
yet little, was so strong and robustious, that they were fain to bind him with chains of iron in his cradle. Thus
continued Pantagruel for a while very calm and quiet, for he was not able so easily to break those chains,
especially having no room in the cradle to give a swing with his arms. But see what happened once upon a
great holiday that his father Gargantua made a sumptuous banquet to all the princes of his court. I am apt to
believe that the menial officers of the house were so embusied in waiting each on his proper service at the
feast, that nobody took care of poor Pantagruel, who was left a reculorum, behindhand, all alone, and as
forsaken. What did he? Hark what he did, good people. He strove and essayed to break the chains of the
cradle with his arms, but could not, for they were too strong for him. Then did he keep with his feet such a
stamping stir, and so long, that at last he beat out the lower end of his cradle, which notwithstanding was
made of a great post five foot in square; and as soon as he had gotten out his feet, he slid down as well as he
could till he had got his soles to the ground, and then with a mighty force he rose up, carrying his cradle upon
his back, bound to him like a tortoise that crawls up against a wall; and to have seen him, you would have
thought it had been a great carrick of five hundred tons upon one end. In this manner he entered into the great
hall where they were banqueting, and that very boldly, which did much affright the company; yet, because his
arms were tied in, he could not reach anything to eat, but with great pain stooped now and then a little to take
with the whole flat of his tongue some lick, good bit, or morsel. Which when his father saw, he knew well
enough that they had left him without giving him anything to eat, and therefore commanded that he should be
loosed from the said chains, by the counsel of the princes and lords there present. Besides that also the
physicians of Gargantua said that, if they did thus keep him in the cradle, he would be all his lifetime subject
to the stone. When he was unchained, they made him to sit down, where, after he had fed very well, he took
his cradle and broke it into more than five hundred thousand pieces with one blow of his fist that he struck in
the midst of it, swearing that he would never come into it again.
Chapter 2.V. Of the acts of the noble Pantagruel in his youthful age.
Thus grew Pantagruel from day to day, and to everyone's eye waxed more and more in all his dimensions,
which made his father to rejoice by a natural affection. Therefore caused he to be made for him, whilst he
was yet little, a pretty crossbow wherewith to shoot at small birds, which now they call the get crossbow at
Chantelle. Then he sent him to the school to learn, and to spend his youth in virtue. In the prosecution of
which design he came first to Poictiers, where, as he studied and profited very much, he saw that the scholars
were oftentimes at leisure and knew not how to bestow their time, which moved him to take such compassion
on them, that one day he took from a long ledge of rocks, called there Passelourdin, a huge great stone, of
about twelve fathom square and fourteen handfuls thick, and with great ease set it upon four pillars in the
midst of a field, to no other end but that the said scholars, when they had nothing else to do, might pass their
time in getting up on that stone, and feast it with store of gammons, pasties, and flagons, and carve their
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names upon it with a knife, in token of which deed till this hour the stone is called the lifted stone. And in
remembrance hereof there is none entered into the register and matricular book of the said university, or
accounted capable of taking any degree therein, till he have first drunk in the caballine fountain of
Croustelles, passed at Passelourdin, and got up upon the lifted stone.
Afterwards, reading the delectable chronicles of his ancestors, he found that Geoffrey of Lusignan, called
Geoffrey with the great tooth, grandfather to the cousin−in−law of the eldest sister of the aunt of the
son−in−law of the uncle of the good daughter of his stepmother, was interred at Maillezais; therefore one day
he took campos (which is a little vacation from study to play a while), that he might give him a visit as unto
an honest man. And going from Poictiers with some of his companions, they passed by the Guge (Leguge),
visiting the noble Abbot Ardillon; then by Lusignan, by Sansay, by Celles, by Coolonges, by
Fontenay−le−Comte, saluting the learned Tiraqueau, and from thence arrived at Maillezais, where he went to
see the sepulchre of the said Geoffrey with the great tooth; which made him somewhat afraid, looking upon
the picture, whose lively draughts did set him forth in the representation of a man in an extreme fury, drawing
his great Malchus falchion half way out of his scabbard. When the reason hereof was demanded, the canons
of the said place told him that there was no other cause of it but that Pictoribus atque Poetis, that is to say,
that painters and poets have liberty to paint and devise what they list after their own fancy. But he was not
satisfied with their answer, and said, He is not thus painted without a cause, and I suspect that at his death
there was some wrong done him, whereof he requireth his kindred to take revenge. I will inquire further into
it, and then do what shall be reasonable. Then he returned not to Poictiers, but would take a view of the other
universities of France. Therefore, going to Rochelle, he took shipping and arrived at Bordeaux, where he
found no great exercise, only now and then he would see some mariners and lightermen a−wrestling on the
quay or strand by the river− side. From thence he came to Toulouse, where he learned to dance very well, and
to play with the two−handed sword, as the fashion of the scholars of the said university is to bestir themselves
in games whereof they may have their hands full; but he stayed not long there when he saw that they did
cause burn their regents alive like red herring, saying, Now God forbid that I should die this death! for I am
by nature sufficiently dry already, without heating myself any further.
He went then to Montpellier, where he met with the good wives of Mirevaux, and good jovial company
withal, and thought to have set himself to the study of physic; but he considered that that calling was too
troublesome and melancholic, and that physicians did smell of glisters like old devils. Therefore he resolved
he would study the laws; but seeing that there were but three scald− and one bald−pated legist in that place,
he departed from thence, and in his way made the bridge of Guard and the amphitheatre of Nimes in less than
three hours, which, nevertheless, seems to be a more divine than human work. After that he came to Avignon,
where he was not above three days before he fell in love; for the women there take great delight in playing at
the close−buttock game, because it is papal ground. Which his tutor and pedagogue Epistemon perceiving, he
drew him out of that place, and brought him to Valence in the Dauphiny, where he saw no great matter of
recreation, only that the lubbers of the town did beat the scholars, which so incensed him with anger, that
when, upon a certain very fair Sunday, the people being at their public dancing in the streets, and one of the
scholars offering to put himself into the ring to partake of that sport, the foresaid lubberly fellows would not
permit him the admittance into their society, he, taking the scholar's part, so belaboured them with blows, and
laid such load upon them, that he drove them all before him, even to the brink of the river Rhone, and would
have there drowned them, but that they did squat to the ground, and there lay close a full half−league under
the river. The hole is to be seen there yet.
After that he departed from thence, and in three strides and one leap came to Angiers, where he found himself
very well, and would have continued there some space, but that the plague drove them away. So from thence
he came to Bourges, where he studied a good long time, and profited very much in the faculty of the laws,
and would sometimes say that the books of the civil law were like unto a wonderfully precious, royal, and
triumphant robe of cloth of gold edged with dirt; for in the world are no goodlier books to be seen, more
ornate, nor more eloquent than the texts of the Pandects, but the bordering of them, that is to say, the gloss of
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Accursius, is so scurvy, vile, base, and unsavoury, that it is nothing but filthiness and villainy.
Going from Bourges, he came to Orleans, where he found store of swaggering scholars that made him great
entertainment at his coming, and with whom he learned to play at tennis so well that he was a master at that
game. For the students of the said place make a prime exercise of it; and sometimes they carried him unto
Cupid's houses of commerce (in that city termed islands, because of their being most ordinarily environed
with other houses, and not contiguous to any), there to recreate his person at the sport of poussavant, which
the wenches of London call the ferkers in and in. As for breaking his head with over−much study, he had an
especial care not to do it in any case, for fear of spoiling his eyes. Which he the rather observed, for that it
was told him by one of his teachers, there called regents, that the pain of the eyes was the most hurtful thing
of any to the sight. For this cause, when he one day was made a licentiate, or graduate in law, one of the
scholars of his acquaintance, who of learning had not much more than his burden, though instead of that he
could dance very well and play at tennis, made the blazon and device of the licentiates in the said university,
saying,
So you have in your hand a racket, A tennis−ball in your cod−placket, A Pandect law in your cap's tippet,
And that you have the skill to trip it In a low dance, you will b' allowed The grant of the licentiate's hood.
Chapter 2.VI. How Pantagruel met with a Limousin, who too affectedly did counterfeit the French
language.
Upon a certain day, I know not when, Pantagruel walking after supper with some of his fellow−students
without that gate of the city through which we enter on the road to Paris, encountered with a young
spruce−like scholar that was coming upon the same very way, and, after they had saluted one another, asked
him thus, My friend, from whence comest thou now? The scholar answered him, From the alme, inclyte, and
celebrate academy, which is vocitated Lutetia. What is the meaning of this? said Pantagruel to one of his
men. It is, answered he, from Paris. Thou comest from Paris then, said Pantagruel; and how do you spend
your time there, you my masters the students of Paris? The scholar answered, We transfretate the Sequan at
the dilucul and crepuscul; we deambulate by the compites and quadrives of the urb; we despumate the Latial
verbocination; and, like verisimilary amorabons, we captat the benevolence of the omnijugal, omniform and
omnigenal feminine sex. Upon certain diecules we invisat the lupanares, and in a venerian ecstasy inculcate
our veretres into the penitissime recesses of the pudends of these amicabilissim meretricules. Then do we
cauponisate in the meritory taberns of the Pineapple, the Castle, the Magdalene, and the Mule, goodly
vervecine spatules perforaminated with petrocile. And if by fortune there be rarity or penury of pecune in our
marsupies, and that they be exhausted of ferruginean metal, for the shot we dimit our codices and oppignerat
our vestments, whilst we prestolate the coming of the tabellaries from the Penates and patriotic Lares. To
which Pantagruel answered, What devilish language is this? By the Lord, I think thou art some kind of
heretick. My lord, no, said the scholar; for libentissimally, as soon as it illucesceth any minutule slice of the
day, I demigrate into one of these so well architected minsters, and there, irrorating myself with fair lustral
water, I mumble off little parcels of some missic precation of our sacrificuls, and, submurmurating my horary
precules, I elevate and absterge my anime from its nocturnal inquinations. I revere the Olympicols. I latrially
venere the supernal Astripotent. I dilige and redame my proxims. I observe the decalogical precepts, and,
according to the facultatule of my vires, I do not discede from them one late unguicule. Nevertheless, it is
veriform, that because Mammona doth not supergurgitate anything in my loculs, that I am somewhat rare and
lent to supererogate the elemosynes to those egents that hostially queritate their stipe.
Prut, tut, said Pantagruel, what doth this fool mean to say? I think he is upon the forging of some diabolical
tongue, and that enchanter−like he would charm us. To whom one of his men said, Without doubt, sir, this
fellow would counterfeit the language of the Parisians, but he doth only flay the Latin, imagining by so doing
that he doth highly Pindarize it in most eloquent terms, and strongly conceiteth himself to be therefore a great
orator in the French, because he disdaineth the common manner of speaking. To which Pantagruel said, Is it
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true? The scholar answered, My worshipful lord, my genie is not apt nate to that which this flagitious nebulon
saith, to excoriate the cut(ic)ule of our vernacular Gallic, but vice−versally I gnave opere, and by veles and
rames enite to locupletate it with the Latinicome redundance. By G−−, said Pantagruel, I will teach you to
speak. But first come hither, and tell me whence thou art. To this the scholar answered, The primeval origin
of my aves and ataves was indigenary of the Lemovic regions, where requiesceth the corpor of the hagiotat
St. Martial. I understand thee very well, said Pantagruel. When all comes to all, thou art a Limousin, and thou
wilt here by thy affected speech counterfeit the Parisians. Well now, come hither, I must show thee a new
trick, and handsomely give thee the combfeat. With this he took him by the throat, saying to him, Thou
flayest the Latin; by St. John, I will make thee flay the fox, for I will now flay thee alive. Then began the poor
Limousin to cry, Haw, gwid maaster! haw, Laord, my halp, and St. Marshaw! haw, I'm worried. Haw, my
thropple, the bean of my cragg is bruck! Haw, for gauad's seck lawt my lean, mawster; waw, waw, waw.
Now, said Pantagruel, thou speakest naturally, and so let him go, for the poor Limousin had totally bewrayed
and thoroughly conshit his breeches, which were not deep and large enough, but round straight cannioned
gregs, having in the seat a piece like a keeling's tail, and therefore in French called, de chausses a queue de
merlus. Then, said Pantagruel, St. Alipantin, what civet? Fie! to the devil with this turnip−eater, as he stinks!
and so let him go. But this hug of Pantagruel's was such a terror to him all the days of his life, and took such
deep impression in his fancy, that very often, distracted with sudden affrightments, he would startle and say
that Pantagruel held him by the neck. Besides that, it procured him a continual drought and desire to drink, so
that after some few years he died of the death Roland, in plain English called thirst, a work of divine
vengeance, showing us that which saith the philosopher and Aulus Gellius, that it becometh us to speak
according to the common language; and that we should, as said Octavian Augustus, strive to shun all strange
and unknown terms with as much heedfulness and circumspection as pilots of ships use to avoid the rocks
and banks in the sea.
Chapter 2.VII. How Pantagruel came to Paris, and of the choice books of the Library of St. Victor.
After that Pantagruel had studied very well at Orleans, he resolved to see the great University at Paris; but,
before his departure, he was informed that there was a huge big bell at St. Anian in the said town of Orleans,
under the ground, which had been there above two hundred and fourteen years, for it was so great that they
could not by any device get it so much as above the ground, although they used all the means that are found
in Vitruvius de Architectura, Albertus de Re Aedificatoria, Euclid, Theon, Archimedes, and Hero de Ingeniis;
for all that was to no purpose. Wherefore, condescending heartily to the humble request of the citizens and
inhabitants of the said town, he determined to remove it to the tower that was erected for it. With that he
came to the place where it was, and lifted it out of the ground with his little finger as easily as you would
have done a hawk's bell or bellwether's tingle−tangle; but, before he would carry it to the foresaid tower or
steeple appointed for it, he would needs make some music with it about the town, and ring it alongst all the
streets as he carried it in his hand, wherewith all the people were very glad. But there happened one great
inconveniency, for with carrying it so, and ringing it about the streets, all the good Orleans wine turned
instantly, waxed flat and was spoiled, which nobody there did perceive till the night following; for every man
found himself so altered and a−dry with drinking these flat wines, that they did nothing but spit, and that as
white as Malta cotton, saying, We have of the Pantagruel, and our very throats are salted. This done, he came
to Paris with his retinue. And at his entry everyone came out to see him−−as you know well enough that the
people of Paris is sottish by nature, by B flat and B sharp−−and beheld him with great astonishment, mixed
with no less fear that he would carry away the palace into some other country, a remotis, and far from them,
as his father formerly had done the great peal of bells at Our Lady's Church to tie about his mare's neck. Now
after he had stayed there a pretty space, and studied very well in all the seven liberal arts, he said it was a
good town to live in, but not to die; for that the grave−digging rogues of St. Innocent used in frosty nights to
warm their bums with dead men's bones. In his abode there he found the library of St. Victor a very stately
and magnific one, especially in some books which were there, of which followeth the Repertory and
Catalogue, Et primo,
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The for Godsake of Salvation. The Codpiece of the Law. The Slipshoe of the Decretals. The Pomegranate of
Vice. The Clew−bottom of Theology. The Duster or Foxtail−flap of Preachers, composed by Turlupin. The
Churning Ballock of the Valiant. The Henbane of the Bishops. Marmotretus de baboonis et apis, cum
Commento Dorbellis. Decretum Universitatis Parisiensis super gorgiasitate muliercularum ad placitum. The
Apparition of Sancte Geltrude to a Nun of Poissy, being in travail at the bringing forth of a child. Ars honeste
fartandi in societate, per Marcum Corvinum (Ortuinum). The Mustard−pot of Penance. The Gamashes, alias
the Boots of Patience. Formicarium artium. De brodiorum usu, et honestate quartandi, per Sylvestrem
Prioratem Jacobinum. The Cosened or Gulled in Court. The Frail of the Scriveners. The Marriage−packet.
The Cruizy or Crucible of Contemplation. The Flimflams of the Law. The Prickle of Wine. The Spur of
Cheese. Ruboffatorium (Decrotatorium) scholarium. Tartaretus de modo cacandi. The Bravades of Rome.
Bricot de Differentiis Browsarum. The Tailpiece−Cushion, or Close−breech of Discipline. The Cobbled Shoe
of Humility. The Trivet of good Thoughts. The Kettle of Magnanimity. The Cavilling Entanglements of
Confessors. The Snatchfare of the Curates. Reverendi patris fratris Lubini, provincialis Bavardiae, de
gulpendis lardslicionibus libri tres. Pasquilli Doctoris Marmorei, de capreolis cum artichoketa comedendis,
tempore Papali ab Ecclesia interdicto. The Invention of the Holy Cross, personated by six wily Priests. The
Spectacles of Pilgrims bound for Rome. Majoris de modo faciendi puddinos. The Bagpipe of the Prelates.
Beda de optimitate triparum. The Complaint of the Barristers upon the Reformation of Comfits. The Furred
Cat of the Solicitors and Attorneys. Of Peas and Bacon, cum Commento. The Small Vales or Drinking
Money of the Indulgences. Praeclarissimi juris utriusque Doctoris Maistre Pilloti, Scrap−farthingi de
botchandis glossae Accursianae Triflis repetitio enucidi−luculidissima. Stratagemata Francharchiaeri de
Baniolet. Carlbumpkinus de Re Militari cum Figuris Tevoti. De usu et utilitate flayandi equos et equas,
authore Magistro nostro de Quebecu. The Sauciness of Country−Stewards. M.N. Rostocostojambedanesse de
mustarda post prandium servienda, libri quatuordecim, apostillati per M. Vaurillonis. The Covillage or
Wench−tribute of Promoters. (Jabolenus de Cosmographia Purgatorii.) Quaestio subtilissima, utrum
Chimaera in vacuo bonbinans possit comedere secundas intentiones; et fuit debatuta per decem hebdomadas
in Consilio Constantiensi. The Bridle−champer of the Advocates. Smutchudlamenta Scoti. The Rasping and
Hard−scraping of the Cardinals. De calcaribus removendis, Decades undecim, per M. Albericum de Rosata.
Ejusdem de castramentandis criminibus libri tres. The Entrance of Anthony de Leve into the Territories of
Brazil. (Marforii, bacalarii cubantis Romae) de peelandis aut unskinnandis blurrandisque Cardinalium mulis.
The said Author's Apology against those who allege that the Pope's mule doth eat but at set times.
Prognosticatio quae incipit, Silvii Triquebille, balata per M.N., the deep−dreaming gull Sion. Boudarini
Episcopi de emulgentiarum profectibus Aeneades novem, cum privilegio Papali ad triennium et postea non.
The Shitabranna of the Maids. The Bald Arse or Peeled Breech of the Widows. The Cowl or Capouch of the
Monks. The Mumbling Devotion of the Celestine Friars. The Passage−toll of Beggarliness. The
Teeth−chatter or Gum−didder of Lubberly Lusks. The Paring−shovel of the Theologues. The Drench−horn of
the Masters of Arts. The Scullions of Olcam, the uninitiated Clerk. Magistri N. Lickdishetis, de
garbellisiftationibus horarum canonicarum, libri quadriginta. Arsiversitatorium confratriarum, incerto
authore. The Gulsgoatony or Rasher of Cormorants and Ravenous Feeders. The Rammishness of the
Spaniards supergivuregondigaded by Friar Inigo. The Muttering of Pitiful Wretches. Dastardismus rerum
Italicarum, authore Magistro Burnegad. R. Lullius de Batisfolagiis Principum. Calibistratorium caffardiae,
authore M. Jacobo Hocstraten hereticometra. Codtickler de Magistro nostrandorum Magistro nostratorumque
beuvetis, libri octo galantissimi. The Crackarades of Balists or stone−throwing Engines, Contrepate Clerks,
Scriveners, Brief−writers, Rapporters, and Papal Bull−despatchers lately compiled by Regis. A perpetual
Almanack for those that have the gout and the pox. Manera sweepandi fornacellos per Mag. Eccium. The
Shable or Scimetar of Merchants. The Pleasures of the Monachal Life. The Hotchpot of Hypocrites. The
History of the Hobgoblins. The Ragamuffinism of the pensionary maimed Soldiers. The Gulling Fibs and
Counterfeit shows of Commissaries. The Litter of Treasurers. The Juglingatorium of Sophisters.
Antipericatametanaparbeugedamphicribrationes Toordicantium. The Periwinkle of Ballad−makers. The
Push−forward of the Alchemists. The Niddy−noddy of the Satchel−loaded Seekers, by Friar Bindfastatis. The
Shackles of Religion. The Racket of Swag−waggers. The Leaning−stock of old Age. The Muzzle of Nobility.
The Ape's Paternoster. The Crickets and Hawk's−bells of Devotion. The Pot of the Ember−weeks. The
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Mortar of the Politic Life. The Flap of the Hermits. The Riding−hood or Monterg of the Penitentiaries. The
Trictrac of the Knocking Friars. Blockheadodus, de vita et honestate bragadochiorum. Lyrippii Sorbonici
Moralisationes, per M. Lupoldum. The Carrier−horse−bells of Travellers. The Bibbings of the tippling
Bishops. Dolloporediones Doctorum Coloniensium adversus Reuclin. The Cymbals of Ladies. The Dunger's
Martingale. Whirlingfriskorum Chasemarkerorum per Fratrem Crackwoodloguetis. The Clouted Patches of a
Stout Heart. The Mummery of the Racket−keeping Robin−goodfellows. Gerson, de auferibilitate Papae ab
Ecclesia. The Catalogue of the Nominated and Graduated Persons. Jo. Dytebrodii, terribilitate
excommunicationis libellus acephalos. Ingeniositas invocandi diabolos et diabolas, per M. Guingolphum. The
Hotchpotch or Gallimaufry of the perpetually begging Friars. The Morris−dance of the Heretics. The
Whinings of Cajetan. Muddisnout Doctoris Cherubici, de origine Roughfootedarum, et Wryneckedorum
ritibus, libri septem. Sixty−nine fat Breviaries. The Nightmare of the five Orders of Beggars. The Skinnery of
the new Start−ups extracted out of the fallow−butt, incornifistibulated and plodded upon in the angelic sum.
The Raver and idle Talker in cases of Conscience. The Fat Belly of the Presidents. The Baffling Flouter of
the Abbots. Sutoris adversus eum qui vocaverat eum Slabsauceatorem, et quod Slabsauceatores non sunt
damnati ab Ecclesia. Cacatorium medicorum. The Chimney−sweeper of Astrology. Campi clysteriorum per
paragraph C. The Bumsquibcracker of Apothecaries. The Kissbreech of Chirurgery. Justinianus de
Whiteleperotis tollendis. Antidotarium animae. Merlinus Coccaius, de patria diabolorum. The Practice of
Iniquity, by Cleuraunes Sadden. The Mirror of Baseness, by Radnecu Waldenses. The Engrained Rogue, by
Dwarsencas Eldenu. The Merciless Cormorant, by Hoxinidno the Jew.
Of which library some books are already printed, and the rest are now at the press in this noble city of
Tubingen.
Chapter 2.VIII. How Pantagruel, being at Paris, received letters from his father Gargantua, and the copy
of them.
Pantagruel studied very hard, as you may well conceive, and profited accordingly; for he had an excellent
understanding and notable wit, together with a capacity in memory equal to the measure of twelve oil budgets
or butts of olives. And, as he was there abiding one day, he received a letter from his father in manner as
followeth.
Most dear Son,−−Amongst the gifts, graces, and prerogatives, with which the sovereign plasmator God
Almighty hath endowed and adorned human nature at the beginning, that seems to me most singular and
excellent by which we may in a mortal state attain to a kind of immortality, and in the course of this
transitory life perpetuate our name and seed, which is done by a progeny issued from us in the lawful bonds
of matrimony. Whereby that in some measure is restored unto us which was taken from us by the sin of our
first parents, to whom it was said that, because they had not obeyed the commandment of God their Creator,
they should die, and by death should be brought to nought that so stately frame and plasmature wherein the
man at first had been created.
But by this means of seminal propagation there ("Which continueth" in the old copy.) continueth in the
children what was lost in the parents, and in the grandchildren that which perished in their fathers, and so
successively until the day of the last judgment, when Jesus Christ shall have rendered up to God the Father
his kingdom in a peaceable condition, out of all danger and contamination of sin; for then shall cease all
generations and corruptions, and the elements leave off their continual transmutations, seeing the so much
desired peace shall be attained unto and enjoyed, and that all things shall be brought to their end and period.
And, therefore, not without just and reasonable cause do I give thanks to God my Saviour and Preserver, for
that he hath enabled me to see my bald old age reflourish in thy youth; for when, at his good pleasure, who
rules and governs all things, my soul shall leave this mortal habitation, I shall not account myself wholly to
die, but to pass from one place unto another, considering that, in and by that, I continue in my visible image
living in the world, visiting and conversing with people of honour, and other my good friends, as I was wont
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to do. Which conversation of mine, although it was not without sin, because we are all of us trespassers, and
therefore ought continually to beseech his divine majesty to blot our transgressions out of his memory, yet
was it, by the help and grace of God, without all manner of reproach before men.
Wherefore, if those qualities of the mind but shine in thee wherewith I am endowed, as in thee remaineth the
perfect image of my body, thou wilt be esteemed by all men to be the perfect guardian and treasure of the
immortality of our name. But, if otherwise, I shall truly take but small pleasure to see it, considering that the
lesser part of me, which is the body, would abide in thee, and the best, to wit, that which is the soul, and by
which our name continues blessed amongst men, would be degenerate and abastardized. This I do not speak
out of any distrust that I have of thy virtue, which I have heretofore already tried, but to encourage thee yet
more earnestly to proceed from good to better. And that which I now write unto thee is not so much that thou
shouldst live in this virtuous course, as that thou shouldst rejoice in so living and having lived, and cheer up
thyself with the like resolution in time to come; to the prosecution and accomplishment of which enterprise
and generous undertaking thou mayst easily remember how that I have spared nothing, but have so helped
thee, as if I had had no other treasure in this world but to see thee once in my life completely well−bred and
accomplished, as well in virtue, honesty, and valour, as in all liberal knowledge and civility, and so to leave
thee after my death as a mirror representing the person of me thy father, and if not so excellent, and such in
deed as I do wish thee, yet such in my desire.
But although my deceased father of happy memory, Grangousier, had bent his best endeavours to make me
profit in all perfection and political knowledge, and that my labour and study was fully correspondent to, yea,
went beyond his desire, nevertheless, as thou mayest well understand, the time then was not so proper and fit
for learning as it is at present, neither had I plenty of such good masters as thou hast had. For that time was
darksome, obscured with clouds of ignorance, and savouring a little of the infelicity and calamity of the
Goths, who had, wherever they set footing, destroyed all good literature, which in my age hath by the divine
goodness been restored unto its former light and dignity, and that with such amendment and increase of the
knowledge, that now hardly should I be admitted unto the first form of the little grammar−schoolboys−−I say,
I, who in my youthful days was, and that justly, reputed the most learned of that age. Which I do not speak in
vain boasting, although I might lawfully do it in writing unto thee−−in verification whereof thou hast the
authority of Marcus Tullius in his book of old age, and the sentence of Plutarch in the book entitled How a
man may praise himself without envy−−but to give thee an emulous encouragement to strive yet further.
Now is it that the minds of men are qualified with all manner of discipline, and the old sciences revived
which for many ages were extinct. Now it is that the learned languages are to their pristine purity restored,
viz., Greek, without which a man may be ashamed to account himself a scholar, Hebrew, Arabic, Chaldaean,
and Latin. Printing likewise is now in use, so elegant and so correct that better cannot be imagined, although
it was found out but in my time by divine inspiration, as by a diabolical suggestion on the other side was the
invention of ordnance. All the world is full of knowing men, of most learned schoolmasters, and vast
libraries; and it appears to me as a truth, that neither in Plato's time, nor Cicero's, nor Papinian's, there was
ever such conveniency for studying as we see at this day there is. Nor must any adventure henceforward to
come in public, or present himself in company, that hath not been pretty well polished in the shop of
Minerva. I see robbers, hangmen, freebooters, tapsters, ostlers, and such like, of the very rubbish of the
people, more learned now than the doctors and preachers were in my time.
What shall I say? The very women and children have aspired to this praise and celestial manner of good
learning. Yet so it is that, in the age I am now of, I have been constrained to learn the Greek tongue−−which I
contemned not like Cato, but had not the leisure in my younger years to attend the study of it−−and take
much delight in the reading of Plutarch's Morals, the pleasant Dialogues of Plato, the Monuments of
Pausanias, and the Antiquities of Athenaeus, in waiting on the hour wherein God my Creator shall call me
and command me to depart from this earth and transitory pilgrimage. Wherefore, my son, I admonish thee to
employ thy youth to profit as well as thou canst, both in thy studies and in virtue. Thou art at Paris, where the
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laudable examples of many brave men may stir up thy mind to gallant actions, and hast likewise for thy tutor
and pedagogue the learned Epistemon, who by his lively and vocal documents may instruct thee in the arts
and sciences.
I intend, and will have it so, that thou learn the languages perfectly; first of all the Greek, as Quintilian will
have it; secondly, the Latin; and then the Hebrew, for the Holy Scripture sake; and then the Chaldee and
Arabic likewise, and that thou frame thy style in Greek in imitation of Plato, and for the Latin after Cicero.
Let there be no history which thou shalt not have ready in thy memory; unto the prosecuting of which design,
books of cosmography will be very conducible and help thee much. Of the liberal arts of geometry,
arithmetic, and music, I gave thee some taste when thou wert yet little, and not above five or six years old.
Proceed further in them, and learn the remainder if thou canst. As for astronomy, study all the rules thereof.
Let pass, nevertheless, the divining and judicial astrology, and the art of Lullius, as being nothing else but
plain abuses and vanities. As for the civil law, of that I would have thee to know the texts by heart, and then
to confer them with philosophy.
Now, in matter of the knowledge of the works of nature, I would have thee to study that exactly, and that so
there be no sea, river, nor fountain, of which thou dost not know the fishes; all the fowls of the air; all the
several kinds of shrubs and trees, whether in forests or orchards; all the sorts of herbs and flowers that grow
upon the ground; all the various metals that are hid within the bowels of the earth; together with all the
diversity of precious stones that are to be seen in the orient and south parts of the world. Let nothing of all
these be hidden from thee. Then fail not most carefully to peruse the books of the Greek, Arabian, and Latin
physicians, not despising the Talmudists and Cabalists; and by frequent anatomies get thee the perfect
knowledge of the other world, called the microcosm, which is man. And at some hours of the day apply thy
mind to the study of the Holy Scriptures; first in Greek, the New Testament, with the Epistles of the Apostles;
and then the Old Testament in Hebrew. In brief, let me see thee an abyss and bottomless pit of knowledge;
for from henceforward, as thou growest great and becomest a man, thou must part from this tranquillity and
rest of study, thou must learn chivalry, warfare, and the exercises of the field, the better thereby to defend my
house and our friends, and to succour and protect them at all their needs against the invasion and assaults of
evildoers.
Furthermore, I will that very shortly thou try how much thou hast profited, which thou canst not better do
than by maintaining publicly theses and conclusions in all arts against all persons whatsoever, and by
haunting the company of learned men, both at Paris and otherwhere. But because, as the wise man Solomon
saith, Wisdom entereth not into a malicious mind, and that knowledge without conscience is but the ruin of
the soul, it behoveth thee to serve, to love, to fear God, and on him to cast all thy thoughts and all thy hope,
and by faith formed in charity to cleave unto him, so that thou mayst never be separated from him by thy sins.
Suspect the abuses of the world. Set not thy heart upon vanity, for this life is transitory, but the Word of the
Lord endureth for ever. Be serviceable to all thy neighbours, and love them as thyself. Reverence thy
preceptors: shun the conversation of those whom thou desirest not to resemble, and receive not in vain the
graces which God hath bestowed upon thee. And, when thou shalt see that thou hast attained to all the
knowledge that is to be acquired in that part, return unto me, that I may see thee and give thee my blessing
before I die. My son, the peace and grace of our Lord be with thee. Amen.
Thy father Gargantua.
From Utopia the 17th day of the month of March.
These letters being received and read, Pantagruel plucked up his heart, took a fresh courage to him, and was
inflamed with a desire to profit in his studies more than ever, so that if you had seen him, how he took pains,
and how he advanced in learning, you would have said that the vivacity of his spirit amidst the books was
like a great fire amongst dry wood, so active it was, vigorous and indefatigable.
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Chapter 2.IX. How Pantagruel found Panurge, whom he loved all his lifetime.
One day, as Pantagruel was taking a walk without the city, towards St. Anthony's abbey, discoursing and
philosophating with his own servants and some other scholars, (he) met with a young man of very comely
stature and surpassing handsome in all the lineaments of his body, but in several parts thereof most pitifully
wounded; in such bad equipage in matter of his apparel, which was but tatters and rags, and every way so far
out of order that he seemed to have been a−fighting with mastiff−dogs, from whose fury he had made an
escape; or to say better, he looked, in the condition wherein he then was, like an apple−gatherer of the
country of Perche.
As far off as Pantagruel saw him, he said to those that stood by, Do you see that man there, who is a−coming
hither upon the road from Charenton bridge? By my faith, he is only poor in fortune; for I may assure you
that by his physiognomy it appeareth that nature hath extracted him from some rich and noble race, and that
too much curiosity hath thrown him upon adventures which possibly have reduced him to this indigence,
want, and penury. Now as he was just amongst them, Pantagruel said unto him, Let me entreat you, friend,
that you may be pleased to stop here a little and answer me to that which I shall ask you, and I am confident
you will not think your time ill bestowed; for I have an extreme desire, according to my ability, to give you
some supply in this distress wherein I see you are; because I do very much commiserate your case, which
truly moves me to great pity. Therefore, my friend, tell me who you are; whence you come; whither you go;
what by desire; and what your name is. The companion answered him in the German (The first edition reads
"Dutch.") tongue, thus:
'Junker, Gott geb euch gluck und heil. Furwahr, lieber Junker, ich lasz euch wissen, das da ihr mich von fragt,
ist ein arm und erbarmlich Ding, und wer viel darvon zu sagen, welches euch verdrussig zu horen, und mir zu
erzelen wer, wiewol die Poeten und Oratorn vorzeiten haben gesagt in ihren Spruchen und Sentenzen, dasz
die gedechtniss des Elends und Armuth vorlangst erlitten ist eine grosse Lust.' My friend, said Pantagruel, I
have no skill in that gibberish of yours; therefore, if you would have us to understand you, speak to us in
some other language. Then did the droll answer him thus:
'Albarildim gotfano dechmin brin alabo dordio falbroth ringuam albaras. Nin portzadikin almucatin milko
prin alelmin en thoth dalheben ensouim; kuthim al dum alkatim nim broth dechoth porth min michais im
endoth, pruch dalmaisoulum hol moth danfrihim lupaldas in voldemoth. Nin hur diavosth mnarbotim
dalgousch palfrapin duch im scoth pruch galeth dal chinon, min foulchrich al conin brutathen doth dal prin.'
Do you understand none of this? said Pantagruel to the company. I believe, said Epistemon, that this is the
language of the Antipodes, and such a hard one that the devil himself knows not what to make of it. Then said
Pantagruel, Gossip, I know not if the walls do comprehend the meaning of your words, but none of us here
doth so much as understand one syllable of them. Then said my blade again:
'Signor mio, voi vedete per essempio, che la cornamusa non suona mai, s'ella non ha il ventre pieno. Cosi io
parimente non vi saprei contare le mie fortune, se prima il tribulato ventre non ha la solita refettione. Al quale
e adviso che le mani et li denti habbiano perso il loro ordine naturale et del tutto annichilati.' To which
Epistemon answered, As much of the one as of the other, and nothing of either. Then said Panurge:
'Lord, if you be so virtuous of intelligence as you be naturally relieved to the body, you should have pity of
me. For nature hath made us equal, but fortune hath some exalted and others deprived; nevertheless is virtue
often deprived and the virtuous men despised; for before the last end none is good.' (The following is the
passage as it stands in the first edition. Urquhart seems to have rendered Rabelais' indifferent English into
worse Scotch, and this, with probably the use of contractions in his MS., or 'the oddness' of handwriting
which he owns to in his Logopandecteision (p.419, Mait. Club. Edit.), has led to a chaotic jumble, which it is
nearly impossible to reduce to order.−−Instead of any attempt to do so, it is here given verbatim: 'Lard
gestholb besua virtuisbe intelligence: ass yi body scalbisbe natural reloth cholb suld osme pety have; for natur
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hass visse equaly maide bot fortune sum exaiti hesse andoyis deprevit: non yeless iviss mou virtiuss deprevit,
and virtuiss men decreviss for anen ye ladeniss non quid.' Here is a morsel for critical ingenuity to fix its
teeth in.−−M.) Yet less, said Pantagruel. Then said my jolly Panurge:
'Jona andie guaussa goussy etan beharda er remedio beharde versela ysser landa. Anbat es otoy y es nausu ey
nessassust gourray proposian ordine den. Non yssena bayta facheria egabe gen herassy badia sadassu noura
assia. Aran hondavan gualde cydassu naydassuna. Estou oussyc eg vinan soury hien er darstura eguy harm.
Genicoa plasar vadu.' Are you there, said Eudemon, Genicoa? To this said Carpalim, St. Trinian's rammer
unstitch your bum, for I had almost understood it. Then answered Panurge:
'Prust frest frinst sorgdmand strochdi drhds pag brlelang Gravot Chavigny Pomardiere rusth pkaldracg
Deviniere pres Nays. Couille kalmuch monach drupp del meupplist rincq drlnd dodelb up drent loch minc stz
rinq jald de vins ders cordelis bur jocst stzampenards.' Do you speak Christian, said Epistemon, or the
buffoon language, otherwise called Patelinois? Nay, it is the puzlatory tongue, said another, which some call
Lanternois. Then said Panurge:
'Heere, ik en spreeke anders geen taele dan kersten taele: my dunkt noghtans, al en seg ik u niet een wordt,
mynen noot verklaert genoegh wat ik begeere: geeft my uyt bermhertigheit yets waar van ik gevoet magh
zyn.' To which answered Pantagruel, As much of that. Then said Panurge:
'Sennor, de tanto hablar yo soy cansado, porque yo suplico a vuestra reverentia que mire a los preceptos
evangelicos, para que ellos movan vuestra reverentia a lo que es de conscientia; y si ellos non bastaren, para
mouer vuestra reverentia a piedad, yo suplico que mire a la piedad natural, la qual yo creo que le movera
como es de razon: y con esso non digo mas.' Truly, my friend, (said Pantagruel,) I doubt not but you can
speak divers languages; but tell us that which you would have us to do for you in some tongue which you
conceive we may understand. Then said the companion:
'Min Herre, endog ieg med ingen tunge talede, ligesom baern, oc uskellige creatuure: Mine klaedebon oc mit
legoms magerhed uduiser alligeuel klarlig huad ting mig best behof gioris, som er sandelig mad oc dricke:
Huorfor forbarme dig ofuer mig, oc befal at giue mig noguet, af huilcket ieg kand slyre min giaeendis mage,
ligeruiis som mand Cerbero en suppe forsetter: Saa skalt du lefue laenge oc lycksalig.' I think really, said
Eusthenes, that the Goths spoke thus of old, and that, if it pleased God, we would all of us speak so with our
tails. Then again said Panurge:
'Adon, scalom lecha: im ischar harob hal hebdeca bimeherah thithen li kikar lehem: chanchat ub laah al
Adonai cho nen ral.' To which answered Epistemon, At this time have I understood him very well; for it is the
Hebrew tongue most rhetorically pronounced. Then again said the gallant:
'Despota tinyn panagathe, diati sy mi ouk artodotis? horas gar limo analiscomenon eme athlion, ke en to
metaxy me ouk eleis oudamos, zetis de par emou ha ou chre. Ke homos philologi pantes homologousi tote
logous te ke remata peritta hyparchin, hopote pragma afto pasi delon esti. Entha gar anankei monon logi isin,
hina pragmata (hon peri amphisbetoumen), me prosphoros epiphenete.' What? Said Carpalim, Pantagruel's
footman, It is Greek, I have understood him. And how? hast thou dwelt any while in Greece? Then said the
droll again:
'Agonou dont oussys vous desdagnez algorou: nou den farou zamist vous mariston ulbrou, fousques voubrol
tant bredaguez moupreton dengoulhoust, daguez daguez non cropys fost pardonnoflist nougrou. Agou paston
tol nalprissys hourtou los echatonous, prou dhouquys brol pany gou den bascrou noudous caguons goulfren
goul oustaroppassou.' (In this and the preceding speeches of Panurge, the Paris Variorum Edition of 1823 has
been followed in correcting Urquhart's text, which is full of inaccuracies.−−M.) Methinks I understand him,
said Pantagruel; for either it is the language of my country of Utopia, or sounds very like it. And, as he was
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about to have begun some purpose, the companion said:
'Jam toties vos per sacra, perque deos deasque omnes obtestatus sum, ut si quae vos pietas permovet,
egestatem meam solaremini, nec hilum proficio clamans et ejulans. Sinite, quaeso, sinite, viri impii, quo me
fata vocant abire; nec ultra vanis vestris interpellationibus obtundatis, memores veteris illius adagii, quo
venter famelicus auriculis carere dicitur.' Well, my friend, said Pantagruel, but cannot you speak French?
That I can do, sir, very well, said the companion, God be thanked. It is my natural language and mother
tongue, for I was born and bred in my younger years in the garden of France, to wit, Touraine. Then, said
Pantagruel, tell us what is your name, and from whence you are come; for, by my faith, I have already
stamped in my mind such a deep impression of love towards you, that, if you will condescend unto my will,
you shall not depart out of my company, and you and I shall make up another couple of friends such as
Aeneas and Achates were. Sir, said the companion, my true and proper Christian name is Panurge, and now I
come out of Turkey, to which country I was carried away prisoner at that time when they went to Metelin
with a mischief. And willingly would I relate unto you my fortunes, which are more wonderful than those of
Ulysses were; but, seeing that it pleaseth you to retain me with you, I most heartily accept of the offer,
protesting never to leave you should you go to all the devils in hell. We shall have therefore more leisure at
another time, and a fitter opportunity wherein to report them; for at this present I am in a very urgent
necessity to feed; my teeth are sharp, my belly empty, my throat dry, and my stomach fierce and burning, all
is ready. If you will but set me to work, it will be as good as a balsamum for sore eyes to see me gulch and
raven it. For God's sake, give order for it. Then Pantagruel commanded that they should carry him home and
provide him good store of victuals; which being done, he ate very well that evening, and, capon−like, went
early to bed; then slept until dinner−time the next day, so that he made but three steps and one leap from the
bed to the board.
Chapter 2.X. How Pantagruel judged so equitably of a controversy, which was wonderfully obscure and
difficult, that, by reason of his just decree therein, he was reputed to have a most admirable judgment.
Pantagruel, very well remembering his father's letter and admonitions, would one day make trial of his
knowledge. Thereupon, in all the carrefours, that is, throughout all the four quarters, streets, and corners of
the city, he set up conclusions to the number of nine thousand seven hundred sixty and four, in all manner of
learning, touching in them the hardest doubts that are in any science. And first of all, in the Fodder Street he
held dispute against all the regents or fellows of colleges, artists or masters of arts, and orators, and did so
gallantly that he overthrew them and set them all upon their tails. He went afterwards to the Sorbonne, where
he maintained argument against all the theologians or divines, for the space of six weeks, from four o'clock in
the morning until six in the evening, except an interval of two hours to refresh themselves and take their
repast. And at this were present the greatest part of the lords of the court, the masters of requests, presidents,
counsellors, those of the accompts, secretaries, advocates, and others; as also the sheriffs of the said town,
with the physicians and professors of the canon law. Amongst which, it is to be remarked, that the greatest
part were stubborn jades, and in their opinions obstinate; but he took such course with them that, for all their
ergoes and fallacies, he put their backs to the wall, gravelled them in the deepest questions, and made it
visibly appear to the world that, compared to him, they were but monkeys and a knot of muffled calves.
Whereupon everybody began to keep a bustling noise and talk of his so marvellous knowledge, through all
degrees of persons of both sexes, even to the very laundresses, brokers, roast−meat sellers, penknife makers,
and others, who, when he passed along in the street, would say, This is he! in which he took delight, as
Demosthenes, the prince of Greek orators, did, when an old crouching wife, pointing at him with her fingers,
said, That is the man.
Now at this same very time there was a process or suit in law depending in court between two great lords, of
which one was called my Lord Kissbreech, plaintiff of one side, and the other my Lord Suckfist, defendant of
the other; whose controversy was so high and difficult in law that the court of parliament could make nothing
of it. And therefore, by the commandment of the king, there were assembled four of the greatest and most
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learned of all the parliaments of France, together with the great council, and all the principal regents of the
universities, not only of France, but of England also and Italy, such as Jason, Philippus Decius, Petrus de
Petronibus, and a rabble of other old Rabbinists. Who being thus met together, after they had thereupon
consulted for the space of six−and−forty weeks, finding that they could not fasten their teeth in it, nor with
such clearness understand the case as that they might in any manner of way be able to right it, or take up the
difference betwixt the two aforesaid parties, it did so grievously vex them that they most villainously conshit
themselves for shame. In this great extremity one amongst them, named Du Douhet, the learnedest of all, and
more expert and prudent than any of the rest, whilst one day they were thus at their wits' end,
all−to−be−dunced and philogrobolized in their brains, said unto them, We have been here, my masters, a
good long space, without doing anything else than trifle away both our time and money, and can nevertheless
find neither brim nor bottom in this matter, for the more we study about it the less we understand therein,
which is a great shame and disgrace to us, and a heavy burden to our consciences; yea, such that in my
opinion we shall not rid ourselves of it without dishonour, unless we take some other course; for we do
nothing but dote in our consultations.
See, therefore, what I have thought upon. You have heard much talking of that worthy personage named
Master Pantagruel, who hath been found to be learned above the capacity of this present age, by the proofs he
gave in those great disputations which he held publicly against all men. My opinion is, that we send for him
to confer with him about this business; for never any man will encompass the bringing of it to an end if he do
it not.
Hereunto all the counsellors and doctors willingly agreed, and according to that their result having instantly
sent for him, they entreated him to be pleased to canvass the process and sift it thoroughly, that, after a deep
search and narrow examination of all the points thereof, he might forthwith make the report unto them such
as he shall think good in true and legal language. To this effect they delivered into his hands the bags wherein
were the writs and pancarts concerning that suit, which for bulk and weight were almost enough to lade four
great couillard or stoned asses. But Pantagruel said unto them, Are the two lords between whom this debate
and process is yet living? It was answered him, Yes. To what a devil, then, said he, serve so many paltry
heaps and bundles of papers and copies which you give me? Is it not better to hear their controversy from
their own mouths whilst they are face to face before us, than to read these vile fopperies, which are nothing
but trumperies, deceits, diabolical cozenages of Cepola, pernicious slights and subversions of equity? For I
am sure that you, and all those through whose hands this process has passed, have by your devices added
what you could to it pro et contra in such sort that, although their difference perhaps was clear and easy
enough to determine at first, you have obscured it and made it more intricate by the frivolous, sottish,
unreasonable, and foolish reasons and opinions of Accursius, Baldus, Bartolus, de Castro, de Imola,
Hippolytus, Panormo, Bertachin, Alexander, Curtius, and those other old mastiffs, who never understood the
least law of the Pandects, they being but mere blockheads and great tithe calves, ignorant of all that which
was needful for the understanding of the laws; for, as it is most certain, they had not the knowledge either of
the Greek or Latin tongue, but only of the Gothic and barbarian. The laws, nevertheless, were first taken from
the Greeks, according to the testimony of Ulpian, L. poster. de origine juris, which we likewise may perceive
by that all the laws are full of Greek words and sentences. And then we find that they are reduced into a Latin
style the most elegant and ornate that whole language is able to afford, without excepting that of any that ever
wrote therein, nay, not of Sallust, Varro, Cicero, Seneca, Titus Livius, nor Quintilian. How then could these
old dotards be able to understand aright the text of the laws who never in their time had looked upon a good
Latin book, as doth evidently enough appear by the rudeness of their style, which is fitter for a
chimney−sweeper, or for a cook or a scullion, than for a jurisconsult and doctor in the laws?
Furthermore, seeing the laws are excerpted out of the middle of moral and natural philosophy, how should
these fools have understood it, that have, by G−−, studied less in philosophy than my mule? In respect of
human learning and the knowledge of antiquities and history they were truly laden with those faculties as a
toad is with feathers. And yet of all this the laws are so full that without it they cannot be understood, as I
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intend more fully to show unto you in a peculiar treatise which on that purpose I am about to publish.
Therefore, if you will that I take any meddling in this process, first cause all these papers to be burnt;
secondly, make the two gentlemen come personally before me, and afterwards, when I shall have heard them,
I will tell you my opinion freely without any feignedness or dissimulation whatsoever.
Some amongst them did contradict this motion, as you know that in all companies there are more fools than
wise men, and that the greater part always surmounts the better, as saith Titus Livius in speaking of the
Carthaginians. But the foresaid Du Douhet held the contrary opinion, maintaining that Pantagruel had said
well, and what was right, in affirming that these records, bills of inquest, replies, rejoinders, exceptions,
depositions, and other such diableries of truth−entangling writs, were but engines wherewith to overthrow
justice and unnecessarily to prolong such suits as did depend before them; and that, therefore, the devil would
carry them all away to hell if they did not take another course and proceeded not in times coming according
to the prescripts of evangelical and philosophical equity. In fine, all the papers were burnt, and the two
gentlemen summoned and personally convented. At whose appearance before the court Pantagruel said unto
them, Are you they that have this great difference betwixt you? Yes, my lord, said they. Which of you, said
Pantagruel, is the plaintiff? It is I, said my Lord Kissbreech. Go to, then, my friend, said he, and relate your
matter unto me from point to point, according to the real truth, or else, by cock's body, if I find you to lie so
much as in one word, I will make you shorter by the head, and take it from off your shoulders to show others
by your example that in justice and judgment men ought to speak nothing but the truth. Therefore take heed
you do not add nor impair anything in the narration of your case. Begin.
Chapter 2.XI. How the Lords of Kissbreech and Suckfist did plead before Pantagruel without an attorney.
Then began Kissbreech in manner as followeth. My lord, it is true that a good woman of my house carried
eggs to the market to sell. Be covered, Kissbreech, said Pantagruel. Thanks to you, my lord, said the Lord
Kissbreech; but to the purpose. There passed betwixt the two tropics the sum of threepence towards the zenith
and a halfpenny, forasmuch as the Riphaean mountains had been that year oppressed with a great sterility of
counterfeit gudgeons and shows without substance, by means of the babbling tattle and fond fibs seditiously
raised between the gibblegabblers and Accursian gibberish−mongers for the rebellion of the Switzers, who
had assembled themselves to the full number of the bumbees and myrmidons to go a−handsel−getting on the
first day of the new year, at that very time when they give brewis to the oxen and deliver the key of the coals
to the country−girls for serving in of the oats to the dogs. All the night long they did nothing else, keeping
their hands still upon the pot, but despatch, both on foot and horseback, leaden−sealed writs or letters, to wit,
papal commissions commonly called bulls, to stop the boats; for the tailors and seamsters would have made
of the stolen shreds and clippings a goodly sagbut to cover the face of the ocean, which then was great with
child of a potful of cabbage, according to the opinion of the hay−bundle− makers. But the physicians said that
by the urine they could discern no manifest sign of the bustard's pace, nor how to eat double−tongued
mattocks with mustard, unless the lords and gentlemen of the court should be pleased to give by B.mol
express command to the pox not to run about any longer in gleaning up of coppersmiths and tinkers; for the
jobbernolls had already a pretty good beginning in their dance of the British jig called the estrindore, to a
perfect diapason, with one foot in the fire, and their head in the middle, as goodman Ragot was wont to say.
Ha, my masters, God moderates all things, and disposeth of them at his pleasure, so that against unlucky
fortune a carter broke his frisking whip, which was all the wind−instrument he had. This was done at his
return from the little paltry town, even then when Master Antitus of Cressplots was licentiated, and had
passed his degrees in all dullery and blockishness, according to this sentence of the canonists, Beati Dunces,
quoniam ipsi stumblaverunt. But that which makes Lent to be so high, by St. Fiacre of Bry, is for nothing else
but that the Pentecost never comes but to my cost; yet, on afore there, ho! a little rain stills a great wind, and
we must think so, seeing that the sergeant hath propounded the matter so far above my reach, that the clerks
and secondaries could not with the benefit thereof lick their fingers, feathered with ganders, so orbicularly as
they were wont in other things to do. And we do manifestly see that everyone acknowledgeth himself to be in
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the error wherewith another hath been charged, reserving only those cases whereby we are obliged to take an
ocular inspection in a perspective glass of these things towards the place in the chimney where hangeth the
sign of the wine of forty girths, which have been always accounted very necessary for the number of twenty
pannels and pack−saddles of the bankrupt protectionaries of five years' respite. Howsoever, at least, he that
would not let fly the fowl before the cheesecakes ought in law to have discovered his reason why not, for the
memory is often lost with a wayward shoeing. Well, God keep Theobald Mitain from all danger! Then said
Pantagruel, Hold there! Ho, my friend, soft and fair, speak at leisure and soberly without putting yourself in
choler. I understand and case,−−go on. Now then, my lord, said Kissbreech, the foresaid good woman saying
her gaudez and audi nos, could not cover herself with a treacherous backblow, ascending by the wounds and
passions of the privileges of the universities, unless by the virtue of a warming−pan she had angelically
fomented every part of her body in covering them with a hedge of garden−beds; then giving in a swift
unavoidable thirst (thrust) very near to the place where they sell the old rags whereof the painters of Flanders
make great use when they are about neatly to clap on shoes on grasshoppers, locusts, cigals, and such like
fly−fowls, so strange to us that I am wonderfully astonished why the world doth not lay, seeing it is so good
to hatch.
Here the Lord of Suckfist would have interrupted him and spoken somewhat, whereupon Pantagruel said unto
him, St! by St. Anthony's belly, doth it become thee to speak without command? I sweat here with the
extremity of labour and exceeding toil I take to understand the proceeding of your mutual difference, and yet
thou comest to trouble and disquiet me. Peace, in the devil's name, peace. Thou shalt be permitted to speak
thy bellyful when this man hath done, and no sooner. Go on, said he to Kissbreech; speak calmly, and do not
overheat yourself with too much haste.
I perceiving, then, said Kissbreech, that the Pragmatical Sanction did make no mention of it, and that the holy
Pope to everyone gave liberty to fart at his own ease, if that the blankets had no streaks wherein the liars were
to be crossed with a ruffian−like crew, and, the rainbow being newly sharpened at Milan to bring forth larks,
gave his full consent that the good woman should tread down the heel of the hip−gut pangs, by virtue of a
solemn protestation put in by the little testiculated or codsted fishes, which, to tell the truth, were at that time
very necessary for understanding the syntax and construction of old boots. Therefore John Calf, her cousin
gervais once removed with a log from the woodstack, very seriously advised her not to put herself into the
hazard of quagswagging in the lee, to be scoured with a buck of linen clothes till first she had kindled the
paper. This counsel she laid hold on, because he desired her to take nothing and throw out, for Non de ponte
vadit, qui cum sapientia cadit. Matters thus standing, seeing the masters of the chamber of accompts or
members of that committee did not fully agree amongst themselves in casting up the number of the Almany
whistles, whereof were framed those spectacles for princes which have been lately printed at Antwerp, I must
needs think that it makes a bad return of the writ, and that the adverse party is not to be believed, in sacer
verbo dotis. For that, having a great desire to obey the pleasure of the king, I armed myself from toe to top
with belly furniture, of the soles of good venison− pasties, to go see how my grape−gatherers and vintagers
had pinked and cut full of small holes their high−coped caps, to lecher it the better, and play at in and in. And
indeed the time was very dangerous in coming from the fair, in so far that many trained bowmen were cast at
the muster and quite rejected, although the chimney−tops were high enough, according to the proportion of
the windgalls in the legs of horses, or of the malanders, which in the esteem of expert farriers is no better
disease, or else the story of Ronypatifam or Lamibaudichon, interpreted by some to be the tale of a tub or of a
roasted horse, savours of apocrypha, and is not an authentic history. And by this means there was that year
great abundance, throughout all the country of Artois, of tawny buzzing beetles, to the no small profit of the
gentlemen−great−stick−faggot−carriers, when they did eat without disdaining the cocklicranes, till their belly
was like to crack with it again. As for my own part, such is my Christian charity towards my neighbours, that
I could wish from my heart everyone had as good a voice; it would make us play the better at the tennis and
the balloon. And truly, my lord, to express the real truth without dissimulation, I cannot but say that those
petty subtle devices which are found out in the etymologizing of pattens would descend more easily into the
river of Seine, to serve for ever at the millers' bridge upon the said water, as it was heretofore decreed by the
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king of the Canarians, according to the sentence or judgment given thereupon, which is to be seen in the
registry and records within the clerk's office of this house.
And, therefore, my lord, I do most humbly require, that by your lordship there may be said and declared upon
the case what is reasonable, with costs, damages, and interests. Then said Pantagruel, My friend, is this all
you have to say? Kissbreech answered, Yes, my lord, for I have told all the tu autem, and have not varied at
all upon mine honour in so much as one single word. You then, said Pantagruel, my Lord of Suckfist, say
what you will, and be brief, without omitting, nevertheless, anything that may serve to the purpose.
Chapter 2.XII. How the Lord of Suckfist pleaded before Pantagruel.
Then began the Lord Suckfist in manner as followeth. My lord, and you my masters, if the iniquity of men
were as easily seen in categorical judgment as we can discern flies in a milkpot, the world's four oxen had not
been so eaten up with rats, nor had so many ears upon the earth been nibbled away so scurvily. For although
all that my adversary hath spoken be of a very soft and downy truth, in so much as concerns the letter and
history of the factum, yet nevertheless the crafty slights, cunning subtleties, sly cozenages, and little troubling
entanglements are hid under the rosepot, the common cloak and cover of all fraudulent deceits.
Should I endure that, when I am eating my pottage equal with the best, and that without either thinking or
speaking any manner of ill, they rudely come to vex, trouble, and perplex my brains with that antique proverb
which saith,
Who in his pottage−eating drinks will not, When he is dead and buried, see one jot.
And, good lady, how many great captains have we seen in the day of battle, when in open field the sacrament
was distributed in luncheons of the sanctified bread of the confraternity, the more honestly to nod their heads,
play on the lute, and crack with their tails, to make pretty little platform leaps in keeping level by the ground?
But now the world is unshackled from the corners of the packs of Leicester. One flies out lewdly and
becomes debauched; another, likewise, five, four, and two, and that at such random that, if the court take not
some course therein, it will make as bad a season in matter of gleaning this year as ever it made, or it will
make goblets. If any poor creature go to the stoves to illuminate his muzzle with a cowsherd or to buy
winter−boots, and that the sergeants passing by, or those of the watch, happen to receive the decoction of a
clyster or the fecal matter of a close−stool upon their rustling−wrangling−clutter−keeping masterships,
should any because of that make bold to clip the shillings and testers and fry the wooden dishes? Sometimes,
when we think one thing, God does another; and when the sun is wholly set all beasts are in the shade. Let me
never be believed again, if I do not gallantly prove it by several people who have seen the light of the day.
In the year thirty and six, buying a Dutch curtail, which was a middle− sized horse, both high and short, of a
wool good enough and dyed in grain, as the goldsmiths assured me, although the notary put an in it, I told
really that I was not a clerk of so much learning as to snatch at the moon with my teeth; but, as for the
butter−firkin where Vulcanian deeds and evidences were sealed, the rumour was, and the report thereof went
current, that salt−beef will make one find the way to the wine without a candle, though it were hid in the
bottom of a collier's sack, and that with his drawers on he were mounted on a barbed horse furnished with a
fronstal, and such arms, thighs, and leg−pieces as are requisite for the well frying and broiling of a
swaggering sauciness. Here is a sheep's head, and it is well they make a proverb of this, that it is good to see
black cows in burnt wood when one attains to the enjoyment of his love. I had a consultation upon this point
with my masters the clerks, who for resolution concluded in frisesomorum that there is nothing like to
mowing in the summer, and sweeping clean away in water, well garnished with paper, ink, pens, and
penknives, of Lyons upon the river of Rhone, dolopym dolopof, tarabin tarabas, tut, prut, pish; for,
incontinently after that armour begins to smell of garlic, the rust will go near to eat the liver, not of him that
wears it, and then do they nothing else but withstand others' courses, and wryneckedly set up their bristles
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'gainst one another, in lightly passing over their afternoon's sleep, and this is that which maketh salt so dear.
My lords, believe not when the said good woman had with birdlime caught the shoveler fowl, the better
before a sergeant's witness to deliver the younger son's portion to him, that the sheep's pluck or hog's haslet
did dodge and shrink back in the usurers' purses, or that there could be anything better to preserve one from
the cannibals than to take a rope of onions, knit with three hundred turnips, and a little of a calf's chaldern of
the best allay that the alchemists have provided, (and) that they daub and do over with clay, as also calcinate
and burn to dust these pantoufles, muff in muff out, mouflin mouflard, with the fine sauce of the juice of the
rabble rout, whilst they hide themselves in some petty mouldwarphole, saving always the little slices of
bacon. Now, if the dice will not favour you with any other throw but ambes−ace and the chance of three at
the great end, mark well the ace, then take me your dame, settle her in a corner of the bed, and whisk me her
up drilletrille, there, there, toureloura la la; which when you have done, take a hearty draught of the best,
despicando grenovillibus, in despite of the frogs, whose fair coarse bebuskined stockings shall be set apart for
the little green geese or mewed goslings, which, fattened in a coop, take delight to sport themselves at the
wagtail game, waiting for the beating of the metal and heating of the wax by the slavering drivellers of
consolation.
Very true it is, that the four oxen which are in debate, and whereof mention was made, were somewhat short
in memory. Nevertheless, to understand the game aright, they feared neither the cormorant nor mallard of
Savoy, which put the good people of my country in great hope that their children some time should become
very skilful in algorism. Therefore is it, that by a law rubric and special sentence thereof, that we cannot fail
to take the wolf if we make our hedges higher than the windmill, whereof somewhat was spoken by the
plaintiff. But the great devil did envy it, and by that means put the High Dutches far behind, who played the
devils in swilling down and tippling at the good liquor, trink, mein herr, trink, trink, by two of my table−men
in the corner−point I have gained the lurch. For it is not probable, nor is there any appearance of truth in this
saying, that at Paris upon a little bridge the hen is proportionable, and were they as copped and high−crested
as marsh whoops, if veritably they did not sacrifice the printer's pumpet−balls at Moreb, with a new edge set
upon them by text letters or those of a swift−writing hand, it is all one to me, so that the headband of the book
breed not moths or worms in it. And put the case that, at the coupling together of the buckhounds, the little
puppies shall have waxed proud before the notary could have given an account of the serving of his writ by
the cabalistic art, it will necessarily follow, under correction of the better judgment of the court, that six acres
of meadow ground of the greatest breadth will make three butts of fine ink, without paying ready money;
considering that, at the funeral of King Charles, we might have had the fathom in open market for one or two,
that is, deuce ace. This I may affirm with a safe conscience, upon my oath of wool.
And I see ordinarily in all good bagpipes, that, when they go to the counterfeiting of the chirping of small
birds, by swinging a broom three times about a chimney, and putting his name upon record, they do nothing
but bend a crossbow backwards, and wind a horn, if perhaps it be too hot, and that, by making it fast to a rope
he was to draw, immediately after the sight of the letters, the cows were restored to him. Such another
sentence after the homeliest manner was pronounced in the seventeenth year, because of the bad government
of Louzefougarouse, whereunto it may please the court to have regard. I desire to be rightly understood; for
truly, I say not but that in all equity, and with an upright conscience, those may very well be dispossessed
who drink holy water as one would do a weaver's shuttle, whereof suppositories are made to those that will
not resign, but on the terms of ell and tell and giving of one thing for another. Tunc, my lords, quid juris pro
minoribus? For the common custom of the Salic law is such, that the first incendiary or firebrand of sedition
that flays the cow and wipes his nose in a full concert of music without blowing in the cobbler's stitches,
should in the time of the nightmare sublimate the penury of his member by moss gathered when people are
like to founder themselves at the mess at midnight, to give the estrapade to these white wines of Anjou that
do the fear of the leg in lifting it by horsemen called the gambetta, and that neck to neck after the fashion of
Brittany, concluding as before with costs, damages, and interests.
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After that the Lord of Suckfist had ended, Pantagruel said to the Lord of Kissbreech, My friend, have you a
mind to make any reply to what is said? No, my lord, answered Kissbreech; for I have spoke all I intended,
and nothing but the truth. Therefore, put an end for God's sake to our difference, for we are here at great
charge.
Chapter 2.XIII. How Pantagruel gave judgment upon the difference of the two lords.
Then Pantagruel, rising up, assembled all the presidents, counsellors, and doctors that were there, and said
unto them, Come now, my masters, you have heard vivae vocis oraculo, the controversy that is in question;
what do you think of it? They answered him, We have indeed heard it, but have not understood the devil so
much as one circumstance of the case; and therefore we beseech you, una voce, and in courtesy request you
that you would give sentence as you think good, and, ex nunc prout ex tunc, we are satisfied with it, and do
ratify it with our full consents. Well, my masters, said Pantagruel, seeing you are so pleased, I will do it; but I
do not truly find the case so difficult as you make it. Your paragraph Caton, the law Frater, the law Gallus,
the law Quinque pedum, the law Vinum, the law Si Dominus, the law Mater, the law Mulier bona, to the law
Si quis, the law Pomponius, the law Fundi, the law Emptor, the law Praetor, the law Venditor, and a great
many others, are far more intricate in my opinion. After he had spoke this, he walked a turn or two about the
hall, plodding very profoundly, as one may think; for he did groan like an ass whilst they girth him too hard,
with the very intensiveness of considering how he was bound in conscience to do right to both parties,
without varying or accepting of persons. Then he returned, sat down, and began to pronounce sentence as
followeth.
Having seen, heard, calculated, and well considered of the difference between the Lords of Kissbreech and
Suckfist, the court saith unto them, that in regard of the sudden quaking, shivering, and hoariness of the
flickermouse, bravely declining from the estival solstice, to attempt by private means the surprisal of toyish
trifles in those who are a little unwell for having taken a draught too much, through the lewd demeanour and
vexation of the beetles that inhabit the diarodal (diarhomal) climate of an hypocritical ape on horseback,
bending a crossbow backwards, the plaintiff truly had just cause to calfet, or with oakum to stop the chinks of
the galleon which the good woman blew up with wind, having one foot shod and the other bare, reimbursing
and restoring to him, low and stiff in his conscience, as many bladder−nuts and wild pistaches as there is of
hair in eighteen cows, with as much for the embroiderer, and so much for that. He is likewise declared
innocent of the case privileged from the knapdardies, into the danger whereof it was thought he had incurred;
because he could not jocundly and with fulness of freedom untruss and dung, by the decision of a pair of
gloves perfumed with the scent of bum−gunshot at the walnut− tree taper, as is usual in his country of
Mirebalais. Slacking, therefore, the topsail, and letting go the bowline with the brazen bullets, wherewith the
mariners did by way of protestation bake in pastemeat great store of pulse interquilted with the dormouse,
whose hawk's−bells were made with a puntinaria, after the manner of Hungary or Flanders lace, and which
his brother−in−law carried in a pannier, lying near to three chevrons or bordered gules, whilst he was clean
out of heart, drooping and crestfallen by the too narrow sifting, canvassing, and curious examining of the
matter in the angularly doghole of nasty scoundrels, from whence we shoot at the vermiformal popinjay with
the flap made of a foxtail.
But in that he chargeth the defendant that he was a botcher, cheese−eater, and trimmer of man's flesh
embalmed, which in the arsiversy swagfall tumble was not found true, as by the defendant was very well
discussed.
The court, therefore, doth condemn and amerce him in three porringers of curds, well cemented and closed
together, shining like pearls, and codpieced after the fashion of the country, to be paid unto the said defendant
about the middle of August in May. But, on the other part, the defendant shall be bound to furnish him with
hay and stubble for stopping the caltrops of his throat, troubled and impulregafized, with gabardines garbled
shufflingly, and friends as before, without costs and for cause.
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Which sentence being pronounced, the two parties departed both contented with the decree, which was a
thing almost incredible. For it never came to pass since the great rain, nor shall the like occur in thirteen
jubilees hereafter, that two parties contradictorily contending in judgment be equally satisfied and well
pleased with the definitive sentence. As for the counsellors and other doctors in the law that were there
present, they were all so ravished with admiration at the more than human wisdom of Pantagruel, which they
did most clearly perceive to be in him by his so accurate decision of this so difficult and thorny cause, that
their spirits with the extremity of the rapture being elevated above the pitch of actuating the organs of the
body, they fell into a trance and sudden ecstasy, wherein they stayed for the space of three long hours, and
had been so as yet in that condition had not some good people fetched store of vinegar and rose−water to
bring them again unto their former sense and understanding, for the which God be praised everywhere. And
so be it.
Chapter 2.XIV. How Panurge related the manner how he escaped out of the hands of the Turks.
The great wit and judgment of Pantagruel was immediately after this made known unto all the world by
setting forth his praises in print, and putting upon record this late wonderful proof he hath given thereof
amongst the rolls of the crown and registers of the palace, in such sort that everybody began to say that
Solomon, who by a probable guess only, without any further certainty, caused the child to be delivered to its
own mother, showed never in his time such a masterpiece of wisdom as the good Pantagruel hath done.
Happy are we, therefore, that have him in our country. And indeed they would have made him thereupon
master of the requests and president in the court; but he refused all, very graciously thanking them for their
offer. For, said he, there is too much slavery in these offices, and very hardly can they be saved that do
exercise them, considering the great corruption that is amongst men. Which makes me believe, if the empty
seats of angels be not filled with other kind of people than those, we shall not have the final judgment these
seven thousand, sixty and seven jubilees yet to come, and so Cusanus will be deceived in his conjecture.
Remember that I have told you of it, and given you fair advertisement in time and place convenient.
But if you have any hogsheads of good wine, I willingly will accept of a present of that. Which they very
heartily did do, in sending him of the best that was in the city, and he drank reasonably well, but poor
Panurge bibbed and boused of it most villainously, for he was as dry as a red− herring, as lean as a rake, and,
like a poor, lank, slender cat, walked gingerly as if he had trod upon eggs. So that by someone being
admonished, in the midst of his draught of a large deep bowl full of excellent claret with these words−−Fair
and softly, gossip, you suck up as if you were mad−− I give thee to the devil, said he; thou hast not found
here thy little tippling sippers of Paris, that drink no more than the little bird called a spink or chaffinch, and
never take in their beakful of liquor till they be bobbed on the tails after the manner of the sparrows. O
companion! if I could mount up as well as I can get down, I had been long ere this above the sphere of the
moon with Empedocles. But I cannot tell what a devil this means. This wine is so good and delicious, that the
more I drink thereof the more I am athirst. I believe that the shadow of my master Pantagruel engendereth the
altered and thirsty men, as the moon doth the catarrhs and defluxions. At which word the company began to
laugh, which Pantagruel perceiving, said, Panurge, what is that which moves you to laugh so? Sir, said he, I
was telling them that these devilish Turks are very unhappy in that they never drink one drop of wine, and
that though there were no other harm in all Mahomet's Alcoran, yet for this one base point of abstinence from
wine which therein is commanded, I would not submit myself unto their law. But now tell me, said
Pantagruel, how you escaped out of their hands. By G−−, sir, said Panurge, I will not lie to you in one word.
The rascally Turks had broached me upon a spit all larded like a rabbit, for I was so dry and meagre that
otherwise of my flesh they would have made but very bad meat, and in this manner began to roast me alive.
As they were thus roasting me, I recommended myself unto the divine grace, having in my mind the good St.
Lawrence, and always hoped in God that he would deliver me out of this torment. Which came to pass, and
that very strangely. For as I did commit myself with all my heart unto God, crying, Lord God, help me! Lord
God, save me! Lord God, take me out of this pain and hellish torture, wherein these traitorous dogs detain me
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for my sincerity in the maintenance of thy law! The roaster or turnspit fell asleep by the divine will, or else by
the virtue of some good Mercury, who cunningly brought Argus into a sleep for all his hundred eyes. When I
saw that he did no longer turn me in roasting, I looked upon him, and perceived that he was fast asleep. Then
took I up in my teeth a firebrand by the end where it was not burnt, and cast it into the lap of my roaster, and
another did I throw as well as I could under a field−couch that was placed near to the chimney, wherein was
the straw−bed of my master turnspit. Presently the fire took hold in the straw, and from the straw to the bed,
and from the bed to the loft, which was planked and ceiled with fir, after the fashion of the foot of a lamp.
But the best was, that the fire which I had cast into the lap of my paltry roaster burnt all his groin, and was
beginning to cease (seize) upon his cullions, when he became sensible of the danger, for his smelling was not
so bad but that he felt it sooner than he could have seen daylight. Then suddenly getting up, and in a great
amazement running to the window, he cried out to the streets as high as he could, Dal baroth, dal baroth, dal
baroth, which is as much to say as Fire, fire, fire. Incontinently turning about, he came straight towards me to
throw me quite into the fire, and to that effect had already cut the ropes wherewith my hands were tied, and
was undoing the cords from off my feet, when the master of the house hearing him cry Fire, and smelling the
smoke from the very street where he was walking with some other Bashaws and Mustaphas, ran with all the
speed he had to save what he could, and to carry away his jewels. Yet such was his rage, before he could well
resolve how to go about it, that he caught the broach whereon I was spitted and therewith killed my roaster
stark dead, of which wound he died there for want of government or otherwise; for he ran him in with the spit
a little above the navel, towards the right flank, till he pierced the third lappet of his liver, and the blow
slanting upwards from the midriff or diaphragm, through which it had made penetration, the spit passed
athwart the pericardium or capsule of his heart, and came out above at his shoulders, betwixt the spondyls or
turning joints of the chine of the back and the left homoplat, which we call the shoulder−blade.
True it is, for I will not lie, that, in drawing the spit out of my body I fell to the ground near unto the andirons,
and so by the fall took some hurt, which indeed had been greater, but that the lardons, or little slices of bacon
wherewith I was stuck, kept off the blow. My Bashaw then seeing the case to be desperate, his house burnt
without remission, and all his goods lost, gave himself over unto all the devils in hell, calling upon some of
them by their names, Grilgoth, Astaroth, Rappalus, and Gribouillis, nine several times. Which when I saw, I
had above sixpence' worth of fear, dreading that the devils would come even then to carry away this fool,
and, seeing me so near him, would perhaps snatch me up to. I am already, thought I, half roasted, and my
lardons will be the cause of my mischief; for these devils are very liquorous of lardons, according to the
authority which you have of the philosopher Jamblicus, and Murmault, in the Apology of Bossutis,
adulterated pro magistros nostros. But for my better security I made the sign of the cross, crying, Hageos,
athanatos, ho theos, and none came. At which my rogue Bashaw being very much aggrieved would, in
transpiercing his heart with my spit, have killed himself, and to that purpose had set it against his breast, but
it could not enter, because it was not sharp enough. Whereupon I perceiving that he was not like to work
upon his body the effect which he intended, although he did not spare all the force he had to thrust it forward,
came up to him and said, Master Bugrino, thou dost here but trifle away thy time, or rashly lose it, for thou
wilt never kill thyself thus as thou doest. Well, thou mayst hurt or bruise somewhat within thee, so as to make
thee languish all thy lifetime most pitifully amongst the hands of the chirurgeons; but if thou wilt be
counselled by me, I will kill thee clear outright, so that thou shalt not so much as feel it, and trust me, for I
have killed a great many others, who have found themselves very well after it. Ha, my friend, said he, I
prithee do so, and for thy pains I will give thee my codpiece (budget); take, here it is, there are six hundred
seraphs in it, and some fine diamonds and most excellent rubies. And where are they? said Epistemon. By St.
John, said Panurge, they are a good way hence, if they always keep going. But where is the last year's snow?
This was the greatest care that Villon the Parisian poet took. Make an end, said Pantagruel, that we may know
how thou didst dress thy Bashaw. By the faith of an honest man, said Panurge, I do not lie in one word. I
swaddled him in a scurvy swathel− binding which I found lying there half burnt, and with my cords tied him
roister−like both hand and foot, in such sort that he was not able to wince; then passed my spit through his
throat, and hanged him thereon, fastening the end thereof at two great hooks or crampirons, upon which they
did hang their halberds; and then, kindling a fair fire under him, did flame you up my Milourt, as they use to
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do dry herrings in a chimney. With this, taking his budget and a little javelin that was upon the foresaid
hooks, I ran away a fair gallop−rake, and God he knows how I did smell my shoulder of mutton.
When I was come down into the street, I found everybody come to put out the fire with store of water, and
seeing me so half−roasted, they did naturally pity my case, and threw all their water upon me, which, by a
most joyful refreshing of me, did me very much good. Then did they present me with some victuals, but I
could not eat much, because they gave me nothing to drink but water after their fashion. Other hurt they did
me none, only one little villainous Turkey knobbreasted rogue came thiefteously to snatch away some of my
lardons, but I gave him such a sturdy thump and sound rap on the fingers with all the weight of my javelin,
that he came no more the second time. Shortly after this there came towards me a pretty young Corinthian
wench, who brought me a boxful of conserves, of round Mirabolan plums, called emblicks, and looked upon
my poor robin with an eye of great compassion, as it was flea−bitten and pinked with the sparkles of the fire
from whence it came, for it reached no farther in length, believe me, than my knees. But note that this
roasting cured me entirely of a sciatica, whereunto I had been subject above seven years before, upon that
side which my roaster by falling asleep suffered to be burnt.
Now, whilst they were thus busy about me, the fire triumphed, never ask how? For it took hold on above two
thousand houses, which one of them espying cried out, saying, By Mahoom's belly, all the city is on fire, and
we do nevertheless stand gazing here, without offering to make any relief. Upon this everyone ran to save his
own; for my part, I took my way towards the gate. When I was got upon the knap of a little hillock not far off,
I turned me about as did Lot's wife, and, looking back, saw all the city burning in a fair fire, whereat I was so
glad that I had almost beshit myself for joy. But God punished me well for it. How? said Pantagruel. Thus,
said Panurge; for when with pleasure I beheld this jolly fire, jesting with myself, and saying−−Ha! poor flies,
ha! poor mice, you will have a bad winter of it this year; the fire is in your reeks, it is in your bed−straw−−out
come more than six, yea, more than thirteen hundred and eleven dogs, great and small, altogether out of the
town, flying away from the fire. At the first approach they ran all upon me, being carried on by the scent of
my lecherous half−roasted flesh, and had even then devoured me in a trice, if my good angel had not well
inspired me with the instruction of a remedy very sovereign against the toothache. And wherefore, said
Pantagruel, wert thou afraid of the toothache or pain of the teeth? Wert thou not cured of thy rheums? By
Palm Sunday, said Panurge, is there any greater pain of the teeth than when the dogs have you by the legs?
But on a sudden, as my good angel directed me, I thought upon my lardons, and threw them into the midst of
the field amongst them. Then did the dogs run, and fight with one another at fair teeth which should have the
lardons. By this means they left me, and I left them also bustling with and hairing one another. Thus did I
escape frolic and lively, gramercy roastmeat and cookery.
Chapter 2.XV. How Panurge showed a very new way to build the walls of Paris.
Pantagruel one day, to refresh himself of his study, went a−walking towards St. Marcel's suburbs, to see the
extravagancy of the Gobeline building, and to taste of their spiced bread. Panurge was with him, having
always a flagon under his gown and a good slice of a gammon of bacon; for without this he never went,
saying that it was as a yeoman of the guard to him, to preserve his body from harm. Other sword carried he
none; and, when Pantagruel would have given him one, he answered that he needed none, for that it would
but heat his milt. Yea but, said Epistemon, if thou shouldst be set upon, how wouldst thou defend thyself?
With great buskinades or brodkin blows, answered he, provided thrusts were forbidden. At their return,
Panurge considered the walls of the city of Paris, and in derision said to Pantagruel, See what fair walls here
are! O how strong they are, and well fitted to keep geese in a mew or coop to fatten them! By my beard, they
are competently scurvy for such a city as this is; for a cow with one fart would go near to overthrow above
six fathoms of them. O my friend, said Pantagruel, dost thou know what Agesilaus said when he was asked
why the great city of Lacedaemon was not enclosed with walls? Lo here, said he, the walls of the city! in
showing them the inhabitants and citizens thereof, so strong, so well armed, and so expert in military
discipline; signifying thereby that there is no wall but of bones, and that towns and cities cannot have a surer
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wall nor better fortification than the prowess and virtue of the citizens and inhabitants. So is this city so
strong, by the great number of warlike people that are in it, that they care not for making any other walls.
Besides, whosoever would go about to wall it, as Strasbourg, Orleans, or Ferrara, would find it almost
impossible, the cost and charges would be so excessive. Yea but, said Panurge, it is good, nevertheless, to
have an outside of stone when we are invaded by our enemies, were it but to ask, Who is below there? As for
the enormous expense which you say would be needful for undertaking the great work of walling this city
about, if the gentlemen of the town will be pleased to give me a good rough cup of wine, I will show them a
pretty, strange, and new way, how they may build them good cheap. How? said Pantagruel. Do not speak of it
then, answered Panurge, and I will tell it you. I see that the sine quo nons, kallibistris, or contrapunctums of
the women of this country are better cheap than stones. Of them should the walls be built, ranging them in
good symmetry by the rules of architecture, and placing the largest in the first ranks, then sloping downwards
ridge− wise, like the back of an ass. The middle−sized ones must be ranked next, and last of all the least and
smallest. This done, there must be a fine little interlacing of them, like points of diamonds, as is to be seen in
the great tower of Bourges, with a like number of the nudinnudos, nilnisistandos, and stiff bracmards, that
dwell in amongst the claustral codpieces. What devil were able to overthrow such walls? There is no metal
like it to resist blows, in so far that, if culverin−shot should come to graze upon it, you would incontinently
see distil from thence the blessed fruit of the great pox as small as rain. Beware, in the name of the devils, and
hold off. Furthermore, no thunderbolt or lightning would fall upon it. For why? They are all either blest or
consecrated. I see but one inconveniency in it. Ho, ho, ha, ha, ha! said Pantagruel, and what is that? It is, that
the flies would be so liquorish of them that you would wonder, and would quickly gather there together, and
there leave their ordure and excretions, and so all the work would be spoiled. But see how that might be
remedied: they must be wiped and made rid of the flies with fair foxtails, or great good viedazes, which are
ass−pizzles, of Provence. And to this purpose I will tell you, as we go to supper, a brave example set down by
Frater Lubinus, Libro de compotationibus mendicantium.
In the time that the beasts did speak, which is not yet three days since, a poor lion, walking through the forest
of Bieure, and saying his own little private devotions, passed under a tree where there was a roguish collier
gotten up to cut down wood, who, seeing the lion, cast his hatchet at him and wounded him enormously in
one of his legs; whereupon the lion halting, he so long toiled and turmoiled himself in roaming up and down
the forest to find help, that at last he met with a carpenter, who willingly looked upon his wound, cleansed it
as well as he could, and filled it with moss, telling him that he must wipe his wound well that the flies might
not do their excrements in it, whilst he should go search for some yarrow or millefoil, commonly called the
carpenter's herb. The lion, being thus healed, walked along in the forest at what time a sempiternous crone
and old hag was picking up and gathering some sticks in the said forest, who, seeing the lion coming towards
her, for fear fell down backwards, in such sort that the wind blew up her gown, coats, and smock, even as far
as above her shoulders; which the lion perceiving, for pity ran to see whether she had taken any hurt by the
fall, and thereupon considering her how do you call it, said, O poor woman, who hath thus wounded thee?
Which words when he had spoken, he espied a fox, whom he called to come to him saying, Gossip Reynard,
hau, hither, hither, and for cause! When the fox was come, he said unto him, My gossip and friend, they have
hurt this good woman here between the legs most villainously, and there is a manifest solution of continuity.
See how great a wound it is, even from the tail up to the navel, in measure four, nay full five handfuls and a
half. This is the blow of a hatchet, I doubt me; it is an old wound, and therefore, that the flies may not get into
it, wipe it lustily well and hard, I prithee, both within and without; thou hast a good tail, and long. Wipe, my
friend, wipe, I beseech thee, and in the meanwhile I will go get some moss to put into it; for thus ought we to
succour and help one another. Wipe it hard, thus, my friend; wipe it well, for this wound must be often wiped,
otherwise the party cannot be at ease. Go to, wipe well, my little gossip, wipe; God hath furnished thee with a
tail; thou hast a long one, and of a bigness proportionable; wipe hard, and be not weary. A good wiper, who,
in wiping continually, wipeth with his wipard, by wasps shall never be wounded. Wipe, my pretty minion;
wipe, my little bully; I will not stay long. Then went he to get store of moss; and when he was a little way off,
he cried out in speaking to the fox thus, Wipe well still, gossip, wipe, and let it never grieve thee to wipe
well, my little gossip; I will put thee into service to be wiper to Don Pedro de Castile; wipe, only wipe, and
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no more. The poor fox wiped as hard as he could, here and there, within and without; but the false old trot did
so fizzle and fist that she stunk like a hundred devils, which put the poor fox to a great deal of ill ease, for he
knew not to what side to turn himself to escape the unsavoury perfume of this old woman's postern blasts.
And whilst to that effect he was shifting hither and thither, without knowing how to shun the annoyance of
those unwholesome gusts, he saw that behind there was yet another hole, not so great as that which he did
wipe, out of which came this filthy and infectious air. The lion at last returned, bringing with him of moss
more than eighteen packs would hold, and began to put into the wound with a staff which he had provided for
that purpose, and had already put in full sixteen packs and a half, at which he was amazed. What a devil! said
he, this wound is very deep; it would hold above two cartloads of moss. The fox, perceiving this, said unto
the lion, O gossip lion, my friend, I pray thee do not put in all thy moss there; keep somewhat, for there is yet
here another little hole, that stinks like five hundred devils; I am almost choked with the smell thereof, it is so
pestiferous and empoisoning.
Thus must these walls be kept from the flies, and wages allowed to some for wiping of them. Then said
Pantagruel, How dost thou know that the privy parts of women are at such a cheap rate? For in this city there
are many virtuous, honest, and chaste women besides the maids. Et ubi prenus? said Panurge. I will give you
my opinion of it, and that upon certain and assured knowledge. I do not brag that I have bumbasted four
hundred and seventeen since I came into this city, though it be but nine days ago; but this very morning I met
with a good fellow, who, in a wallet such as Aesop's was, carried two little girls of two or three years old at
the most, one before and the other behind. He demanded alms of me, but I made him answer that I had more
cods than pence. Afterwards I asked him, Good man, these two girls, are they maids? Brother, said he, I have
carried them thus these two years, and in regard of her that is before, whom I see continually, in my opinion
she is a virgin, nevertheless I will not put my finger in the fire for it; as for her that is behind, doubtless I can
say nothing.
Indeed, said Pantagruel, thou art a gentle companion; I will have thee to be apparelled in my livery. And
therefore caused him to be clothed most gallantly according to the fashion that then was, only that Panurge
would have the codpiece of his breeches three foot long, and in shape square, not round; which was done, and
was well worth the seeing. Oftentimes was he wont to say, that the world had not yet known the emolument
and utility that is in wearing great codpieces; but time would one day teach it them, as all things have been
invented in time. God keep from hurt, said he, the good fellow whose long codpiece or braguet hath saved his
life! God keep from hurt him whose long braguet hath been worth to him in one day one hundred threescore
thousand and nine crowns! God keep from hurt him who by his long braguet hath saved a whole city from
dying by famine! And, by G−, I will make a book of the commodity of long braguets when I shall have more
leisure. And indeed he composed a fair great book with figures, but it is not printed as yet that I know of.
Chapter 2.XVI. Of the qualities and conditions of Panurge.
Panurge was of a middle stature, not too high nor too low, and had somewhat an aquiline nose, made like the
handle of a razor. He was at that time five and thirty years old or thereabouts, fine to gild like a leaden
dagger−−for he was a notable cheater and coney−catcher−−he was a very gallant and proper man of his
person, only that he was a little lecherous, and naturally subject to a kind of disease which at that time they
called lack of money−−it is an incomparable grief, yet, notwithstanding, he had three score and three tricks to
come by it at his need, of which the most honourable and most ordinary was in manner of thieving, secret
purloining and filching, for he was a wicked lewd rogue, a cozener, drinker, roister, rover, and a very
dissolute and debauched fellow, if there were any in Paris; otherwise, and in all matters else, the best and
most virtuous man in the world; and he was still contriving some plot, and devising mischief against the
sergeants and the watch.
At one time he assembled three or four especial good hacksters and roaring boys, made them in the evening
drink like Templars, afterwards led them till they came under St. Genevieve, or about the college of Navarre,
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and, at the hour that the watch was coming up that way−−which he knew by putting his sword upon the
pavement, and his ear by it, and, when he heard his sword shake, it was an infallible sign that the watch was
near at that instant−−then he and his companions took a tumbrel or dung−cart, and gave it the brangle,
hurling it with all their force down the hill, and so overthrew all the poor watchmen like pigs, and then ran
away upon the other side; for in less than two days he knew all the streets, lanes, and turnings in Paris as well
as his Deus det.
At another time he made in some fair place, where the said watch was to pass, a train of gunpowder, and, at
the very instant that they went along, set fire to it, and then made himself sport to see what good grace they
had in running away, thinking that St. Anthony's fire had caught them by the legs. As for the poor masters of
arts, he did persecute them above all others. When he encountered with any of them upon the street, he would
not never fail to put some trick or other upon them, sometimes putting the bit of a fried turd in their graduate
hoods, at other times pinning on little foxtails or hares'−ears behind them, or some such other roguish prank.
One day that they were appointed all to meet in the Fodder Street (Sorbonne), he made a Borbonesa tart, or
filthy and slovenly compound, made of store of garlic, of assafoetida, of castoreum, of dogs' turds very warm,
which he steeped, tempered, and liquefied in the corrupt matter of pocky boils and pestiferous botches; and,
very early in the morning therewith anointed all the pavement, in such sort that the devil could not have
endured it, which made all these good people there to lay up their gorges, and vomit what was upon their
stomachs before all the world, as if they had flayed the fox; and ten or twelve of them died of the plague,
fourteen became lepers, eighteen grew lousy, and about seven and twenty had the pox, but he did not care a
button for it. He commonly carried a whip under his gown, wherewith he whipped without remission the
pages whom he found carrying wine to their masters, to make them mend their pace. In his coat he had above
six and twenty little fobs and pockets always full; one with some lead−water, and a little knife as sharp as a
glover's needle, wherewith he used to cut purses; another with some kind of bitter stuff, which he threw into
the eyes of those he met; another with clotburrs, penned with little geese' or capon's feathers, which he cast
upon the gowns and caps of honest people, and often made them fair horns, which they wore about all the
city, sometimes all their life. Very often, also, upon the women's French hoods would he stick in the hind part
somewhat made in the shape of a man's member. In another, he had a great many little horns full of fleas and
lice, which he borrowed from the beggars of St. Innocent, and cast them with small canes or quills to write
with into the necks of the daintiest gentlewomen that he could find, yea, even in the church, for he never
seated himself above in the choir, but always sat in the body of the church amongst the women, both at mass,
at vespers, and at sermon. In another, he used to have good store of hooks and buckles, wherewith he would
couple men and women together that sat in company close to one another, but especially those that wore
gowns of crimson taffeties, that, when they were about to go away, they might rend all their gowns. In
another, he had a squib furnished with tinder, matches, stones to strike fire, and all other tackling necessary
for it. In another, two or three burning glasses, wherewith he made both men and women sometimes mad, and
in the church put them quite out of countenance; for he said that there was but an antistrophe, or little more
difference than of a literal inversion, between a woman folle a la messe and molle a la fesse, that is, foolish at
the mass and of a pliant buttock.
In another, he had a good deal of needles and thread, wherewith he did a thousand little devilish pranks. One
time, at the entry of the palace unto the great hall, where a certain grey friar or cordelier was to say mass to
the counsellors, he did help to apparel him and put on his vestments, but in the accoutring of him he sewed on
his alb, surplice, or stole, to his gown and shirt, and then withdrew himself when the said lords of the court or
counsellors came to hear the said mass; but when it came to the Ite, missa est, that the poor frater would have
laid by his stole or surplice, as the fashion then was, he plucked off withal both his frock and shirt, which
were well sewed together, and thereby stripping himself up to the very shoulders showed his bel vedere to all
the world, together with his Don Cypriano, which was no small one, as you may imagine. And the friar still
kept haling, but so much the more did he discover himself and lay open his back parts, till one of the lords of
the court said, How now! what's the matter? Will this fair father make us here an offering of his tail to kiss it?
Nay, St. Anthony's fire kiss it for us! From thenceforth it was ordained that the poor fathers should never
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disrobe themselves any more before the world, but in their vestry−room, or sextry, as they call it; especially
in the presence of women, lest it should tempt them to the sin of longing and disordinate desire. The people
then asked why it was the friars had so long and large genitories? The said Panurge resolved the problem very
neatly, saying, That which makes asses to have such great ears is that their dams did put no biggins on their
heads, as Alliaco mentioneth in his Suppositions. By the like reason, that which makes the genitories or
generation−tools of those so fair fraters so long is, for that they wear no bottomed breeches, and therefore
their jolly member, having no impediment, hangeth dangling at liberty as far as it can reach, with a
wiggle−waggle down to their knees, as women carry their paternoster beads. and the cause wherefore they
have it so correspondently great is, that in this constant wig−wagging the humours of the body descend into
the said member. For, according to the Legists, agitation and continual motion is cause of attraction.
Item, he had another pocket full of itching powder, called stone−alum, whereof he would cast some into the
backs of those women whom he judged to be most beautiful and stately, which did so ticklishly gall them,
that some would strip themselves in the open view of the world, and others dance like a cock upon hot
embers, or a drumstick on a tabor. Others, again, ran about the streets, and he would run after them. To such
as were in the stripping vein he would very civilly come to offer his attendance, and cover them with his
cloak, like a courteous and very gracious man.
Item, in another he had a little leather bottle full of old oil, wherewith, when he saw any man or woman in a
rich new handsome suit, he would grease, smutch, and spoil all the best parts of it under colour and pretence
of touching them, saying, This is good cloth; this is good satin; good taffeties! Madam, God give you all that
your noble heart desireth! You have a new suit, pretty sir;−−and you a new gown, sweet mistress;−−God give
you joy of it, and maintain you in all prosperity! And with this would lay his hand upon their shoulder, at
which touch such a villainous spot was left behind, so enormously engraven to perpetuity in the very soul,
body, and reputation, that the devil himself could never have taken it away. Then, upon his departing, he
would say, Madam, take heed you do not fall, for there is a filthy great hole before you, whereinto if you put
your foot, you will quite spoil yourself.
Another he had all full of euphorbium, very finely pulverized. In that powder did he lay a fair handkerchief
curiously wrought, which he had stolen from a pretty seamstress of the palace, in taking away a louse from
off her bosom which he had put there himself, and, when he came into the company of some good ladies, he
would trifle them into a discourse of some fine workmanship of bone−lace, then immediately put his hand
into their bosom, asking them, And this work, is it of Flanders, or of Hainault? and then drew out his
handkerchief, and said, Hold, hold, look what work here is, it is of Foutignan or of Fontarabia, and shaking it
hard at their nose, made them sneeze for four hours without ceasing. In the meanwhile he would fart like a
horse, and the women would laugh and say, How now, do you fart, Panurge? No, no, madam, said he, I do
but tune my tail to the plain song of the music which you make with your nose. In another he had a picklock,
a pelican, a crampiron, a crook, and some other iron tools, wherewith there was no door nor coffer which he
would not pick open. He had another full of little cups, wherewith he played very artificially, for he had his
fingers made to his hand, like those of Minerva or Arachne, and had heretofore cried treacle. And when he
changed a teston, cardecu, or any other piece of money, the changer had been more subtle than a fox if
Panurge had not at every time made five or six sols (that is, some six or seven pence,) vanish away invisibly,
openly, and manifestly, without making any hurt or lesion, whereof the changer should have felt nothing but
the wind.
Chapter 2.XVII. How Panurge gained the pardons, and married the old women, and of the suit in law
which he had at Paris.
One day I found Panurge very much out of countenance, melancholic, and silent; which made me suspect that
he had no money; whereupon I said unto him, Panurge, you are sick, as I do very well perceive by your
physiognomy, and I know the disease. You have a flux in your purse; but take no care. I have yet sevenpence
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halfpenny that never saw father nor mother, which shall not be wanting, no more than the pox, in your
necessity. Whereunto he answered me, Well, well; for money one day I shall have but too much, for I have a
philosopher's stone which attracts money out of men's purses as the adamant doth iron. But will you go with
me to gain the pardons? said he. By my faith, said I, I am no great pardon−taker in this world−−if I shall be
any such in the other, I cannot tell; yet let us go, in God's name; it is but one farthing more or less; But, said
he, lend me then a farthing upon interest. No, no, said I; I will give it you freely, and from my heart. Grates
vobis dominos, said he.
So we went along, beginning at St. Gervase, and I got the pardons at the first box only, for in those matters
very little contenteth me. Then did I say my small suffrages and the prayers of St. Brigid; but he gained them
all at the boxes, and always gave money to everyone of the pardoners. From thence we went to Our Lady's
Church, to St. John's, to St. Anthony's, and so to the other churches, where there was a banquet (bank) of
pardons. For my part, I gained no more of them, but he at all the boxes kissed the relics, and gave at
everyone. To be brief, when we were returned, he brought me to drink at the castle−tavern, and there showed
me ten or twelve of his little bags full of money, at which I blessed myself, and made the sign of the cross,
saying, Where have you recovered so much money in so little time? Unto which he answered me that he had
taken it out of the basins of the pardons. For in giving them the first farthing, said he, I put it in with such
sleight of hand and so dexterously that it appeared to be a threepence; thus with one hand I took threepence,
ninepence, or sixpence at the least, and with the other as much, and so through all the churches where we
have been. Yea but, said I, you damn yourself like a snake, and are withal a thief and sacrilegious person.
True, said he, in your opinion, but I am not of that mind; for the pardoners do give me it, when they say unto
me in presenting the relics to kiss, Centuplum accipies, that is, that for one penny I should take a hundred; for
accipies is spoken according to the manner of the Hebrews, who use the future tense instead of the
imperative, as you have in the law, Diliges Dominum, that is, Dilige. Even so, when the pardon−bearer says
to me, Centuplum accipies, his meaning is, Centuplum accipe; and so doth Rabbi Kimy and Rabbi Aben Ezra
expound it, and all the Massorets, et ibi Bartholus. Moreover, Pope Sixtus gave me fifteen hundred francs of
yearly pension, which in English money is a hundred and fifty pounds, upon his ecclesiastical revenues and
treasure, for having cured him of a cankerous botch, which did so torment him that he thought to have been a
cripple by it all his life. Thus I do pay myself at my own hand, for otherwise I get nothing upon the said
ecclesiastical treasure. Ho, my friend! said he, if thou didst know what advantage I made, and how well I
feathered my nest, by the Pope's bull of the crusade, thou wouldst wonder exceedingly. It was worth to me
above six thousand florins, in English coin six hundred pounds. And what a devil is become of them? said I;
for of that money thou hast not one halfpenny. They returned from whence they came, said he; they did no
more but change their master.
But I employed at least three thousand of them, that is, three hundred pounds English, in marrying−−not
young virgins, for they find but too many husbands−−but great old sempiternous trots which had not so much
as one tooth in their heads; and that out of the consideration I had that these good old women had very well
spent the time of their youth in playing at the close−buttock game to all comers, serving the foremost first, till
no man would have any more dealing with them. And, by G−−, I will have their skin−coat shaken once yet
before they die. By this means, to one I gave a hundred florins, to another six score, to another three hundred,
according to that they were infamous, detestable, and abominable. For, by how much the more horrible and
execrable they were, so much the more must I needs have given them, otherwise the devil would not have
jummed them. Presently I went to some great and fat wood−porter, or such like, and did myself make the
match. But, before I did show him the old hags, I made a fair muster to him of the crowns, saying, Good
fellow, see what I will give thee if thou wilt but condescend to duffle, dinfredaille, or lecher it one good time.
Then began the poor rogues to gape like old mules, and I caused to be provided for them a banquet, with
drink of the best, and store of spiceries, to put the old women in rut and heat of lust. To be short, they
occupied all, like good souls; only, to those that were horribly ugly and ill−favoured, I caused their head to be
put within a bag, to hide their face.
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Besides all this, I have lost a great deal in suits of law. And what lawsuits couldst thou have? said I; thou hast
neither house nor lands. My friend, said he, the gentlewomen of this city had found out, by the instigation of
the devil of hell, a manner of high−mounted bands and neckerchiefs for women, which did so closely cover
their bosoms that men could no more put their hands under. For they had put the slit behind, and those
neckcloths were wholly shut before, whereat the poor sad contemplative lovers were much discontented.
Upon a fair Tuesday I presented a petition to the court, making myself a party against the said gentlewomen,
and showing the great interest that I pretended therein, protesting that by the same reason I would cause the
codpiece of my breeches to be sewed behind, if the court would not take order for it. In sum, the
gentlewomen put in their defences, showing the grounds they went upon, and constituted their attorney for
the prosecuting of the cause. But I pursued them so vigorously, that by a sentence of the court it was decreed
those high neckcloths should be no longer worn if they were not a little cleft and open before; but it cost me a
good sum of money. I had another very filthy and beastly process against the dung−farmer called Master Fifi
and his deputies, that they should no more read privily the pipe, puncheon, nor quart of sentences, but in fair
full day, and that in the Fodder schools, in face of the Arrian (Artitian) sophisters, where I was ordained to
pay the charges, by reason of some clause mistaken in the relation of the sergeant. Another time I framed a
complaint to the court against the mules of the presidents, counsellors, and others, tending to this purpose,
that, when in the lower court of the palace they left them to champ on their bridles, some bibs were made for
them (by the counsellors' wives), that with their drivelling they might not spoil the pavement; to the end that
the pages of the palace what play upon it with their dice, or at the game of coxbody, at their own ease,
without spoiling their breeches at the knees. And for this I had a fair decree, but it cost me dear. Now reckon
up what expense I was at in little banquets which from day to day I made to the pages of the palace. And to
what end? said I. My friend, said he, thou hast no pastime at all in this world. I have more than the king, and
if thou wilt join thyself with me, we will do the devil together. No, no, said I; by St. Adauras, that will I not,
for thou wilt be hanged one time or another. And thou, said he, wilt be interred some time or other. Now
which is most honourable, the air or the earth? Ho, grosse pecore!
Whilst the pages are at their banqueting, I keep their mules, and to someone I cut the stirrup−leather of the
mounting side till it hang but by a thin strap or thread, that when the great puffguts of the counsellor or some
other hath taken his swing to get up, he may fall flat on his side like a pork, and so furnish the spectators with
more than a hundred francs' worth of laughter. But I laugh yet further to think how at his home−coming the
master−page is to be whipped like green rye, which makes me not to repent what I have bestowed in feasting
them. In brief, he had, as I said before, three score and three ways to acquire money, but he had two hundred
and fourteen to spend it, besides his drinking.
Chapter 2.XVIII. How a great scholar of England would have argued against Pantagruel, and was
overcome by Panurge.
In that same time a certain learned man named Thaumast, hearing the fame and renown of Pantagruel's
incomparable knowledge, came out of his own country of England with an intent only to see him, to try
thereby and prove whether his knowledge in effect was so great as it was reported to be. In this resolution
being arrived at Paris, he went forthwith unto the house of the said Pantagruel, who was lodged in the palace
of St. Denis, and was then walking in the garden thereof with Panurge, philosophizing after the fashion of the
Peripatetics. At his first entrance he startled, and was almost out of his wits for fear, seeing him so great and
so tall. Then did he salute him courteously as the manner is, and said unto him, Very true it is, saith Plato the
prince of philosophers, that if the image and knowledge of wisdom were corporeal and visible to the eyes of
mortals, it would stir up all the world to admire her. Which we may the rather believe that the very bare
report thereof, scattered in the air, if it happen to be received into the ears of men, who, for being studious
and lovers of virtuous things are called philosophers, doth not suffer them to sleep nor rest in quiet, but so
pricketh them up and sets them on fire to run unto the place where the person is, in whom the said knowledge
is said to have built her temple and uttered her oracles. As it was manifestly shown unto us in the Queen of
Sheba, who came from the utmost borders of the East and Persian Sea, to see the order of Solomon's house
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and to hear his wisdom; in Anacharsis, who came out of Scythia, even unto Athens, to see Solon; in
Pythagoras, who travelled far to visit the memphitical vaticinators; in Plato, who went a great way off to see
the magicians of Egypt, and Architus of Tarentum; in Apollonius Tyaneus, who went as far as unto Mount
Caucasus, passed along the Scythians, the Massagetes, the Indians, and sailed over the great river Phison,
even to the Brachmans to see Hiarchus; as likewise unto Babylon, Chaldea, Media, Assyria, Parthia, Syria,
Phoenicia, Arabia, Palestina, and Alexandria, even unto Aethiopia, to see the Gymnosophists. The like
example have we of Titus Livius, whom to see and hear divers studious persons came to Rome from the
confines of France and Spain. I dare not reckon myself in the number of those so excellent persons, but well
would be called studious, and a lover, not only of learning, but of learned men also. And indeed, having heard
the report of your so inestimable knowledge, I have left my country, my friends, my kindred, and my house,
and am come thus far, valuing at nothing the length of the way, the tediousness of the sea, nor strangeness of
the land, and that only to see you and to confer with you about some passages in philosophy, of geomancy,
and of the cabalistic art, whereof I am doubtful and cannot satisfy my mind; which if you can resolve, I yield
myself unto you for a slave henceforward, together with all my posterity, for other gift have I none that I can
esteem a recompense sufficient for so great a favour. I will reduce them into writing, and to−morrow publish
them to all the learned men in the city, that we may dispute publicly before them.
But see in what manner I mean that we shall dispute. I will not argue pro et contra, as do the sottish sophisters
of this town and other places. Likewise I will not dispute after the manner of the Academics by declamation;
nor yet by numbers, as Pythagoras was wont to do, and as Picus de la Mirandula did of late at Rome. But I
will dispute by signs only without speaking, for the matters are so abstruse, hard, and arduous, that words
proceeding from the mouth of man will never be sufficient for unfolding of them to my liking. May it,
therefore, please your magnificence to be there; it shall be at the great hall of Navarre at seven o'clock in the
morning. When he had spoken these words, Pantagruel very honourably said unto him: Sir, of the graces that
God hath bestowed upon me, I would not deny to communicate unto any man to my power. For whatever
comes from him is good, and his pleasure is that it should be increased when we come amongst men worthy
and fit to receive this celestial manna of honest literature. In which number, because that in this time, as I do
already very plainly perceive, thou holdest the first rank, I give thee notice that at all hours thou shalt find me
ready to condescend to every one of thy requests according to my poor ability; although I ought rather to
learn of thee than thou of me. But, as thou hast protested, we will confer of these doubts together, and will
seek out the resolution, even unto the bottom of that undrainable well where Heraclitus says the truth lies
hidden. And I do highly commend the manner of arguing which thou hast proposed, to wit, by signs without
speaking; for by this means thou and I shall understand one another well enough, and yet shall be free from
this clapping of hands which these blockish sophisters make when any of the arguers hath gotten the better of
the argument. Now to−morrow I will not fail to meet thee at the place and hour that thou hast appointed, but
let me entreat thee that there be not any strife or uproar between us, and that we seek not the honour and
applause of men, but the truth only. To which Thaumast answered: The Lord God maintain you in his favour
and grace, and, instead of my thankfulness to you, pour down his blessings upon you, for that your highness
and magnificent greatness hath not disdained to descend to the grant of the request of my poor baseness. So
farewell till to− morrow! Farewell, said Pantagruel.
Gentlemen, you that read this present discourse, think not that ever men were more elevated and transported
in their thoughts than all this night were both Thaumast and Pantagruel; for the said Thaumast said to the
keeper of the house of Cluny, where he was lodged, that in all his life he had never known himself so dry as
he was that night. I think, said he, that Pantagruel held me by the throat. Give order, I pray you, that we may
have some drink, and see that some fresh water be brought to us, to gargle my palate. On the other side,
Pantagruel stretched his wits as high as he could, entering into very deep and serious meditations, and did
nothing all that night but dote upon and turn over the book of Beda, De numeris et signis; Plotin's book, De
inenarrabilibus; the book of Proclus, De magia; the book of Artemidorus (Greek); of Anaxagoras, (Greek);
Dinarius, (Greek); the books of Philiston; Hipponax, (Greek), and a rabble of others, so long, that Panurge
said unto him:
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My lord, leave all these thoughts and go to bed; for I perceive your spirits to be so troubled by a too intensive
bending of them, that you may easily fall into some quotidian fever with this so excessive thinking and
plodding. But, having first drunk five and twenty or thirty good draughts, retire yourself and sleep your fill,
for in the morning I will argue against and answer my master the Englishman, and if I drive him not ad
metam non loqui, then call me knave. Yea but, said he, my friend Panurge, he is marvellously learned; how
wilt thou be able to answer him? Very well, answered Panurge; I pray you talk no more of it, but let me
alone. Is any man so learned as the devils are? No, indeed, said Pantagruel, without God's especial grace. Yet
for all that, said Panurge, I have argued against them, gravelled and blanked them in disputation, and laid
them so squat upon their tails that I have made them look like monkeys. Therefore be assured that to−morrow
I will make this vain−glorious Englishman to skite vinegar before all the world. So Panurge spent the night
with tippling amongst the pages, and played away all the points of his breeches at primus secundus and at
peck point, in French called La Vergette. Yet, when the condescended on time was come, he failed not to
conduct his master Pantagruel to the appointed place, unto which, believe me, there was neither great nor
small in Paris but came, thinking with themselves that this devilish Pantagruel, who had overthrown and
vanquished in dispute all these doting fresh−water sophisters, would now get full payment and be tickled to
some purpose. For this Englishman is a terrible bustler and horrible coil−keeper. We will see who will be
conqueror, for he never met with his match before.
Thus all being assembled, Thaumast stayed for them, and then, when Pantagruel and Panurge came into the
hall, all the schoolboys, professors of arts, senior sophisters, and bachelors began to clap their hands, as their
scurvy custom is. But Pantagruel cried out with a loud voice, as if it had been the sound of a double cannon,
saying, Peace, with a devil to you, peace! By G−−, you rogues, if you trouble me here, I will cut off the heads
of everyone of you. At which words they remained all daunted and astonished like so many ducks, and durst
not do so much as cough, although they had swallowed fifteen pounds of feathers. Withal they grew so dry
with this only voice, that they laid out their tongues a full half foot beyond their mouths, as if Pantagruel had
salted all their throats. Then began Panurge to speak, saying to the Englishman, Sir, are you come hither to
dispute contentiously in those propositions you have set down, or, otherwise, but to learn and know the truth?
To which answered Thaumast, Sir, no other thing brought me hither but the great desire I had to learn and to
know that of which I have doubted all my life long, and have neither found book nor man able to content me
in the resolution of those doubts which I have proposed. And, as for disputing contentiously, I will not do it,
for it is too base a thing, and therefore leave it to those sottish sophisters who in their disputes do not search
for the truth, but for contradiction only and debate. Then said Panurge, If I, who am but a mean and
inconsiderable disciple of my master my lord Pantagruel, content and satisfy you in all and everything, it
were a thing below my said master wherewith to trouble him. Therefore is it fitter that he be chairman, and sit
as a judge and moderator of our discourse and purpose, and give you satisfaction in many things wherein
perhaps I shall be wanting to your expectation. Truly, said Thaumast, it is very well said; begin then. Now
you must note that Panurge had set at the end of his long codpiece a pretty tuft of red silk, as also of white,
green, and blue, and within it had put a fair orange.
Chapter 2.XIX. How Panurge put to a nonplus the Englishman that argued by signs.
Everybody then taking heed, and hearkening with great silence, the Englishman lift up on high into the air his
two hands severally, clunching in all the tops of his fingers together, after the manner which, a la Chinonnese,
they call the hen's arse, and struck the one hand on the other by the nails four several times. Then he, opening
them, struck the one with the flat of the other till it yielded a clashing noise, and that only once. Again, in
joining them as before, he struck twice, and afterwards four times in opening them. Then did he lay them
joined, and extended the one towards the other, as if he had been devoutly to send up his prayers unto God.
Panurge suddenly lifted up in the air his right hand, and put the thumb thereof into the nostril of the same
side, holding his four fingers straight out, and closed orderly in a parallel line to the point of his nose,
shutting the left eye wholly, and making the other wink with a profound depression of the eyebrows and
eyelids. Then lifted he up his left hand, with hard wringing and stretching forth his four fingers and elevating
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his thumb, which he held in a line directly correspondent to the situation of his right hand, with the distance
of a cubit and a half between them. This done, in the same form he abased towards the ground about the one
and the other hand. Lastly, he held them in the midst, as aiming right at the Englishman's nose. And if
Mercury,−−said the Englishman. There Panurge interrupted him, and said, You have spoken, Mask.
Then made the Englishman this sign. His left hand all open he lifted up into the air, then instantly shut into
his fist the four fingers thereof, and his thumb extended at length he placed upon the gristle of his nose.
Presently after, he lifted up his right hand all open, and all open abased and bent it downwards, putting the
thumb thereof in the very place where the little finger of the left hand did close in the fist, and the four
right−hand fingers he softly moved in the air. Then contrarily he did with the right hand what he had done
with the left, and with the left what he had done with the right.
Panurge, being not a whit amazed at this, drew out into the air his trismegist codpiece with the left hand, and
with his right drew forth a truncheon of a white ox−rib, and two pieces of wood of a like form, one of black
ebony and the other of incarnation brasil, and put them betwixt the fingers of that hand in good symmetry;
then, knocking them together, made such a noise as the lepers of Brittany use to do with their clappering
clickets, yet better resounding and far more harmonious, and with his tongue contracted in his mouth did very
merrily warble it, always looking fixedly upon the Englishman. The divines, physicians, and chirurgeons that
were there thought that by this sign he would have inferred that the Englishman was a leper. The counsellors,
lawyers, and decretalists conceived that by doing this he would have concluded some kind of mortal felicity
to consist in leprosy, as the Lord maintained heretofore.
The Englishman for all this was nothing daunted, but holding up his two hands in the air, kept them in such
form that he closed the three master− fingers in his fist, and passing his thumbs through his indical or
foremost and middle fingers, his auriculary or little fingers remained extended and stretched out, and so
presented he them to Panurge. Then joined he them so that the right thumb touched the left, and the left little
finger touched the right. Hereat Panurge, without speaking one word, lift up his hands and made this sign.
He put the nail of the forefinger of his left hand to the nail of the thumb of the same, making in the middle of
the distance as it were a buckle, and of his right hand shut up all the fingers into his fist, except the forefinger,
which he often thrust in and out through the said two others of the left hand. Then stretched he out the
forefinger and middle finger or medical of his right hand, holding them asunder as much as he could, and
thrusting them towards Thaumast. Then did he put the thumb of his left hand upon the corner of his left eye,
stretching out all his hand like the wing of a bird or the fin of a fish, and moving it very daintily this way and
that way, he did as much with his right hand upon the corner of his right eye. Thaumast began then to wax
somewhat pale, and to tremble, and made him this sign.
With the middle finger of his right hand he struck against the muscle of the palm or pulp which is under the
thumb. Then put he the forefinger of the right hand in the like buckle of the left, but he put it under, and not
over, as Panurge did. Then Panurge knocked one hand against another, and blowed in his palm, and put again
the forefinger of his right hand into the overture or mouth of the left, pulling it often in and out. Then held he
out his chin, most intentively looking upon Thaumast. The people there, which understood nothing in the
other signs, knew very well that therein he demanded, without speaking a word to Thaumast, What do you
mean by that? In effect, Thaumast then began to sweat great drops, and seemed to all the spectators a man
strangely ravished in high contemplation. Then he bethought himself, and put all the nails of his left hand
against those of his right, opening his fingers as if they had been semicircles, and with this sign lift up his
hands as high as he could. Whereupon Panurge presently put the thumb of his right hand under his jaws, and
the little finger thereof in the mouth of the left hand, and in this posture made his teeth to sound very
melodiously, the upper against the lower. With this Thaumast, with great toil and vexation of spirit, rose up,
but in rising let a great baker's fart, for the bran came after, and pissing withal very strong vinegar, stunk like
all the devils in hell. The company began to stop their noses; for he had conskited himself with mere anguish
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and perplexity. Then lifted he up his right hand, clunching it in such sort that he brought the ends of all his
fingers to meet together, and his left hand he laid flat upon his breast. Whereat Panurge drew out his long
codpiece with his tuff, and stretched it forth a cubit and a half, holding it in the air with his right hand, and
with his left took out his orange, and, casting it up into the air seven times, at the eighth he hid it in the fist of
his right hand, holding it steadily up on high, and then began to shake his fair codpiece, showing it to
Thaumast.
After that, Thaumast began to puff up his two cheeks like a player on a bagpipe, and blew as if he had been to
puff up a pig's bladder. Whereupon Panurge put one finger of his left hand in his nockandrow, by some called
St. Patrick's hole, and with his mouth sucked in the air, in such a manner as when one eats oysters in the shell,
or when we sup up our broth. This done, he opened his mouth somewhat, and struck his right hand flat upon
it, making therewith a great and a deep sound, as if it came from the superficies of the midriff through the
trachiartery or pipe of the lungs, and this he did for sixteen times; but Thaumast did always keep blowing like
a goose. Then Panurge put the forefinger of his right hand into his mouth, pressing it very hard to the muscles
thereof; then he drew it out, and withal made a great noise, as when little boys shoot pellets out of the
pot−cannons made of the hollow sticks of the branch of an alder−tree, and he did it nine times.
Then Thaumast cried out, Ha, my masters, a great secret! With this he put in his hand up to the elbow, then
drew out a dagger that he had, holding it by the point downwards. Whereat Panurge took his long codpiece,
and shook it as hard as he could against his thighs; then put his two hands entwined in manner of a comb
upon his head, laying out his tongue as far as he was able, and turning his eyes in his head like a goat that is
ready to die. Ha, I understand, said Thaumast, but what? making such a sign that he put the haft of his dagger
against his breast, and upon the point thereof the flat of his hand, turning in a little the ends of his fingers.
Whereat Panurge held down his head on the left side, and put his middle finger into his right ear, holding up
his thumb bolt upright. Then he crossed his two arms upon his breast and coughed five times, and at the fifth
time he struck his right foot against the ground. Then he lift up his left arm, and closing all his fingers into his
fist, held his thumb against his forehead, striking with his right hand six times against his breast. But
Thaumast, as not content therewith, put the thumb of his left hand upon the top of his nose, shutting the rest
of his said hand, whereupon Panurge set his two master−fingers upon each side of his mouth, drawing it as
much as he was able, and widening it so that he showed all his teeth, and with his two thumbs plucked down
his two eyelids very low, making therewith a very ill−favoured countenance, as it seemed to the company.
Chapter 2.XX. How Thaumast relateth the virtues and knowledge of Panurge.
Then Panurge rose up, and, putting off his cap, did very kindly thank the said Panurge, and with a loud voice
said unto all the people that were there: My lords, gentlemen, and others, at this time may I to some good
purpose speak that evangelical word, Et ecce plus quam Salomon hic! You have here in your presence an
incomparable treasure, that is, my lord Pantagruel, whose great renown hath brought me hither, out of the
very heart of England, to confer with him about the insoluble problems, both in magic, alchemy, the cabal,
geomancy, astrology, and philosophy, which I had in my mind. But at present I am angry even with fame
itself, which I think was envious to him, for that it did not declare the thousandth part of the worth that indeed
is in him. You have seen how his disciple only hath satisfied me, and hath told me more than I asked of him.
Besides, he hath opened unto me, and resolved other inestimable doubts, wherein I can assure you he hath to
me discovered the very true well, fountain, and abyss of the encyclopaedia of learning; yea, in such a sort that
I did not think I should ever have found a man that could have made his skill appear in so much as the first
elements of that concerning which we disputed by signs, without speaking either word or half word. But, in
fine, I will reduce into writing that which we have said and concluded, that the world may not take them to be
fooleries, and will thereafter cause them to be printed, that everyone may learn as I have done. Judge, then,
what the master had been able to say, seeing the disciple hath done so valiantly; for, Non est discipulus super
magistrum. Howsoever, God be praised! and I do very humbly thank you for the honour that you have done
us at this act. God reward you for it eternally! The like thanks gave Pantagruel to all the company, and, going
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from thence, he carried Thaumast to dinner with him, and believe that they drank as much as their skins could
hold, or, as the phrase is, with unbuttoned bellies (for in that age they made fast their bellies with buttons, as
we do now the collars of our doublets or jerkins), even till they neither knew where they were nor whence
they came. Blessed Lady, how they did carouse it, and pluck, as we say, at the kid's leather! And flagons to
trot, and they to toot, Draw; give, page, some wine here; reach hither; fill with a devil, so! There was not one
but did drink five and twenty or thirty pipes. Can you tell how? Even sicut terra sine aqua; for the weather
was hot, and, besides that, they were very dry. In matter of the exposition of the propositions set down by
Thaumast, and the signification of the signs which they used in their disputation, I would have set them down
for you according to their own relation, but I have been told that Thaumast made a great book of it, imprinted
at London, wherein he hath set down all, without omitting anything, and therefore at this time I do pass by it.
Chapter 2.XXI. How Panurge was in love with a lady of Paris.
Panurge began to be in great reputation in the city of Paris by means of this disputation wherein he prevailed
against the Englishman, and from thenceforth made his codpiece to be very useful to him. To which effect he
had it pinked with pretty little embroideries after the Romanesca fashion. And the world did praise him
publicly, in so far that there was a song made of him, which little children did use to sing when they were to
fetch mustard. He was withal made welcome in all companies of ladies and gentlewomen, so that at last he
became presumptuous, and went about to bring to his lure one of the greatest ladies in the city. And, indeed,
leaving a rabble of long prologues and protestations, which ordinarily these dolent contemplative lent−lovers
make who never meddle with the flesh, one day he said unto her, Madam, it would be a very great benefit to
the commonwealth, delightful to you, honourable to your progeny, and necessary for me, that I cover you for
the propagating of my race, and believe it, for experience will teach it you. The lady at this word thrust him
back above a hundred leagues, saying, You mischievous fool, is it for you to talk thus unto me? Whom do
you think you have in hand? Begone, never to come in my sight again; for, if one thing were not, I would
have your legs and arms cut off. Well, said he, that were all one to me, to want both legs and arms, provided
you and I had but one merry bout together at the brangle−buttock game; for herewithin is−−in showing her
his long codpiece−−Master John Thursday, who will play you such an antic that you shall feel the sweetness
thereof even to the very marrow of your bones. He is a gallant, and doth so well know how to find out all the
corners, creeks, and ingrained inmates in your carnal trap, that after him there needs no broom, he'll sweep so
well before, and leave nothing to his followers to work upon. Whereunto the lady answered, Go, villain, go.
If you speak to me one such word more, I will cry out and make you to be knocked down with blows. Ha,
said he, you are not so bad as you say−−no, or else I am deceived in your physiognomy. For sooner shall the
earth mount up unto the heavens, and the highest heavens descend unto the hells, and all the course of nature
be quite perverted, than that in so great beauty and neatness as in you is there should be one drop of gall or
malice. They say, indeed, that hardly shall a man ever see a fair woman that is not also stubborn. Yet that is
spoke only of those vulgar beauties; but yours is so excellent, so singular, and so heavenly, that I believe
nature hath given it you as a paragon and masterpiece of her art, to make us know what she can do when she
will employ all her skill and all her power. There is nothing in you but honey, but sugar, but a sweet and
celestial manna. To you it was to whom Paris ought to have adjudged the golden apple, not to Venus, no, nor
to Juno, nor to Minerva, for never was there so much magnificence in Juno, so much wisdom in Minerva, nor
so much comeliness in Venus as there is in you. O heavenly gods and goddesses! How happy shall that man
be to whom you will grant the favour to embrace her, to kiss her, and to rub his bacon with hers! By G−−,
that shall be I, I know it well; for she loves me already her bellyful, I am sure of it, and so was I predestinated
to it by the fairies. And therefore, that we lose no time, put on, thrust out your gammons!−−and would have
embraced her, but she made as if she would put out her head at the window to call her neighbours for help.
Then Panurge on a sudden ran out, and in his running away said, Madam, stay here till I come again; I will go
call them myself; do not you take so much pains. Thus went he away, not much caring for the repulse he had
got, nor made he any whit the worse cheer for it. The next day he came to the church at the time she went to
mass. At the door he gave her some of the holy water, bowing himself very low before her. Afterwards he
kneeled down by her very familiarly and said unto her, Madam, know that I am so amorous of you that I can
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neither piss nor dung for love. I do not know, lady, what you mean, but if I should take any hurt by it, how
much you would be to blame! Go, said she, go! I do not care; let me alone to say my prayers. Ay but, said he,
equivocate upon this: a beau mont le viconte, or, to fair mount the prick−cunts. I cannot, said she. It is, said
he, a beau con le vit monte, or to a fair c. . .the pr. . .mounts. And upon this, pray to God to give you that
which your noble heart desireth, and I pray you give me these paternosters. Take them, said she, and trouble
me no longer. This done, she would have taken off her paternosters, which were made of a kind of yellow
stone called cestrin, and adorned with great spots of gold, but Panurge nimbly drew out one of his knives,
wherewith he cut them off very handsomely, and whilst he was going away to carry them to the brokers, he
said to her, Will you have my knife? No, no, said she. But, said he, to the purpose. I am at your
commandment, body and goods, tripes and bowels.
In the meantime the lady was not very well content with the want of her paternosters, for they were one of her
implements to keep her countenance by in the church; then thought with herself, This bold flouting roister is
some giddy, fantastical, light−headed fool of a strange country. I shall never recover my paternosters again.
What will my husband say? He will no doubt be angry with me. But I will tell him that a thief hath cut them
off from my hands in the church, which he will easily believe, seeing the end of the ribbon left at my girdle.
After dinner Panurge went to see her, carrying in his sleeve a great purse full of palace−crowns, called
counters, and began to say unto her, Which of us two loveth other best, you me, or I you? Whereunto she
answered, As for me, I do not hate you; for, as God commands, I love all the world. But to the purpose, said
he; are not you in love with me? I have, said she, told you so many times already that you should talk so no
more to me, and if you speak of it again I will teach you that I am not one to be talked unto dishonestly. Get
you hence packing, and deliver me my paternosters, that my husband may not ask me for them.
How now, madam, said he, your paternosters? Nay, by mine oath, I will not do so, but I will give you others.
Had you rather have them of gold well enamelled in great round knobs, or after the manner of love−knots, or,
otherwise, all massive, like great ingots, or if you had rather have them of ebony, of jacinth, or of grained
gold, with the marks of fine turquoises, or of fair topazes, marked with fine sapphires, or of baleu rubies, with
great marks of diamonds of eight and twenty squares? No, no, all this is too little. I know a fair bracelet of
fine emeralds, marked with spotted ambergris, and at the buckle a Persian pearl as big as an orange. It will
not cost above five and twenty thousand ducats. I will make you a present of it, for I have ready coin
enough,−−and withal he made a noise with his counters, as if they had been French crowns.
Will you have a piece of velvet, either of the violet colour or of crimson dyed in grain, or a piece of broached
or crimson satin? Will you have chains, gold, tablets, rings? You need no more but say, Yes; so far as fifty
thousand ducats may reach, it is but as nothing to me. By the virtue of which words he made the water come
in her mouth; but she said unto him, No, I thank you, I will have nothing of you. By G−−, said he, but I will
have somewhat of you; yet shall it be that which shall cost you nothing, neither shall you have a jot the less
when you have given it. Hold!−− showing his long codpiece−−this is Master John Goodfellow, that asks for
lodging!−−and with that would have embraced her; but she began to cry out, yet not very loud. Then Panurge
put off his counterfeit garb, changed his false visage, and said unto her, You will not then otherwise let me do
a little? A turd for you! You do not deserve so much good, nor so much honour; but, by G−−, I will make the
dogs ride you;−−and with this he ran away as fast as he could, for fear of blows, whereof he was naturally
fearful.
Chapter 2.XXII. How Panurge served a Parisian lady a trick that pleased her not very well.
Now you must note that the next day was the great festival of Corpus Christi, called the Sacre, wherein all
women put on their best apparel, and on that day the said lady was clothed in a rich gown of crimson satin,
under which she wore a very costly white velvet petticoat.
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The day of the eve, called the vigil, Panurge searched so long of one side and another that he found a hot or
salt bitch, which, when he had tied her with his girdle, he led to his chamber and fed her very well all that day
and night. In the morning thereafter he killed her, and took that part of her which the Greek geomancers
know, and cut it into several small pieces as small as he could. Then, carrying it away as close as might be, he
went to the place where the lady was to come along to follow the procession, as the custom is upon the said
holy day; and when she came in Panurge sprinkled some holy water on her, saluting her very courteously.
Then, a little while after she had said her petty devotions, he sat down close by her upon the same bench, and
gave her this roundelay in writing, in manner as followeth.
A Roundelay.
For this one time, that I to you my love Discovered, you did too cruel prove, To send me packing, hopeless,
and so soon, Who never any wrong to you had done, In any kind of action, word, or thought: So that, if my
suit liked you not, you ought T' have spoke more civilly, and to this sense, My friend, be pleased to depart
from hence, For this one time.
What hurt do I, to wish you to remark, With favour and compassion, how a spark Of your great beauty hath
inflamed my heart With deep affection, and that, for my part, I only ask that you with me would dance The
brangle gay in feats of dalliance, For this one time?
And, as she was opening this paper to see what it was, Panurge very promptly and lightly scattered the drug
that he had upon her in divers places, but especially in the plaits of her sleeves and of her gown. Then said he
unto her, Madam, the poor lovers are not always at ease. As for me, I hope that those heavy nights, those
pains and troubles, which I suffer for love of you, shall be a deduction to me of so much pain in purgatory;
yet, at the least, pray to God to give me patience in my misery. Panurge had no sooner spoke this but all the
dogs that were in the church came running to this lady with the smell of the drugs that he had strewed upon
her, both small and great, big and little, all came, laying out their member, smelling to her, and pissing
everywhere upon her−−it was the greatest villainy in the world. Panurge made the fashion of driving them
away; then took his leave of her and withdrew himself into some chapel or oratory of the said church to see
the sport; for these villainous dogs did compiss all her habiliments, and left none of her attire unbesprinkled
with their staling; insomuch that a tall greyhound pissed upon her head, others in her sleeves, others on her
crupper−piece, and the little ones pissed upon her pataines; so that all the women that were round about her
had much ado to save her. Whereat Panurge very heartily laughing, he said to one of the lords of the city, I
believe that same lady is hot, or else that some greyhound hath covered her lately. And when he saw that all
the dogs were flocking about her, yarring at the retardment of their access to her, and every way keeping such
a coil with her as they are wont to do about a proud or salt bitch, he forthwith departed from thence, and went
to call Pantagruel, not forgetting in his way alongst the streets through which he went, where he found any
dogs to give them a bang with his foot, saying, Will you not go with your fellows to the wedding? Away,
hence, avant, avant, with a devil avant! And being come home, he said to Pantagruel, Master, I pray you
come and see all the dogs of the country, how they are assembled about a lady, the fairest in the city, and
would duffle and line her. Whereunto Pantagruel willingly condescended, and saw the mystery, which he
found very pretty and strange. But the best was at the procession, in which were seen above six hundred
thousand and fourteen dogs about her, which did very much trouble and molest her, and whithersoever she
passed, those dogs that came afresh, tracing her footsteps, followed her at the heels, and pissed in the way
where her gown had touched. All the world stood gazing at this spectacle, considering the countenance of
those dogs, who, leaping up, got about her neck and spoiled all her gorgeous accoutrements, for the which
she could find no remedy but to retire unto her house, which was a palace. Thither she went, and the dogs
after her; she ran to hide herself, but the chambermaids could not abstain from laughing. When she was
entered into the house and had shut the door upon herself, all the dogs came running of half a league round,
and did so well bepiss the gate of her house that there they made a stream with their urine wherein a duck
might have very well swimmed, and it is the same current that now runs at St. Victor, in which Gobelin dyeth
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scarlet, for the specifical virtue of these piss−dogs, as our master Doribus did heretofore preach publicly. So
may God help you, a mill would have ground corn with it. Yet not so much as those of Basacle at Toulouse.
Chapter 2.XXIII. How Pantagruel departed from Paris, hearing news that the Dipsodes had invaded the
land of the Amaurots; and the cause wherefore the leagues are so short in France.
A little while after Pantagruel heard news that his father Gargantua had been translated into the land of the
fairies by Morgue, as heretofore were Ogier and Arthur; as also, (In the original edition it stands 'together,
and that.'−−M.) that the report of his translation being spread abroad, the Dipsodes had issued out beyond
their borders, with inroads had wasted a great part of Utopia, and at that very time had besieged the great city
of the Amaurots. Whereupon departing from Paris without bidding any man farewell, for the business
required diligence, he came to Rouen.
Now Pantagruel in his journey seeing that the leagues of that little territory about Paris called France were
very short in regard of those of other countries, demanded the cause and reason of it from Panurge, who told
him a story which Marotus of the Lac, monachus, set down in the Acts of the Kings of Canarre, saying that in
old times countries were not distinguished into leagues, miles, furlongs, nor parasangs, until that King
Pharamond divided them, which was done in manner as followeth. The said king chose at Paris a hundred
fair, gallant, lusty, brisk young men, all resolute and bold adventurers in Cupid's duels, together with a
hundred comely, pretty, handsome, lovely and well−complexioned wenches of Picardy, all which he caused
to be well entertained and highly fed for the space of eight days. Then having called for them, he delivered to
every one of the young men his wench, with store of money to defray their charges, and this injunction
besides, to go unto divers places here and there. And wheresoever they should biscot and thrum their
wenches, that, they setting a stone there, it should be accounted for a league. Thus went away those brave
fellows and sprightly blades most merrily, and because they were fresh and had been at rest, they very often
jummed and fanfreluched almost at every field's end, and this is the cause why the leagues about Paris are so
short. But when they had gone a great way, and were now as weary as poor devils, all the oil in their lamps
being almost spent, they did not chink and duffle so often, but contented themselves (I mean for the men's
part) with one scurvy paltry bout in a day, and this is that which makes the leagues in Brittany, Delanes,
Germany, and other more remote countries so long. Other men give other reasons for it, but this seems to me
of all other the best. To which Pantagruel willingly adhered. Parting from Rouen, they arrived at Honfleur,
where they took shipping, Pantagruel, Panurge, Epistemon, Eusthenes, and Carpalin.
In which place, waiting for a favourable wind, and caulking their ship, he received from a lady of Paris,
which I (he) had formerly kept and entertained a good long time, a letter directed on the outside thus,−−To
the best beloved of the fair women, and least loyal of the valiant men−− P.N.T.G.R.L.
Chapter 2.XXIV. A letter which a messenger brought to Pantagruel from a lady of Paris, together with the
exposition of a posy written in a gold ring.
When Pantagruel had read the superscription he was much amazed, and therefore demanded of the said
messenger the name of her that had sent it. Then opened he the letter, and found nothing written in it, nor
otherwise enclosed, but only a gold ring, with a square table diamond. Wondering at this, he called Panurge
to him, and showed him the case. Whereupon Panurge told him that the leaf of paper was written upon, but
with such cunning and artifice that no man could see the writing at the first sight. Therefore, to find it out, he
set it by the fire to see if it was made with sal ammoniac soaked in water. Then put he it into the water, to see
if the letter was written with the juice of tithymalle. After that he held it up against the candle, to see if it was
written with the juice of white onions.
Then he rubbed one part of it with oil of nuts, to see if it were not written with the lee of a fig−tree, and
another part of it with the milk of a woman giving suck to her eldest daughter, to see if it was written with the
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blood of red toads or green earth−frogs. Afterwards he rubbed one corner with the ashes of a swallow's nest,
to see if it were not written with the dew that is found within the herb alcakengy, called the winter− cherry.
He rubbed, after that, one end with ear−wax, to see if it were not written with the gall of a raven. Then did he
dip it into vinegar, to try if it was not written with the juice of the garden spurge. After that he greased it with
the fat of a bat or flittermouse, to see if it was not written with the sperm of a whale, which some call
ambergris. Then put it very fairly into a basinful of fresh water, and forthwith took it out, to see whether it
were written with stone−alum. But after all experiments, when he perceived that he could find out nothing, he
called the messenger and asked him, Good fellow, the lady that sent thee hither, did she not give thee a staff
to bring with thee? thinking that it had been according to the conceit whereof Aulus Gellius maketh mention.
And the messenger answered him, No, sir. Then Panurge would have caused his head to be shaven, to see
whether the lady had written upon his bald pate, with the hard lye whereof soap is made, that which she
meant; but, perceiving that his hair was very long, he forbore, considering that it could not have grown to so
great a length in so short a time.
Then he said to Pantagruel, Master, by the virtue of G−−, I cannot tell what to do nor say in it. For, to know
whether there be anything written upon this or no, I have made use of a good part of that which Master
Francisco di Nianto, the Tuscan, sets down, who hath written the manner of reading letters that do not appear;
that which Zoroastes published, Peri grammaton acriton; and Calphurnius Bassus, De literis illegibilibus. But
I can see nothing, nor do I believe that there is anything else in it than the ring. Let us, therefore, look upon it.
Which when they had done, they found this in Hebrew written within, Lamach saba(ch)thani; whereupon
they called Epistemon, and asked him what that meant. To which he answered that they were Hebrew words,
signifying, Wherefore hast thou forsaken me? Upon that Panurge suddenly replied, I know the mystery. Do
you see this diamond? It is a false one. This, then, is the exposition of that which the lady means, Diamant
faux, that is, false lover, why hast thou forsaken me? Which interpretation Pantagruel presently understood,
and withal remembering that at his departure he had not bid the lady farewell, he was very sorry, and would
fain have returned to Paris to make his peace with her. But Epistemon put him in mind of Aeneas's departure
from Dido, and the saying of Heraclitus of Tarentum, That the ship being at anchor, when need requireth we
must cut the cable rather than lose time about untying of it,−−and that he should lay aside all other thoughts
to succour the city of his nativity, which was then in danger. And, indeed, within an hour after that the wind
arose at the north−north−west, wherewith they hoist sail, and put out, even into the main sea, so that within
few days, passing by Porto Sancto and by the Madeiras, they went ashore in the Canary Islands. Parting from
thence, they passed by Capobianco, by Senege, by Capoverde, by Gambre, by Sagres, by Melli, by the Cap di
Buona Speranza, and set ashore again in the kingdom of Melinda. Parting from thence, they sailed away with
a tramontane or northerly wind, passing by Meden, by Uti, by Uden, by Gelasim, by the Isles of the Fairies,
and alongst the kingdom of Achorie, till at last they arrived at the port of Utopia, distant from the city of the
Amaurots three leagues and somewhat more.
When they were ashore, and pretty well refreshed, Pantagruel said, Gentlemen, the city is not far from hence;
therefore, were it not amiss, before we set forward, to advise well what is to be done, that we be not like the
Athenians, who never took counsel until after the fact? Are you resolved to live and die with me? Yes, sir,
said they all, and be as confident of us as of your own fingers. Well, said he, there is but one thing that keeps
my mind in great doubt and suspense, which is this, that I know not in what order nor of what number the
enemy is that layeth siege to the city; for, if I were certain of that, I should go forward and set on with the
better assurance. Let us therefore consult together, and bethink ourselves by what means we may come to this
intelligence. Whereunto they all said, Let us go thither and see, and stay you here for us; for this very day,
without further respite, do we make account to bring you a certain report thereof.
Myself, said Panurge, will undertake to enter into their camp, within the very midst of their guards, unespied
by their watch, and merrily feast and lecher it at their cost, without being known of any, to see the artillery
and the tents of all the captains, and thrust myself in with a grave and magnific carriage amongst all their
troops and companies, without being discovered. The devil would not be able to peck me out with all his
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circumventions, for I am of the race of Zopyrus.
And I, said Epistemon, know all the plots and strategems of the valiant captains and warlike champions of
former ages, together with all the tricks and subtleties of the art of war. I will go, and, though I be detected
and revealed, I will escape by making them believe of you whatever I please, for I am of the race of Sinon.
I, said Eusthenes, will enter and set upon them in their trenches, in spite of their sentries and all their guards;
for I will tread upon their bellies and break their legs and arms, yea, though they were every whit as strong as
the devil himself, for I am of the race of Hercules.
And I, said Carpalin, will get in there if the birds can enter, for I am so nimble of body, and light withal, that I
shall have leaped over their trenches, and ran clean through all their camp, before that they perceive me;
neither do I fear shot, nor arrow, nor horse, how swift soever, were he the Pegasus of Perseus or Pacolet,
being assured that I shall be able to make a safe and sound escape before them all without any hurt. I will
undertake to walk upon the ears of corn or grass in the meadows, without making either of them do so much
as bow under me, for I am of the race of Camilla the Amazon.
Chapter 2.XXV. How Panurge, Carpalin, Eusthenes, and Epistemon, the gentlemen attendants of
Pantagruel, vanquished and discomfited six hundred and threescore horsemen very cunningly.
As he was speaking this, they perceived six hundred and threescore light horsemen, gallantly mounted, who
made an outroad thither to see what ship it was that was newly arrived in the harbour, and came in a full
gallop to take them if they had been able. Then said Pantagruel, My lads, retire yourselves unto the ship; here
are some of our enemies coming apace, but I will kill them here before you like beasts, although they were
ten times so many; in the meantime, withdraw yourselves, and take your sport at it. Then answered Panurge,
No, sir; there is no reason that you should do so, but, on the contrary, retire you unto the ship, both you and
the rest, for I alone will here discomfit them; but we must not linger; come, set forward. Whereunto the others
said, It is well advised, sir; withdraw yourself, and we will help Panurge here, so shall you know what we are
able to do. Then said Pantagruel, Well, I am content; but, if that you be too weak, I will not fail to come to
your assistance. With this Panurge took two great cables of the ship and tied them to the kemstock or capstan
which was on the deck towards the hatches, and fastened them in the ground, making a long circuit, the one
further off, the other within that. Then said he to Epistemon, Go aboard the ship, and, when I give you a call,
turn about the capstan upon the orlop diligently, drawing unto you the two cable−ropes; and said to Eusthenes
and to Carpalin, My bullies, stay you here, and offer yourselves freely to your enemies. Do as they bid you,
and make as if you would yield unto them, but take heed you come not within the compass of the ropes−−be
sure to keep yourselves free of them. And presently he went aboard the ship, and took a bundle of straw and a
barrel of gunpowder, strewed it round about the compass of the cords, and stood by with a brand of fire or
match lighted in his hand. Presently came the horsemen with great fury, and the foremost ran almost home to
the ship, and, by reason of the slipperiness of the bank, they fell, they and their horses, to the number of four
and forty; which the rest seeing, came on, thinking that resistance had been made them at their arrival. But
Panurge said unto them, My masters, I believe that you have hurt yourselves; I pray you pardon us, for it is
not our fault, but the slipperiness of the sea− water that is always flowing; we submit ourselves to your good
pleasure. So said likewise his two other fellows, and Epistemon that was upon the deck. In the meantime
Panurge withdrew himself, and seeing that they were all within the compass of the cables, and that his two
companions were retired, making room for all those horses which came in a crowd, thronging upon the neck
of one another to see the ship and such as were in it, cried out on a sudden to Epistemon, Draw, draw! Then
began Epistemon to wind about the capstan, by doing whereof the two cables so entangled and empestered
the legs of the horses, that they were all of them thrown down to the ground easily, together with their riders.
But they, seeing that, drew their swords, and would have cut them; whereupon Panurge set fire to the train,
and there burnt them up all like damned souls, both men and horses, not one escaping save one alone, who
being mounted on a fleet Turkey courser, by mere speed in flight got himself out of the circle of the ropes.
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But when Carpalin perceived him, he ran after him with such nimbleness and celerity that he overtook him in
less than a hundred paces; then, leaping close behind him upon the crupper of his horse, clasped him in his
arms, and brought him back to the ship.
This exploit being ended, Pantagruel was very jovial, and wondrously commended the industry of these
gentlemen, whom he called his fellow− soldiers, and made them refresh themselves and feed well and merrily
upon the seashore, and drink heartily with their bellies upon the ground, and their prisoner with them, whom
they admitted to that familiarity; only that the poor devil was somewhat afraid that Pantagruel would have
eaten him up whole, which, considering the wideness of his mouth and capacity of his throat was no great
matter for him to have done; for he could have done it as easily as you would eat a small comfit, he showing
no more in his throat than would a grain of millet−seed in the mouth of an ass.
Chapter 2.XXVI. How Pantagruel and his company were weary in eating still salt meats; and how
Carpalin went a−hunting to have some venison.
Thus as they talked and chatted together, Carpalin said, And, by the belly of St. Quenet, shall we never eat
any venison? This salt meat makes me horribly dry. I will go fetch you a quarter of one of those horses which
we have burnt; it is well roasted already. As he was rising up to go about it, he perceived under the side of a
wood a fair great roebuck, which was come out of his fort, as I conceive, at the sight of Panurge's fire. Him
did he pursue and run after with as much vigour and swiftness as if it had been a bolt out of a crossbow, and
caught him in a moment; and whilst he was in his course he with his hands took in the air four great bustards,
seven bitterns, six and twenty grey partridges, two and thirty red−legged ones, sixteen pheasants, nine
woodcocks, nineteen herons, two and thirty cushats and ringdoves; and with his feet killed ten or twelve hares
and rabbits, which were then at relief and pretty big withal, eighteen rails in a knot together, with fifteen
young wild−boars, two little beavers, and three great foxes. So, striking the kid with his falchion athwart the
head, he killed him, and, bearing him on his back, he in his return took up his hares, rails, and young
wild−boars, and, as far off as he could be heard, cried out and said, Panurge, my friend, vinegar, vinegar!
Then the good Pantagruel, thinking he had fainted, commanded them to provide him some vinegar; but
Panurge knew well that there was some good prey in hands, and forthwith showed unto noble Pantagruel how
he was bearing upon his back a fair roebuck, and all his girdle bordered with hares. Then immediately did
Epistemon make, in the name of the nine Muses, nine antique wooden spits. Eusthenes did help to flay, and
Panurge placed two great cuirassier saddles in such sort that they served for andirons, and making their
prisoner to be their cook, they roasted their venison by the fire wherein the horsemen were burnt; and making
great cheer with a good deal of vinegar, the devil a one of them did forbear from his victuals−−it was a
triumphant and incomparable spectacle to see how they ravened and devoured. Then said Pantagruel, Would
to God every one of you had two pairs of little anthem or sacring bells hanging at your chin, and that I had at
mine the great clocks of Rennes, of Poictiers, of Tours, and of Cambray, to see what a peal they would ring
with the wagging of our chaps. But, said Panurge, it were better we thought a little upon our business, and by
what means we might get the upper hand of our enemies. That is well remembered, said Pantagruel.
Therefore spoke he thus to the prisoner, My friend, tell us here the truth, and do not lie to us at all, if thou
wouldst not be flayed alive, for it is I that eat the little children. Relate unto us at full the order, the number,
and the strength of the army. To which the prisoner answered, Sir, know for a truth that in the army there are
three hundred giants, all armed with armour of proof, and wonderful great. Nevertheless, not fully so great as
you, except one that is their head, named Loupgarou, who is armed from head to foot with cyclopical anvils.
Furthermore, one hundred three score and three thousand foot, all armed with the skins of hobgoblins, strong
and valiant men; eleven thousand four hundred men−at− arms or cuirassiers; three thousand six hundred
double cannons, and arquebusiers without number; four score and fourteen thousand pioneers; one hundred
and fifty thousand whores, fair like goddesses−−(That is for me, said Panurge)−−whereof some are Amazons,
some Lionnoises, others Parisiennes, Taurangelles, Angevines, Poictevines, Normandes, and High
Dutch−−there are of them of all countries and all languages.
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Yea but, said Pantagruel, is the king there? Yes, sir, said the prisoner; he is there in person, and we call him
Anarchus, king of the Dipsodes, which is as much to say as thirsty people, for you never saw men more
thirsty, nor more willing to drink, and his tent is guarded by the giants. It is enough, said Pantagruel. Come,
brave boys, are you resolved to go with me? To which Panurge answered, God confound him that leaves you!
I have already bethought myself how I will kill them all like pigs, and so the devil one leg of them shall
escape. But I am somewhat troubled about one thing. And what is that? said Pantagruel. It is, said Panurge,
how I shall be able to set forward to the justling and bragmardizing of all the whores that be there this
afternoon, in such sort that there escape not one unbumped by me, breasted and jummed after the ordinary
fashion of man and women in the Venetian conflict. Ha, ha, ha, ha, said Pantagruel.
And Carpalin said: The devil take these sink−holes, if, by G−−, I do not bumbaste some one of them. Then
said Eusthenes: What! shall not I have any, whose paces, since we came from Rouen, were never so well
winded up as that my needle could mount to ten or eleven o'clock, till now that I have it hard, stiff, and
strong, like a hundred devils? Truly, said Panurge, thou shalt have of the fattest, and of those that are most
plump and in the best case.
How now! said Epistemon; everyone shall ride, and I must lead the ass? The devil take him that will do so.
We will make use of the right of war, Qui potest capere, capiat. No, no, said Panurge, but tie thine ass to a
crook, and ride as the world doth. And the good Pantagruel laughed at all this, and said unto them, You
reckon without your host. I am much afraid that, before it be night, I shall see you in such taking that you will
have no great stomach to ride, but more like to be rode upon with sound blows of pike and lance. Baste, said
Epistemon, enough of that! I will not fail to bring them to you, either to roast or boil, to fry or put in paste.
They are not so many in number as were in the army of Xerxes, for he had thirty hundred thousand
fighting−men, if you will believe Herodotus and Trogus Pompeius, and yet Themistocles with a few men
overthrew them all. For God's sake, take you no care for that. Cobsminny, cobsminny, said Panurge; my
codpiece alone shall suffice to overthrow all the men; and my St. Sweephole, that dwells within it, shall lay
all the women squat upon their backs. Up then, my lads, said Pantagruel, and let us march along.
Chapter 2.XXVII. How Pantagruel set up one trophy in memorial of their valour, and Panurge another in
remembrance of the hares. How Pantagruel likewise with his farts begat little men, and with his fisgs little
women; and how Panurge broke a great staff over two glasses.
Before we depart hence, said Pantagruel, in remembrance of the exploit that you have now performed I will
in this place erect a fair trophy. Then every man amongst them, with great joy and fine little country songs,
set up a huge big post, whereunto they hanged a great cuirassier saddle, the fronstal of a barbed horse,
bridle−bosses, pulley−pieces for the knees, stirrup−leathers, spurs, stirrups, a coat of mail, a corslet tempered
with steel, a battle−axe, a strong, short, and sharp horseman's sword, a gauntlet, a horseman's mace,
gushet−armour for the armpits, leg−harness, and a gorget, with all other furniture needful for the decorement
of a triumphant arch, in sign of a trophy. And then Pantagruel, for an eternal memorial, wrote this victorial
ditton, as followeth:−−
Here was the prowess made apparent of Four brave and valiant champions of proof, Who, without any arms
but wit, at once, Like Fabius, or the two Scipions, Burnt in a fire six hundred and threescore Crablice, strong
rogues ne'er vanquished before. By this each king may learn, rook, pawn, and knight, That sleight is much
more prevalent than might.
For victory, As all men see, Hangs on the ditty Of that committee Where the great God Hath his abode.
Nor doth he it to strong and great men give, But to his elect, as we must believe; Therefore shall he obtain
wealth and esteem, Who thorough faith doth put his trust in him.
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Whilst Pantagruel was writing these foresaid verses, Panurge halved and fixed upon a great stake the horns of
a roebuck, together with the skin and the right forefoot thereof, the ears of three leverets, the chine of a
coney, the jaws of a hare, the wings of two bustards, the feet of four queest−doves, a bottle or borracho full of
vinegar, a horn wherein to put salt, a wooden spit, a larding stick, a scurvy kettle full of holes, a dripping−pan
to make sauce in, an earthen salt−cellar, and a goblet of Beauvais. Then, in imitation of Pantagruel's verses
and trophy, wrote that which followeth:−−
Here was it that four jovial blades sat down To a profound carousing, and to crown Their banquet with those
wines which please best great Bacchus, the monarch of their drinking state. Then were the reins and furch of
a young hare, With salt and vinegar, displayed there, Of which to snatch a bit or two at once They all fell on
like hungry scorpions.
For th' Inventories Of Defensories Say that in heat We must drink neat All out, and of The choicest stuff.
But it is bad to eat of young hare's flesh, Unless with vinegar we it refresh. Receive this tenet, then, without
control, That vinegar of that meat is the soul.
Then said Pantagruel, Come, my lads, let us begone! we have stayed here too long about our victuals; for
very seldom doth it fall out that the greatest eaters do the most martial exploits. There is no shadow like that
of flying colours, no smoke like that of horses, no clattering like that of armour. At this Epistemon began to
smile, and said, There is no shadow like that of the kitchen, no smoke like that of pasties, and no clattering
like that of goblets. Unto which answered Panurge, There is no shadow like that of curtains, no smoke like
that of women's breasts, and no clattering like that of ballocks. Then forthwith rising up he gave a fart, a leap,
and a whistle, and most joyfully cried out aloud, Ever live Pantagruel! When Pantagruel saw that, he would
have done as much; but with the fart that he let the earth trembled nine leagues about, wherewith and with the
corrupted air he begot above three and fifty thousand little men, ill− favoured dwarfs, and with one fisg that
he let he made as many little women, crouching down, as you shall see in divers places, which never grow
but like cow's tails, downwards, or, like the Limosin radishes, round. How now! said Panurge, are your farts
so fertile and fruitful? By G−−, here be brave farted men and fisgued women; let them be married together;
they will beget fine hornets and dorflies. So did Pantagruel, and called them pigmies. Those he sent to live in
an island thereby, where since that time they are increased mightily. But the cranes make war with them
continually, against which they do most courageously defend themselves; for these little ends of men and
dandiprats (whom in Scotland they call whiphandles and knots of a tar−barrel) are commonly very testy and
choleric; the physical reason whereof is, because their heart is near their spleen.
At this same time Panurge took two drinking glasses that were there, both of one bigness, and filled them
with water up to the brim, and set one of them upon one stool and the other upon another, placing them about
one foot from one another. Then he took the staff of a javelin, about five foot and a half long, and put it upon
the two glasses, so that the two ends of the staff did come just to the brims of the glasses. This done, he took
a great stake or billet of wood, and said to Pantagruel and to the rest, My masters, behold how easily we shall
have the victory over our enemies; for just as I shall break this staff here upon these glasses, without either
breaking or crazing of them, nay, which is more, without spilling one drop of the water that is within them,
even so shall we break the heads of our Dipsodes without receiving any of us any wound or loss in our person
or goods. But, that you may not think there is any witchcraft in this, hold! said he to Eusthenes, strike upon
the midst as hard as thou canst with this log. Eusthenes did so, and the staff broke in two pieces, and not one
drop of the water fell out of the glasses. Then said he, I know a great many such other tricks; let us now
therefore march boldly and with assurance.
Chapter 2.XXVIII. How Pantagruel got the victory very strangely over the Dipsodes and the Giants.
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After all this talk, Pantagruel took the prisoner to him and sent him away, saying, Go thou unto thy king in
his camp, and tell him tidings of what thou hast seen, and let him resolve to feast me to−morrow about noon;
for, as soon as my galleys shall come, which will be to−morrow at furthest, I will prove unto him by eighteen
hundred thousand fighting−men and seven thousand giants, all of them greater than I am, that he hath done
foolishly and against reason thus to invade my country. Wherein Pantagruel feigned that he had an army at
sea. But the prisoner answered that he would yield himself to be his slave, and that he was content never to
return to his own people, but rather with Pantagruel to fight against them, and for God's sake besought him
that he might be permitted so to do. Whereunto Pantagruel would not give consent, but commanded him to
depart thence speedily and begone as he had told him, and to that effect gave him a boxful of euphorbium,
together with some grains of the black chameleon thistle, steeped into aqua vitae, and made up into the
condiment of a wet sucket, commanding him to carry it to his king, and to say unto him, that if he were able
to eat one ounce of that without drinking after it, he might then be able to resist him without any fear or
apprehension of danger.
The prisoner then besought him with joined hands that in the hour of the battle he would have compassion
upon him. Whereat Pantagruel said unto him, After that thou hast delivered all unto the king, put thy whole
confidence in God, and he will not forsake thee; because, although for my part I be mighty, as thou mayst
see, and have an infinite number of men in arms, I do nevertheless trust neither in my force nor in mine
industry, but all my confidence is in God my protector, who doth never forsake those that in him do put their
trust and confidence. This done, the prisoner requested him that he would afford him some reasonable
composition for his ransom. To which Pantagruel answered, that his end was not to rob nor ransom men, but
to enrich them and reduce them to total liberty. Go thy way, said he, in the peace of the living God, and never
follow evil company, lest some mischief befall thee. The prisoner being gone, Pantagruel said to his men,
Gentlemen, I have made this prisoner believe that we have an army at sea; as also that we will not assault
them till to− morrow at noon, to the end that they, doubting of the great arrival of our men, may spend this
night in providing and strengthening themselves, but in the meantime my intention is that we charge them
about the hour of the first sleep.
Let us leave Pantagruel here with his apostles, and speak of King Anarchus and his army. When the prisoner
was come he went unto the king and told him how there was a great giant come, called Pantagruel, who had
overthrown and made to be cruelly roasted all the six hundred and nine and fifty horsemen, and he alone
escaped to bring the news. Besides that, he was charged by the said giant to tell him that the next day, about
noon, he must make a dinner ready for him, for at that hour he was resolved to set upon him. Then did he
give him that box wherein were those confitures. But as soon as he had swallowed down one spoonful of
them, he was taken with such a heat in the throat, together with an ulceration in the flap of the top of the
windpipe, that his tongue peeled with it in such sort that, for all they could do unto him, he found no ease at
all but by drinking only without cessation; for as soon as ever he took the goblet from his head, his tongue
was on a fire, and therefore they did nothing but still pour in wine into his throat with a funnel. Which when
his captains, bashaws, and guard of his body did see, they tasted of the same drugs to try whether they were
so thirst−procuring and alterative or no. But it so befell them as it had done their king, and they plied the
flagon so well that the noise ran throughout all the camp, how the prisoner was returned; that the next day
they were to have an assault; that the king and his captains did already prepare themselves for it, together
with his guards, and that with carousing lustily and quaffing as hard as they could. Every man, therefore, in
the army began to tipple, ply the pot, swill and guzzle it as fast as they could. In sum, they drunk so much,
and so long, that they fell asleep like pigs, all out of order throughout the whole camp.
Let us now return to the good Pantagruel, and relate how he carried himself in this business. Departing from
the place of the trophies, he took the mast of their ship in his hand like a pilgrim's staff, and put within the top
of it two hundred and seven and thirty puncheons of white wine of Anjou, the rest was of Rouen, and tied up
to his girdle the bark all full of salt, as easily as the lansquenets carry their little panniers, and so set onward
on his way with his fellow−soldiers. When he was come near to the enemy's camp, Panurge said unto him,
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Sir, if you would do well, let down this white wine of Anjou from the scuttle of the mast of the ship, that we
may all drink thereof, like Bretons.
Hereunto Pantagruel very willingly consented, and they drank so neat that there was not so much as one poor
drop left of two hundred and seven and thirty puncheons, except one boracho or leathern bottle of Tours
which Panurge filled for himself, for he called that his vademecum, and some scurvy lees of wine in the
bottom, which served him instead of vinegar. After they had whittled and curried the can pretty handsomely,
Panurge gave Pantagruel to eat some devilish drugs compounded of lithotripton, which is a stone−dissolving
ingredient, nephrocatarticon, that purgeth the reins, the marmalade of quinces, called codiniac, a confection
of cantharides, which are green flies breeding on the tops of olive−trees, and other kinds of diuretic or
piss−procuring simples. This done, Pantagruel said to Carpalin, Go into the city, scrambling like a cat against
the wall, as you can well do, and tell them that now presently they come out and charge their enemies as
rudely as they can, and having said so, come down, taking a lighted torch with you, wherewith you shall set
on fire all the tents and pavilions in the camp; then cry as loud as you are able with your great voice, and then
come away from thence. Yea but, said Carpalin, were it not good to cloy all their ordnance? No, no, said
Pantagruel, only blow up all their powder. Carpalin, obeying him, departed suddenly and did as he was
appointed by Pantagruel, and all the combatants came forth that were in the city, and when he had set fire in
the tents and pavilions, he passed so lightly through them, and so highly and profoundly did they snort and
sleep, that they never perceived him. He came to the place where their artillery was, and set their munition on
fire. But here was the danger. The fire was so sudden that poor Carpalin had almost been burnt. And had it
not been for his wonderful agility he had been fried like a roasting pig. But he departed away so speedily that
a bolt or arrow out of a crossbow could not have had a swifter motion. When he was clear of their trenches,
he shouted aloud, and cried out so dreadfully, and with such amazement to the hearers, that it seemed all the
devils of hell had been let loose. At which noise the enemies awaked, but can you tell how? Even no less
astonished than are monks at the ringing of the first peal to matins, which in Lusonnois is called rub−ballock.
In the meantime Pantagruel began to sow the salt that he had in his bark, and because they slept with an open
gaping mouth, he filled all their throats with it, so that those poor wretches were by it made to cough like
foxes. Ha, Pantagruel, how thou addest greater heat to the firebrand that is in us! Suddenly Pantagruel had
will to piss, by means of the drugs which Panurge had given him, and pissed amidst the camp so well and so
copiously that he drowned them all, and there was a particular deluge ten leagues round about, of such
considerable depth that the history saith, if his father's great mare had been there, and pissed likewise, it
would undoubtedly have been a more enormous deluge than that of Deucalion; for she did never piss but she
made a river greater than is either the Rhone or the Danube. Which those that were come out of the city
seeing, said, They are all cruelly slain; see how the blood runs along. But they were deceived in thinking
Pantagruel's urine had been the blood of their enemies, for they could not see but by the light of the fire of the
pavilions and some small light of the moon.
The enemies, after that they were awaked, seeing on one side the fire in the camp, and on the other the
inundation of the urinal deluge, could not tell what to say nor what to think. Some said that it was the end of
the world and the final judgment, which ought to be by fire. Others again thought that the sea−gods, Neptune,
Proteus, Triton, and the rest of them, did persecute them, for that indeed they found it to be like sea−water
and salt.
O who were able now condignly to relate how Pantagruel did demean himself against the three hundred
giants! O my Muse, my Calliope, my Thalia, inspire me at this time, restore unto me my spirits; for this is the
logical bridge of asses! Here is the pitfall, here is the difficulty, to have ability enough to express the horrible
battle that was fought. Ah, would to God that I had now a bottle of the best wine that ever those drank who
shall read this so veridical history!
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Chapter 2.XXIX. How Pantagruel discomfited the three hundred giants armed with free−stone, and
Loupgarou their captain.
The giants, seeing all their camp drowned, carried away their king Anarchus upon their backs as well as they
could out of the fort, as Aeneas did to his father Anchises, in the time of the conflagration of Troy. When
Panurge perceived them, he said to Pantagruel, Sir, yonder are the giants coming forth against you; lay on
them with your mast gallantly, like an old fencer; for now is the time that you must show yourself a brave
man and an honest. And for our part we will not fail you. I myself will kill to you a good many boldly
enough; for why, David killed Goliath very easily; and then this great lecher, Eusthenes, who is stronger than
four oxen, will not spare himself. Be of good courage, therefore, and valiant; charge amongst them with point
and edge, and by all manner of means. Well, said Pantagruel, of courage I have more than for fifty francs, but
let us be wise, for Hercules first never undertook against two. That is well cacked, well scummered, said
Panurge; do you compare yourself with Hercules? You have, by G−−, more stretch in your teeth, and more
scent in your bum, than ever Hercules had in all his body and soul. So much is a man worth as he esteems
himself. Whilst they spake those words, behold! Loupgarou was come with all his giants, who, seeing
Pantagruel in a manner alone, was carried away with temerity and presumption, for hopes that he had to kill
the good man. Whereupon he said to his companions the giants, You wenchers of the low country, by
Mahoom! if any of you undertake to fight against these men here, I will put you cruelly to death. It is my will
that you let me fight single. In the meantime you shall have good sport to look upon us.
Then all the other giants retired with their king to the place where the flagons stood, and Panurge and his
comrades with them, who counterfeited those that have had the pox, for he wreathed about his mouth, shrunk
up his fingers, and with a harsh and hoarse voice said unto them, I forsake −od, fellow−soldiers, if I would
have it to be believed that we make any war at all. Give us somewhat to eat with you whilest our masters
fight against one another. To this the king and giants jointly condescended, and accordingly made them to
banquet with them. In the meantime Panurge told them the follies of Turpin, the examples of St. Nicholas,
and the tale of a tub. Loupgarou then set forward towards Pantagruel, with a mace all of steel, and that of the
best sort, weighing nine thousand seven hundred quintals and two quarterons, at the end whereof were
thirteen pointed diamonds, and least whereof was as big as the greatest bell of Our Lady's Church at
Paris−−there might want perhaps the thickness of a nail, or at most, that I may not lie, of the back of those
knives which they call cutlugs or earcutters, but for a little off or on, more or less, it is no matter−−and it was
enchanted in such sort that it could never break, but, contrarily, all that it did touch did break immediately.
Thus, then, as he approached with great fierceness and pride of heart, Pantagruel, casting up his eyes to
heaven, recommended himself to God with all his soul, making such a vow as followeth.
O thou Lord God, who hast always been my protector and my saviour! thou seest the distress wherein I am at
this time. Nothing brings me hither but a natural zeal, which thou hast permitted unto mortals, to keep and
defend themselves, their wives and children, country and family, in case thy own proper cause were not in
question, which is the faith; for in such a business thou wilt have no coadjutors, only a catholic confession
and service of thy word, and hast forbidden us all arming and defence. For thou art the Almighty, who in
thine own cause, and where thine own business is taken to heart, canst defend it far beyond all that we can
conceive, thou who hast thousand thousands of hundreds of millions of legions of angels, the least of which is
able to kill all mortal men, and turn about the heavens and earth at his pleasure, as heretofore it very plainly
appeared in the army of Sennacherib. If it may please thee, therefore, at this time to assist me, as my whole
trust and confidence is in thee alone, I vow unto thee, that in all countries whatsoever wherein I shall have
any power or authority, whether in this of Utopia or elsewhere, I will cause thy holy gospel to be purely,
simply, and entirely preached, so that the abuses of a rabble of hypocrites and false prophets, who by human
constitutions and depraved inventions have empoisoned all the world, shall be quite exterminated from about
me.
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This vow was no sooner made, but there was heard a voice from heaven saying, Hoc fac et vinces; that is to
say, Do this, and thou shalt overcome. Then Pantagruel, seeing that Loupgarou with his mouth wide open
was drawing near to him, went against him boldly, and cried out as loud as he was able, Thou diest, villain,
thou diest! purposing by his horrible cry to make him afraid, according to the discipline of the
Lacedaemonians. Withal, he immediately cast at him out of his bark, which he wore at his girdle, eighteen
cags and four bushels of salt, wherewith he filled both his mouth, throat, nose, and eyes. At this Loupgarou
was so highly incensed that, most fiercely setting upon him, he thought even then with a blow of his mace to
have beat out his brains. But Pantagruel was very nimble, and had always a quick foot and a quick eye, and
therefore with his left foot did he step back one pace, yet not so nimbly but that the blow, falling upon the
bark, broke it in four thousand four score and six pieces, and threw all the rest of the salt about the ground.
Pantagruel, seeing that, most gallantly displayed the vigour of his arms, and, according to the art of the axe,
gave him with the great end of his mast a homethrust a little above the breast; then, bringing along the blow
to the left side, with a slash struck him between the neck and shoulders. After that, advancing his right foot,
he gave him a push upon the couillons with the upper end of his said mast, wherewith breaking the scuttle on
the top thereof, he spilt three or four puncheons of wine that were left therein.
Upon that Loupgarou thought that he had pierced his bladder, and that the wine that came forth had been his
urine. Pantagruel, being not content with this, would have doubled it by a side−blow; but Loupgarou, lifting
up his mace, advanced one step upon him, and with all his force would have dashed it upon Pantagruel,
wherein, to speak to the truth, he so sprightfully carried himself, that, if God had not succoured the good
Pantagruel, he had been cloven from the top of his head to the bottom of his milt. But the blow glanced to the
right side by the brisk nimbleness of Pantagruel, and his mace sank into the ground above threescore and
thirteen foot, through a huge rock, out of which the fire did issue greater than nine thousand and six tons.
Pantagruel, seeing him busy about plucking out his mace, which stuck in the ground between the rocks, ran
upon him, and would have clean cut off his head, if by mischance his mast had not touched a little against the
stock of Loupgarou's mace, which was enchanted, as we have said before. By this means his mast broke off
about three handfuls above his hand, whereat he stood amazed like a bell−founder, and cried out, Ah,
Panurge, where art thou? Panurge, seeing that, said to the king and the giants, By G−−, they will hurt one
another if they be not parted. But the giants were as merry as if they had been at a wedding. Then Carpalin
would have risen from thence to help his master; but one of the giants said unto him, By Golfarin, the nephew
of Mahoom, if thou stir hence I will put thee in the bottom of my breeches instead of a suppository, which
cannot choose but do me good. For in my belly I am very costive, and cannot well cagar without gnashing my
teeth and making many filthy faces. Then Pantagruel, thus destitute of a staff, took up the end of his mast,
striking athwart and alongst upon the giant, but he did him no more hurt than you would do with a fillip upon
a smith's anvil. In the (mean) time Loupgarou was drawing his mace out of the ground, and, having already
plucked it out, was ready therewith to have struck Pantagruel, who, being very quick in turning, avoided all
his blows in taking only the defensive part in hand, until on a sudden he saw that Loupgarou did threaten him
with these words, saying, Now, villain, will not I fail to chop thee as small as minced meat, and keep thee
henceforth from ever making any more poor men athirst! For then, without any more ado, Pantagruel struck
him such a blow with his foot against the belly that he made him fall backwards, his heels over his head, and
dragged him thus along at flay−buttock above a flight−shot. Then Loupgarou cried out, bleeding at the throat,
Mahoom, Mahoom, Mahoom! at which noise all the giants arose to succour him. But Panurge said unto them,
Gentlemen, do not go, if will believe me, for our master is mad, and strikes athwart and alongst, he cares not
where; he will do you a mischief. But the giants made no account of it, seeing that Pantagruel had never a
staff.
And when Pantagruel saw those giants approach very near unto him, he took Loupgarou by the two feet, and
lift up his body like a pike in the air, wherewith, it being harnessed with anvils, he laid such heavy load
amongst those giants armed with free−stone, that, striking them down as a mason doth little knobs of stones,
there was not one of them that stood before him whom he threw not flat to the ground. And by the breaking
of this stony armour there was made such a horrible rumble as put me in mind of the fall of the butter−tower
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of St. Stephen's at Bourges when it melted before the sun. Panurge, with Carpalin and Eusthenes, did cut in
the mean time the throats of those that were struck down, in such sort that there escaped not one. Pantagruel
to any man's sight was like a mower, who with his scythe, which was Loupgarou, cut down the meadow
grass, to wit, the giants; but with this fencing of Pantagruel's Loupgarou lost his head, which happened when
Pantagruel struck down one whose name was Riflandouille, or Pudding−plunderer, who was armed
cap−a−pie with Grison stones, one chip whereof splintering abroad cut off Epistemon's neck clean and fair.
For otherwise the most part of them were but lightly armed with a kind of sandy brittle stone, and the rest
with slates. At last, when he saw that they were all dead, he threw the body of Loupgarou as hard as he could
against the city, where falling like a frog upon his belly in the great Piazza thereof, he with the said fall killed
a singed he−cat, a wet she−cat, a farting duck, and a bridled goose.
Chapter 2.XXX. How Epistemon, who had his head cut off, was finely healed by Panurge, and of the news
which he brought from the devils, and of the damned people in hell.
This gigantal victory being ended, Pantagruel withdrew himself to the place of the flagons, and called for
Panurge and the rest, who came unto him safe and sound, except Eusthenes, whom one of the giants had
scratched a little in the face whilst he was about the cutting of his throat, and Epistemon, who appeared not at
all. Whereat Pantagruel was so aggrieved that he would have killed himself. But Panurge said unto him, Nay,
sir, stay a while, and we will search for him amongst the dead, and find out the truth of all. Thus as they went
seeking after him, they found him stark dead, with his head between his arms all bloody. Then Eusthenes
cried out, Ah, cruel death! hast thou taken from me the perfectest amongst men? At which words Pantagruel
rose up with the greatest grief that ever any man did see, and said to Panurge, Ha, my friend! the prophecy of
your two glasses and the javelin staff was a great deal too deceitful. But Panurge answered, My dear bullies
all, weep not one drop more, for, he being yet all hot, I will make him as sound as ever he was. In saying this,
he took the head and held it warm foregainst his codpiece, that the wind might not enter into it. Eusthenes and
Carpalin carried the body to the place where they had banqueted, not out of any hope that ever he would
recover, but that Pantagruel might see it.
Nevertheless Panurge gave him very good comfort, saying, If I do not heal him, I will be content to lose my
head, which is a fool's wager. Leave off, therefore, crying, and help me. Then cleansed he his neck very well
with pure white wine, and, after that, took his head, and into it synapised some powder of diamerdis, which
he always carried about him in one of his bags. Afterwards he anointed it with I know not what ointment, and
set it on very just, vein against vein, sinew against sinew, and spondyle against spondyle, that he might not be
wry−necked−−for such people he mortally hated. This done, he gave it round about some fifteen or sixteen
stitches with a needle that it might not fall off again; then, on all sides and everywhere, he put a little
ointment on it, which he called resuscitative.
Suddenly Epistemon began to breathe, then opened his eyes, yawned, sneezed, and afterwards let a great
household fart. Whereupon Panurge said, Now, certainly, he is healed,−−and therefore gave him to drink a
large full glass of strong white wine, with a sugared toast. In this fashion was Epistemon finely healed, only
that he was somewhat hoarse for above three weeks together, and had a dry cough of which he could not be
rid but by the force of continual drinking. And now he began to speak, and said that he had seen the devil,
had spoken with Lucifer familiarly, and had been very merry in hell and in the Elysian fields, affirming very
seriously before them all that the devils were boon companions and merry fellows. But, in respect of the
damned, he said he was very sorry that Panurge had so soon called him back into this world again; for, said
he, I took wonderful delight to see them. How so? said Pantagruel. Because they do not use them there, said
Epistemon, so badly as you think they do. Their estate and condition of living is but only changed after a very
strange manner; for I saw Alexander the Great there amending and patching on clouts upon old breeches and
stockings, whereby he got but a very poor living.
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Xerxes was a crier of mustard. Romulus, a salter and patcher of pattens. Numa, a nailsmith. Tarquin, a porter.
Piso, a clownish swain. Sylla, a ferryman. Cyrus, a cowherd. Themistocles, a glass−maker. Epaminondas, a
maker of mirrors or looking−glasses. Brutus and Cassius, surveyors or measurers of land. Demosthenes, a
vine−dresser. Cicero, a fire−kindler. Fabius, a threader of beads. Artaxerxes, a rope−maker. Aeneas, a miller.
Achilles was a scaldpated maker of hay−bundles. Agamemnon, a lick−box. Ulysses, a hay−mower. Nestor, a
door−keeper or forester. Darius, a gold−finder or jakes−farmer. Ancus Martius, a ship−trimmer. Camillus, a
foot−post. Marcellus, a sheller of beans. Drusus, a taker of money at the doors of playhouses. Scipio
Africanus, a crier of lee in a wooden slipper. Asdrubal, a lantern−maker. Hannibal, a kettlemaker and seller
of eggshells. Priamus, a seller of old clouts. Lancelot of the Lake was a flayer of dead horses.
All the Knights of the Round Table were poor day−labourers, employed to row over the rivers of Cocytus,
Phlegeton, Styx, Acheron, and Lethe, when my lords the devils had a mind to recreate themselves upon the
water, as in the like occasion are hired the boatmen at Lyons, the gondoliers of Venice, and oars at London.
But with this difference, that these poor knights have only for their fare a bob or flirt on the nose, and in the
evening a morsel of coarse mouldy bread.
Trajan was a fisher of frogs. Antoninus, a lackey. Commodus, a jet−maker. Pertinax, a peeler of walnuts.
Lucullus, a maker of rattles and hawks'−bells. Justinian, a pedlar. Hector, a snap−sauce scullion. Paris was a
poor beggar. Cambyses, a mule−driver.
Nero, a base blind fiddler, or player on that instrument which is called a windbroach. Fierabras was his
serving−man, who did him a thousand mischievous tricks, and would make him eat of the brown bread and
drink of the turned wine when himself did both eat and drink of the best.
Julius Caesar and Pompey were boat−wrights and tighters of ships.
Valentine and Orson did serve in the stoves of hell, and were sweat−rubbers in hot houses.
Giglan and Govian (Gauvin) were poor swineherds.
Geoffrey with the great tooth was a tinder−maker and seller of matches.
Godfrey de Bouillon, a hood−maker. Jason was a bracelet−maker. Don Pietro de Castille, a carrier of
indulgences. Morgan, a beer−brewer. Huon of Bordeaux, a hooper of barrels. Pyrrhus, a kitchen−scullion.
Antiochus, a chimney−sweeper. Octavian, a scraper of parchment. Nerva, a mariner.
Pope Julius was a crier of pudding−pies, but he left off wearing there his great buggerly beard.
John of Paris was a greaser of boots. Arthur of Britain, an ungreaser of caps. Perce−Forest, a carrier of
faggots. Pope Boniface the Eighth, a scummer of pots. Pope Nicholas the Third, a maker of paper. Pope
Alexander, a ratcatcher. Pope Sixtus, an anointer of those that have the pox.
What, said Pantagruel, have they the pox there too? Surely, said Epistemon, I never saw so many: there are
there, I think, above a hundred millions; for believe, that those who have not had the pox in this world must
have it in the other.
Cotsbody, said Panurge, then I am free; for I have been as far as the hole of Gibraltar, reached unto the
outmost bounds of Hercules, and gathered of the ripest.
Ogier the Dane was a furbisher of armour. The King Tigranes, a mender of thatched houses. Galien Restored,
a taker of moldwarps. The four sons of Aymon were all toothdrawers. Pope Calixtus was a barber of a
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woman's sine qua non. Pope Urban, a bacon−picker. Melusina was a kitchen drudge−wench. Matabrune, a
laundress. Cleopatra, a crier of onions. Helen, a broker for chambermaids. Semiramis, the beggars'
lice−killer. Dido did sell mushrooms. Penthesilea sold cresses. Lucretia was an alehouse−keeper. Hortensia, a
spinstress. Livia, a grater of verdigris.
After this manner, those that had been great lords and ladies here, got but a poor scurvy wretched living there
below. And, on the contrary, the philosophers and others, who in this world had been altogether indigent and
wanting, were great lords there in their turn. I saw Diogenes there strut it out most pompously, and in great
magnificence, with a rich purple gown on him, and a golden sceptre in his right hand. And, which is more, he
would now and then make Alexander the Great mad, so enormously would he abuse him when he had not
well patched his breeches; for he used to pay his skin with sound bastinadoes. I saw Epictetus there, most
gallantly apparelled after the French fashion, sitting under a pleasant arbour, with store of handsome
gentlewomen, frolicking, drinking, dancing, and making good cheer, with abundance of crowns of the sun.
Above the lattice were written these verses for his device:
To leap and dance, to sport and play, And drink good wine both white and brown, Or nothing else do all the
day But tell bags full of many a crown.
When he saw me, he invited me to drink with him very courteously, and I being willing to be entreated, we
tippled and chopined together most theologically. In the meantime came Cyrus to beg one farthing of him for
the honour of Mercury, therewith to buy a few onions for his supper. No, no, said Epictetus, I do not use in
my almsgiving to bestow farthings. Hold, thou varlet, there's a crown for thee; be an honest man. Cyrus was
exceeding glad to have met with such a booty; but the other poor rogues, the kings that are there below, as
Alexander, Darius, and others, stole it away from him by night. I saw Pathelin, the treasurer of
Rhadamanthus, who, in cheapening the pudding−pies that Pope Julius cried, asked him how much a dozen.
Three blanks, said the Pope. Nay, said Pathelin, three blows with a cudgel. Lay them down here, you rascal,
and go fetch more. The poor Pope went away weeping, who, when he came to his master, the pie− maker,
told him that they had taken away his pudding−pies. Whereupon his master gave him such a sound lash with
an eel−skin, that his own would have been worth nothing to make bag−pipe−bags of. I saw Master John Le
Maire there personate the Pope in such fashion that he made all the poor kings and popes of this world kiss
his feet, and, taking great state upon him, gave them his benediction, saying, Get the pardons, rogues, get the
pardons; they are good cheap. I absolve you of bread and pottage, and dispense with you to be never good for
anything. Then, calling Caillet and Triboulet to him, he spoke these words, My lords the cardinals, despatch
their bulls, to wit, to each of them a blow with a cudgel upon the reins. Which accordingly was forthwith
performed. I heard Master Francis Villon ask Xerxes, How much the mess of mustard? A farthing, said
Xerxes. To which the said Villon answered, The pox take thee for a villain! As much of square−eared wheat
is not worth half that price, and now thou offerest to enhance the price of victuals. With this he pissed in his
pot, as the mustard−makers of Paris used to do. I saw the trained bowman of the bathing tub, known by the
name of the Francarcher de Baignolet, who, being one of the trustees of the Inquisition, when he saw
Perce−Forest making water against a wall in which was painted the fire of St. Anthony, declared him heretic,
and would have caused him to be burnt alive had it not been for Morgant, who, for his proficiat and other
small fees, gave him nine tuns of beer.
Well, said Pantagruel, reserve all these fair stories for another time, only tell us how the usurers are there
handled. I saw them, said Epistemon, all very busily employed in seeking of rusty pins and old nails in the
kennels of the streets, as you see poor wretched rogues do in this world. But the quintal, or hundredweight, of
this old ironware is there valued but at the price of a cantle of bread, and yet they have but a very bad
despatch and riddance in the sale of it. Thus the poor misers are sometimes three whole weeks without eating
one morsel or crumb of bread, and yet work both day and night, looking for the fair to come. Nevertheless, of
all this labour, toil, and misery, they reckon nothing, so cursedly active they are in the prosecution of that
their base calling, in hopes, at the end of the year, to earn some scurvy penny by it.
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Come, said Pantagruel, let us now make ourselves merry one bout, and drink, my lads, I beseech you, for it is
very good drinking all this month. Then did they uncase their flagons by heaps and dozens, and with their
leaguer− provision made excellent good cheer. But the poor King Anarchus could not all this while settle
himself towards any fit of mirth; whereupon Panurge said, Of what trade shall we make my lord the king
here, that he may be skilful in the art when he goes thither to sojourn amongst all the devils of hell? Indeed,
said Pantagruel, that was well advised of thee. Do with him what thou wilt, I give him to thee. Gramercy, said
Panurge, the present is not to be refused, and I love it from you.
Chapter 2.XXXI. How Pantagruel entered into the city of the Amaurots, and how Panurge married King
Anarchus to an old lantern−carrying hag, and made him a crier of green sauce.
After this wonderful victory, Pantagruel sent Carpalin unto the city of the Amaurots to declare and signify
unto them how the King Anarchus was taken prisoner and all the enemies of the city overthrown. Which
news when they heard all the inhabitants of the city came forth to meet him in good order, and with a great
triumphant pomp, conducting him with a heavenly joy into the city, where innumerable bonfires were set on
through all the parts thereof, and fair round tables, which were furnished with store of good victuals, set out
in the middle of the streets. This was a renewing of the golden age in the time of Saturn, so good was the
cheer which then they made.
But Pantagruel, having assembled the whole senate and common councilmen of the town, said, My masters,
we must now strike the iron whilst it is hot. It is therefore my will that, before we frolic it any longer, we
advise how to assault and take the whole kingdom of the Dipsodes. To which effect let those that will go with
me provide themselves against to−morrow after drinking, for then will I begin to march. Not that I need any
more men than I have to help me to conquer it, for I could make it as sure that way as if I had it already; but I
see this city is so full of inhabitants that they scarce can turn in the streets. I will, therefore, carry them as a
colony into Dispody, and will give them all that country, which is fair, wealthy, fruitful, and pleasant, above
all other countries in the world, as many of you can tell who have been there heretofore. Everyone of you,
therefore, that will go along, let him provide himself as I have said. This counsel and resolution being
published in the city, the next morning there assembled in the piazza before the palace to the number of
eighteen hundred fifty−six thousand and eleven, besides women and little children. Thus began they to march
straight into Dipsody, in such good order as did the people of Israel when they departed out of Egypt to pass
over the Red Sea.
But before we proceed any further in this purpose, I will tell you how Panurge handled his prisoner the King
Anarchus; for, having remembered that which Epistemon had related, how the kings and rich men in this
world were used in the Elysian fields, and how they got their living there by base and ignoble trades, he,
therefore, one day apparelled his king in a pretty little canvas doublet, all jagged and pinked like the tippet of
a light horseman's cap, together with a pair of large mariner's breeches, and stockings without shoes,−−For,
said he, they would but spoil his sight,−− and a little peach−coloured bonnet with a great capon's feather in
it−−I lie, for I think he had two−−and a very handsome girdle of a sky−colour and green (in French called
pers et vert), saying that such a livery did become him well, for that he had always been perverse, and in this
plight bringing him before Pantagruel, said unto him, Do you know this roister? No, indeed, said Pantagruel.
It is, said Panurge, my lord the king of the three batches, or threadbare sovereign. I intend to make him an
honest man. These devilish kings which we have here are but as so many calves; they know nothing and are
good for nothing but to do a thousand mischiefs to their poor subjects, and to trouble all the world with war
for their unjust and detestable pleasure. I will put him to a trade, and make him a crier of green sauce. Go to,
begin and cry, Do you lack any green sauce? and the poor devil cried. That is too low, said Panurge; then
took him by the ear, saying, Sing higher in Ge, sol, re, ut. So, so poor devil, thou hast a good throat; thou wert
never so happy as to be no longer king. And Pantagruel made himself merry with all this; for I dare boldly
say that he was the best little gaffer that was to be seen between this and the end of a staff. Thus was
Anarchus made a good crier of green sauce. Two days thereafter Panurge married him with an old
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lantern−carrying hag, and he himself made the wedding with fine sheep's heads, brave haslets with mustard,
gallant salligots with garlic, of which he sent five horseloads unto Pantagruel, which he ate up all, he found
them so appetizing. And for their drink they had a kind of small well−watered wine, and some sorbapple−
cider. And, to make them dance, he hired a blind man that made music to them with a wind−broach.
After dinner he led them to the palace and showed them to Pantagruel, and said, pointing to the married
woman, You need not fear that she will crack. Why? said Pantagruel. Because, said Panurge, she is well slit
and broke up already. What do you mean by that? said Pantagruel. Do not you see, said Panurge, that the
chestnuts which are roasted in the fire, if they be whole they crack as if they were mad, and, to keep them
from cracking, they make an incision in them and slit them? So this new bride is in her lower parts well slit
before, and therefore will not crack behind.
Pantagruel gave them a little lodge near the lower street and a mortar of stone wherein to bray and pound
their sauce, and in this manner did they do their little business, he being as pretty a crier of green sauce as
ever was seen in the country of Utopia. But I have been told since that his wife doth beat him like plaister,
and the poor sot dare not defend himself, he is so simple.
Chapter 2.XXXII. How Pantagruel with his tongue covered a whole army, and what the author saw in his
mouth.
Thus, as Pantagruel with all his army had entered into the country of the Dipsodes, everyone was glad of it,
and incontinently rendered themselves unto him, bringing him out of their own good wills the keys of all the
cities where he went, the Almirods only excepted, who, being resolved to hold out against him, made answer
to his heralds that they would not yield but upon very honourable and good conditions.
What! said Pantagruel, do they ask any better terms than the hand at the pot and the glass in their fist? Come,
let us go sack them, and put them all to the sword. Then did they put themselves in good order, as being fully
determined to give an assault, but by the way, passing through a large field, they were overtaken with a great
shower of rain, whereat they began to shiver and tremble, to crowd, press, and thrust close to one another.
When Pantagruel saw that, he made their captains tell them that it was nothing, and that he saw well above
the clouds that it would be nothing but a little dew; but, howsoever, that they should put themselves in order,
and he would cover them. Then did they put themselves in a close order, and stood as near to (each) other as
they could, and Pantagruel drew out his tongue only half−way and covered them all, as a hen doth her
chickens. In the meantime, I, who relate to you these so veritable stories, hid myself under a burdock−leaf,
which was not much less in largeness than the arch of the bridge of Montrible, but when I saw them thus
covered, I went towards them to shelter myself likewise; which I could not do, for that they were so, as the
saying is, At the yard's end there is no cloth left. Then, as well as I could, I got upon it, and went along full
two leagues upon his tongue, and so long marched that at last I came into his mouth. But, O gods and
goddesses! what did I see there? Jupiter confound me with his trisulc lightning if I lie! I walked there as they
do in Sophia (at) Constantinople, and saw there great rocks, like the mountains in Denmark−−I believe that
those were his teeth. I saw also fair meadows, large forests, great and strong cities not a jot less than Lyons or
Poictiers. The first man I met with there was a good honest fellow planting coleworts, whereat being very
much amazed, I asked him, My friend, what dost thou make here? I plant coleworts, said he. But how, and
wherewith? said I. Ha, sir, said he, everyone cannot have his ballocks as heavy as a mortar, neither can we be
all rich. Thus do I get my poor living, and carry them to the market to sell in the city which is here behind.
Jesus! said I, is there here a new world? Sure, said he, it is never a jot new, but it is commonly reported that,
without this, there is an earth, whereof the inhabitants enjoy the light of a sun and a moon, and that it is full of
and replenished with very good commodities; but yet this is more ancient than that. Yea but, said I, my
friend, what is the name of that city whither thou carriest thy coleworts to sell? It is called Aspharage, said he,
and all the indwellers are Christians, very honest men, and will make you good cheer. To be brief, I resolved
to go thither. Now, in my way, I met with a fellow that was lying in wait to catch pigeons, of whom I asked,
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My friend, from whence come these pigeons? Sir, said he, they come from the other world. Then I thought
that, when Pantagruel yawned, the pigeons went into his mouth in whole flocks, thinking that it had been a
pigeon−house.
Then I went into the city, which I found fair, very strong, and seated in a good air; but at my entry the guard
demanded of me my pass or ticket. Whereat I was much astonished, and asked them, My masters, is there any
danger of the plague here? O Lord! said they, they die hard by here so fast that the cart runs about the streets.
Good God! said I, and where? Whereunto they answered that it was in Larynx and Pharynx, which are two
great cities such as Rouen and Nantes, rich and of great trading. And the cause of the plague was by a
stinking and infectious exhalation which lately vapoured out of the abysms, whereof there have died above
two and twenty hundred and threescore thousand and sixteen persons within this sevennight. Then I
considered, calculated, and found that it was a rank and unsavoury breathing which came out of Pantagruel's
stomach when he did eat so much garlic, as we have aforesaid.
Parting from thence, I passed amongst the rocks, which were his teeth, and never left walking till I got up on
one of them; and there I found the pleasantest places in the world, great large tennis−courts, fair galleries,
sweet meadows, store of vines, and an infinite number of banqueting summer outhouses in the fields, after
the Italian fashion, full of pleasure and delight, where I stayed full four months, and never made better cheer
in my life as then. After that I went down by the hinder teeth to come to the chaps. But in the way I was
robbed by thieves in a great forest that is in the territory towards the ears. Then, after a little further travelling,
I fell upon a pretty petty village−−truly I have forgot the name of it−−where I was yet merrier than ever, and
got some certain money to live by. Can you tell how? By sleeping. For there they hire men by the day to
sleep, and they get by it sixpence a day, but they that can snort hard get at least ninepence. How I had been
robbed in the valley I informed the senators, who told me that, in very truth, the people of that side were bad
livers and naturally thievish, whereby I perceived well that, as we have with us the countries Cisalpine and
Transalpine, that is, behither and beyond the mountains, so have they there the countries Cidentine and
Tradentine, that is, behither and beyond the teeth. But it is far better living on this side, and the air is purer.
Then I began to think that it is very true which is commonly said, that the one half of the world knoweth not
how the other half liveth; seeing none before myself had ever written of that country, wherein are above
five−and−twenty kingdoms inhabited, besides deserts, and a great arm of the sea. Concerning which purpose
I have composed a great book, entitled, The History of the Throttias, because they dwell in the throat of my
master Pantagruel.
At last I was willing to return, and, passing by his beard, I cast myself upon his shoulders, and from thence
slid down to the ground, and fell before him. As soon as I was perceived by him, he asked me, Whence
comest thou, Alcofribas? I answered him, Out of your mouth, my lord. And how long hast thou been there?
said he. Since the time, said I, that you went against the Almirods. That is about six months ago, said he. And
wherewith didst thou live? What didst thou drink? I answered, My lord, of the same that you did, and of the
daintiest morsels that passed through your throat I took toll. Yea but, said he, where didst thou shite? In your
throat, my lord, said I. Ha, ha! thou art a merry fellow, said he. We have with the help of God conquered all
the land of the Dipsodes; I will give thee the Chastelleine, or Lairdship of Salmigondin. Gramercy, my lord,
said I, you gratify me beyond all that I have deserved of you.
Chapter 2.XXXIII. How Pantagruel became sick, and the manner how he was recovered.
A while after this the good Pantagruel fell sick, and had such an obstruction in his stomach that he could
neither eat nor drink; and, because mischief seldom comes alone, a hot piss seized on him, which tormented
him more than you would believe. His physicians nevertheless helped him very well, and with store of
lenitives and diuretic drugs made him piss away his pain. His urine was so hot that since that time it is not yet
cold, and you have of it in divers places of France, according to the course that it took, and they are called the
hot baths, as−−
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At Coderets.
At Limous.
At Dast.
At Ballervie (Balleruc).
At Neric.
At Bourbonansie, and elsewhere in Italy.
At Mongros.
At Appone.
At Sancto Petro de Padua.
At St. Helen.
At Casa Nuova.
At St. Bartholomew, in the county of Boulogne.
At the Porrette, and a thousand other places.
And I wonder much at a rabble of foolish philosophers and physicians, who spend their time in disputing
whence the heat of the said waters cometh, whether it be by reason of borax, or sulphur, or alum, or saltpetre,
that is within the mine. For they do nothing but dote, and better were it for them to rub their arse against a
thistle than to waste away their time thus in disputing of that whereof they know not the original; for the
resolution is easy, neither need we to inquire any further than that the said baths came by a hot piss of the
good Pantagruel.
Now to tell you after what manner he was cured of his principal disease. I let pass how for a minorative or
gentle potion he took four hundred pound weight of colophoniac scammony, six score and eighteen cartloads
of cassia, an eleven thousand and nine hundred pound weight of rhubarb, besides other confuse jumblings of
sundry drugs. You must understand that by the advice of the physicians it was ordained that what did offend
his stomach should be taken away; and therefore they made seventeen great balls of copper, each whereof
was bigger than that which is to be seen on the top of St. Peter's needle at Rome, and in such sort that they did
open in the midst and shut with a spring. Into one of them entered one of his men carrying a lantern and a
torch lighted, and so Pantagruel swallowed him down like a little pill. Into seven others went seven
country−fellows, having every one of them a shovel on his neck. Into nine others entered nine wood−
carriers, having each of them a basket hung at his neck, and so were they swallowed down like pills. When
they were in his stomach, every one undid his spring, and came out of their cabins. The first whereof was he
that carried the lantern, and so they fell more than half a league into a most horrible gulf, more stinking and
infectious than ever was Mephitis, or the marshes of the Camerina, or the abominably unsavoury lake of
Sorbona, whereof Strabo maketh mention. And had it not been that they had very well antidoted their
stomach, heart, and wine−pot, which is called the noddle, they had been altogether suffocated and choked
with these detestable vapours. O what a perfume! O what an evaporation wherewith to bewray the masks or
mufflers of young mangy queans. After that, with groping and smelling they came near to the faecal matter
and the corrupted humours. Finally, they found a montjoy or heap of ordure and filth. Then fell the pioneers
to work to dig it up, and the rest with their shovels filled the baskets; and when all was cleansed every one
retired himself into his ball.
This done, Pantagruel enforcing himself to vomit, very easily brought them out, and they made no more show
in his mouth than a fart in yours. But, when they came merrily out of their pills, I thought upon the Grecians
coming out of the Trojan horse. By this means was he healed and brought unto his former state and
convalescence; and of these brazen pills, or rather copper balls, you have one at Orleans, upon the steeple of
the Holy Cross Church.
Chapter 2.XXXIV. The conclusion of this present book, and the excuse of the author.
Now, my masters, you have heard a beginning of the horrific history of my lord and master Pantagruel. Here
will I make an end of the first book. My head aches a little, and I perceive that the registers of my brain are
somewhat jumbled and disordered with this Septembral juice. You shall have the rest of the history at
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Frankfort mart next coming, and there shall you see how Panurge was married and made a cuckold within a
month after his wedding; how Pantagruel found out the philosopher's stone, the manner how he found it, and
the way how to use it; how he passed over the Caspian mountains, and how he sailed through the Atlantic
sea, defeated the Cannibals, and conquered the isles of Pearls; how he married the daughter of the King of
India, called Presthan; how he fought against the devil and burnt up five chambers of hell, ransacked the great
black chamber, threw Proserpina into the fire, broke five teeth to Lucifer, and the horn that was in his arse;
how he visited the regions of the moon to know whether indeed the moon were not entire and whole, or if the
women had three quarters of it in their heads, and a thousand other little merriments all veritable. These are
brave things truly. Good night, gentlemen. Perdonate mi, and think not so much upon my faults that you
forget your own.
If you say to me, Master, it would seem that you were not very wise in writing to us these flimflam stories
and pleasant fooleries; I answer you, that you are not much wiser to spend your time in reading them.
Nevertheless, if you read them to make yourselves merry, as in manner of pastime I wrote them, you and I
both are far more worthy of pardon than a great rabble of squint−minded fellows, dissembling and counterfeit
saints, demure lookers, hypocrites, pretended zealots, tough friars, buskin−monks, and other such sects of
men, who disguise themselves like masquers to deceive the world. For, whilst they give the common people
to understand that they are busied about nothing but contemplation and devotion in fastings and maceration
of their sensuality−−and that only to sustain and aliment the small frailty of their humanity−−it is so far
otherwise that, on the contrary, God knows what cheer they make; Et Curios simulant, sed Bacchanalia
vivunt. You may read it in great letters in the colouring of their red snouts, and gulching bellies as big as a
tun, unless it be when they perfume themselves with sulphur. As for their study, it is wholly taken up in
reading of Pantagruelian books, not so much to pass the time merrily as to hurt someone or other
mischievously, to wit, in articling, sole−articling, wry−neckifying, buttock−stirring, ballocking, and
diabliculating, that is, calumniating. Wherein they are like unto the poor rogues of a village that are busy in
stirring up and scraping in the ordure and filth of little children, in the season of cherries and guinds, and that
only to find the kernels, that they may sell them to the druggists to make thereof pomander oil. Fly from these
men, abhor and hate them as much as I do, and upon my faith you will find yourselves the better for it. And if
you desire to be good Pantagruelists, that is to say, to live in peace, joy, health, making yourselves always
merry, never trust those men that always peep out at one hole.
End of Book II.
BOOK III.
THE THIRD BOOK
Francois Rabelais to the Soul of the Deceased Queen of Navarre.
Abstracted soul, ravished with ecstasies, Gone back, and now familiar in the skies, Thy former host, thy
body, leaving quite, Which to obey thee always took delight,−− Obsequious, ready,−−now from motion free,
Senseless, and as it were in apathy, Wouldst thou not issue forth for a short space, From that divine, eternal,
heavenly place, To see the third part, in this earthy cell, Of the brave acts of good Pantagruel?
The Author's Prologue.
Good people, most illustrious drinkers, and you, thrice precious gouty gentlemen, did you ever see Diogenes,
and cynic philosopher? If you have seen him, you then had your eyes in your head, or I am very much out of
my understanding and logical sense. It is a gallant thing to see the clearness of (wine, gold,) the sun. I'll be
judged by the blind born so renowned in the sacred Scriptures, who, having at his choice to ask whatever he
would from him who is Almighty, and whose word in an instant is effectually performed, asked nothing else
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but that he might see. Item, you are not young, which is a competent quality for you to philosophate more
than physically in wine, not in vain, and henceforwards to be of the Bacchic Council; to the end that, opining
there, you may give your opinion faithfully of the substance, colour, excellent odour, eminency, propriety,
faculty, virtue, and effectual dignity of the said blessed and desired liquor.
If you have not seen him, as I am easily induced to believe that you have not, at least you have heard some
talk of him. For through the air, and the whole extent of this hemisphere of the heavens, hath his report and
fame, even until this present time, remained very memorable and renowned. Then all of you are derived from
the Phrygian blood, if I be not deceived. If you have not so many crowns as Midas had, yet have you
something, I know not what, of him, which the Persians of old esteemed more of in all their otacusts, and
which was more desired by the Emperor Antonine, and gave occasion thereafter to the Basilico at Rohan to
be surnamed Goodly Ears. If you have not heard of him, I will presently tell you a story to make your wine
relish. Drink then,−−so, to the purpose. Hearken now whilst I give you notice, to the end that you may not,
like infidels, be by your simplicity abused, that in his time he was a rare philosopher and the cheerfullest of a
thousand. If he had some imperfection, so have you, so have we; for there is nothing, but God, that is perfect.
Yet so it was, that by Alexander the Great, although he had Aristotle for his instructor and domestic, was he
held in such estimation, that he wished, if he had not been Alexander, to have been Diogenes the Sinopian.
When Philip, King of Macedon, enterprised the siege and ruin of Corinth, the Corinthians having received
certain intelligence by their spies that he with a numerous army in battle−rank was coming against them,
were all of them, not without cause, most terribly afraid; and therefore were not neglective of their duty in
doing their best endeavours to put themselves in a fit posture to resist his hostile approach and defend their
own city.
Some from the fields brought into the fortified places their movables, bestial, corn, wine, fruit, victuals, and
other necessary provision.
Others did fortify and rampire their walls, set up little fortresses, bastions, squared ravelins, digged trenches,
cleansed countermines, fenced themselves with gabions, contrived platforms, emptied casemates, barricaded
the false brays, erected the cavaliers, repaired the counterscarps, plastered the curtains, lengthened ravelins,
stopped parapets, morticed barbacans, assured the portcullises, fastened the herses, sarasinesques, and
cataracts, placed their sentries, and doubled their patrol. Everyone did watch and ward, and not one was
exempted from carrying the basket. Some polished corslets, varnished backs and breasts, cleaned the
headpieces, mail−coats, brigandines, salads, helmets, morions, jacks, gushets, gorgets, hoguines, brassars,
and cuissars, corslets, haubergeons, shields, bucklers, targets, greaves, gauntlets, and spurs. Others made
ready bows, slings, crossbows, pellets, catapults, migrains or fire−balls, firebrands, balists, scorpions, and
other such warlike engines expugnatory and destructive to the Hellepolides. They sharpened and prepared
spears, staves, pikes, brown bills, halberds, long hooks, lances, zagayes, quarterstaves, eelspears, partisans,
troutstaves, clubs, battle−axes, maces, darts, dartlets, glaives, javelins, javelots, and truncheons. They set
edges upon scimitars, cutlasses, badelairs, backswords, tucks, rapiers, bayonets, arrow−heads, dags, daggers,
mandousians, poniards, whinyards, knives, skeans, shables, chipping knives, and raillons.
Every man exercised his weapon, every man scoured off the rust from his natural hanger; nor was there a
woman amongst them, though never so reserved or old, who made not her harness to be well furbished; as
you know the Corinthian women of old were reputed very courageous combatants.
Diogenes seeing them all so warm at work, and himself not employed by the magistrates in any business
whatsoever, he did very seriously, for many days together, without speaking one word, consider and
contemplate the countenance of his fellow−citizens.
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Then on a sudden, as if he had been roused up and inspired by a martial spirit, he girded his cloak scarfwise
about his left arm, tucked up his sleeves to the elbow, trussed himself like a clown gathering apples, and,
giving to one of his old acquaintance his wallet, books, and opistographs, away went he out of town towards
a little hill or promontory of Corinth called (the) Cranie; and there on the strand, a pretty level place, did he
roll his jolly tub, which served him for a house to shelter him from the injuries of the weather: there, I say, in
a great vehemency of spirit, did he turn it, veer it, wheel it, whirl it, frisk it, jumble it, shuffle it, huddle it,
tumble it, hurry it, jolt it, justle it, overthrow it, evert it, invert it, subvert it, overturn it, beat it, thwack it,
bump it, batter it, knock it, thrust it, push it, jerk it, shock it, shake it, toss it, throw it, overthrow it, upside
down, topsy−turvy, arsiturvy, tread it, trample it, stamp it, tap it, ting it, ring it, tingle it, towl it, sound it,
resound it, stop it, shut it, unbung it, close it, unstopple it. And then again in a mighty bustle he bandied it,
slubbered it, hacked it, whittled it, wayed it, darted it, hurled it, staggered it, reeled it, swinged it, brangled it,
tottered it, lifted it, heaved it, transformed it, transfigured it, transposed it, transplaced it, reared it, raised it,
hoised it, washed it, dighted it, cleansed it, rinsed it, nailed it, settled it, fastened it, shackled it, fettered it,
levelled it, blocked it, tugged it, tewed it, carried it, bedashed it, bewrayed it, parched it, mounted it, broached
it, nicked it, notched it, bespattered it, decked it, adorned it, trimmed it, garnished it, gauged it, furnished it,
bored it, pierced it, trapped it, rumbled it, slid it down the hill, and precipitated it from the very height of the
Cranie; then from the foot to the top (like another Sisyphus with his stone) bore it up again, and every way so
banged it and belaboured it that it was ten thousand to one he had not struck the bottom of it out.
Which when one of his friends had seen, and asked him why he did so toil his body, perplex his spirit, and
torment his tub, the philosopher's answer was that, not being employed in any other charge by the Republic,
he thought it expedient to thunder and storm it so tempestuously upon his tub, that amongst a people so
fervently busy and earnest at work he alone might not seem a loitering slug and lazy fellow. To the same
purpose may I say of myself,
Though I be rid from fear, I am not void of care.
For, perceiving no account to be made of me towards the discharge of a trust of any great concernment, and
considering that through all the parts of this noble kingdom of France, both on this and on the other side of
the mountains, everyone is most diligently exercised and busied, some in the fortifying of their own native
country for its defence, others in the repulsing of their enemies by an offensive war; and all this with a policy
so excellent and such admirable order, so manifestly profitable for the future, whereby France shall have its
frontiers most magnifically enlarged, and the French assured of a long and well−grounded peace, that very
little withholds me from the opinion of good Heraclitus, which affirmeth war to be the father of all good
things; and therefore do I believe that war is in Latin called bellum, not by antiphrasis, as some patchers of
old rusty Latin would have us to think, because in war there is little beauty to be seen, but absolutely and
simply; for that in war appeareth all that is good and graceful, and that by the wars is purged out all manner
of wickedness and deformity. For proof whereof the wise and pacific Solomon could no better represent the
unspeakable perfection of the divine wisdom, than by comparing it to the due disposure and ranking of an
army in battle array, well provided and ordered.
Therefore, by reason of my weakness and inability, being reputed by my compatriots unfit for the offensive
part of warfare; and on the other side, being no way employed in matter of the defensive, although it had been
but to carry burthens, fill ditches, or break clods, either whereof had been to me indifferent, I held it not a
little disgraceful to be only an idle spectator of so many valorous, eloquent, and warlike persons, who in the
view and sight of all Europe act this notable interlude or tragi−comedy, and not make some effort towards the
performance of this, nothing at all remains for me to be done ('And not exert myself, and contribute thereto
this nothing, my all, which remained for me to do.'−−Ozell.). In my opinion, little honour is due to such as
are mere lookers−on, liberal of their eyes, and of their crowns, and hide their silver; scratching their head
with one finger like grumbling puppies, gaping at the flies like tithe calves; clapping down their ears like
Arcadian asses at the melody of musicians, who with their very countenances in the depth of silence express
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their consent to the prosopopoeia. Having made this choice and election, it seemed to me that my exercise
therein would be neither unprofitable nor troublesome to any, whilst I should thus set a−going my Diogenical
tub, which is all that is left me safe from the shipwreck of my former misfortunes.
At this dingle dangle wagging of my tub, what would you have me to do? By the Virgin that tucks up her
sleeve, I know not as yet. Stay a little, till I suck up a draught of this bottle; it is my true and only Helicon; it
is my Caballine fountain; it is my sole enthusiasm. Drinking thus, I meditate, discourse, resolve, and
conclude. After that the epilogue is made, I laugh, I write, I compose, and drink again. Ennius drinking wrote,
and writing drank. Aeschylus, if Plutarch in his Symposiacs merit any faith, drank composing, and drinking
composed. Homer never wrote fasting, and Cato never wrote till after he had drunk. These passages I have
brought before you to the end you may not say that I lived without the example of men well praised and
better prized. It is good and fresh enough, even as if you would say it is entering upon the second degree.
God, the good God Sabaoth, that is to say, the God of armies, be praised for it eternally! If you after the same
manner would take one great draught, or two little ones, whilst you have your gown about you, I truly find no
kind of inconveniency in it, provided you send up to God for all some small scantling of thanks.
Since then my luck or destiny is such as you have heard−−for it is not for everybody to go to Corinth−−I am
fully resolved to be so little idle and unprofitable, that I will set myself to serve the one and the other sort of
people. Amongst the diggers, pioneers, and rampire−builders, I will do as did Neptune and Apollo at Troy
under Laomedon, or as did Renault of Montauban in his latter days: I will serve the masons, I'll set on the pot
to boil for the bricklayers; and, whilst the minced meat is making ready at the sound of my small pipe, I'll
measure the muzzle of the musing dotards. Thus did Amphion with the melody of his harp found, build, and
finish the great and renowned city of Thebes.
For the use of the warriors I am about to broach of new my barrel to give them a taste (which by two former
volumes of mine, if by the deceitfulness and falsehood of printers they had not been jumbled, marred, and
spoiled, you would have very well relished), and draw unto them, of the growth of our own trippery pastimes,
a gallant third part of a gallon, and consequently a jolly cheerful quart of Pantagruelic sentences, which you
may lawfully call, if you please, Diogenical: and shall have me, seeing I cannot be their fellow−soldier, for
their faithful butler, refreshing and cheering, according to my little power, their return from the alarms of the
enemy; as also for an indefatigable extoller of their martial exploits and glorious achievements. I shall not fail
therein, par lapathium acutum de dieu; if Mars fail not in Lent, which the cunning lecher, I warrant you, will
be loth to do.
I remember nevertheless to have read, that Ptolemy, the son of Lagus, one day, amongst the many spoils and
booties which by his victories he had acquired, presenting to the Egyptians, in the open view of the people, a
Bactrian camel all black, and a party−coloured slave, in such sort as that the one half of his body was black
and the other white, not in partition of breadth by the diaphragma, as was that woman consecrated to the
Indian Venus whom the Tyanean philosopher did see between the river Hydaspes and Mount Caucasus, but
in a perpendicular dimension of altitude; which were things never before that seen in Egypt. He expected by
the show of these novelties to win the love of the people. But what happened thereupon? At the production of
the camel they were all affrighted, and offended at the sight of the party−coloured man−−some scoffed at him
as a detestable monster brought forth by the error of nature; in a word, of the hope which he had to please
these Egyptians, and by such means to increase the affection which they naturally bore him, he was altogether
frustrate and disappointed; understanding fully by their deportments that they took more pleasure and delight
in things that were proper, handsome, and perfect, than in misshapen, monstrous, and ridiculous creatures.
Since which time he had both the slave and the camel in such dislike, that very shortly thereafter, either
through negligence, or for want of ordinary sustenance, they did exchange their life with death.
This example putteth me in a suspense between hope and fear, misdoubting that, for the contentment which I
aim at, I will but reap what shall be most distasteful to me: my cake will be dough, and for my Venus I shall
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have but some deformed puppy: instead of serving them, I shall but vex them, and offend them whom I
purpose to exhilarate; resembling in this dubious adventure Euclion's cook, so renowned by Plautus in his
Pot, and by Ausonius in his Griphon, and by divers others; which cook, for having by his scraping discovered
a treasure, had his hide well curried. Put the case I get no anger by it, though formerly such things fell out,
and the like may occur again. Yet, by Hercules! it will not. So I perceive in them all one and the same
specifical form, and the like individual properties, which our ancestors called Pantagruelism; by virtue
whereof they will bear with anything that floweth from a good, free, and loyal heart. I have seen them
ordinarily take goodwill in part of payment, and remain satisfied therewith when one was not able to do
better. Having despatched this point, I return to my barrel.
Up, my lads, to this wine, spare it not! Drink, boys, and trowl it off at full bowls! If you do not think it good,
let it alone. I am not like those officious and importunate sots, who by force, outrage, and violence, constrain
an easy good−natured fellow to whiffle, quaff, carouse, and what is worse. All honest tipplers, all honest
gouty men, all such as are a− dry, coming to this little barrel of mine, need not drink thereof if it please them
not; but if they have a mind to it, and that the wine prove agreeable to the tastes of their worshipful worships,
let them drink, frankly, freely, and boldly, without paying anything, and welcome. This is my decree, my
statute and ordinance.
And let none fear there shall be any want of wine, as at the marriage of Cana in Galilee; for how much soever
you shall draw forth at the faucet, so much shall I tun in at the bung. Thus shall the barrel remain
inexhaustible; it hath a lively spring and perpetual current. Such was the beverage contained within the cup of
Tantalus, which was figuratively represented amongst the Brachman sages. Such was in Iberia the mountain
of salt so highly written of by Cato. Such was the branch of gold consecrated to the subterranean goddess,
which Virgil treats of so sublimely. It is a true cornucopia of merriment and raillery. If at any time it seem to
you to be emptied to the very lees, yet shall it not for all that be drawn wholly dry. Good hope remains there
at the bottom, as in Pandora's bottle; and not despair, as in the puncheon of the Danaids. Remark well what I
have said, and what manner of people they be whom I do invite; for, to the end that none be deceived, I, in
imitation of Lucilius, who did protest that he wrote only to his own Tarentines and Consentines, have not
pierced this vessel for any else but you honest men, who are drinkers of the first edition, and gouty blades of
the highest degree. The great dorophages, bribe−mongers, have on their hands occupation enough, and
enough on the hooks for their venison. There may they follow their prey; here is no garbage for them. You
pettifoggers, garblers, and masters of chicanery, speak not to me, I beseech you, in the name of, and for the
reverence you bear to the four hips that engendered you and to the quickening peg which at that time
conjoined them. As for hypocrites, much less; although they were all of them unsound in body, pockified,
scurvy, furnished with unquenchable thirst and insatiable eating. (And wherefore?) Because indeed they are
not of good but of evil, and of that evil from which we daily pray to God to deliver us. And albeit we see
them sometimes counterfeit devotion, yet never did old ape make pretty moppet. Hence, mastiffs; dogs in a
doublet, get you behind; aloof, villains, out of my sunshine; curs, to the devil! Do you jog hither, wagging
your tails, to pant at my wine, and bepiss my barrel? Look, here is the cudgel which Diogenes, in his last will,
ordained to be set by him after his death, for beating away, crushing the reins, and breaking the backs of these
bustuary hobgoblins and Cerberian hellhounds. Pack you hence, therefore, you hypocrites, to your
sheep−dogs; get you gone, you dissemblers, to the devil! Hay! What, are you there yet? I renounce my part of
Papimanie, if I snatch you, Grr, Grrr, Grrrrrr. Avaunt, avaunt! Will you not be gone? May you never shit till
you be soundly lashed with stirrup leather, never piss but by the strapado, nor be otherwise warmed than by
the bastinado.
THE THIRD BOOK.
Chapter 3.I. How Pantagruel transported a colony of Utopians into Dipsody.
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Pantagruel, having wholly subdued the land of Dipsody, transported thereunto a colony of Utopians, to the
number of 9,876,543,210 men, besides the women and little children, artificers of all trades, and professors of
all sciences, to people, cultivate, and improve that country, which otherwise was ill inhabited, and in the
greatest part thereof but a mere desert and wilderness; and did transport them (not) so much for the excessive
multitude of men and women, which were in Utopia multiplied, for number, like grasshoppers upon the face
of the land. You understand well enough, nor is it needful further to explain it to you, that the Utopian men
had so rank and fruitful genitories, and that the Utopian women carried matrixes so ample, so gluttonous, so
tenaciously retentive, and so architectonically cellulated, that at the end of every ninth month seven children
at the least, what male what female, were brought forth by every married woman, in imitation of the people
of Israel in Egypt, if Anthony (Nicholas) de Lyra be to be trusted. Nor yet was this transplantation made so
much for the fertility of the soil, the wholesomeness of the air, or commodity of the country of Dipsody, as to
retain that rebellious people within the bounds of their duty and obedience, by this new transport of his
ancient and most faithful subjects, who, from all time out of mind, never knew, acknowledged, owned, or
served any other sovereign lord but him; and who likewise, from the very instant of their birth, as soon as
they were entered into this world, had, with the milk of their mothers and nurses, sucked in the sweetness,
humanity, and mildness of his government, to which they were all of them so nourished and habituated, that
there was nothing surer than that they would sooner abandon their lives than swerve from this singular and
primitive obedience naturally due to their prince, whithersoever they should be dispersed or removed.
And not only should they, and their children successively descending from their blood, be such, but also
would keep and maintain in this same fealty obsequious observance all the nations lately annexed to his
empire; which so truly came to pass that therein he was not disappointed of his intent. For if the Utopians
were before their transplantation thither dutiful and faithful subjects, the Dipsodes, after some few days
conversing with them, were every whit as, if not more, loyal than they; and that by virtue of I know not what
natural fervency incident to all human creatures at the beginning of any labour wherein they take delight:
solemnly attesting the heavens and supreme intelligences of their being only sorry that no sooner unto their
knowledge had arrived the great renown of the good Pantagruel.
Remark therefore here, honest drinkers, that the manner of preserving and retaining countries newly
conquered in obedience is not, as hath been the erroneous opinion of some tyrannical spirits to their own
detriment and dishonour, to pillage, plunder, force, spoil, trouble, oppress, vex, disquiet, ruin and destroy the
people, ruling, governing and keeping them in awe with rods of iron; and, in a word, eating and devouring
them, after the fashion that Homer calls an unjust and wicked king, (Greek), that is to say, a devourer of his
people.
I will not bring you to this purpose the testimony of ancient writers. It shall suffice to put you in mind of what
your fathers have seen thereof, and yourselves too, if you be not very babes. Newborn, they must be given
suck to, rocked in a cradle, and dandled. Trees newly planted must be supported, underpropped, strengthened
and defended against all tempests, mischiefs, injuries, and calamities. And one lately saved from a long and
dangerous sickness, and new upon his recovery, must be forborn, spared, and cherished, in such sort that they
may harbour in their own breasts this opinion, that there is not in the world a king or a prince who does not
desire fewer enemies and more friends. Thus Osiris, the great king of the Egyptians, conquered almost the
whole earth, not so much by force of arms as by easing the people of their troubles, teaching them how to live
well, and honestly giving them good laws, and using them with all possible affability, courtesy, gentleness,
and liberality. Therefore was he by all men deservedly entitled the Great King Euergetes, that is to say,
Benefactor, which style he obtained by virtue of the command of Jupiter to (one) Pamyla.
And in effect, Hesiod, in his Hierarchy, placed the good demons (call them angels if you will, or geniuses,) as
intercessors and mediators betwixt the gods and men, they being of a degree inferior to the gods, but superior
to men. And for that through their hands the riches and benefits we get from heaven are dealt to us, and that
they are continually doing us good and still protecting us from evil, he saith that they exercise the offices of
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kings; because to do always good, and never ill, is an act most singularly royal.
Just such another was the emperor of the universe, Alexander the Macedonian. After this manner was
Hercules sovereign possessor of the whole continent, relieving men from monstrous oppressions, exactions,
and tyrannies; governing them with discretion, maintaining them in equity and justice, instructing them with
seasonable policies and wholesome laws, convenient for and suitable to the soil, climate, and disposition of
the country, supplying what was wanting, abating what was superfluous, and pardoning all that was past, with
a sempiternal forgetfulness of all preceding offences, as was the amnesty of the Athenians, when by the
prowess, valour, and industry of Thrasybulus by tyrants were exterminated; afterwards at Rome by Cicero
exposed, and renewed under the Emperor Aurelian. These are the philtres, allurements, iynges,
inveiglements, baits, and enticements of love, by the means whereof that may be peaceably revived which
was painfully acquired. Nor can a conqueror reign more happily, whether he be a monarch, emperor, king,
prince, or philosopher, than by making his justice to second his valour. His valour shows itself in victory and
conquest; his justice will appear in the goodwill and affection of the people, when he maketh laws, publisheth
ordinances, establisheth religion, and doth what is right to everyone, as the noble poet Virgil writes of
Octavian Augustus:
Victorque volentes Per populos dat jura.
Therefore is it that Homer in his Iliads calleth a good prince and great king (Greek), that is, the ornament of
the people.
Such was the consideration of Numa Pompilius, the second king of the Romans, a just politician and wise
philosopher, when he ordained that to god Terminus, on the day of his festival called Terminales, nothing
should be sacrificed that had died; teaching us thereby that the bounds, limits, and frontiers of kingdoms
should be guarded, and preserved in peace, amity, and meekness, without polluting our hands with blood and
robbery. Who doth otherwise, shall not only lose what he hath gained, but also be loaded with this scandal
and reproach, that he is an unjust and wicked purchaser, and his acquests perish with him; Juxta illud, male
parta, male dilabuntur. And although during his whole lifetime he should have peaceable possession thereof,
yet if what hath been so acquired moulder away in the hands of his heirs, the same opprobry, scandal, and
imputation will be charged upon the defunct, and his memory remain accursed for his unjust and
unwarrantable conquest; Juxta illud, de male quaesitis vix gaudet tertius haeres.
Remark, likewise, gentlemen, you gouty feoffees, in this main point worthy of your observation, how by
these means Pantagruel of one angel made two, which was a contingency opposite to the counsel of
Charlemagne, who made two devils of one when he transplanted the Saxons into Flanders and the Flemings
into Saxony. For, not being able to keep in such subjection the Saxons, whose dominion he had joined to the
empire, but that ever and anon they would break forth into open rebellion if he should casually be drawn into
Spain or other remote kingdoms, he caused them to be brought unto his own country of Flanders, the
inhabitants whereof did naturally obey him, and transported the Hainaults and Flemings, his ancient loving
subjects, into Saxony, not mistrusting their loyalty now that they were transplanted into a strange land. But it
happened that the Saxons persisted in their rebellion and primitive obstinacy, and the Flemings dwelling in
Saxony did imbibe the stubborn manners and conditions of the Saxons.
Chapter 3.II. How Panurge was made Laird of Salmigondin in Dipsody, and did waste his revenue before
it came in.
Whilst Pantagruel was giving order for the government of all Dipsody, he assigned to Panurge the lairdship
of Salmigondin, which was yearly worth 6,789,106,789 reals of certain rent, besides the uncertain revenue of
the locusts and periwinkles, amounting, one year with another, to the value of 435,768, or 2,435,769 French
crowns of Berry. Sometimes it did amount to 1,230,554,321 seraphs, when it was a good year, and that
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locusts and periwinkles were in request; but that was not every year.
Now his worship, the new laird, husbanded this his estate so providently well and prudently, that in less than
fourteen days he wasted and dilapidated all the certain and uncertain revenue of his lairdship for three whole
years. Yet did not he properly dilapidate it, as you might say, in founding of monasteries, building of
churches, erecting of colleges, and setting up of hospitals, or casting his bacon−flitches to the dogs; but spent
it in a thousand little banquets and jolly collations, keeping open house for all comers and goers; yea, to all
good fellows, young girls, and pretty wenches; felling timber, burning great logs for the sale of the ashes,
borrowing money beforehand, buying dear, selling cheap, and eating his corn, as it were, whilst it was but
grass.
Pantagruel, being advertised of this his lavishness, was in good sooth no way offended at the matter, angry
nor sorry; for I once told you, and again tell it you, that he was the best, little, great goodman that ever girded
a sword to his side. He took all things in good part, and interpreted every action to the best sense. He never
vexed nor disquieted himself with the least pretence of dislike to anything, because he knew that he must
have most grossly abandoned the divine mansion of reason if he had permitted his mind to be never so little
grieved, afflicted, or altered at any occasion whatsoever. For all the goods that the heaven covereth, and that
the earth containeth, in all their dimensions of height, depth, breadth, and length, are not of so much worth as
that we should for them disturb or disorder our affections, trouble or perplex our senses or spirits.
He drew only Panurge aside, and then, making to him a sweet remonstrance and mild admonition, very gently
represented before him in strong arguments, that, if he should continue in such an unthrifty course of living,
and not become a better mesnagier, it would prove altogether impossible for him, or at least hugely difficult,
at any time to make him rich. Rich! answered Panurge; have you fixed your thoughts there? Have you
undertaken the task to enrich me in this world? Set your mind to live merrily, in the name of God and good
folks; let no other cark nor care be harboured within the sacrosanctified domicile of your celestial brain. May
the calmness and tranquillity thereof be never incommodated with, or overshadowed by any frowning clouds
of sullen imaginations and displeasing annoyance! For if you live joyful, merry, jocund, and glad, I cannot be
but rich enough. Everybody cries up thrift, thrift, and good husbandry. But many speak of Robin Hood that
never shot in his bow, and talk of that virtue of mesnagery who know not what belongs to it. It is by me that
they must be advised. From me, therefore, take this advertisement and information, that what is imputed to
me for a vice hath been done in imitation of the university and parliament of Paris, places in which is to be
found the true spring and source of the lively idea of Pantheology and all manner of justice. Let him be
counted a heretic that doubteth thereof, and doth not firmly believe it. Yet they in one day eat up their bishop,
or the revenue of the bishopric−−is it not all one?−−for a whole year, yea, sometimes for two. This is done on
the day he makes his entry, and is installed. Nor is there any place for an excuse; for he cannot avoid it,
unless he would be hooted at and stoned for his parsimony.
It hath been also esteemed an act flowing from the habit of the four cardinal virtues. Of prudence in
borrowing money beforehand; for none knows what may fall out. Who is able to tell if the world shall last yet
three years? But although it should continue longer, is there any man so foolish as to have the confidence to
promise himself three years?
What fool so confident to say, That he shall live one other day?
Of commutative justice, in buying dear, I say, upon trust, and selling goods cheap, that is, for ready money.
What says Cato in his Body of Husbandry to this purpose? The father of a family, says he, must be a
perpetual seller; by which means it is impossible but that at last he shall become rich, if he have of vendible
ware enough still ready for sale.
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Of distributive justice it doth partake, in giving entertainment to good−− remark, good−−and gentle fellows,
whom fortune had shipwrecked, like Ulysses, upon the rock of a hungry stomach without provision of
sustenance; and likewise to the good−−remark, the good−−and young wenches. For, according to the
sentence of Hippocrates, Youth is impatient of hunger, chiefly if it be vigorous, lively, frolic, brisk, stirring,
and bouncing. Which wanton lasses willingly and heartily devote themselves to the pleasure of honest men;
and are in so far both Platonic and Ciceronian, that they do acknowledge their being born into this world not
to be for themselves alone, but that in their proper persons their acquaintance may claim one share, and their
friends another.
The virtue of fortitude appears therein by the cutting down and overthrowing of the great trees, like a second
Milo making havoc of the dark forest, which did serve only to furnish dens, caves, and shelter to wolves, wild
boars, and foxes, and afford receptacles, withdrawing corners, and refuges to robbers, thieves, and murderers,
lurking holes and skulking places for cutthroat assassinators, secret obscure shops for coiners of false money,
and safe retreats for heretics, laying them even and level with the plain champaign fields and pleasant heathy
ground, at the sound of the hautboys and bagpipes playing reeks with the high and stately timber, and
preparing seats and benches for the eve of the dreadful day of judgment.
I gave thereby proof of my temperance in eating my corn whilst it was but grass, like a hermit feeding upon
salads and roots, that, so affranchising myself from the yoke of sensual appetites to the utter disclaiming of
their sovereignty, I might the better reserve somewhat in store for the relief of the lame, blind, crippled,
maimed, needy, poor, and wanting wretches.
In taking this course I save the expense of the weed−grubbers, who gain money,−−of the reapers in
harvest−time, who drink lustily, and without water,−−of gleaners, who will expect their cakes and
bannocks,−−of threshers, who leave no garlic, scallions, leeks, nor onions in our gardens, by the authority of
Thestilis in Virgil,−−and of the millers, who are generally thieves,−−and of the bakers, who are little better.
Is this small saving or frugality? Besides the mischief and damage of the field− mice, the decay of barns, and
the destruction usually made by weasels and other vermin.
Of corn in the blade you may make good green sauce of a light concoction and easy digestion, which
recreates the brain and exhilarates the animal spirits, rejoiceth the sight, openeth the appetite, delighteth the
taste, comforteth the heart, tickleth the tongue, cheereth the countenance, striking a fresh and lively colour,
strengthening the muscles, tempers the blood, disburdens the midriff, refresheth the liver, disobstructs the
spleen, easeth the kidneys, suppleth the reins, quickens the joints of the back, cleanseth the urine−conduits,
dilates the spermatic vessels, shortens the cremasters, purgeth the bladder, puffeth up the genitories,
correcteth the prepuce, hardens the nut, and rectifies the member. It will make you have a current belly to
trot, fart, dung, piss, sneeze, cough, spit, belch, spew, yawn, snuff, blow, breathe, snort, sweat, and set taut
your Robin, with a thousand other rare advantages. I understand you very well, says Pantagruel; you would
thereby infer that those of a mean spirit and shallow capacity have not the skill to spend much in a short time.
You are not the first in whose conceit that heresy hath entered. Nero maintained it, and above all mortals
admired most his uncle Caius Caligula, for having in a few days, by a most wonderfully pregnant invention,
totally spent all the goods and patrimony which Tiberius had left him.
But, instead of observing the sumptuous supper−curbing laws of the Romans−− to wit, the Orchia, the
Fannia, the Didia, the Licinia, the Cornelia, the Lepidiana, the Antia, and of the Corinthians−−by the which
they were inhibited, under pain of great punishment, not to spend more in one year than their annual revenue
did amount to, you have offered up the oblation of Protervia, which was with the Romans such a sacrifice as
the paschal lamb was amongst the Jews, wherein all that was eatable was to be eaten, and the remainder to be
thrown into the fire, without reserving anything for the next day. I may very justly say of you, as Cato did of
Albidius, who after that he had by a most extravagant expense wasted all the means and possessions he had to
one only house, he fairly set it on fire, that he might the better say, Consummatum est. Even just as since his
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time St. Thomas Aquinas did, when he had eaten up the whole lamprey, although there was no necessity in it.
Chapter 3.III. How Panurge praiseth the debtors and borrowers.
But, quoth Pantagruel, when will you be out of debt? At the next ensuing term of the Greek kalends,
answered Panurge, when all the world shall be content, and that it be your fate to become your own heir. The
Lord forbid that I should be out of debt, as if, indeed, I could not be trusted. Who leaves not some leaven over
night, will hardly have paste the next morning.
Be still indebted to somebody or other, that there may be somebody always to pray for you, that the giver of
all good things may grant unto you a blessed, long, and prosperous life; fearing, if fortune should deal crossly
with you, that it might be his chance to come short of being paid by you, he will always speak good of you in
every company, ever and anon purchase new creditors unto you; to the end, that through their means you may
make a shift by borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, and with other folk's earth fill up his ditch. When of old, in
the region of the Gauls, by the institution of the Druids, and servants, slaves, and bondmen were burnt quick
at the funerals and obsequies of their lords and masters, had not they fear enough, think you, that their lords
and masters should die? For, perforce, they were to die with them for company. Did not they incessantly send
up their supplications to their great god Mercury, as likewise unto Dis, the father of wealth, to lengthen out
their days, and to preserve them long in health? Were not they very careful to entertain them well, punctually
to look unto them, and to attend them faithfully and circumspectly? For by those means were they to live
together at least until the hour of death. Believe me, your creditors with a more fervent devotion will beseech
Almighty God to prolong your life, they being of nothing more afraid than that you should die; for that they
are more concerned for the sleeve than the arm, and love silver better than their own lives. As it evidently
appeareth by the usurers of Landerousse, who not long since hanged themselves because the price of the corn
and wines was fallen by the return of a gracious season. To this Pantagruel answering nothing, Panurge went
on in his discourse, saying, Truly and in good sooth, sir, when I ponder my destiny aright, and think well
upon it, you put me shrewdly to my plunges, and have me at a bay in twitting me with the reproach of my
debts and creditors. And yet did I, in this only respect and consideration of being a debtor, esteem myself
worshipful, reverend, and formidable. For against the opinion of most philosophers, that of nothing ariseth
nothing, yet, without having bottomed on so much as that which is called the First Matter, did I out of
nothing become such (a) maker and creator, that I have created−−what?−−a gay number of fair and jolly
creditors. Nay, creditors, I will maintain it, even to the very fire itself exclusively, are fair and goodly
creatures. Who lendeth nothing is an ugly and wicked creature, and an accursed imp of the infernal Old Nick.
And there is made−−what? Debts. A thing most precious and dainty, of great use and antiquity. Debts, I say,
surmounting the number of syllables which may result from the combinations of all the consonants, with each
of the vowels heretofore projected, reckoned, and calculated by the noble Xenocrates. To judge of the
perfection of debtors by the numerosity of their creditors is the readiest way for entering into the mysteries of
practical arithmetic.
You can hardly imagine how glad I am, when every morning I perceive myself environed and surrounded
with brigades of creditors−−humble, fawning, and full of their reverences. And whilst I remark that, as I look
more favourably upon and give a cheerfuller countenance to one than to another, the fellow thereupon
buildeth a conceit that he shall be the first despatched and the foremost in the date of payment, and he valueth
my smiles at the rate of ready money, it seemeth unto me that I then act and personate the god of the passion
of Saumure, accompanied with his angels and cherubims.
These are my flatterers, my soothers, my clawbacks, my smoothers, my parasites, my saluters, my givers of
good−morrows, and perpetual orators; which makes me verily think that the supremest height of heroic virtue
described by Hesiod consisteth in being a debtor, wherein I held the first degree in my commencement.
Which dignity, though all human creatures seem to aim at and aspire thereto, few nevertheless, because of the
difficulties in the way and encumbrances of hard passages, are able to reach it, as is easily perceivable by the
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ardent desire and vehement longing harboured in the breast of everyone to be still creating more debts and
new creditors.
Yet doth it not lie in the power of everyone to be a debtor. To acquire creditors is not at the disposure of each
man's arbitrament. You nevertheless would deprive me of this sublime felicity. You ask me when I will be
out of debt. Well, to go yet further on, and possibly worse in your conceit, may Saint Bablin, the good saint,
snatch me, if I have not all my lifetime held debt to be as a union or conjunction of the heavens with the
earth, and the whole cement whereby the race of mankind is kept together; yea, of such virtue and efficacy
that, I say, the whole progeny of Adam would very suddenly perish without it. Therefore, perhaps, I do not
think amiss, when I repute it to be the great soul of the universe, which, according to the opinion of the
Academics, vivifieth all manner of things. In confirmation whereof, that you may the better believe it to be
so, represent unto yourself, without any prejudicacy of spirit, in a clear and serene fancy, the idea and form of
some other world than this; take, if you please, and lay hold on the thirtieth of those which the philosopher
Metrodorus did enumerate, wherein it is to be supposed there is no debtor or creditor, that is to say, a world
without debts.
There amongst the planets will be no regular course, all will be in disorder. Jupiter, reckoning himself to be
nothing indebted unto Saturn, will go near to detrude him out of his sphere, and with the Homeric chain will
be like to hang up the intelligences, gods, heavens, demons, heroes, devils, earth and sea, together with the
other elements. Saturn, no doubt, combining with Mars will reduce that so disturbed world into a chaos of
confusion.
Mercury then would be no more subjected to the other planets; he would scorn to be any longer their
Camillus, as he was of old termed in the Etrurian tongue. For it is to be imagined that he is no way a debtor to
them.
Venus will be no more venerable, because she shall have lent nothing. The moon will remain bloody and
obscure. For to what end should the sun impart unto her any of his light? He owed her nothing. Nor yet will
the sun shine upon the earth, nor the stars send down any good influence, because the terrestrial globe hath
desisted from sending up their wonted nourishment by vapours and exhalations, wherewith Heraclitus said,
the Stoics proved, Cicero maintained, they were cherished and alimented. There would likewise be in such a
world no manner of symbolization, alteration, nor transmutation amongst the elements; for the one will not
esteem itself obliged to the other, as having borrowed nothing at all from it. Earth then will not become
water, water will not be changed into air, of air will be made no fire, and fire will afford no heat unto the
earth; the earth will produce nothing but monsters, Titans, giants; no rain will descend upon it, nor light shine
thereon; no wind will blow there, nor will there be in it any summer or harvest. Lucifer will break loose, and
issuing forth of the depth of hell, accompanied with his furies, fiends, and horned devils, will go about to
unnestle and drive out of heaven all the gods, as well of the greater as of the lesser nations. Such a world
without lending will be no better than a dog−kennel, a place of contention and wrangling, more unruly and
irregular than that of the rector of Paris; a devil of an hurlyburly, and more disordered confusion than that of
the plagues of Douay. Men will not then salute one another; it will be but lost labour to expect aid or succour
from any, or to cry fire, water, murder, for none will put to their helping hand. Why? He lent no money, there
is nothing due to him. Nobody is concerned in his burning, in his shipwreck, in his ruin, or in his death; and
that because he hitherto had lent nothing, and would never thereafter have lent anything. In short, Faith,
Hope, and Charity would be quite banished from such a world−−for men are born to relieve and assist one
another; and in their stead should succeed and be introduced Defiance, Disdain, and Rancour, with the most
execrable troop of all evils, all imprecations, and all miseries. Whereupon you will think, and that not amiss,
that Pandora had there spilt her unlucky bottle. Men unto men will be wolves, hobthrushers, and goblins (as
were Lycaon, Bellerophon, Nebuchodonosor), plunderers, highway robbers, cutthroats, rapparees, murderers,
poisoners, assassinators, lewd, wicked, malevolent, pernicious haters, set against everybody, like to Ishmael,
Metabus, or Timon the Athenian, who for that cause was named Misanthropos, in such short that it would
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prove much more easy in nature to have fish entertained in the air and bullocks fed in the bottom of the
ocean, than to support or tolerate a rascally rabble of people that will not lend. These fellows, I vow, do I hate
with a perfect hatred; and if, conform to the pattern of this grievous, peevish, and perverse world which
lendeth nothing, you figure and liken the little world, which is man, you will find in him a terrible justling
coil and clutter. The head will not lend the sight of his eyes to guide the feet and hands; the legs will refuse to
bear up the body; the hands will leave off working any more for the rest of the members; the heart will be
weary of its continual motion for the beating of the pulse, and will no longer lend his assistance; the lungs
will withdraw the use of their bellows; the liver will desist from convoying any more blood through the veins
for the good of the whole; the bladder will not be indebted to the kidneys, so that the urine thereby will be
totally stopped. The brains, in the interim, considering this unnatural course, will fall into a raving dotage,
and withhold all feeling from the sinews and motion from the muscles. Briefly, in such a world without order
and array, owing nothing, lending nothing, and borrowing nothing, you would see a more dangerous
conspiration than that which Aesop exposed in his Apologue. Such a world will perish undoubtedly; and not
only perish, but perish very quickly. Were it Aesculapius himself, his body would immediately rot, and the
chafing soul, full of indignation, take its flight to all the devils of hell after my money.
Chapter 3.IV. Panurge continueth his discourse in the praise of borrowers and lenders.
On the contrary, be pleased to represent unto your fancy another world, wherein everyone lendeth and
everyone oweth, all are debtors and all creditors. O how great will that harmony be, which shall thereby result
from the regular motions of the heavens! Methinks I hear it every whit as well as ever Plato did. What
sympathy will there be amongst the elements! O how delectable then unto nature will be our own works and
productions! Whilst Ceres appeareth laden with corn, Bacchus with wines, Flora with flowers, Pomona with
fruits, and Juno fair in a clear air, wholesome and pleasant. I lose myself in this high contemplation.
Then will among the race of mankind peace, love, benevolence, fidelity, tranquillity, rest, banquets, feastings,
joy, gladness, gold, silver, single money, chains, rings, with other ware and chaffer of that nature be found to
trot from hand to hand. No suits at law, no wars, no strife, debate, nor wrangling; none will be there a usurer,
none will be there a pinch−penny, a scrape−good wretch, or churlish hard−hearted refuser. Good God! Will
not this be the golden age in the reign of Saturn? the true idea of the Olympic regions, wherein all (other)
virtues cease, charity alone ruleth, governeth, domineereth, and triumpheth? All will be fair and goodly
people there, all just and virtuous.
O happy world! O people of that world most happy! Yea, thrice and four times blessed is that people! I think
in very deed that I am amongst them, and swear to you, by my good forsooth, that if this glorious aforesaid
world had a pope, abounding with cardinals, that so he might have the association of a sacred college, in the
space of very few years you should be sure to see the saints much thicker in the roll, more numerous,
wonder− working and mirific, more services, more vows, more staves and wax−candles than are all those in
the nine bishoprics of Britany, St. Yves only excepted. Consider, sir, I pray you, how the noble Patelin,
having a mind to deify and extol even to the third heavens the father of William Josseaulme, said no more but
this, And he did lend his goods to those who were desirous of them.
O the fine saying! Now let our microcosm be fancied conform to this model in all its members; lending,
borrowing, and owing, that is to say, according to its own nature. For nature hath not to any other end created
man, but to owe, borrow, and lend; no greater is the harmony amongst the heavenly spheres than that which
shall be found in its well−ordered policy. The intention of the founder of this microcosm is, to have a soul
therein to be entertained, which is lodged there, as a guest with its host, (that) it may live there for a while.
Life consisteth in blood, blood is the seat of the soul; therefore the chiefest work of the microcosm is, to be
making blood continually.
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At this forge are exercised all the members of the body; none is exempted from labour, each operates apart,
and doth its proper office. And such is their heirarchy, that perpetually the one borrows from the other, the
one lends the other, and the one is the other's debtor. The stuff and matter convenient, which nature giveth to
be turned into blood, is bread and wine. All kind of nourishing victuals is understood to be comprehended in
these two, and from hence in the Gothish tongue is called companage. To find out this meat and drink, to
prepare and boil it, the hands are put to work, the feet do walk and bear up the whole bulk of the corporal
mass; the eyes guide and conduct all; the appetite in the orifice of the stomach, by means of (a) little sourish
black humour, called melancholy, which is transmitted thereto from the milt, giveth warning to shut in the
food. The tongue doth make the first essay, and tastes it; the teeth do chew it, and the stomach doth receive,
digest, and chylify it. The mesaraic veins suck out of it what is good and fit, leaving behind the excrements,
which are, through special conduits for that purpose, voided by an expulsive faculty. Thereafter it is carried to
the liver, where it being changed again, it by the virtue of that new transmutation becomes blood. What joy,
conjecture you, will then be found amongst those officers when they see this rivulet of gold, which is their
sole restorative? No greater is the joy of alchemists, when after long travail, toil, and expense they see in their
furnaces the transmutation. Then is it that every member doth prepare itself, and strive anew to purify and to
refine this treasure. The kidneys through the emulgent veins draw that aquosity from thence which you call
urine, and there send it away through the ureters to be slipped downwards; where, in a lower receptacle, and
proper for it, to wit, the bladder, it is kept, and stayeth there until an opportunity to void it out in his due time.
The spleen draweth from the blood its terrestrial part, viz., the grounds, lees, or thick substance settled in the
bottom thereof, which you term melancholy. The bottle of the gall subtracts from thence all the superfluous
choler; whence it is brought to another shop or work−house to be yet better purified and fined, that is, the
heart, which by its agitation of diastolic and systolic motions so neatly subtilizeth and inflames it, that in the
right side ventricle it is brought to perfection, and through the veins is sent to all the members. Each parcel of
the body draws it then unto itself, and after its own fashion is cherished and alimented by it. Feet, hands,
thighs, arms, eyes, ears, back, breast, yea, all; and then it is, that who before were lenders, now become
debtors. The heart doth in its left side ventricle so thinnify the blood, that it thereby obtains the name of
spiritual; which being sent through the arteries to all the members of the body, serveth to warm and winnow
the other blood which runneth through the veins. The lights never cease with its lappets and bellows to cool
and refresh it, in acknowledgment of which good the heart, through the arterial vein, imparts unto it the
choicest of its blood. At last it is made so fine and subtle within the rete mirabile, that thereafter those animal
spirits are framed and composed of it, by means whereof the imagination, discourse, judgment, resolution,
deliberation, ratiocination, and memory have their rise, actings, and operations.
Cops body, I sink, I drown, I perish, I wander astray, and quite fly out of myself when I enter into the
consideration of the profound abyss of this world, thus lending, thus owing. Believe me, it is a divine thing to
lend,−−to owe, an heroic virtue. Yet is not this all. This little world thus lending, owing, and borrowing, is so
good and charitable, that no sooner is the above−specified alimentation finished, but that it forthwith
projecteth, and hath already forecast, how it shall lend to those who are not as yet born, and by that loan
endeavour what it may to eternize itself, and multiply in images like the pattern, that is, children. To this end
every member doth of the choicest and most precious of its nourishment pare and cut off a portion, then
instantly despatcheth it downwards to that place where nature hath prepared for it very fit vessels and
receptacles, through which descending to the genitories by long ambages, circuits, and flexuosities, it
receiveth a competent form, and rooms apt enough both in man and woman for the future conservation and
perpetuating of human kind. All this is done by loans and debts of the one unto the other; and hence have we
this word, the debt of marriage. Nature doth reckon pain to the refuser, with a most grievous vexation to his
members and an outrageous fury amidst his senses. But, on the other part, to the lender a set reward,
accompanied with pleasure, joy, solace, mirth, and merry glee.
Chapter 3.V. How Pantagruel altogether abhorreth the debtors and borrowers.
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I understand you very well, quoth Pantagruel, and take you to be very good at topics, and thoroughly
affectioned to your own cause. But preach it up, and patrocinate it, prattle on it, and defend it as much as you
will, even from hence to the next Whitsuntide, if you please so to do, yet in the end you will be astonished to
find how you shall have gained no ground at all upon me, nor persuaded me by your fair speeches and
smooth talk to enter never so little into the thraldom of debt. You shall owe to none, saith the holy Apostle,
anything save love, friendship, and a mutual benevolence.
You serve me here, I confess, with fine graphides and diatyposes, descriptions and figures, which truly please
me very well. But let me tell you, if you will represent unto your fancy an impudent blustering bully and an
importunate borrower, entering afresh and newly into a town already advertised of his manners, you shall
find that at his ingress the citizens will be more hideously affrighted and amazed, and in a greater terror and
fear, dread, and trembling, than if the pest itself should step into it in the very same garb and accoutrement
wherein the Tyanean philosopher found it within the city of Ephesus. And I am fully confirmed in the
opinion, that the Persians erred not when they said that the second vice was to lie, the first being that of
owing money. For, in very truth, debts and lying are ordinarily joined together. I will nevertheless not from
hence infer that none must owe anything or lend anything. For who so rich can be that sometimes may not
owe, or who can be so poor that sometimes may not lend?
Let the occasion, notwithstanding, in that case, as Plato very wisely sayeth and ordaineth in his laws, be such
that none be permitted to draw any water out of his neighbour's well until first they by continual digging and
delving into their own proper ground shall have hit upon a kind of potter's earth, which is called ceramite, and
there had found no source or drop of water; for that sort of earth, by reason of its substance, which is fat,
strong, firm, and close, so retaineth its humidity, that it doth not easily evaporate it by any outward excursion
or evaporation.
In good sooth, it is a great shame to choose rather to be still borrowing in all places from everyone, than to
work and win. Then only in my judgment should one lend, when the diligent, toiling, and industrious person
is no longer able by his labour to make any purchase unto himself, or otherwise, when by mischance he hath
suddenly fallen into an unexpected loss of his goods.
Howsoever, let us leave this discourse, and from henceforwards do not hang upon creditors, nor tie yourself
to them. I make account for the time past to rid you freely of them, and from their bondage to deliver you.
The least I should in this point, quoth Panurge, is to thank you, though it be the most I can do. And if
gratitude and thanksgiving be to be estimated and prized by the affection of the benefactor, that is to be done
infinitely and sempiternally; for the love which you bear me of your own accord and free grace, without any
merit of mine, goeth far beyond the reach of any price or value. It transcends all weight, all number, all
measure; it is endless and everlasting; therefore, should I offer to commensurate and adjust it, either to the
size and proportion of your own noble and gracious deeds, or yet to the contentment and delight of the
obliged receivers, I would come off but very faintly and flaggingly. You have verily done me a great deal of
good, and multiplied your favours on me more frequently than was fitting to one of my condition. You have
been more bountiful towards me than I have deserved, and your courtesies have by far surpassed the extent of
my merits, I must needs confess it. But it is not, as you suppose, in the proposed matter. For there it is not
where I itch, it is not there where it fretteth, hurts, or vexeth me; for, henceforth being quit and out of debt,
what countenance will I be able to keep? You may imagine that it will become me very ill for the first month,
because I have never hitherto been brought up or accustomed to it. I am very much afraid of it. Furthermore,
there shall not one hereafter, native of the country of Salmigondy, but he shall level the shot towards my
nose. All the back−cracking fellows of the world, in discharging of their postern petarades, use commonly to
say, Voila pour les quittes, that is, For the quit. My life will be of very short continuance, I do foresee it. I
recommend to you the making of my epitaph; for I perceive I will die confected in the very stench of farts. If,
at any time to come, by way of restorative to such good women as shall happen to be troubled with the
grievous pain of the wind−colic, the ordinary medicaments prove nothing effectual, the mummy of all my
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befarted body will straight be as a present remedy appointed by the physicians; whereof they, taking any
small modicum, it will incontinently for their ease afford them a rattle of bumshot, like a sal of muskets.
Therefore would I beseech you to leave me some few centuries of debts; as King Louis the Eleventh,
exempting from suits in law the Reverend Miles d'Illiers, Bishop of Chartres, was by the said bishop most
earnestly solicited to leave him some few for the exercise of his mind. I had rather give them all my revenue
of the periwinkles, together with the other incomes of the locusts, albeit I should not thereby have any parcel
abated from off the principal sums which I owe. Let us waive this matter, quoth Pantagruel, I have told it you
over again.
Chapter 3.VI. Why new married men were privileged from going to the wars.
But, in the interim, asked Panurge, by what law was it constituted, ordained, and established, that such as
should plant a new vineyard, those that should build a new house, and the new married men, should be
exempted and discharged from the duty of warfare for the first year? By the law, answered Pantagruel, of
Moses. Why, replied Panurge, the lately married? As for the vine−planters, I am now too old to reflect on
them; my condition, at this present, induceth me to remain satisfied with the care of vintage, finishing and
turning the grapes into wine. Nor are these pretty new builders of dead stones written or pricked down in my
Book of Life. It is all with live stones that I set up and erect the fabrics of my architecture, to wit, men. It was,
according to my opinion, quoth Pantagruel, to the end, first, that the fresh married folks should for the first
year reap a full and complete fruition of their pleasures in their mutual exercise of the act of love, in such
sort, that in waiting more at leisure on the production of posterity and propagating of their progeny, they
might the better increase their race and make provision of new heirs. That if, in the years thereafter, the men
should, upon their undergoing of some military adventure, happen to be killed, their names and
coats−of−arms might continue with their children in the same families. And next, that, the wives thereby
coming to know whether they were barren or fruitful−−for one year's trial, in regard of the maturity of age
wherein of old they married, was held sufficient for the discovery−−they might pitch the more suitably, in
case of their first husband's decease, upon a second match. The fertile women to be wedded to those who
desire to multiply their issue; and the sterile ones to such other mates, as, misregarding the storing of their
own lineage, choose them only for their virtues, learning, genteel behaviour, domestic consolation,
management of the house, and matrimonial conveniences and comforts, and such like. The preachers of
Varennes, saith Panurge, detest and abhor the second marriages, as altogether foolish and dishonest.
Foolish and dishonest? quoth Pantagruel. A plague take such preachers! Yea but, quoth Panurge, the like
mischief also befall the Friar Charmer, who, in a full auditory making a sermon at Pereilly, and therein
abominating the reiteration of marriage and the entering again in the bonds of a nuptial tie, did swear and
heartily give himself to the swiftest devil in hell, if he had not rather choose, and would much more willingly
undertake the unmaidening or depucelating of a hundred virgins, than the simple drudgery of one widow.
Truly I find your reason in that point right good and strongly grounded.
But what would you think, if the cause why this exemption or immunity was granted had no other foundation
but that, during the whole space of the said first year, they so lustily bobbed it with their female consorts, as
both reason and equity require they should do, that they had drained and evacuated their spermatic vessels;
and were become thereby altogether feeble, weak, emasculated, drooping, and flaggingly pithless; yea, in
such sort that they in the day of battle, like ducks which plunge over head and ears, would sooner hide
themselves behind the baggage, than, in the company of valiant fighters and daring military combatants,
appear where stern Bellona deals her blows and moves a bustling noise of thwacks and thumps? Nor is it to
be thought that, under the standard of Mars, they will so much as once strike a fair stroke, because their most
considerable knocks have been already jerked and whirrited within the curtains of his sweetheart Venus.
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In confirmation whereof, amongst other relics and monuments of antiquity, we now as yet often see, that in
all great houses, after the expiring of some few days, these young married blades are readily sent away to
visit their uncles, that in the absence of their wives reposing themselves a little they may recover their
decayed strength by the recruit of a fresh supply, the more vigorous to return again and face about to renew
the duelling shock and conflict of an amorous dalliance, albeit for the greater part they have neither uncle nor
aunt to go to.
Just so did the King Crackart, after the battle of the Cornets, not cashier us (speaking properly), I mean me
and the Quail−caller, but for our refreshment remanded us to our houses; and he is as yet seeking after his
own. My grandfather's godmother was wont to say to me when I was a boy,−−
Patenostres et oraisons Sont pour ceux−la, qui les retiennent. Ung fiffre en fenaisons Est plus fort que deux
qui en viennent.
Not orisons nor patenotres Shall ever disorder my brain. One cadet, to the field as he flutters, Is worth two,
when they end the campaign.
That which prompteth me to that opinion is, that the vine−planters did seldom eat of the grapes, or drink of
the wine of their labour, till the first year was wholly elapsed. During all which time also the builders did
hardly inhabit their new−structured dwelling−places, for fear of dying suffocated through want of respiration;
as Galen hath most learnedly remarked, in the second book of the Difficulty of Breathing. Under favour, sir, I
have not asked this question without cause causing and reason truly very ratiocinant. Be not offended, I pray
you.
Chapter 3.VII. How Panurge had a flea in his ear, and forbore to wear any longer his magnificent
codpiece.
Panurge, the day thereafter, caused pierce his right ear after the Jewish fashion, and thereto clasped a little
gold ring, of a ferny−like kind of workmanship, in the beazil or collet whereof was set and enchased a flea;
and, to the end you may be rid of all doubts, you are to know that the flea was black. O, what a brave thing it
is, in every case and circumstance of a matter, to be thoroughly well informed! The sum of the expense
hereof, being cast up, brought in, and laid down upon his council−board carpet, was found to amount to no
more quarterly than the charge of the nuptials of a Hircanian tigress; even, as you would say, 600,000
maravedis. At these vast costs and excessive disbursements, as soon as he perceived himself to be out of debt,
he fretted much; and afterwards, as tyrants and lawyers use to do, he nourished and fed her with the sweat
and blood of his subjects and clients.
He then took four French ells of a coarse brown russet cloth, and therein apparelling himself, as with a long,
plain−seamed, and single−stitched gown, left off the wearing of his breeches, and tied a pair of spectacles to
his cap. In this equipage did he present himself before Pantagruel; to whom this disguise appeared the more
strange, that he did not, as before, see that goodly, fair, and stately codpiece, which was the sole anchor of
hope wherein he was wonted to rely, and last refuge he had midst all the waves and boisterous billows which
a stormy cloud in a cross fortune would raise up against him. Honest Pantagruel, not understanding the
mystery, asked him, by way of interrogatory, what he did intend to personate in that new−fangled
prosopopoeia. I have, answered Panurge, a flea in mine ear, and have a mind to marry. In a good time, quoth
Pantagruel, you have told me joyful tidings. Yet would not I hold a red−hot iron in my hand for all the
gladness of them. But it is not the fashion of lovers to be accoutred in such dangling vestments, so as to have
their shirts flagging down over their knees, without breeches, and with a long robe of a dark brown mingled
hue, which is a colour never used in Talarian garments amongst any persons of honour, quality, or virtue. If
some heretical persons and schismatical sectaries have at any time formerly been so arrayed and clothed
(though many have imputed such a kind of dress to cosenage, cheat, imposture, and an affectation of tyranny
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upon credulous minds of the rude multitude), I will nevertheless not blame them for it, nor in that point judge
rashly or sinistrously of them. Everyone overflowingly aboundeth in his own sense and fancy; yea, in things
of a foreign consideration, altogether extrinsical and indifferent, which in and of themselves are neither
commendable nor bad, because they proceed not from the interior of the thoughts and heart, which is the shop
of all good and evil; of goodness, if it be upright, and that its affections be regulated by the pure and clean
spirit of righteousness; and, on the other side, of wickedness, if its inclinations, straying beyond the bounds of
equity, be corrupted and depraved by the malice and suggestions of the devil. It is only the novelty and
new−fangledness thereof which I dislike, together with the contempt of common custom and the fashion
which is in use.
The colour, answered Pantagruel, is convenient, for it is conform to that of my council−board carpet;
therefore will I henceforth hold me with it, and more narrowly and circumspectly than ever hitherto I have
done look to my affairs and business. Seeing I am once out of debt, you never yet saw man more unpleasing
than I will be, if God help me not. Lo, here be my spectacles. To see me afar off, you would readily say that it
were Friar (John) Burgess. I believe certainly that in the next ensuing year I shall once more preach the
Crusade. Bounce, buckram. Do you see this russet? Doubt not but there lurketh under it some hid property
and occult virtue known to very few in the world. I did not take it on before this morning, and, nevertheless,
am already in a rage of lust, mad after a wife, and vehemently hot upon untying the codpiece−point; I itch, I
tingle, I wriggle, and long exceedingly to be married, that, without the danger of cudgel−blows, I may labour
my female copes−mate with the hard push of a bull−horned devil. O the provident and thrifty husband that I
then will be! After my death, with all honour and respect due to my frugality, will they burn the sacred bulk
of my body, of purpose to preserve the ashes thereof, in memory of the choicest pattern that ever was of a
perfectly wary and complete householder. Cops body, this is not the carpet whereon my treasurer shall be
allowed to play false in his accounts with me, by setting down an X for a V, or an L for an S. For in that case
should I make a hail of fisticuffs to fly into his face. Look upon me, sir, both before and behind,−−it is made
after the manner of a toga, which was the ancient fashion of the Romans in time of peace. I took the mode,
shape, and form thereof in Trajan's Column at Rome, as also in the Triumphant Arch of Septimus Severus. I
am tired of the wars, weary of wearing buff−coats, cassocks, and hoquetons. My shoulders are pitifully worn
and bruised with the carrying of harness. Let armour cease, and the long robe bear sway! At least it must be
so for the whole space of the succeeding year, if I be married; as yesterday, by the Mosaic law, you
evidenced. In what concerneth the breeches, my great−aunt Laurence did long ago tell me, that the breeches
were only ordained for the use of the codpiece, and to no other end; which I, upon a no less forcible
consequence, give credit to every whit, as well as to the saying of the fine fellow Galen, who in his ninth
book, Of the Use and Employment of our Members, allegeth that the head was made for the eyes. For nature
might have placed our heads in our knees or elbows, but having beforehand determined that the eyes should
serve to discover things from afar, she for the better enabling them to execute their designed office, fixed
them in the head, as on the top of a long pole, in the most eminent part of all the body−−no otherwise than we
see the phares, or high towers erected in the mouths of havens, that navigators may the further off perceive
with ease the lights of the nightly fires and lanterns. And because I would gladly, for some short while, a year
at least, take a little rest and breathing time from the toilsome labour of the military profession, that is to say,
be married, I have desisted from wearing any more a codpiece, and consequently have laid aside my
breeches. For the codpiece is the principal and most especial piece of armour that a warrior doth carry; and
therefore do I maintain even to the fire (exclusively, understand you me), that no Turks can properly be said
to be armed men, in regard that codpieces are by their law forbidden to be worn.
Chapter 3.VIII. Why the codpiece is held to be the chief piece of armour amongst warriors.
Will you maintain, quoth Pantagruel, that the codpiece is the chief piece of a military harness? It is a new
kind of doctrine, very paradoxical; for we say, At spurs begins the arming of a man. Sir, I maintain it,
answered Panurge, and not wrongfully do I maintain it. Behold how nature, having a fervent desire, after its
production of plants, trees, shrubs, herbs, sponges, and plant−animals, to eternize and continue them unto all
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succession of ages (in their several kinds or sorts, at least, although the individuals perish) unruinable, and in
an everlasting being, hath most curiously armed and fenced their buds, sprouts, shoots, and seeds, wherein the
above−mentioned perpetuity consisteth, by strengthening, covering, guarding, and fortifying them with an
admirable industry, with husks, cases, scurfs and swads, hulls, cods, stones, films, cartels, shells, ears, rinds,
barks, skins, ridges, and prickles, which serve them instead of strong, fair, and natural codpieces. As is
manifestly apparent in pease, beans, fasels, pomegranates, peaches, cottons, gourds, pumpions, melons, corn,
lemons, almonds, walnuts, filberts, and chestnuts; as likewise in all plants, slips, or sets whatsoever, wherein
it is plainly and evidently seen, that the sperm and semence is more closely veiled, overshadowed,
corroborated, and thoroughly harnessed, than any other part, portion, or parcel of the whole.
Nature, nevertheless, did not after that manner provide for the sempiternizing of (the) human race; but, on the
contrary, created man naked, tender, and frail, without either offensive or defensive arms; and that in the
estate of innocence, in the first age of all, which was the golden season; not as a plant, but living creature,
born for peace, not war, and brought forth into the world with an unquestionable right and title to the plenary
fruition and enjoyment of all fruits and vegetables, as also to a certain calm and gentle rule and dominion
over all kinds of beasts, fowls, fishes, reptiles, and insects. Yet afterwards it happening in the time of the iron
age, under the reign of Jupiter, when, to the multiplication of mischievous actions, wickedness and malice
began to take root and footing within the then perverted hearts of men, that the earth began to bring forth
nettles, thistles, thorns, briars, and such other stubborn and rebellious vegetables to the nature of man. Nor
scarce was there any animal which by a fatal disposition did not then revolt from him, and tacitly conspire
and covenant with one another to serve him no longer, nor, in case of their ability to resist, to do him any
manner of obedience, but rather, to the uttermost of their power, to annoy him with all the hurt and harm they
could. The man, then, that he might maintain his primitive right and prerogative, and continue his sway and
dominion over all, both vegetable and sensitive creatures, and knowing of a truth that he could not be well
accommodated as he ought without the servitude and subjection of several animals, bethought himself that of
necessity he must needs put on arms, and make provision of harness against wars and violence. By the holy
Saint Babingoose, cried out Pantagruel, you are become, since the last rain, a great lifrelofre,−−philosopher, I
should say. Take notice, sir, quoth Panurge, when Dame Nature had prompted him to his own arming, what
part of the body it was, where, by her inspiration, he clapped on the first harness. It was forsooth by the
double pluck of my little dog the ballock and good Senor Don Priapos Stabo−stando−−which done, he was
content, and sought no more. This is certified by the testimony of the great Hebrew captain (and) philosopher
Moses, who affirmeth that he fenced that member with a brave and gallant codpiece, most exquisitely framed,
and by right curious devices of a notably pregnant invention made up and composed of fig−tree leaves, which
by reason of their solid stiffness, incisory notches, curled frizzling, sleeked smoothness, large ampleness,
together with their colour, smell, virtue, and faculty, were exceeding proper and fit for the covering and
arming of the satchels of generation−−the hideously big Lorraine cullions being from thence only excepted,
which, swaggering down to the lowermost bottom of the breeches, cannot abide, for being quite out of all
order and method, the stately fashion of the high and lofty codpiece; as is manifest by the noble Valentine
Viardiere, whom I found at Nancy, on the first day of May−−the more flauntingly to gallantrize it
afterwards−−rubbing his ballocks, spread out upon a table after the manner of a Spanish cloak. Wherefore it
is, that none should henceforth say, who would not speak improperly, when any country bumpkin hieth to the
wars, Have a care, my roister, of the wine−pot, that is, the skull, but, Have a care, my roister, of the milk−pot,
that is, the testicles. By the whole rabble of the horned fiends of hell, the head being cut off, that single
person only thereby dieth. But, if the ballocks be marred, the whole race of human kind would forthwith
perish, and be lost for ever.
This was the motive which incited the goodly writer Galen, Lib. I. De Spermate, to aver with boldness that it
were better, that is to say, a less evil, to have no heart at all than to be quite destitute of genitories; for there is
laid up, conserved, and put in store, as in a secessive repository and sacred warehouse, the semence and
original source of the whole offspring of mankind. Therefore would I be apt to believe, for less than a
hundred francs, that those are the very same stones by means whereof Deucalion and Pyrrha restored the
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human race, in peopling with men and women the world, which a little before that had been drowned in the
overflowing waves of a poetical deluge. This stirred up the valiant Justinian, L. 4. De Cagotis tollendis, to
collocate his Summum Bonum, in Braguibus, et Braguetis. For this and other causes, the Lord Humphrey de
Merville, following of his king to a certain warlike expedition, whilst he was in trying upon his own person a
new suit of armour, for of his old rusty harness he could make no more use, by reason that some few years
since the skin of his belly was a great way removed from his kidneys, his lady thereupon, in the profound
musing of a contemplative spirit, very maturely considering that he had but small care of the staff of love and
packet of marriage, seeing he did no otherwise arm that part of the body than with links of mail, advised him
to shield, fence, and gabionate it with a big tilting helmet which she had lying in her closet, to her otherwise
utterly unprofitable. On this lady were penned these subsequent verses, which are extant in the third book of
the Shitbrana of Paltry Wenches.
When Yoland saw her spouse equipp'd for fight, And, save the codpiece, all in armour dight, My dear, she
cried, why, pray, of all the rest Is that exposed, you know I love the best? Was she to blame for an
ill−managed fear,−− Or rather pious, conscionable care? Wise lady, she! In hurlyburly fight, Can any tell
where random blows may light?
Leave off then, sir, from being astonished, and wonder no more at this new manner of decking and trimming
up of myself as you now see me.
Chapter 3.IX. How Panurge asketh counsel of Pantagruel whether he should marry, yea, or no.
To this Pantagruel replying nothing, Panurge prosecuted the discourse he had already broached, and
therewithal fetching, as from the bottom of his heart, a very deep sigh, said, My lord and master, you have
heard the design I am upon, which is to marry, if by some disastrous mischance all the holes in the world be
not shut up, stopped, closed, and bushed. I humbly beseech you, for the affection which of a long time you
have borne me, to give me your best advice therein. Then, answered Pantagruel, seeing you have so decreed,
taken deliberation thereon, and that the matter is fully determined, what need is there of any further talk
thereof, but forthwith to put it into execution what you have resolved? Yea but, quoth Panurge, I would be
loth to act anything therein without your counsel had thereto. It is my judgment also, quoth Pantagruel, and I
advise you to it. Nevertheless, quoth Panurge, if I understood aright that it were much better for me to remain
a bachelor as I am, than to run headlong upon new hairbrained undertakings of conjugal adventure, I would
rather choose not to marry. Quoth Pantagruel, Then do not marry. Yea but, quoth Panurge, would you have
me so solitarily drive out the whole course of my life, without the comfort of a matrimonial consort? You
know it is written, Vae soli! and a single person is never seen to reap the joy and solace that is found with
married folks. Then marry, in the name of God, quoth Pantagruel. But if, quoth Panurge, my wife should
make me a cuckold−−as it is not unknown unto you, how this hath been a very plentiful year in the
production of that kind of cattle−−I would fly out, and grow impatient beyond all measure and mean. I love
cuckolds with my heart, for they seem unto me to be of a right honest conversation, and I truly do very
willingly frequent their company; but should I die for it, I would not be one of their number. That is a point
for me of a too sore prickling point. Then do not marry, quoth Pantagruel, for without all controversy this
sentence of Seneca is infallibly true, What thou to others shalt have done, others will do the like to thee. Do
you, quoth Panurge, aver that without all exception? Yes, truly, quoth Pantagruel, without all exception. Ho,
ho, says Panurge, by the wrath of a little devil, his meaning is, either in this world or in the other which is to
come. Yet seeing I can no more want a wife than a blind man his staff−−(for) the funnel must be in agitation,
without which manner of occupation I cannot live−−were it not a great deal better for me to apply and
associate myself to some one honest, lovely, and virtuous woman, than as I do, by a new change of females
every day, run a hazard of being bastinadoed, or, which is worse, of the great pox, if not of both together. For
never−−be it spoken by their husbands' leave and favour−−had I enjoyment yet of an honest woman. Marry
then, in God's name, quoth Pantagruel. But if, quoth Panurge, it were the will of God, and that my destiny did
unluckily lead me to marry an honest woman who should beat me, I would be stored with more than two
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third parts of the patience of Job, if I were not stark mad by it, and quite distracted with such rugged dealings.
For it hath been told me that those exceeding honest women have ordinarily very wicked head−pieces;
therefore is it that their family lacketh not for good vinegar. Yet in that case should it go worse with me, if I
did not then in such sort bang her back and breast, so thumpingly bethwack her gillets, to wit, her arms, legs,
head, lights, liver, and milt, with her other entrails, and mangle, jag, and slash her coats so after the
cross−billet fashion that the greatest devil of hell should wait at the gate for the reception of her damnel soul.
I could make a shift for this year to waive such molestation and disquiet, and be content to lay aside that
trouble, and not to be engaged in it.
Do not marry then, answered Pantagruel. Yea but, quoth Panurge, considering the condition wherein I now
am, out of debt and unmarried; mark what I say, free from all debt, in an ill hour, for, were I deeply on the
score, my creditors would be but too careful of my paternity, but being quit, and not married, nobody will be
so regardful of me, or carry towards me a love like that which is said to be in a conjugal affection. And if by
some mishap I should fall sick, I would be looked to very waywardly. The wise man saith, Where there is no
woman−−I mean the mother of a family and wife in the union of a lawful wedlock−−the crazy and diseased
are in danger of being ill used and of having much brabbling and strife about them; as by clear experience
hath been made apparent in the persons of popes, legates, cardinals, bishops, abbots, priors, priests, and
monks; but there, assure yourself, you shall not find me. Marry then, in the name of God, answered
Pantagruel. But if, quoth Panurge, being ill at ease, and possibly through that distemper made unable to
discharge the matrimonial duty that is incumbent to an active husband, my wife, impatient of that drooping
sickness and faint−fits of a pining languishment, should abandon and prostitute herself to the embraces of
another man, and not only then not help and assist me in my extremity and need, but withal flout at and make
sport of that my grievous distress and calamity; or peradventure, which is worse, embezzle my goods and
steal from me, as I have seen it oftentimes befall unto the lot of many other men, it were enough to undo me
utterly, to fill brimful the cup of my misfortune, and make me play the mad−pate reeks of Bedlam. Do not
marry then, quoth Pantagruel. Yea but, said Panurge, I shall never by any other means come to have lawful
sons and daughters, in whom I may harbour some hope of perpetuating my name and arms, and to whom also
I may leave and bequeath my inheritances and purchased goods (of which latter sort you need not doubt but
that in some one or other of these mornings I will make a fair and goodly show), that so I may cheer up and
make merry when otherwise I should be plunged into a peevish sullen mood of pensive sullenness, as I do
perceive daily by the gentle and loving carriage of your kind and gracious father towards you; as all honest
folks use to do at their own homes and private dwelling−houses. For being free from debt, and yet not
married, if casually I should fret and be angry, although the cause of my grief and displeasure were never so
just, I am afraid, instead of consolation, that I should meet with nothing else but scoffs, frumps, gibes, and
mocks at my disastrous fortune. Marry then, in the name of God, quoth Pantagruel.
Chapter 3.X. How Pantagruel representeth unto Panurge the difficulty of giving advice in the matter of
marriage; and to that purpose mentioneth somewhat of the Homeric and Virgilian lotteries.
Your counsel, quoth Panurge, under your correction and favour, seemeth unto me not unlike to the song of
Gammer Yea−by−nay. It is full of sarcasms, mockeries, bitter taunts, nipping bobs, derisive quips, biting
jerks, and contradictory iterations, the one part destroying the other. I know not, quoth Pantagruel, which of
all my answers to lay hold on; for your proposals are so full of ifs and buts, that I can ground nothing on
them, nor pitch upon any solid and positive determination satisfactory to what is demanded by them. Are not
you assured within yourself of what you have a mind to? The chief and main point of the whole matter lieth
there. All the rest is merely casual, and totally dependeth upon the fatal disposition of the heavens.
We see some so happy in the fortune of this nuptial encounter, that their family shineth as it were with the
radiant effulgency of an idea, model, or representation of the joys of paradise; and perceive others, again, to
be so unluckily matched in the conjugal yoke, that those very basest of devils which tempt the hermits that
inhabit the deserts of Thebais and Montserrat are not more miserable than they. It is therefore expedient,
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seeing you are resolved for once to take a trial of the state of marriage, that, with shut eyes, bowing your
head, and kissing the ground, you put the business to a venture, and give it a fair hazard, in recommending
the success of the residue to the disposure of Almighty God. It lieth not in my power to give you any other
manner of assurance, or otherwise to certify you of what shall ensue on this your undertaking. Nevertheless,
if it please you, this you may do. Bring hither Virgil's poems, that after having opened the book, and with our
fingers severed the leaves thereof three several times, we may, according to the number agreed upon betwixt
ourselves, explore the future hap of your intended marriage. For frequently by a Homeric lottery have many
hit upon their destinies; as is testified in the person of Socrates, who, whilst he was in prison, hearing the
recitation of this verse of Homer, said of Achilles in the Ninth of the Iliads−−
(Greek),
We, the third day, to fertile Pthia came−−
thereby foresaw that on the third subsequent day he was to die. Of the truth whereof he assured Aeschines; as
Plato, in Critone, Cicero, in Primo, de Divinatione, Diogenes Laertius, and others, have to the full recorded in
their works. The like is also witnessed by Opilius Macrinus, to whom, being desirous to know if he should be
the Roman emperor, befell, by chance of lot, this sentence in the Eighth of the Iliads−−
(Greek)
Dotard, new warriors urge thee to be gone. Thy life decays, and old age weighs thee down.
In fact, he, being then somewhat ancient, had hardly enjoyed the sovereignty of the empire for the space of
fourteen months, when by Heliogabalus, then both young and strong, he was dispossessed thereof, thrust out
of all, and killed. Brutus doth also bear witness of another experiment of this nature, who willing, through
this exploratory way by lot, to learn what the event and issue should be of the Pharsalian battle wherein he
perished, he casually encountered on this verse, said of Patroclus in the Sixteenth of the Iliads−−
(Greek)
Fate, and Latona's son have shot me dead.
And accordingly Apollo was the field−word in the dreadful day of that fight. Divers notable things of old
have likewise been foretold and known by casting of Virgilian lots; yea, in matters of no less importance than
the obtaining of the Roman empire, as it happened to Alexander Severus, who, trying his fortune at the said
kind of lottery, did hit upon this verse written in the Sixth of the Aeneids−−
Tu regere imperio populos, Romane, memento.
Know, Roman, that thy business is to reign.
He, within very few years thereafter, was effectually and in good earnest created and installed Roman
emperor. A semblable story thereto is related of Adrian, who, being hugely perplexed within himself out of a
longing humour to know in what account he was with the Emperor Trajan, and how large the measure of that
affection was which he did bear unto him, had recourse, after the manner above specified, to the Maronian
lottery, which by haphazard tendered him these lines out of the Sixth of the Aeneids−−
Quis procul ille autem, ramis insignis olivae Sacra ferens? Nosco crines incanaque menta Regis Romani.
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But who is he, conspicuous from afar, With olive boughs, that doth his offerings bear? By the white hair and
beard I know him plain, The Roman king.
Shortly thereafter was he adopted by Trajan, and succeeded to him in the empire. Moreover, to the lot of the
praiseworthy Emperor Claudius befell this line of Virgil, written in the Sixth of his Aeneids−−
Tertia dum Latio regnantem viderit aestas.
Whilst the third summer saw him reign, a king In Latium.
And in effect he did not reign above two years. To the said Claudian also, inquiring concerning his brother
Quintilius, whom he proposed as a colleague with himself in the empire, happened the response following in
the Sixth of the Aeneids−−
Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata.
Whom Fate let us see, And would no longer suffer him to be.
And it so fell out; for he was killed on the seventeenth day after he had attained unto the management of the
imperial charge. The very same lot, also, with the like misluck, did betide the Emperor Gordian the younger.
To Claudius Albinus, being very solicitous to understand somewhat of his future adventures, did occur this
saying, which is written in the Sixth of the Aeneids−−
Hic rem Romanam magno turbante tumultu Sistet Eques,
The Romans, boiling with tumultuous rage, This warrior shall the dangerous storm assuage: With victories he
the Carthaginian mauls, And with strong hand shall crush the rebel Gauls.
Likewise, when the Emperor D. Claudius, Aurelian's predecessor, did with great eagerness research after the
fate to come of his posterity, his hap was to alight on this verse in the First of the Aeneids−−
Hic ego nec metas rerum, nec tempora pono.
No bounds are to be set, no limits here.
Which was fulfilled by the goodly genealogical row of his race. When Mr. Peter Amy did in like manner
explore and make trial if he should escape the ambush of the hobgoblins who lay in wait all−to−bemaul him,
he fell upon this verse in the Third of the Aeneids−−
Heu! fuge crudeles terras, fuge littus avarum!
Oh, flee the bloody land, the wicked shore!
Which counsel he obeying, safe and sound forthwith avoided all these ambuscades.
Were it not to shun prolixity, I could enumerate a thousand such like adventures, which, conform to the
dictate and verdict of the verse, have by that manner of lot−casting encounter befallen to the curious
researchers of them. Do not you nevertheless imagine, lest you should be deluded, that I would upon this kind
of fortune−flinging proof infer an uncontrollable and not to be gainsaid infallibility of truth.
Chapter 3.XI. How Pantagruel showeth the trial of one's fortune by the throwing of dice to be unlawful.
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It would be sooner done, quoth Panurge, and more expeditely, if we should try the matter at the chance of
three fair dice. Quoth Pantagruel, That sort of lottery is deceitful, abusive, illicitous, and exceedingly
scandalous. Never trust in it. The accursed book of the Recreation of Dice was a great while ago excogitated
in Achaia, near Bourre, by that ancient enemy of mankind, the infernal calumniator, who, before the statue or
massive image of the Bourraic Hercules, did of old, and doth in several places of the world as yet, make
many simple souls to err and fall into his snares. You know how my father Gargantua hath forbidden it over
all his kingdoms and dominions; how he hath caused burn the moulds and draughts thereof, and altogether
suppressed, abolished, driven forth, and cast it out of the land, as a most dangerous plague and infection to
any well− polished state or commonwealth. What I have told you of dice, I say the same of the play at
cockall. It is a lottery of the like guile and deceitfulness; and therefore do not for convincing of me allege in
opposition to this my opinion, or bring in the example of the fortunate cast of Tiberius, within the fountain of
Aponus, at the oracle of Gerion. These are the baited hooks by which the devil attracts and draweth unto him
the foolish souls of silly people into eternal perdition.
Nevertheless, to satisfy your humour in some measure, I am content you throw three dice upon this table,
that, according to the number of the blots which shall happen to be cast up, we may hit upon a verse of that
page which in the setting open of the book you shall have pitched upon.
Have you any dice in your pocket? A whole bagful, answered Panurge. That is provision against the devil, as
is expounded by Merlin Coccaius, Lib. 2. De Patria Diabolorum. The devil would be sure to take me napping,
and very much at unawares, if he should find me without dice. With this, the three dice being taken out,
produced, and thrown, they fell so pat upon the lower points that the cast was five, six, and five. These are,
quoth Panurge, sixteen in all. Let us take the sixteenth line of the page. The number pleaseth me very well; I
hope we shall have a prosperous and happy chance. May I be thrown amidst all the devils of hell, even as a
great bowl cast athwart at a set of ninepins, or cannon−ball shot among a battalion of foot, in case so many
times I do not boult my future wife the first night of our marriage! Of that, forsooth, I make no doubt at all,
quoth Pantagruel. You needed not to have rapped forth such a horrid imprecation, the sooner to procure credit
for the performance of so small a business, seeing possibly the first bout will be amiss, and that you know is
usually at tennis called fifteen. At the next justling turn you may readily amend that fault, and so complete
your reckoning of sixteen. Is it so, quoth Panurge, that you understand the matter? And must my words be
thus interpreted? Nay, believe me never yet was any solecism committed by that valiant champion who often
hath for me in Belly−dale stood sentry at the hypogastrian cranny. Did you ever hitherto find me in the
confraternity of the faulty? Never, I trow; never, nor ever shall, for ever and a day. I do the feat like a goodly
friar or father confessor, without default. And therein am I willing to be judged by the players. He had no
sooner spoke these words than the works of Virgil were brought in. But before the book was laid open,
Panurge said to Pantagruel, My heart, like the furch of a hart in a rut, doth beat within my breast. Be pleased
to feel and grope my pulse a little on this artery of my left arm. At its frequent rise and fall you would say that
they swinge and belabour me after the manner of a probationer, posed and put to a peremptory trial in the
examination of his sufficiency for the discharge of the learned duty of a graduate in some eminent degree in
the college of the Sorbonists.
But would you not hold it expedient, before we proceed any further, that we should invocate Hercules and the
Tenetian goddesses who in the chamber of lots are said to rule, sit in judgment, and bear a presidential sway?
Neither him nor them, answered Pantagruel; only open up the leaves of the book with your fingers, and set
your nails awork.
Chapter 3.XII.
How Pantagruel doth explore by the Virgilian lottery what fortune Panurge shall have in his marriage.
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Then at the opening of the book in the sixteenth row of the lines of the disclosed page did Panurge encounter
upon this following verse:
Nec Deus hunc mensa, Dea nec dignata cubili est.
The god him from his table banished,
Nor would the goddess have him in her bed.
This response, quoth Pantagruel, maketh not very much for your benefit or advantage; for it plainly signifies
and denoteth that your wife shall be a strumpet, and yourself by consequence a cuckold. The goddess, whom
you shall not find propitious nor favourable unto you, is Minerva, a most redoubtable and dreadful virgin, a
powerful and fulminating goddess, an enemy to cuckolds and effeminate youngsters, to cuckold−makers and
adulterers. The god is Jupiter, a terrible and thunder−striking god from heaven. And withal it is to be
remarked, that, conform to the doctrine of the ancient Etrurians, the manubes, for so did they call the darting
hurls or slinging casts of the Vulcanian thunderbolts, did only appertain to her and to Jupiter her father
capital. This was verified in the conflagration of the ships of Ajax Oileus, nor doth this fulminating power
belong to any other of the Olympic gods. Men, therefore, stand not in such fear of them. Moreover, I will tell
you, and you may take it as extracted out of the profoundest mysteries of mythology, that, when the giants
had enterprised the waging of a war against the power of the celestial orbs, the gods at first did laugh at those
attempts, and scorned such despicable enemies, who were, in their conceit, not strong enough to cope in feats
of warfare with their pages; but when they saw by the gigantine labour the high hill Pelion set on lofty Ossa,
and that the mount Olympus was made shake to be erected on the top of both, then was it that Jupiter held a
parliament, or general convention, wherein it was unanimously resolved upon and condescended to by all the
gods, that they should worthily and valiantly stand to their defence. And because they had often seen battles
lost by the cumbersome lets and disturbing encumbrances of women confusedly huddled in amongst armies,
it was at that time decreed and enacted that they should expel and drive out of heaven into Egypt and the
confines of Nile that whole crew of goddesses, disguised in the shapes of weasels, polecats, bats,
shrew−mice, ferrets, fulmarts, and other such like odd transformations; only Minerva was reserved to
participate with Jupiter in the horrific fulminating power, as being the goddess both of war and learning, of
arts and arms, of counsel and despatch−−a goddess armed from her birth, a goddess dreaded in heaven, in the
air, by sea and land. By the belly of Saint Buff, quoth Panurge, should I be Vulcan, whom the poet blazons?
Nay, I am neither a cripple, coiner of false money, nor smith, as he was. My wife possibly will be as comely
and handsome as ever was his Venus, but not a whore like her, nor I a cuckold like him. The crook−legged
slovenly slave made himself to be declared a cuckold by a definite sentence and judgment, in the open view
of all the gods. For this cause ought you to interpret the afore−mentioned verse quite contrary to what you
have said. This lot importeth that my wife will be honest, virtuous, chaste, loyal, and faithful; not armed,
surly, wayward, cross, giddy, humorous, heady, hairbrained, or extracted out of the brains, as was the
goddess Pallas; nor shall this fair jolly Jupiter be my co−rival. He shall never dip his bread in my broth,
though we should sit together at one table.
Consider his exploits and gallant actions. He was the manifest ruffian, wencher, whoremonger, and most
infamous cuckold−maker that ever breathed. He did always lecher it like a boar, and no wonder, for he was
fostered by a sow in the Isle of Candia, if Agathocles the Babylonian be not a liar, and more rammishly
lascivious than a buck; whence it is that he is said by others to have been suckled and fed with the milk of the
Amalthaean goat. By the virtue of Acheron, he justled, bulled, and lastauriated in one day the third part of the
world, beasts and people, floods and mountains; that was Europa. For this grand subagitatory achievement
the Ammonians caused draw, delineate, and paint him in the figure and shape of a ram ramming, and horned
ram. But I know well enough how to shield and preserve myself from that horned champion. He will not,
trust me, have to deal in my person with a sottish, dunsical Amphitryon, nor with a silly witless Argus, for all
his hundred spectacles, nor yet with the cowardly meacock Acrisius, the simple goose−cap Lycus of Thebes,
the doting blockhead Agenor, the phlegmatic pea−goose Aesop, rough−footed Lycaon, the luskish misshapen
Corytus of Tuscany, nor with the large−backed and strong−reined Atlas. Let him alter, change, transform,
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and metamorphose himself into a hundred various shapes and figures, into a swan, a bull, a satyr, a shower of
gold, or into a cuckoo, as he did when he unmaidened his sister Juno; into an eagle, ram, or dove, as when he
was enamoured of the virgin Phthia, who then dwelt in the Aegean territory; into fire, a serpent, yea, even
into a flea; into Epicurean and Democratical atoms, or, more Magistronostralistically, into those sly
intentions of the mind, which in the schools are called second notions,−−I'll catch him in the nick, and take
him napping. And would you know what I would do unto him? Even that which to his father Coelum Saturn
did−−Seneca foretold it of me, and Lactantius hath confirmed it−−what the goddess Rhea did to Athis. I
would make him two stone lighter, rid him of his Cyprian cymbals, and cut so close and neatly by the breech,
that there shall not remain thereof so much as one−−, so cleanly would I shave him, and disable him for ever
from being Pope, for Testiculos non habet. Hold there, said Pantagruel; ho, soft and fair, my lad! Enough of
that,−−cast up, turn over the leaves, and try your fortune for the second time. Then did he fall upon this
ensuing verse:
Membra quatit, gelidusque coit formidine sanguis.
His joints and members quake, he becomes pale,
And sudden fear doth his cold blood congeal.
This importeth, quoth Pantagruel, that she will soundly bang your back and belly. Clean and quite contrary,
answered Panurge; it is of me that he prognosticates, in saying that I will beat her like a tiger if she vex me.
Sir Martin Wagstaff will perform that office, and in default of a cudgel, the devil gulp him, if I should not eat
her up quick, as Candaul the Lydian king did his wife, whom he ravened and devoured.
You are very stout, says Pantagruel, and courageous; Hercules himself durst hardly adventure to scuffle with
you in this your raging fury. Nor is it strange; for the Jan is worth two, and two in fight against Hercules are
too too strong. Am I a Jan? quoth Panurge. No, no, answered Pantagruel. My mind was only running upon
the lurch and tricktrack. Thereafter did he hit, at the third opening of the book, upon this verse:
Foemineo praedae, et spoliorum ardebat amore.
After the spoil and pillage, as in fire,
He burnt with a strong feminine desire.
This portendeth, quoth Pantagruel, that she will steal your goods, and rob you. Hence this, according to these
three drawn lots, will be your future destiny, I clearly see it,−−you will be a cuckold, you will be beaten, and
you will be robbed. Nay, it is quite otherwise, quoth Panurge; for it is certain that this verse presageth that she
will love me with a perfect liking. Nor did the satyr−writing poet lie in proof hereof, when he affirmed that a
woman, burning with extreme affection, takes sometimes pleasure to steal from her sweetheart. And what, I
pray you? A glove, a point, or some such trifling toy of no importance, to make him keep a gentle kind of
stirring in the research and quest thereof. In like manner, these small scolding debates and petty brabbling
contentions, which frequently we see spring up and for a certain space boil very hot betwixt a couple of
high−spirited lovers, are nothing else you recreative diversions for their refreshment, spurs to and incentives
of a more fervent amity than ever. As, for example, we do sometimes see cutlers with hammers maul their
finest whetstones, therewith to sharpen their iron tools the better. And therefore do I think that these three lots
make much for my advantage; which, if not, I from their sentence totally appeal. There is no appellation,
quoth Pantagruel, from the decrees of fate or destiny, of lot or chance; as is recorded by our ancient lawyers,
witness Baldus, Lib. ult. Cap. de Leg. The reason hereof is, Fortune doth not acknowledge a superior, to
whom an appeal may be made from her or any of her substitutes. And in this case the pupil cannot be restored
to his right in full, as openly by the said author is alleged in L. Ait Praetor, paragr. ult. ff. de minor.
Chapter 3.XIII. How Pantagruel adviseth Panurge to try the future good or bad luck of his marriage by
dreams.
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Now, seeing we cannot agree together in the manner of expounding or interpreting the sense of the Virgilian
lots, let us bend our course another way, and try a new sort of divination. Of what kind? asked Panurge. Of a
good ancient and authentic fashion, answered Pantagruel; it is by dreams. For in dreaming, such
circumstances and conditions being thereto adhibited, as are clearly enough described by Hippocrates, in Lib.
(Greek), by Plato, Plotin, Iamblicus, Sinesius, Aristotle, Xenophon, Galen, Plutarch, Artemidorus, Daldianus,
Herophilus, Q. Calaber, Theocritus, Pliny, Athenaeus, and others, the soul doth oftentimes foresee what is to
come. How true this is, you may conceive by a very vulgar and familiar example; as when you see that at
such a time as suckling babes, well nourished, fed, and fostered with good milk, sleep soundly and
profoundly, the nurses in the interim get leave to sport themselves, and are licentiated to recreate their fancies
at what range to them shall seem most fitting and expedient, their presence, sedulity, and attendance on the
cradle being, during all that space, held unnecessary. Even just so, when our body is at rest, that the
concoction is everywhere accomplished, and that, till it awake, it lacks for nothing, our soul delighteth to
disport itself and is well pleased in that frolic to take a review of its native country, which is the heavens,
where it receiveth a most notable participation of its first beginning with an imbuement from its divine
source, and in contemplation of that infinite and intellectual sphere, whereof the centre is everywhere, and the
circumference in no place of the universal world, to wit, God, according to the doctrine of Hermes
Trismegistus, to whom no new thing happeneth, whom nothing that is past escapeth, and unto whom all
things are alike present, remarketh not only what is preterit and gone in the inferior course and agitation of
sublunary matters, but withal taketh notice what is to come; then bringing a relation of those future events
unto the body of the outward senses and exterior organs, it is divulged abroad unto the hearing of others.
Whereupon the owner of that soul deserveth to be termed a vaticinator, or prophet. Nevertheless, the truth is,
that the soul is seldom able to report those things in such sincerity as it hath seen them, by reason of the
imperfection and frailty of the corporeal senses, which obstruct the effectuating of that office; even as the
moon doth not communicate unto this earth of ours that light which she receiveth from the sun with so much
splendour, heat, vigour, purity, and liveliness as it was given her. Hence it is requisite for the better reading,
explaining, and unfolding of these somniatory vaticinations and predictions of that nature, that a dexterous,
learned, skilful, wise, industrious, expert, rational, and peremptory expounder or interpreter be pitched upon,
such a one as by the Greeks is called onirocrit, or oniropolist. For this cause Heraclitus was wont to say that
nothing is by dreams revealed to us, that nothing is by dreams concealed from us, and that only we thereby
have a mystical signification and secret evidence of things to come, either for our own prosperous or unlucky
fortune, or for the favourable or disastrous success of another. The sacred Scriptures testify no less, and
profane histories assure us of it, in both which are exposed to our view a thousand several kinds of strange
adventures, which have befallen pat according to the nature of the dream, and that as well to the party
dreamer as to others. The Atlantic people, and those that inhabit the (is)land of Thasos, one of the Cyclades,
are of this grand commodity deprived; for in their countries none yet ever dreamed. Of this sort (were) Cleon
of Daulia, Thrasymedes, and in our days the learned Frenchman Villanovanus, neither of all which knew
what dreaming was.
Fail not therefore to−morrow, when the jolly and fair Aurora with her rosy fingers draweth aside the curtains
of the night to drive away the sable shades of darkness, to bend your spirits wholly to the task of sleeping
sound, and thereto apply yourself. In the meanwhile you must denude your mind of every human passion or
affection, such as are love and hatred, fear and hope, for as of old the great vaticinator, most famous and
renowned prophet Proteus, was not able in his disguise or transformation into fire, water, a tiger, a dragon,
and other such like uncouth shapes and visors, to presage anything that was to come till he was restored to his
own first natural and kindly form; just so doth man; for, at his reception of the art of divination and faculty of
prognosticating future things, that part in him which is the most divine, to wit, the Nous, or Mens, must be
calm, peaceable, untroubled, quiet, still, hushed, and not embusied or distracted with foreign, soul−disturbing
perturbations. I am content, quoth Panurge. But, I pray you, sir, must I this evening, ere I go to bed, eat much
or little? I do not ask this without cause. For if I sup not well, large, round, and amply, my sleeping is not
worth a forked turnip. All the night long I then but doze and rave, and in my slumbering fits talk idle
nonsense, my thoughts being in a dull brown study, and as deep in their dumps as is my belly hollow.
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Not to sup, answered Pantagruel, were best for you, considering the state of your complexion and healthy
constitution of your body. A certain very ancient prophet, named Amphiaraus, wished such as had a mind by
dreams to be imbued with any oracle, for four−and−twenty hours to taste no victuals, and to abstain from
wine three days together. Yet shall not you be put to such a sharp, hard, rigorous, and extreme sparing diet. I
am truly right apt to believe that a man whose stomach is replete with various cheer, and in a manner
surfeited with drinking, is hardly able to conceive aright of spiritual things; yet am not I of the opinion of
those who, after long and pertinacious fastings, think by such means to enter more profoundly into the
speculation of celestial mysteries. You may very well remember how my father Gargantua (whom here for
honour sake I name) hath often told us that the writings of abstinent, abstemious, and long−fasting hermits
were every whit as saltless, dry, jejune, and insipid as were their bodies when they did compose them. It is a
most difficult thing for the spirits to be in a good plight, serene and lively, when there is nothing in the body
but a kind of voidness and inanity; seeing the philosophers with the physicians jointly affirm that the spirits
which are styled animal spring from, and have their constant practice in and through the arterial blood,
refined and purified to the life within the admirable net which, wonderfully framed, lieth under the ventricles
and tunnels of the brain. He gave us also the example of the philosopher who, when he thought most
seriously to have withdrawn himself unto a solitary privacy, for from the rustling clutterments of the
tumultuous and confused world, the better to improve his theory, to contrive, comment, and ratiocinate, was,
notwithstanding his uttermost endeavours to free himself from all untoward noises, surrounded and environed
about so with the barking of curs, bawling of mastiffs, bleating of sheep, prating of parrots, tattling of
jackdaws, grunting of swine, girning of boars, yelping of foxes, mewing of cats, cheeping of mice, squeaking
of weasels, croaking of frogs, crowing of cocks, cackling of hens, calling of partridges, chanting of swans,
chattering of jays, peeping of chickens, singing of larks, creaking of geese, chirping of swallows, clucking of
moorfowls, cucking of cuckoos, bumbling of bees, rammage of hawks, chirming of linnets, croaking of
ravens, screeching of owls, whicking of pigs, gushing of hogs, curring of pigeons, grumbling of
cushat−doves, howling of panthers, curkling of quails, chirping of sparrows, crackling of crows, nuzzing of
camels, wheening of whelps, buzzing of dromedaries, mumbling of rabbits, cricking of ferrets, humming of
wasps, mioling of tigers, bruzzing of bears, sussing of kitlings, clamouring of scarfs, whimpering of fulmarts,
booing of buffaloes, warbling of nightingales, quavering of mavises, drintling of turkeys, coniating of storks,
frantling of peacocks, clattering of magpies, murmuring of stock− doves, crouting of cormorants, cigling of
locusts, charming of beagles, guarring of puppies, snarling of messens, rantling of rats, guerieting of apes,
snuttering of monkeys, pioling of pelicans, quacking of ducks, yelling of wolves, roaring of lions, neighing of
horses, crying of elephants, hissing of serpents, and wailing of turtles, that he was much more troubled than if
he had been in the middle of the crowd at the fair of Fontenay or Niort. Just so is it with those who are
tormented with the grievous pangs of hunger. The stomach begins to gnaw, and bark, as it were, the eyes to
look dim, and the veins, by greedily sucking some refection to themselves from the proper substance of all
the members of a fleshy consistence, violently pull down and draw back that vagrant, roaming spirit, careless
and neglecting of his nurse and natural host, which is the body; as when a hawk upon the fist, willing to take
her flight by a soaring aloft in the open spacious air, is on a sudden drawn back by a leash tied to her feet.
To this purpose also did he allege unto us the authority of Homer, the father of all philosophy, who said that
the Grecians did not put an end to their mournful mood for the death of Patroclus, the most intimate friend of
Achilles, till hunger in a rage declared herself, and their bellies protested to furnish no more tears unto their
grief. For from bodies emptied and macerated by long fasting there could not be such supply of moisture and
brackish drops as might be proper on that occasion.
Mediocrity at all times is commendable; nor in this case are you to abandon it. You may take a little supper,
but thereat must you not eat of a hare, nor of any other flesh. You are likewise to abstain from beans, from the
preak, by some called the polyp, as also from coleworts, cabbage, and all other such like windy victuals,
which may endanger the troubling of your brains and the dimming or casting a kind of mist over your animal
spirits. For, as a looking−glass cannot exhibit the semblance or representation of the object set before it, and
exposed to have its image to the life expressed, if that the polished sleekedness thereof be darkened by gross
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breathings, dampish vapours, and foggy, thick, infectious exhalations, even so the fancy cannot well receive
the impression of the likeness of those things which divination doth afford by dreams, if any way the body be
annoyed or troubled with the fumish steam of meat which it had taken in a while before; because betwixt
these two there still hath been a mutual sympathy and fellow−feeling of an indissolubly knit affection. You
shall eat good Eusebian and Bergamot pears, one apple of the short−shank pippin kind, a parcel of the little
plums of Tours, and some few cherries of the growth of my orchard. Nor shall you need to fear that
thereupon will ensue doubtful dreams, fallacious, uncertain, and not to be trusted to, as by some peripatetic
philosophers hath been related; for that, say they, men do more copiously in the season of harvest feed on
fruitages than at any other time. The same is mystically taught us by the ancient prophets and poets, who
allege that all vain and deceitful dreams lie hid and in covert under the leaves which are spread on the
ground−−by reason that the leaves fall from the trees in the autumnal quarter. For the natural fervour which,
abounding in ripe, fresh, recent fruits, cometh by the quickness of its ebullition to be with ease evaporated
into the animal parts of the dreaming person−−the experiment is obvious in most−−is a pretty while before it
be expired, dissolved, and evanished. As for your drink, you are to have it of the fair, pure water of my
fountain.
The condition, quoth Panurge, is very hard. Nevertheless, cost what price it will, or whatsoever come of it, I
heartily condescend thereto; protesting that I shall to−morrow break my fast betimes after my somniatory
exercitations. Furthermore, I recommend myself to Homer's two gates, to Morpheus, to Iselon, to Phantasus,
and unto Phobetor. If they in this my great need succour me and grant me that assistance which is fitting, I
will in honour of them all erect a jolly, genteel altar, composed of the softest down. If I were now in Laconia,
in the temple of Juno, betwixt Oetile and Thalamis, she suddenly would disentangle my perplexity, resolve
me of my doubts, and cheer me up with fair and jovial dreams in a deep sleep.
Then did he say thus unto Pantagruel: Sir, were it not expedient for my purpose to put a branch or two of
curious laurel betwixt the quilt and bolster of my bed, under the pillow on which my head must lean? There is
no need at all of that, quoth Pantagruel; for, besides that it is a thing very superstitious, the cheat thereof hath
been at large discovered unto us in the writings of Serapion, Ascalonites, Antiphon, Philochorus, Artemon,
and Fulgentius Planciades. I could say as much to you of the left shoulder of a crocodile, as also of a
chameleon, without prejudice be it spoken to the credit which is due to the opinion of old Democritus; and
likewise of the stone of the Bactrians, called Eumetrides, and of the Ammonian horn; for so by the
Aethiopians is termed a certain precious stone, coloured like gold, and in the fashion, shape, form, and
proportion of a ram's horn, as the horn of Jupiter Ammon is reported to have been: they over and above
assuredly affirming that the dreams of those who carry it about them are no less veritable and infallible than
the truth of the divine oracles. Nor is this much unlike to what Homer and Virgil wrote of these two gates of
sleep, to which you have been pleased to recommend the management of what you have in hand. The one is
of ivory, which letteth in confused, doubtful, and uncertain dreams; for through ivory, how small and slender
soever it be, we can see nothing, the density, opacity, and close compactedness of its material parts hindering
the penetration of the visual rays and the reception of the specieses of such things as are visible. The other is
of horn, at which an entry is made to sure and certain dreams, even as through horn, by reason of the
diaphanous splendour and bright transparency thereof, the species of all objects of the sight distinctly pass,
and so without confusion appear, that they are clearly seen. Your meaning is, and you would thereby infer,
quoth Friar John, that the dreams of all horned cuckolds, of which number Panurge, by the help of God and
his future wife, is without controversy to be one, are always true and infallible.
Chapter 3.XIV. Panurge's dream, with the interpretation thereof.
At seven o'clock of the next following morning Panurge did not fail to present himself before Pantagruel, in
whose chamber were at that time Epistemon, Friar John of the Funnels, Ponocrates, Eudemon, Carpalin, and
others, to whom, at the entry of Panurge, Pantagruel said, Lo! here cometh our dreamer. That word, quoth
Epistemon, in ancient times cost very much, and was dearly sold to the children of Jacob. Then said Panurge,
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I have been plunged into my dumps so deeply, as if I had been lodged with Gaffer Noddy−cap. Dreamed
indeed I have, and that right lustily; but I could take along with me no more thereof that I did goodly
understand save only that I in my vision had a pretty, fair, young, gallant, handsome woman, who no less
lovingly and kindly treated and entertained me, hugged, cherished, cockered, dandled, and made much of me,
as if I had been another neat dilly−darling minion, like Adonis. Never was man more glad than I was then;
my joy at that time was incomparable. She flattered me, tickled me, stroked me, groped me, frizzled me,
curled me, kissed me, embraced me, laid her hands about my neck, and now and then made jestingly pretty
little horns above my forehead. I told her in the like disport, as I did play the fool with her, that she should
rather place and fix them in a little below mine eyes, that I might see the better what I should stick at with
them; for, being so situated, Momus then would find no fault therewith, as he did once with the position of
the horns of bulls. The wanton, toying girl, notwithstanding any remonstrance of mine to the contrary, did
always drive and thrust them further in; yet thereby, which to me seemed wonderful, she did not do me any
hurt at all. A little after, though I know not how, I thought I was transformed into a tabor, and she into a
chough.
My sleeping there being interrupted, I awaked in a start, angry, displeased, perplexed, chafing, and very
wroth. There have you a large platterful of dreams, make thereupon good cheer, and, if you please, spare not
to interpret them according to the understanding which you may have in them. Come, Carpalin, let us to
breakfast. To my sense and meaning, quoth Pantagruel, if I have skill or knowledge in the art of divination by
dreams, your wife will not really, and to the outward appearance of the world, plant or set horns, and stick
them fast in your forehead, after a visible manner, as satyrs use to wear and carry them; but she will be so far
from preserving herself loyal in the discharge and observance of a conjugal duty, that, on the contrary, she
will violate her plighted faith, break her marriage−oath, infringe all matrimonial ties, prostitute her body to
the dalliance of other men, and so make you a cuckold. This point is clearly and manifestly explained and
expounded by Artemidorus just as I have related it. Nor will there be any metamorphosis or transmutation
made of you into a drum or tabor, but you will surely be as soundly beaten as ever was tabor at a merry
wedding. Nor yet will she be changed into a chough, but will steal from you, chiefly in the night, as is the
nature of that thievish bird. Hereby may you perceive your dreams to be in every jot conform and agreeable
to the Virgilian lots. A cuckold you will be, beaten and robbed. Then cried out Father John with a loud voice,
He tells the truth; upon my conscience, thou wilt be a cuckold−−an honest one, I warrant thee. O the brave
horns that will be borne by thee! Ha, ha, ha! Our good Master de Cornibus. God save thee, and shield thee!
Wilt thou be pleased to preach but two words of a sermon to us, and I will go through the parish church to
gather up alms for the poor.
You are, quoth Panurge, very far mistaken in your interpretation; for the matter is quite contrary to your sense
thereof. My dream presageth that I shall by marriage be stored with plenty of all manner of goods−−the
hornifying of me showing that I will possess a cornucopia, that Amalthaean horn which is called the horn of
abundance, whereof the fruition did still portend the wealth of the enjoyer. You possibly will say that they are
rather like to be satyr's horns; for you of these did make some mention. Amen, Amen, Fiat, fiatur, ad
differentiam papae. Thus shall I have my touch−her−home still ready. My staff of love, sempiternally in a
good case, will, satyr−like, be never toiled out−−a thing which all men wish for, and send up their prayers to
that purpose, but such a thing as nevertheless is granted but to a few. Hence doth it follow by a consequence
as clear as the sunbeams that I will never be in the danger of being made a cuckold, for the defect hereof is
Causa sine qua non; yea, the sole cause, as many think, of making husbands cuckolds. What makes poor
scoundrel rogues to beg, I pray you? Is it not because they have not enough at home wherewith to fill their
bellies and their pokes? What is it makes the wolves to leave the woods? Is it not the want of flesh meat?
What maketh women whores? You understand me well enough. And herein may I very well submit my
opinion to the judgment of learned lawyers, presidents, counsellors, advocates, procurers, attorneys, and other
glossers and commentators on the venerable rubric, De frigidis et maleficiatis. You are, in truth, sir, as it
seems to me (excuse my boldness if I have transgressed), in a most palpable and absurd error to attribute my
horns to cuckoldry. Diana wears them on her head after the manner of a crescent. Is she a cucquean for that?
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How the devil can she be cuckolded who never yet was married? Speak somewhat more correctly, I beseech
you, lest she, being offended, furnish you with a pair of horns shapen by the pattern of those which she made
for Actaeon. The goodly Bacchus also carries horns,−− Pan, Jupiter Ammon, with a great many others. Are
they all cuckolds? If Jove be a cuckold, Juno is a whore. This follows by the figure metalepsis: as to call a
child, in the presence of his father and mother, a bastard, or whore's son, is tacitly and underboard no less
than if he had said openly the father is a cuckold and his wife a punk. Let our discourse come nearer to the
purpose. The horns that my wife did make me are horns of abundance, planted and grafted in my head for the
increase and shooting up of all good things. This will I affirm for truth, upon my word, and pawn my faith
and credit both upon it. As for the rest, I will be no less joyful, frolic, glad, cheerful, merry, jolly, and
gamesome, than a well−bended tabor in the hands of a good drummer at a nuptial feast, still making a noise,
still rolling, still buzzing and cracking. Believe me, sir, in that consisteth none of my least good fortunes. And
my wife will be jocund, feat, compt, neat, quaint, dainty, trim, tricked up, brisk, smirk, and smug, even as a
pretty little Cornish chough. Who will not believe this, let hell or the gallows be the burden of his Christmas
carol.
I remark, quoth Pantagruel, the last point or particle which you did speak of, and, having seriously conferred
it with the first, find that at the beginning you were delighted with the sweetness of your dream; but in the
end and final closure of it you startingly awaked, and on a sudden were forthwith vexed in choler and
annoyed. Yea, quoth Panurge, the reason of that was because I had fasted too long. Flatter not yourself, quoth
Pantagruel; all will go to ruin. Know for a certain truth, that every sleep that endeth with a starting, and leaves
the person irksome, grieved, and fretting, doth either signify a present evil, or otherwise presageth and
portendeth a future imminent mishap. To signify an evil, that is to say, to show some sickness hardly curable,
a kind of pestilentious or malignant boil, botch, or sore, lying and lurking hid, occult, and latent within the
very centre of the body, which many times doth by the means of sleep, whose nature is to reinforce and
strengthen the faculty and virtue of concoction, being according to the theorems of physic to declare itself,
and moves toward the outward superficies. At this sad stirring is the sleeper's rest and ease disturbed and
broken, whereof the first feeling and stinging smart admonisheth that he must patiently endure great pain and
trouble, and thereunto provide some remedy; as when we say proverbially, to incense hornets, to move a
stinking puddle, and to awake a sleeping lion, instead of these more usual expressions, and of a more familiar
and plain meaning, to provoke angry persons, to make a thing the worse by meddling with it, and to irritate a
testy choleric man when he is at quiet. On the other part, to presage or foretell an evil, especially in what
concerneth the exploits of the soul in matter of somnial divinations, is as much to say as that it giveth us to
understand that some dismal fortune or mischance is destinated and prepared for us, which shortly will not
fail to come to pass. A clear and evident example hereof is to be found in the dream and dreadful awaking of
Hecuba, as likewise in that of Eurydice, the wife of Orpheus, neither of which was (no) sooner finished, saith
Ennius, but that incontinently thereafter they awaked in a start, and were affrighted horribly. Thereupon these
accidents ensued: Hecuba had her husband Priamus, together with her children, slain before her eyes, and saw
then the destruction of her country; and Eurydice died speedily thereafter in a most miserable manner.
Aeneas, dreaming that he spoke to Hector a little after his decease, did on a sudden in a great start awake, and
was afraid. Now hereupon did follow this event: Troy that same night was spoiled, sacked, and burnt. At
another time the same Aeneas dreaming that he saw his familiar geniuses and penates, in a ghastly fright and
astonishment awaked, of which terror and amazement the issue was, that the very next day subsequent, by a
most horrible tempest on the sea, he was like to have perished and been cast away. Moreover, Turnus being
prompted, instigated, and stirred up by the fantastic vision of an infernal fury to enter into a bloody war
against Aeneas, awaked in a start much troubled and disquieted in spirit; in sequel whereof, after many
notable and famous routs, defeats, and discomfitures in open field, he came at last to be killed in a single
combat by the said Aeneas. A thousand other instances I could afford, if it were needful, of this matter.
Whilst I relate these stories of Aeneas, remark the saying of Fabius Pictor, who faithfully averred that nothing
had at any time befallen unto, was done, or enterprised by him, whereof he preallably had not notice, and
beforehand foreseen it to the full, by sure predictions altogether founded on the oracles of somnial divination.
To this there is no want of pregnant reasons, no more than of examples. For if repose and rest in sleeping be a
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special gift and favour of the gods, as is maintained by the philosophers, and by the poet attested in these
lines,
Then sleep, that heavenly gift, came to refresh Of human labourers the wearied flesh;
such a gift or benefit can never finish or terminate in wrath and indignation without portending some unlucky
fate and most disastrous fortune to ensue. Otherwise it were a molestation, and not an ease; a scourge, and not
a gift; at least, (not) proceeding from the gods above, but from the infernal devils our enemies, according to
the common vulgar saying.
Suppose the lord, father, or master of a family, sitting at a very sumptuous dinner, furnished with all manner
of good cheer, and having at his entry to the table his appetite sharp set upon his victuals, whereof there was
great plenty, should be seen rise in a start, and on a sudden fling out of his chair, abandoning his meat,
frighted, appalled, and in a horrid terror, who should not know the cause hereof would wonder, and be
astonished exceedingly. But what? he heard his male servants cry, Fire, fire, fire, fire! his serving−maids and
women yell, Stop thief, stop thief! and all his children shout as loud as ever they could, Murder, O murder,
murder! Then was it not high time for him to leave his banqueting, for application of a remedy in haste, and
to give speedy order for succouring of his distressed household? Truly I remember that the Cabalists and
Massorets, interpreters of the sacred Scriptures, in treating how with verity one might judge of evangelical
apparitions (because oftentimes the angel of Satan is disguised and transfigured into an angel of light), said
that the difference of these two mainly did consist in this: the favourable and comforting angel useth in his
appearing unto man at first to terrify and hugely affright him, but in the end he bringeth consolation, leaveth
the person who hath seen him joyful, well−pleased, fully content, and satisfied; on the other side, the angel of
perdition, that wicked, devilish, and malignant spirit, at his appearance unto any person in the beginning
cheereth up the heart of his beholder, but at last forsakes him, and leaves him troubled, angry, and perplexed.
Chapter 3.XV. Panurge's excuse and exposition of the monastic mystery concerning powdered beef.
The Lord save those who see, and do not hear! quoth Panurge. I see you well enough, but know not what it is
that you have said. The hunger− starved belly wanteth ears. For lack of victuals, before God, I roar, bray,
yell, and fume as in a furious madness. I have performed too hard a task to−day, an extraordinary work
indeed. He shall be craftier, and do far greater wonders than ever did Mr. Mush, who shall be able any more
this year to bring me on the stage of preparation for a dreaming verdict. Fie! not to sup at all, that is the devil.
Pox take that fashion! Come, Friar John, let us go break our fast; for, if I hit on such a round refection in the
morning as will serve thoroughly to fill the mill−hopper and hogs−hide of my stomach, and furnish it with
meat and drink sufficient, then at a pinch, as in the case of some extreme necessity which presseth, I could
make a shift that day to forbear dining. But not to sup! A plague rot that base custom, which is an error
offensive to Nature! That lady made the day for exercise, to travel, work, wait on and labour in each his
negotiation and employment; and that we may with the more fervency and ardour prosecute our business, she
sets before us a clear burning candle, to wit, the sun's resplendency; and at night, when she begins to take the
light from us, she thereby tacitly implies no less than if she would have spoken thus unto us: My lads and
lasses, all of you are good and honest folks, you have wrought well to−day, toiled and turmoiled
enough,−−the night approacheth,−−therefore cast off these moiling cares of yours, desist from all your
swinking painful labours, and set your minds how to refresh your bodies in the renewing of their vigour with
good bread, choice wine, and store of wholesome meats; then may you take some sport and recreation, and
after that lie down and rest yourselves, that you may strongly, nimbly, lustily, and with the more alacrity
to−morrow attend on your affairs as formerly.
Falconers, in like manner, when they have fed their hawks, will not suffer them to fly on a full gorge, but let
them on a perch abide a little, that they may rouse, bait, tower, and soar the better. That good pope who was
the first institutor of fasting understood this well enough; for he ordained that our fast should reach but to the
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hour of noon; all the remainder of that day was at our disposure, freely to eat and feed at any time thereof. In
ancient times there were but few that dined, as you would say, some church men, monks and canons; for they
have little other occupation. Each day is a festival unto them, who diligently heed the claustral proverb, De
missa ad mensam. They do not use to linger and defer their sitting down and placing of themselves at table,
only so long as they have a mind in waiting for the coming of the abbot; so they fell to without ceremony,
terms, or conditions; and everybody supped, unless it were some vain, conceited, dreaming dotard. Hence
was a supper called coena, which showeth that it is common to all sorts of people. Thou knowest it well, Friar
John. Come, let us go, my dear friend, in the name of all the devils of the infernal regions, let us go. The
gnawings of my stomach in this rage of hunger are so tearing, that they make it bark like a mastiff. Let us
throw some bread and beef into his throat to pacify him, as once the sibyl did to Cerberus. Thou likest best
monastical brewis, the prime, the flower of the pot. I am for the solid, principal verb that comes after−− the
good brown loaf, always accompanied with a round slice of the nine− lecture−powdered labourer. I know thy
meaning, answered Friar John; this metaphor is extracted out of the claustral kettle. The labourer is the ox
that hath wrought and done the labour; after the fashion of nine lectures, that is to say, most exquisitely well
and thoroughly boiled. These holy religious fathers, by a certain cabalistic institution of the ancients, not
written, but carefully by tradition conveyed from hand to hand, rising betimes to go to morning prayers, were
wont to flourish that their matutinal devotion with some certain notable preambles before their entry into the
church, viz., they dunged in the dungeries, pissed in the pisseries, spit in the spitteries, melodiously coughed
in the cougheries, and doted in their dotaries, that to the divine service they might not bring anything that was
unclean or foul. These things thus done, they very zealously made their repair to the Holy Chapel, for so was
in their canting language termed the convent kitchen, where they with no small earnestness had care that the
beef−pot should be put on the crook for the breakfast of the religious brothers of our Lord and Saviour; and
the fire they would kindle under the pot themselves. Now, the matins consisting of nine lessons, (it) it was so
incumbent on them, that must have risen the rather for the more expedite despatching of them all. The sooner
that they rose, the sharper was their appetite and the barkings of their stomachs, and the gnawings increased
in the like proportion, and consequently made these godly men thrice more a−hungered and athirst than when
their matins were hemmed over only with three lessons. The more betimes they rose, by the said cabal, the
sooner was the beef−pot put on; the longer that the beef was on the fire, the better it was boiled; the more it
boiled, it was the tenderer; the tenderer that it was, the less it troubled the teeth, delighted more the palate,
less charged the stomach, and nourished our good religious men the more substantially; which is the only end
and prime intention of the first founders, as appears by this, that they eat not to live, but live to eat, and in this
world have nothing but their life. Let us go, Panurge.
Now have I understood thee, quoth Panurge, my plushcod friar, my caballine and claustral ballock. I freely
quit the costs, interest, and charges, seeing you have so egregiously commented upon the most especial
chapter of the culinary and monastic cabal. Come along, my Carpalin, and you, Friar John, my
leather−dresser. Good morrow to you all, my good lords; I have dreamed too much to have so little. Let us
go. Panurge had no sooner done speaking than Epistemon with a loud voice said these words: It is a very
ordinary and common thing amongst men to conceive, foresee, know, and presage the misfortune, bad luck,
or disaster of another; but to have the understanding, providence, knowledge, and prediction of a man's own
mishap is very scarce and rare to be found anywhere. This is exceeding judiciously and prudently deciphered
by Aesop in his Apologues, who there affirmeth that every man in the world carrieth about his neck a wallet,
in the fore−bag whereof were contained the faults and mischances of others always exposed to his view and
knowledge; and in the other scrip thereof, which hangs behind, are kept the bearer's proper transgressions and
inauspicious adventures, at no time seen by him, nor thought upon, unless he be a person that hath a
favourable aspect from the heavens.
Chapter 3.XVI. How Pantagruel adviseth Panurge to consult with the Sibyl of Panzoust.
A little while thereafter Pantagruel sent for Panurge and said unto him, The affection which I bear you being
now inveterate and settled in my mind by a long continuance of time, prompteth me to the serious
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consideration of your welfare and profit; in order whereto, remark what I have thought thereon. It hath been
told me that at Panzoust, near Crouly, dwelleth a very famous sibyl, who is endowed with the skill of
foretelling all things to come. Take Epistemon in your company, repair towards her, and hear what she will
say unto you. She is possibly, quoth Epistemon, some Canidia, Sagana, or Pythonissa, either whereof with us
is vulgarly called a witch,−− I being the more easily induced to give credit to the truth of this character of her,
that the place of her abode is vilely stained with the abominable repute of abounding more with sorcerers and
witches than ever did the plains of Thessaly. I should not, to my thinking, go thither willingly, for that it
seems to me a thing unwarrantable, and altogether forbidden in the law of Moses. We are not Jews, quoth
Pantagruel, nor is it a matter judiciously confessed by her, nor authentically proved by others that she is a
witch. Let us for the present suspend our judgment, and defer till after your return from thence the sifting and
garbling of those niceties. Do we know but that she may be an eleventh sibyl or a second Cassandra? But
although she were neither, and she did not merit the name or title of any of these renowned prophetesses,
what hazard, in the name of God, do you run by offering to talk and confer with her of the instant perplexity
and perturbation of your thoughts? Seeing especially, and which is most of all, she is, in the estimation of
those that are acquainted with her, held to know more, and to be of a deeper reach of understanding, than is
either customary to the country wherein she liveth or to the sex whereof she is. What hindrance, hurt, or harm
doth the laudable desire of knowledge bring to any man, were it from a sot, a pot, a fool, a stool, a winter
mitten, a truckle for a pulley, the lid of a goldsmith's crucible, an oil−bottle, or old slipper? You may
remember to have read, or heard at least, that Alexander the Great, immediately after his having obtained a
glorious victory over the King Darius in Arbela, refused, in the presence of the splendid and illustrious
courtiers that were about him, to give audience to a poor certain despicable−like fellow, who through the
solicitations and mediation of some of his royal attendants was admitted humbly to beg that grace and favour
of him. But sore did he repent, although in vain, a thousand and ten thousand times thereafter, the surly state
which he then took upon him to the denial of so just a suit, the grant whereof would have been worth unto
him the value of a brace of potent cities. He was indeed victorious in Persia, but withal so far distant from
Macedonia, his hereditary kingdom, that the joy of the one did not expel the extreme grief which through
occasion of the other he had inwardly conceived; for, not being able with all his power to find or invent a
convenient mean and expedient how to get or come by the certainty of any news from thence, both by reason
of the huge remoteness of the places from one to another, as also because of the impeditive interposition of
many great rivers, the interjacent obstacle of divers wild deserts, and obstructive interjection of sundry almost
inaccessible mountains,−−whilst he was in this sad quandary and solicitous pensiveness, which, you may
suppose, could not be of a small vexation to him, considering that it was a matter of no great difficulty to run
over his whole native soil, possess his country, seize on his kingdom, install a new king in the throne, and
plant thereon foreign colonies, long before he could come to have any advertisement of it: for obviating the
jeopardy of so dreadful inconveniency, and putting a fit remedy thereto, a certain Sidonian merchant of a low
stature but high fancy, very poor in show, and to the outward appearance of little or no account, having
presented himself before him, went about to affirm and declare that he had excogitated and hit upon a ready
mean and way by the which those of his territories at home should come to the certain notice of his Indian
victories, and himself be perfectly informed of the state and condition of Egypt and Macedonia within less
than five days. Whereupon the said Alexander, plunged into a sullen animadvertency of mind, through his
rash opinion of the improbability of performing a so strange and impossible−like undertaking, dismissed the
merchant without giving ear to what he had to say, and vilified him. What could it have cost him to hearken
unto what the honest man had invented and contrived for his good? What detriment, annoyance, damage, or
loss could he have undergone to listen to the discovery of that secret which the good fellow would have most
willingly revealed unto him? Nature, I am persuaded, did not without a cause frame our ears open, putting
thereto no gate at all, nor shutting them up with any manner of enclosures, as she hath done unto the tongue,
the eyes, and other such out−jetting parts of the body. The cause, as I imagine, is to the end that every day
and every night, and that continually, we may be ready to hear, and by a perpetual hearing apt to learn. For,
of all the senses, it is the fittest for the reception of the knowledge of arts, sciences, and disciplines; and it
may be that man was an angel, that is to say, a messenger sent from God, as Raphael was to Tobit. Too
suddenly did he contemn, despise, and misregard him; but too long thereafter, by an untimely and too late
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repentance, did he do penance for it. You say very well, answered Epistemon, yet shall you never for all that
induce me to believe that it can tend any way to the advantage or commodity of a man to take advice and
counsel of a woman, namely, of such a woman, and the woman of such a country. Truly I have found, quoth
Panurge, a great deal of good in the counsel of women, chiefly in that of the old wives amongst them; for
every time I consult with them I readily get a stool or two extraordinary, to the great solace of my bumgut
passage. They are as sleuthhounds in the infallibility of their scent, and in their sayings no less sententious
than the rubrics of the law. Therefore in my conceit it is not an improper kind of speech to call them sage or
wise women. In confirmation of which opinion of mine, the customary style of my language alloweth them
the denomination of presage women. The epithet of sage is due unto them because they are surpassing
dexterous in the knowledge of most things. And I give them the title of presage, for that they divinely foresee
and certainly foretell future contingencies and events of things to come. Sometimes I call them not maunettes,
but monettes, from their wholesome monitions. Whether it be so, ask Pythagoras, Socrates, Empedocles, and
our master Ortuinus. I furthermore praise and commend above the skies the ancient memorable institution of
the pristine Germans, who ordained the responses and documents of old women to be highly extolled, most
cordially reverenced, and prized at a rate in nothing inferior to the weight, test, and standard of the sanctuary.
And as they were respectfully prudent in receiving of these sound advices, so by honouring and following
them did they prove no less fortunate in the happy success of all their endeavours. Witness the old wife
Aurinia, and the good mother Velled, in the days of Vespasian. You need not any way doubt but that
feminine old age is always fructifying in qualities sublime−−I would have said sibylline. Let us go, by the
help, let us go, by the virtue of God, let us go. Farewell, Friar John, I recommend the care of my codpiece to
you. Well, quoth Epistemon, I will follow you, with this protestation nevertheless, that if I happen to get a
sure information, or otherwise find that she doth use any kind of charm or enchantment in her responses, it
may not be imputed to me for a blame to leave you at the gate of her house, without accompanying you any
further in.
Chapter 3.XVII. How Panurge spoke to the Sibyl of Panzoust.
Their voyage was three days journeying. On the third whereof was shown unto them the house of the
vaticinatress standing on the knap or top of a hill, under a large and spacious walnut−tree. Without great
difficulty they entered into that straw−thatched cottage, scurvily built, naughtily movabled, and all besmoked.
It matters not, quoth Epistemon; Heraclitus, the grand Scotist and tenebrous darksome philosopher, was
nothing astonished at his introit into such a coarse and paltry habitation; for he did usually show forth unto
his sectators and disciples that the gods made as cheerfully their residence in these mean homely mansions as
in sumptuous magnific palaces, replenished with all manner of delight, pomp, and pleasure. I withal do really
believe that the dwelling−place of the so famous and renowned Hecate was just such another petty cell as this
is, when she made a feast therein to the valiant Theseus; and that of no other better structure was the cot or
cabin of Hyreus, or Oenopion, wherein Jupiter, Neptune, and Mercury were not ashamed, all three together,
to harbour and sojourn a whole night, and there to take a full and hearty repast; for the payment of the shot
they thankfully pissed Orion. They finding the ancient woman at a corner of her own chimney, Epistemon
said, She is indeed a true sibyl, and the lively portrait of one represented by the (Greek) of Homer. The old
hag was in a pitiful bad plight and condition in matter of the outward state and complexion of her body, the
ragged and tattered equipage of her person in the point of accoutrement, and beggarly poor provision of fare
for her diet and entertainment; for she was ill apparelled, worse nourished, toothless, blear−eyed, crook−
shouldered, snotty, her nose still dropping, and herself still drooping, faint, and pithless; whilst in this
woefully wretched case she was making ready for her dinner porridge of wrinkled green coleworts, with a bit
skin of yellow bacon, mixed with a twice−before−cooked sort of waterish, unsavoury broth, extracted out of
bare and hollow bones. Epistemon said, By the cross of a groat, we are to blame, nor shall we get from her
any response at all, for we have not brought along with us the branch of gold. I have, quoth Panurge,
provided pretty well for that, for here I have it within my bag, in the substance of a gold ring, accompanied
with some fair pieces of small money. No sooner were these words spoken, when Panurge coming up towards
her, after the ceremonial performance of a profound and humble salutation, presented her with six neat's
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tongues dried in the smoke, a great butter−pot full of fresh cheese, a borachio furnished with good beverage,
and a ram's cod stored with single pence, newly coined. At last he, with a low courtesy, put on her medical
finger a pretty handsome golden ring, whereinto was right artificially enchased a precious toadstone of
Beausse. This done, in few words and very succinctly, did he set open and expose unto her the motive reason
of his coming, most civilly and courteously entreating her that she might be pleased to vouchsafe to give him
an ample and plenary intelligence concerning the future good luck of his intended marriage.
The old trot for a while remained silent, pensive, and grinning like a dog; then, after she had set her withered
breech upon the bottom of a bushel, she took into her hands three old spindles, which when she had turned
and whirled betwixt her fingers very diversely and after several fashions, she pried more narrowly into, by the
trial of their points, the sharpest whereof she retained in her hand, and threw the other two under a stone
trough. After this she took a pair of yarn windles, which she nine times unintermittedly veered and frisked
about; then at the ninth revolution or turn, without touching them any more, maturely perpending the manner
of their motion, she very demurely waited on their repose and cessation from any further stirring. In sequel
whereof she pulled off one of her wooden pattens, put her apron over her head, as a priest uses to do his
amice when he is going to sing mass, and with a kind of antique, gaudy, party−coloured string knit it under
her neck. Being thus covered and muffled, she whiffed off a lusty good draught out of the borachio, took
three several pence forth of the ramcod fob, put them into so many walnut−shells, which she set down upon
the bottom of a feather−pot, and then, after she had given them three whisks of a broom besom athwart the
chimney, casting into the fire half a bavin of long heather, together with a branch of dry laurel, she observed
with a very hush and coy silence in what form they did burn, and saw that, although they were in a flame,
they made no kind of noise or crackling din. Hereupon she gave a most hideous and horribly dreadful shout,
muttering betwixt her teeth some few barbarous words of a strange termination.
This so terrified Panurge that he forthwith said to Epistemon, The devil mince me into a gallimaufry if I do
not tremble for fear! I do not think but that I am now enchanted; for she uttereth not her voice in the terms of
any Christian language. O look, I pray you, how she seemeth unto me to be by three full spans higher than
she was when she began to hood herself with her apron. What meaneth this restless wagging of her slouchy
chaps? What can be the signification of the uneven shrugging of her hulchy shoulders? To what end doth she
quaver with her lips, like a monkey in the dismembering of a lobster? My ears through horror glow; ah! how
they tingle! I think I hear the shrieking of Proserpina; the devils are breaking loose to be all here. O the foul,
ugly, and deformed beasts! Let us run away! By the hook of God, I am like to die for fear! I do not love the
devils; they vex me, and are unpleasant fellows. Now let us fly, and betake us to our heels. Farewell,
gammer; thanks and gramercy for your goods! I will not marry; no, believe me, I will not. I fairly quit my
interest therein, and totally abandon and renounce it from this time forward, even as much as at present. With
this, as he endeavoured to make an escape out of the room, the old crone did anticipate his flight and make
him stop. The way how she prevented him was this: whilst in her hand she held the spindle, she flung out to a
back−yard close by her lodge, where, after she had peeled off the barks of an old sycamore three several
times, she very summarily, upon eight leaves which dropped from thence, wrote with the spindle−point some
curt and briefly−couched verses, which she threw into the air, then said unto them, Search after them if you
will; find them if you can; the fatal destinies of your marriage are written in them.
No sooner had she done thus speaking than she did withdraw herself unto her lurking−hole, where on the
upper seat of the porch she tucked up her gown, her coats, and smock, as high as her armpits, and gave them
a full inspection of the nockandroe; which being perceived by Panurge, he said to Epistemon, God's bodikins,
I see the sibyl's hole! She suddenly then bolted the gate behind her, and was never since seen any more. They
jointly ran in haste after the fallen and dispersed leaves, and gathered them at last, though not without great
labour and toil, for the wind had scattered them amongst the thorn−bushes of the valley. When they had
ranged them each after other in their due places, they found out their sentence, as it is metrified in this
octastich:
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Thy fame upheld (Properly, as corrected by Ozell: Thy fame will be shell'd By her, I trow.), Even so, so: And
she with child Of thee: No. Thy good end Suck she shall, And flay thee, friend, But not all.
Chapter 3.XVIII. How Pantagruel and Panurge did diversely expound the verses of the Sibyl of Panzoust.
The leaves being thus collected and orderly disposed, Epistemon and Panurge returned to Pantagruel's court,
partly well pleased and other part discontented; glad for their being come back, and vexed for the trouble they
had sustained by the way, which they found to be craggy, rugged, stony, rough, and ill−adjusted. They made
an ample and full relation of their voyage unto Pantagruel, as likewise of the estate and condition of the sibyl.
Then, having presented to him the leaves of the sycamore, they show him the short and twattle verses that
were written in them. Pantagruel, having read and considered the whole sum and substance of the matter,
fetched from his heart a deep and heavy sigh; then said to Panurge, You are now, forsooth, in a good taking,
and have brought your hogs to a fine market. The prophecy of the sibyl doth explain and lay out before us the
same very predictions which have been denoted, foretold, and presaged to us by the decree of the Virgilian
lots and the verdict of your own proper dreams, to wit, that you shall be very much disgraced, shamed, and
discredited by your wife; for that she will make you a cuckold in prostituting herself to others, being big with
child by another than you,−− will steal from you a great deal of your goods, and will beat you, scratch and
bruise you, even to plucking the skin in a part from off you,−−will leave the print of her blows in some
member of your body. You understand as much, answered Panurge, in the veritable interpretation and
expounding of recent prophecies as a sow in the matter of spicery. Be not offended, sir, I beseech you, that I
speak thus boldly; for I find myself a little in choler, and that not without cause, seeing it is the contrary that
is true. Take heed, and give attentive ear unto my words. The old wife said that, as the bean is not seen till
first it be unhusked, and that its swad or hull be shelled and peeled from off it, so is it that my virtue and
transcendent worth will never come by the mouth of fame to be blazed abroad proportionable to the height,
extent, and measure of the excellency thereof, until preallably I get a wife and make the full half of a married
couple. How many times have I heard you say that the function of a magistrate, or office of dignity,
discovereth the merits, parts, and endowments of the person so advanced and promoted, and what is in him.
That is to say, we are then best able to judge aright of the deservings of a man when he is called to the
management of affairs; for when before he lived in a private condition, we could have no more certain
knowledge of him than of a bean within his husk. And thus stands the first article explained; otherwise, could
you imagine that the good fame, repute, and estimation of an honest man should depend upon the tail of a
whore?
Now to the meaning of the second article! My wife will be with child,−− here lies the prime felicity of
marriage,−−but not of me. Copsody, that I do believe indeed! It will be of a pretty little infant. O how heartily
I shall love it! I do already dote upon it; for it will be my dainty feedle− darling, my genteel dilly−minion.
From thenceforth no vexation, care, or grief shall take such deep impression in my heart, how hugely great or
vehement soever it otherwise appear, but that it shall evanish forthwith at the sight of that my future babe,
and at the hearing of the chat and prating of its childish gibberish. And blessed be the old wife. By my truly, I
have a mind to settle some good revenue or pension upon her out of the readiest increase of the lands of my
Salmigondinois; not an inconstant and uncertain rent−seek, like that of witless, giddy−headed bachelors, but
sure and fixed, of the nature of the well−paid incomes of regenting doctors. If this interpretation doth not
please you, think you my wife will bear me in her flanks, conceive with me, and be of me delivered, as
women use in childbed to bring forth their young ones; so as that it may be said, Panurge is a second
Bacchus, he hath been twice born; he is re−born, as was Hippolytus,−−as was Proteus, one time of Thetis,
and secondly, of the mother of the philosopher Apollonius,−−as were the two Palici, near the flood Simaethos
in Sicily. His wife was big of child with him. In him is renewed and begun again the palintocy of the
Megarians and the palingenesy of Democritus. Fie upon such errors! To hear stuff of that nature rends mine
ears.
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The words of the third article are: She will suck me at my best end. Why not? That pleaseth me right well.
You know the thing; I need not tell you that it is my intercrural pudding with one end. I swear and promise
that, in what I can, I will preserve it sappy, full of juice, and as well victualled for her use as may be. She
shall not suck me, I believe, in vain, nor be destitute of her allowance; there shall her justum both in peck and
lippy be furnished to the full eternally. You expound this passage allegorically, and interpret it to theft and
larceny. I love the exposition, and the allegory pleaseth me; but not according to the sense whereto you
stretch it. It may be that the sincerity of the affection which you bear me moveth you to harbour in your
breast those refractory thoughts concerning me, with a suspicion of my adversity to come. We have this
saying from the learned, That a marvellously fearful thing is love, and that true love is never without fear.
But, sir, according to my judgment, you do understand both of and by yourself that here stealth signifieth
nothing else, no more than in a thousand other places of Greek and Latin, old and modern writings, but the
sweet fruits of amorous dalliance, which Venus liketh best when reaped in secret, and culled by fervent lovers
filchingly. Why so, I prithee tell? Because, when the feat of the loose−coat skirmish happeneth to be done
underhand and privily, between two well−disposed, athwart the steps of a pair of stairs lurkingly, and in
covert behind a suit of hangings, or close hid and trussed upon an unbound faggot, it is more pleasing to the
Cyprian goddess, and to me also− −I speak this without prejudice to any better or more sound opinion−−than
to perform that culbusting art after the Cynic manner, in the view of the clear sunshine, or in a rich tent, under
a precious stately canopy, within a glorious and sublime pavilion, or yet on a soft couch betwixt rich curtains
of cloth of gold, without affrightment, at long intermediate respites, enjoying of pleasures and delights a
bellyfull, at all great ease, with a huge fly−flap fan of crimson satin and a bunch of feathers of some
East−Indian ostrich serving to give chase unto the flies all round about; whilst, in the interim, the female
picks her teeth with a stiff straw picked even then from out of the bottom of the bed she lies on. If you be not
content with this my exposition, are you of the mind that my wife will suck and sup me up as people use to
gulp and swallow oysters out of the shell? or as the Cilician women, according to the testimony of
Dioscorides, were wont to do the grain of alkermes? Assuredly that is an error. Who seizeth on it, doth
neither gulch up nor swill down, but takes away what hath been packed up, catcheth, snatcheth, and plies the
play of hey−pass, repass.
The fourth article doth imply that my wife will flay me, but not all. O the fine word! You interpret this to
beating strokes and blows. Speak wisely. Will you eat a pudding? Sir, I beseech you to raise up your spirits
above the low−sized pitch of earthly thoughts unto that height of sublime contemplation which reacheth to
the apprehension of the mysteries and wonders of Dame Nature. And here be pleased to condemn yourself,
by a renouncing of those errors which you have committed very grossly and somewhat perversely in
expounding the prophetic sayings of the holy sibyl. Yet put the case (albeit I yield not to it) that, by the
instigation of the devil, my wife should go about to wrong me, make me a cuckold downwards to the very
breech, disgrace me otherwise, steal my goods from me, yea, and lay violently her hands upon me;−−she
nevertheless should fail of her attempts and not attain to the proposed end of her unreasonable undertakings.
The reason which induceth me hereto is grounded totally on this last point, which is extracted from the
profoundest privacies of a monastic pantheology, as good Friar Arthur Wagtail told me once upon a Monday
morning, as we were (if I have not forgot) eating a bushel of trotter−pies; and I remember well it rained hard.
God give him the good morrow! The women at the beginning of the world, or a little after, conspired to flay
the men quick, because they found the spirit of mankind inclined to domineer it, and bear rule over them
upon the face of the whole earth; and, in pursuit of this their resolution, promised, confirmed, swore, and
covenanted amongst them all, by the pure faith they owe to the nocturnal Sanct Rogero. But O the vain
enterprises of women! O the great fragility of that sex feminine! They did begin to flay the man, or peel him
(as says Catullus), at that member which of all the body they loved best, to wit, the nervous and cavernous
cane, and that above five thousand years ago; yet have they not of that small part alone flayed any more till
this hour but the head. In mere despite whereof the Jews snip off that parcel of the skin in circumcision,
choosing far rather to be called clipyards, rascals, than to be flayed by women, as are other nations. My wife,
according to this female covenant, will flay it to me, if it be not so already. I heartily grant my consent
thereto, but will not give her leave to flay it all. Nay, truly will I not, my noble king.
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Yea but, quoth Epistemon, you say nothing of her most dreadful cries and exclamations when she and we
both saw the laurel−bough burn without yielding any noise or crackling. You know it is a very dismal omen,
an inauspicious sign, unlucky indice, and token formidable, bad, disastrous, and most unhappy, as is certified
by Propertius, Tibullus, the quick philosopher Porphyrius, Eustathius on the Iliads of Homer, and by many
others. Verily, verily, quoth Panurge, brave are the allegations which you bring me, and testimonies of
two−footed calves. These men were fools, as they were poets; and dotards, as they were philosophers; full of
folly, as they were of philosophy.
Chapter 3.XIX. How Pantagruel praiseth the counsel of dumb men.
Pantagruel, when this discourse was ended, held for a pretty while his peace, seeming to be exceeding sad
and pensive, then said to Panurge, The malignant spirit misleads, beguileth, and seduceth you. I have read
that in times past the surest and most veritable oracles were not those which either were delivered in writing
or uttered by word of mouth in speaking. For many times, in their interpretation, right witty, learned, and
ingenious men have been deceived through amphibologies, equivoques, and obscurity of words, no less than
by the brevity of their sentences. For which cause Apollo, the god of vaticination, was surnamed (Greek).
Those which were represented then by signs and outward gestures were accounted the truest and the most
infallible. Such was the opinion of Heraclitus. And Jupiter did himself in this manner give forth in Ammon
frequently predictions. Nor was he single in this practice; for Apollo did the like amongst the Assyrians. His
prophesying thus unto those people moved them to paint him with a large long beard, and clothes beseeming
an old settled person of a most posed, staid, and grave behaviour; not naked, young, and beardless, as he was
portrayed most usually amongst the Grecians. Let us make trial of this kind of fatidicency; and go you take
advice of some dumb person without any speaking. I am content, quoth Panurge. But, says Pantagruel, it
were requisite that the dumb you consult with be such as have been deaf from the hour of their nativity, and
consequently dumb; for none can be so lively, natural, and kindly dumb as he who never heard.
How is it, quoth Panurge, that you conceive this matter? If you apprehend it so, that never any spoke who had
not before heard the speech of others, I will from that antecedent bring you to infer very logically a most
absurd and paradoxical conclusion. But let it pass; I will not insist on it. You do not then believe what
Herodotus wrote of two children, who, at the special command and appointment of Psammeticus, King of
Egypt, having been kept in a petty country cottage, where they were nourished and entertained in a perpetual
silence, did at last, after a certain long space of time, pronounce this word Bec, which in the Phrygian
language signifieth bread. Nothing less, quoth Pantagruel, do I believe than that it is a mere abusing of our
understandings to give credit to the words of those who say that there is any such thing as a natural language.
All speeches have had their primary origin from the arbitrary institutions, accords, and agreements of nations
in their respective condescendments to what should be noted and betokened by them. An articulate voice,
according to the dialecticians, hath naturally no signification at all; for that the sense and meaning thereof did
totally depend upon the good will and pleasure of the first deviser and imposer of it. I do not tell you this
without a cause; for Bartholus, Lib. 5. de Verb. Oblig., very seriously reporteth that even in his time there
was in Eugubia one named Sir Nello de Gabrielis, who, although he by a sad mischance became altogether
deaf, understood nevertheless everyone that talked in the Italian dialect howsoever he expressed himself; and
that only by looking on his external gestures, and casting an attentive eye upon the divers motions of his lips
and chaps. I have read, I remember also, in a very literate and eloquent author, that Tyridates, King of
Armenia, in the days of Nero, made a voyage to Rome, where he was received with great honour and
solemnity, and with all manner of pomp and magnificence. Yea, to the end there might be a sempiternal
amity and correspondence preserved betwixt him and the Roman senate, there was no remarkable thing in the
whole city which was not shown unto him. At his departure the emperor bestowed upon him many ample
donatives of an inestimable value; and besides, the more entirely to testify his affection towards him, heartily
entreated him to be pleased to make choice of any whatsoever thing in Rome was most agreeable to his
fancy, with a promise juramentally confirmed that he should not be refused of his demand. Thereupon, after a
suitable return of thanks for a so gracious offer, he required a certain Jack−pudding whom he had seen to act
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his part most egregiously upon the stage, and whose meaning, albeit he knew not what it was he had spoken,
he understood perfectly enough by the signs and gesticulations which he had made. And for this suit of his, in
that he asked nothing else, he gave this reason, that in the several wide and spacious dominions which were
reduced under the sway and authority of his sovereign government, there were sundry countries and nations
much differing from one another in language, with whom, whether he was to speak unto them or give any
answer to their requests, he was always necessitated to make use of divers sorts of truchman and interpreters.
Now with this man alone, sufficient for supplying all their places, will that great inconveniency hereafter be
totally removed; seeing he is such a fine gesticulator, and in the practice of chirology an artist so complete,
expert, and dexterous, that with his very fingers he doth speak. Howsoever, you are to pitch upon such a
dumb one as is deaf by nature and from his birth; to the end that his gestures and signs may be the more
vively and truly prophetic, and not counterfeit by the intermixture of some adulterate lustre and affectation.
Yet whether this dumb person shall be of the male or female sex is in your option, lieth at your discretion,
and altogether dependeth on your own election.
I would more willingly, quoth Panurge, consult with and be advised by a dumb woman, were it not that I am
afraid of two things. The first is, that the greater part of women, whatever be that they see, do always
represent unto their fancies, think, and imagine, that it hath some relation to the sugared entering of the
goodly ithyphallos, and graffing in the cleft of the overturned tree the quickset imp of the pin of copulation.
Whatever signs, shows, or gestures we shall make, or whatever our behaviour, carriage, or demeanour shall
happen to be in their view and presence, they will interpret the whole in reference to the act of androgynation
and the culbutizing exercise, by which means we shall be abusively disappointed of our designs, in regard
that she will take all our signs for nothing else but tokens and representations of our desire to entice her unto
the lists of a Cyprian combat or catsenconny skirmish. Do you remember what happened at Rome two
hundred and threescore years after the foundation thereof? A young Roman gentleman encountering by
chance, at the foot of Mount Celion, with a beautiful Latin lady named Verona, who from her very cradle
upwards had always been both deaf and dumb, very civilly asked her, not without a chironomatic Italianizing
of his demand, with various jectigation of his fingers and other gesticulations as yet customary amongst the
speakers of that country, what senators in her descent from the top of the hill she had met with going up
thither. For you are to conceive that he, knowing no more of her deafness than dumbness, was ignorant of
both. She in the meantime, who neither heard nor understood so much as one word of what he had said,
straight imagined, by all that she could apprehend in the lovely gesture of his manual signs, that what he then
required of her was what herself had a great mind to, even that which a young man doth naturally desire of a
woman. Then was it that by signs, which in all occurrences of venereal love are incomparably more
attractive, valid, and efficacious than words, she beckoned to him to come along with her to her house; which
when he had done, she drew him aside to a privy room, and then made a most lively alluring sign unto him to
show that the game did please her. Whereupon, without any more advertisement, or so much as the uttering
of one word on either side, they fell to and bringuardized it lustily.
The other cause of my being averse from consulting with dumb women is, that to our signs they would make
no answer at all, but suddenly fall backwards in a divarication posture, to intimate thereby unto us the reality
of their consent to the supposed motion of our tacit demands. Or if they should chance to make any
countersigns responsory to our propositions, they would prove so foolish, impertinent, and ridiculous, that by
them ourselves should easily judge their thoughts to have no excursion beyond the duffling academy. You
know very well how at Brignoles, when the religious nun, Sister Fatbum, was made big with child by the
young Stiffly−stand−to't, her pregnancy came to be known, and she cited by the abbess, and, in a full
convention of the convent, accused of incest. Her excuse was that she did not consent thereto, but that it was
done by the violence and impetuous force of the Friar Stiffly−stand−to't. Hereto the abbess very austerely
replying, Thou naughty wicked girl, why didst thou not cry, A rape, a rape! then should all of us have run to
thy succour. Her answer was that the rape was committed in the dortour, where she durst not cry because it
was a place of sempiternal silence. But, quoth the abbess, thou roguish wench, why didst not thou then make
some sign to those that were in the next chamber beside thee? To this she answered that with her buttocks she
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made a sign unto them as vigorously as she could, yet never one of them did so much as offer to come to her
help and assistance. But, quoth the abbess, thou scurvy baggage, why didst thou not tell it me immediately
after the perpetration of the fact, that so we might orderly, regularly, and canonically have accused him? I
would have done so, had the case been mine, for the clearer manifestation of mine innocency. I truly, madam,
would have done the like with all my heart and soul, quoth Sister Fatbum, but that fearing I should remain in
sin, and in the hazard of eternal damnation, if prevented by a sudden death, I did confess myself to the father
friar before he went out of the room, who, for my penance, enjoined me not to tell it, or reveal the matter unto
any. It were a most enormous and horrid offence, detestable before God and the angels, to reveal a
confession. Such an abominable wickedness would have possibly brought down fire from heaven, wherewith
to have burnt the whole nunnery, and sent us all headlong to the bottomless pit, to bear company with Korah,
Dathan, and Abiram.
You will not, quoth Pantagruel, with all your jesting, make me laugh. I know that all the monks, friars, and
nuns had rather violate and infringe the highest of the commandments of God than break the least of their
provincial statutes. Take you therefore Goatsnose, a man very fit for your present purpose; for he is, and hath
been, both dumb and deaf from the very remotest infancy of his childhood.
Chapter 3.XX. How Goatsnose by signs maketh answer to Panurge.
Goatsnose being sent for, came the day thereafter to Pantagruel's court; at his arrival to which Panurge gave
him a fat calf, the half of a hog, two puncheons of wine, one load of corn, and thirty francs of small money;
then, having brought him before Pantagruel, in presence of the gentlemen of the bed−chamber he made this
sign unto him. He yawned a long time, and in yawning made without his mouth with the thumb of his right
hand the figure of the Greek letter Tau by frequent reiterations. Afterwards he lifted up his eyes to
heavenwards, then turned them in his head like a she−goat in the painful fit of an absolute birth, in doing
whereof he did cough and sigh exceeding heavily. This done, after that he had made demonstration of the
want of his codpiece, he from under his shirt took his placket−racket in a full grip, making it therewithal
clack very melodiously betwixt his thighs; then, no sooner had he with his body stooped a little forwards, and
bowed his left knee, but that immediately thereupon holding both his arms on his breast, in a loose faint−like
posture, the one over the other, he paused awhile. Goatsnose looked wistly upon him, and having heedfully
enough viewed him all over, he lifted up into the air his left hand, the whole fingers whereof he retained
fistwise close together, except the thumb and the forefinger, whose nails he softly joined and coupled to one
another. I understand, quoth Pantagruel, what he meaneth by that sign. It denotes marriage, and withal the
number thirty, according to the profession of the Pythagoreans. You will be married. Thanks to you, quoth
Panurge, in turning himself towards Goatsnose, my little sewer, pretty master's mate, dainty bailie, curious
sergeant−marshal, and jolly catchpole−leader. Then did he lift higher up than before his said left hand,
stretching out all the five fingers thereof, and severing them as wide from one another as he possibly could
get done. Here, says Pantagruel, doth he more amply and fully insinuate unto us, by the token which he
showeth forth of the quinary number, that you shall be married. Yea, that you shall not only be affianced,
betrothed, wedded, and married, but that you shall furthermore cohabit and live jollily and merrily with your
wife; for Pythagoras called five the nuptial number, which, together with marriage, signifieth the
consummation of matrimony, because it is composed of a ternary, the first of the odd, and binary, the first of
the even numbers, as of a male and female knit and united together. In very deed it was the fashion of old in
the city of Rome at marriage festivals to light five wax tapers; nor was it permitted to kindle any more at the
magnific nuptials of the most potent and wealthy, nor yet any fewer at the penurious weddings of the poorest
and most abject of the world. Moreover, in times past, the heathen or paynims implored the assistance of five
deities, or of one helpful, at least, in five several good offices to those that were to be married. Of this sort
were the nuptial Jove, Juno, president of the feast, the fair Venus, Pitho, the goddess of eloquence and
persuasion, and Diana, whose aid and succour was required to the labour of child−bearing. Then shouted
Panurge, O the gentle Goatsnose, I will give him a farm near Cinais, and a windmill hard by Mirebalais!
Hereupon the dumb fellow sneezeth with an impetuous vehemency and huge concussion of the spirits of the
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whole body, withdrawing himself in so doing with a jerking turn towards the left hand. By the body of a fox
new slain, quoth Pantagruel, what is that? This maketh nothing for your advantage; for he betokeneth thereby
that your marriage will be inauspicious and unfortunate. This sneezing, according to the doctrine of Terpsion,
is the Socratic demon. If done towards the right side, it imports and portendeth that boldly and with all
assurance one may go whither he will and do what he listeth, according to what deliberation he shall be
pleased to have thereupon taken; his entries in the beginning, progress in his proceedings, and success in the
events and issues will be all lucky, good, and happy. The quite contrary thereto is thereby implied and
presaged if it be done towards the left. You, quoth Panurge, do take always the matter at the worst, and
continually, like another Davus, casteth in new disturbances and obstructions; nor ever yet did I know this old
paltry Terpsion worthy of citation but in points only of cosenage and imposture. Nevertheless, quoth
Pantagruel, Cicero hath written I know not what to the same purpose in his Second Book of Divination.
Panurge then, turning himself towards Goatsnose, made this sign unto him. He inverted his eyelids upwards,
wrenched his jaws from the right to the left side, and drew forth his tongue half out of his mouth. This done,
he posited his left hand wholly open, the mid−finger wholly excepted, which was perpendicularly placed
upon the palm thereof, and set it just in the room where his codpiece had been. Then did he keep his right
hand altogether shut up in a fist, save only the thumb, which he straight turned backwards directly under the
right armpit, and settled it afterwards on that most eminent part of the buttocks which the Arabs call the
Al−Katim. Suddenly thereafter he made this interchange: he held his right hand after the manner of the left,
and posited it on the place wherein his codpiece sometime was, and retaining his left hand in the form and
fashion of the right, he placed it upon his Al−Katim. This altering of hands did he reiterate nine several times;
at the last whereof he reseated his eyelids into their own first natural position. Then doing the like also with
his jaws and tongue, he did cast a squinting look upon Goatsnose, diddering and shivering his chaps, as apes
use to do nowadays, and rabbits, whilst, almost starved with hunger, they are eating oats in the sheaf.
Then was it that Goatsnose, lifting up into the air his right hand wholly open and displayed, put the thumb
thereof, even close unto its first articulation, between the two third joints of the middle and ring fingers,
pressing about the said thumb thereof very hard with them both, and, whilst the remanent joints were
contracted and shrunk in towards the wrist, he stretched forth with as much straightness as he could the fore
and little fingers. That hand thus framed and disposed of he laid and posited upon Panurge's navel, moving
withal continually the aforesaid thumb, and bearing up, supporting, or under−propping that hand upon the
above−specified fore and little fingers, as upon two legs. Thereafter did he make in this posture his hand by
little and little, and by degrees and pauses, successively to mount from athwart the belly to the stomach, from
whence he made it to ascend to the breast, even upwards to Panurge's neck, still gaining ground, till, having
reached his chin, he had put within the concave of his mouth his afore−mentioned thumb; then fiercely
brandishing the whole hand, which he made to rub and grate against his nose, he heaved it further up, and
made the fashion as if with the thumb thereof he would have put out his eyes. With this Panurge grew a little
angry, and went about to withdraw and rid himself from this ruggedly untoward dumb devil. But Goatsnose
in the meantime, prosecuting the intended purpose of his prognosticatory response, touched very rudely, with
the above−mentioned shaking thumb, now his eyes, then his forehead, and after that the borders and corners
of his cap. At last Panurge cried out, saying, Before God, master fool, if you do not let me alone, or that you
will presume to vex me any more, you shall receive from the best hand I have a mask wherewith to cover
your rascally scroundrel face, you paltry shitten varlet. Then said Friar John, He is deaf, and doth not
understand what thou sayest unto him. Bulliballock, make sign to him of a hail of fisticuffs upon the muzzle.
What the devil, quoth Panurge, means this busy restless fellow? What is it that this polypragmonetic ardelion
to all the fiends of hell doth aim at? He hath almost thrust out mine eyes, as if he had been to poach them in a
skillet with butter and eggs. By God, da jurandi, I will feast you with flirts and raps on the snout, interlarded
with a double row of bobs and finger−fillipings! Then did he leave him in giving him by way of salvo a
volley of farts for his farewell. Goatsnose, perceiving Panurge thus to slip away from him, got before him,
and, by mere strength enforcing him to stand, made this sign unto him. He let fall his right arm toward his
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knee on the same side as low as he could, and, raising all the fingers of that hand into a close fist, passed his
dexter thumb betwixt the foremost and mid fingers thereto belonging. Then scrubbing and swingeing a little
with his left hand alongst and upon the uppermost in the very bough of the elbow of the said dexter arm, the
whole cubit thereof, by leisure, fair and softly, at these thumpatory warnings, did raise and elevate itself even
to the elbow, and above it; on a sudden did he then let it fall down as low as before, and after that, at certain
intervals and such spaces of time, raising and abasing it, he made a show thereof to Panurge. This so incensed
Panurge that he forthwith lifted his hand to have stricken him the dumb roister and given him a sound whirret
on the ear, but that the respect and reverence which he carried to the presence of Pantagruel restrained his
choler and kept his fury within bounds and limits. Then said Pantagruel, If the bare signs now vex and trouble
you, how much more grievously will you be perplexed and disquieted with the real things which by them are
represented and signified! All truths agree and are consonant with one another. This dumb fellow prophesieth
and foretelleth that you will be married, cuckolded, beaten, and robbed. As for the marriage, quoth Panurge, I
yield thereto, and acknowledge the verity of that point of his prediction; as for the rest, I utterly abjure and
deny it: and believe, sir, I beseech you, if it may please you so to do, that in the matter of wives and horses
never any man was predestinated to a better fortune than I.
Chapter 3.XXI. How Panurge consulteth with an old French poet, named Raminagrobis.
I never thought, said Pantagruel, to have encountered with any man so headstrong in his apprehensions, or in
his opinions so wilful, as I have found you to be and see you are. Nevertheless, the better to clear and
extricate your doubts, let us try all courses, and leave no stone unturned nor wind unsailed by. Take good
heed to what I am to say unto you. The swans, which are fowls consecrated to Apollo, never chant but in the
hour of their approaching death, especially in the Meander flood, which is a river that runneth along some of
the territories of Phrygia. This I say, because Aelianus and Alexander Myndius write that they had seen
several swans in other places die, but never heard any of them sing or chant before their death. However, it
passeth for current that the imminent death of a swan is presaged by his foregoing song, and that no swan
dieth until preallably he have sung.
After the same manner, poets, who are under the protection of Apollo, when they are drawing near their latter
end do ordinarily become prophets, and by the inspiration of that god sing sweetly in vaticinating things
which are to come. It hath been likewise told me frequently, that old decrepit men upon the brinks of
Charon's banks do usher their decease with a disclosure all at ease, to those that are desirous of such
informations, of the determinate and assured truth of future accidents and contingencies. I remember also that
Aristophanes, in a certain comedy of his, calleth the old folks Sibyls, (Greek). For as when, being upon a pier
by the shore, we see afar off mariners, seafaring men, and other travellers alongst the curled waves of azure
Thetis within their ships, we then consider them in silence only, and seldom proceed any further than to wish
them a happy and prosperous arrival; but when they do approach near to haven, and come to wet their keels
within their harbour, then both with words and gestures we salute them, and heartily congratulate their access
safe to the port wherein we are ourselves. Just so the angels, heroes, and good demons, according to the
doctrine of the Platonics, when they see mortals drawing near unto the harbour of the grave, as the most sure
and calmest port of any, full of repose, ease, rest, tranquillity, free from the troubles and solicitudes of this
tumultuous and tempestuous world; then is it that they with alacrity hail and salute them, cherish and comfort
them, and, speaking to them lovingly, begin even then to bless them with illuminations, and to communicate
unto them the abstrusest mysteries of divination. I will not offer here to confound your memory by quoting
antique examples of Isaac, of Jacob, of Patroclus towards Hector, of Hector towards Achilles, of Polymnestor
towards Agamemnon, of Hecuba, of the Rhodian renowned by Posidonius, of Calanus the Indian towards
Alexander the Great, of Orodes towards Mezentius, and of many others. It shall suffice for the present that I
commemorate unto you the learned and valiant knight and cavalier William of Bellay, late Lord of Langey,
who died on the Hill of Tarara, the 10th of January, in the climacteric year of his age, and of our supputation
1543, according to the Roman account. The last three or four hours of his life he did employ in the serious
utterance of a very pithy discourse, whilst with a clear judgment and spirit void of all trouble he did foretell
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several important things, whereof a great deal is come to pass, and the rest we wait for. Howbeit, his
prophecies did at that time seem unto us somewhat strange, absurd, and unlikely, because there did not then
appear any sign of efficacy enough to engage our faith to the belief of what he did prognosticate. We have
here, near to the town of Villomere, a man that is both old and a poet, to wit, Raminagrobis, who to his
second wife espoused my Lady Broadsow, on whom he begot the fair Basoche. It hath been told me he is
a−dying, and so near unto his latter end that he is almost upon the very last moment, point, and article
thereof. Repair thither as fast as you can, and be ready to give an attentive ear to what he shall chant unto
you. It may be that you shall obtain from him what you desire, and that Apollo will be pleased by his means
to clear your scruples. I am content, quoth Panurge. Let us go thither, Epistemon, and that both instantly and
in all haste, lest otherwise his death prevent our coming. Wilt thou come along with us, Friar John? Yes, that
I will, quoth Friar John, right heartily to do thee a courtesy, my billy−ballocks; for I love thee with the best of
my milt and liver.
Thereupon, incontinently, without any further lingering, to the way they all three went, and quickly
thereafter−−for they made good speed−−arriving at the poetical habitation, they found the jolly old man,
albeit in the agony of his departure from this world, looking cheerfully, with an open countenance, splendid
aspect, and behaviour full of alacrity. After that Panurge had very civilly saluted him, he in a free gift did
present him with a gold ring, which he even then put upon the medical finger of his left hand, in the collet or
bezel whereof was enchased an Oriental sapphire, very fair and large. Then, in imitation of Socrates, did he
make an oblation unto him of a fair white cock, which was no sooner set upon the tester of his bed, than that,
with a high raised head and crest, lustily shaking his feather−coat, he crowed stentoriphonically loud. This
done, Panurge very courteously required of him that he would vouchsafe to favour him with the grant and
report of his sense and judgment touching the future destiny of his intended marriage. For answer hereto,
when the honest old man had forthwith commanded pen, paper, and ink to be brought unto him, and that he
was at the same call conveniently served with all the three, he wrote these following verses:
Take, or not take her, Off, or on: Handy−dandy is your lot. When her name you write, you blot. 'Tis undone,
when all is done, Ended e'er it was begun: Hardly gallop, if you trot, Set not forward when you run, Nor be
single, though alone, Take, or not take her.
Before you eat, begin to fast; For what shall be was never past. Say, unsay, gainsay, save your breath: Then
wish at once her life and death. Take, or not take her.
These lines he gave out of his own hands unto them, saying unto them, Go, my lads, in peace! the great God
of the highest heavens be your guardian and preserver! and do not offer any more to trouble or disquiet me
with this or any other business whatsoever. I have this same very day, which is the last both of May and of
me, with a greal deal of labour, toil, and difficulty, chased out of my house a rabble of filthy, unclean, and
plaguily pestilentious rake−hells, black beasts, dusk, dun, white, ash− coloured, speckled, and a foul vermin
of other hues, whose obtrusive importunity would not permit me to die at my own ease; for by fraudulent and
deceitful pricklings, ravenous, harpy−like graspings, waspish stingings, and such−like unwelcome
approaches, forged in the shop of I know not what kind of insatiabilities, they went about to withdraw and
call me out of those sweet thoughts wherein I was already beginning to repose myself and acquiesce in the
contemplation and vision, yea, almost in the very touch and taste of the happiness and felicity which the good
God hath prepared for his faithful saints and elect in the other life and state of immortality. Turn out of their
courses and eschew them, step forth of their ways and do not resemble them; meanwhile, let me be no more
troubled by you, but leave me now in silence, I beseech you.
Chapter 3.XXII. How Panurge patrocinates and defendeth the Order of the Begging Friars.
Panurge, at his issuing forth of Raminagrobis's chamber, said, as if he had been horribly affrighted, By the
virtue of God, I believe that he is an heretic; the devil take me, if I do not! he doth so villainously rail at the
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Mendicant Friars and Jacobins, who are the two hemispheres of the Christian world; by whose gyronomonic
circumbilvaginations, as by two celivagous filopendulums, all the autonomatic metagrobolism of the Romish
Church, when tottering and emblustricated with the gibble−gabble gibberish of this odious error and heresy,
is homocentrically poised. But what harm, in the devil's name, have these poor devils the Capuchins and
Minims done unto him? Are not these beggarly devils sufficiently wretched already? Who can imagine that
these poor snakes, the very extracts of ichthyophagy, are not thoroughly enough besmoked and besmeared
with misery, distress, and calamity? Dost thou think, Friar John, by thy faith, that he is in the state of
salvation? He goeth, before God, as surely damned to thirty thousand basketsful of devils as a pruning−bill to
the lopping of a vine− branch. To revile with opprobrious speeches the good and courageous props and pillars
of the Church,−−is that to be called a poetical fury? I cannot rest satisfied with him; he sinneth grossly, and
blasphemeth against the true religion. I am very much offended at his scandalizing words and contumelious
obloquy. I do not care a straw, quoth Friar John, for what he hath said; for although everybody should twit
and jerk them, it were but a just retaliation, seeing all persons are served by them with the like sauce:
therefore do I pretend no interest therein. Let us see, nevertheless, what he hath written. Panurge very
attentively read the paper which the old man had penned; then said to his two fellow−travellers, The poor
drinker doteth. Howsoever, I excuse him, for that I believe he is now drawing near to the end and final
closure of his life. Let us go make his epitaph. By the answer which he hath given us, I am not, I protest, one
jot wiser than I was. Hearken here, Epistemon, my little bully, dost not thou hold him to be very resolute in
his responsory verdicts? He is a witty, quick, and subtle sophister. I will lay an even wager that he is a
miscreant apostate. By the belly of a stalled ox, how careful he is not to be mistaken in his words. He
answered but by disjunctives, therefore can it not be true which he saith; for the verity of such−like
propositions is inherent only in one of its two members. O the cozening prattler that he is! I wonder if
Santiago of Bressure be one of these cogging shirks. Such was of old, quoth Epistemon, the custom of the
grand vaticinator and prophet Tiresias, who used always, by way of a preface, to say openly and plainly at the
beginning of his divinations and predictions that what he was to tell would either come to pass or not. And
such is truly the style of all prudently presaging prognosticators. He was nevertheless, quoth Panurge, so
unfortunately misadventurous in the lot of his own destiny, that Juno thrust out both his eyes.
Yes, answered Epistemon, and that merely out of a spite and spleen for having pronounced his award more
veritable than she, upon the question which was merrily proposed by Jupiter. But, quoth Panurge, what
archdevil is it that hath possessed this Master Raminagrobis, that so unreasonably, and without any occasion,
he should have so snappishly and bitterly inveighed against these poor honest fathers, Jacobins, Minors, and
Minims? It vexeth me grievously, I assure you; nor am I able to conceal my indignation. He hath transgressed
most enormously; his soul goeth infallibly to thirty thousand panniersful of devils. I understand you not,
quoth Epistemon, and it disliketh me very much that you should so absurdly and perversely interpret that of
the Friar Mendicants which by the harmless poet was spoken of black beasts, dun, and other sorts of other
coloured animals. He is not in my opinion guilty of such a sophistical and fantastic allegory as by that phrase
of his to have meant the Begging Brothers. He in downright terms speaketh absolutely and properly of fleas,
punies, hand worms, flies, gnats, and other such−like scurvy vermin, whereof some are black, some dun,
some ash−coloured, some tawny, and some brown and dusky, all noisome, molesting, tyrannous,
cumbersome, and unpleasant creatures, not only to sick and diseased folks, but to those also who are of a
sound, vigorous, and healthful temperament and constitution. It is not unlikely that he may have the ascarids,
and the lumbrics, and worms within the entrails of his body. Possibly doth he suffer, as it is frequent and
usual amongst the Egyptians, together with all those who inhabit the Erythraean confines, and dwell along the
shores and coasts of the Red Sea, some sour prickings and smart stingings in his arms and legs of those little
speckled dragons which the Arabians call meden. You are to blame for offering to expound his words
otherwise, and wrong the ingenuous poet, and outrageously abuse and miscall the said fraters, by an
imputation of baseness undeservedly laid to their charge. We still should, in such like discourses of
fatiloquent soothsayers, interpret all things to the best. Will you teach me, quoth Panurge, how to discern flies
among milk, or show your father the way how to beget children? He is, by the virtue of God, an arrant
heretic, a resolute, formal heretic; I say, a rooted, combustible heretic, one as fit to burn as the little wooden
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clock at Rochelle. His soul goeth to thirty thousand cartsful of devils. Would you know whither?
Cocks−body, my friend, straight under Proserpina's close−stool, to the very middle of the self− same infernal
pan within which she, by an excrementitious evacuation, voideth the faecal stuff of her stinking clysters, and
that just upon the left side of the great cauldron of three fathom height, hard by the claws and talons of
Lucifer, in the very darkest of the passage which leadeth towards the black chamber of Demogorgon. O the
villain!
Chapter 3.XXIII. How Panurge maketh the motion of a return to Raminagrobis.
Let us return, quoth Panurge, not ceasing, to the uttermost of our abilities, to ply him with wholesome
admonitions for the furtherance of his salvation. Let us go back, for God's sake; let us go, in the name of God.
It will be a very meritorious work, and of great charity in us to deal so in the matter, and provide so well for
him that, albeit he come to lose both body and life, he may at least escape the risk and danger of the eternal
damnation of his soul. We will by our holy persuasions bring him to a sense and feeling of his escapes,
induce him to acknowledge his faults, move him to a cordial repentance of his errors, and stir up in him such
a sincere contrition of heart for his offences, as will prompt him with all earnestness to cry mercy, and to beg
pardon at the hands of the good fathers, as well of the absent as of such as are present. Whereupon we will
take instrument formally and authentically extended, to the end he be not, after his decease, declared an
heretic, and condemned, as were the hobgoblins of the provost's wife of Orleans, to the undergoing of such
punishments, pains, and tortures as are due to and inflicted on those that inhabit the horrid cells of the infernal
regions; and withal incline, instigate, and persuade him to bequeath and leave in legacy (by way of an amends
and satisfaction for the outrage and injury done to those good religious fathers throughout all the convents,
cloisters, and monasteries of this province), many bribes, a great deal of mass−singing, store of obits, and that
sempiternally, on the anniversary day of his decease, every one of them all be furnished with a quintuple
allowance, and that the great borachio replenished with the best liquor trudge apace along the tables, as well
of the young duckling monkitoes, lay brothers, and lowermost degree of the abbey lubbards, as of the learned
priests and reverend clerks,−−the very meanest of the novices and mitiants unto the order being equally
admitted to the benefit of those funerary and obsequial festivals with the aged rectors and professed fathers.
This is the surest ordinary means whereby from God he may obtain forgiveness. Ho, ho, I am quite mistaken;
I digress from the purpose, and fly out of my discourse, as if my spirits were a−wool−gathering. The devil
take me, if I go thither! Virtue God! The chamber is already full of devils. O what a swinging, thwacking
noise is now amongst them! O the terrible coil that they keep! Hearken, do you not hear the rustling,
thumping bustle of their strokes and blows, as they scuffle with one another, like true devils indeed, who
shall gulp up the Raminagrobis soul, and be the first bringer of it, whilst it is hot, to Monsieur Lucifer?
Beware, and get you hence! for my part, I will not go thither. The devil roast me if I go! Who knows but that
these hungry mad devils may in the haste of their rage and fury of their impatience take a qui for a quo, and
instead of Raminagrobis snatch up poor Panurge frank and free? Though formerly, when I was deep in debt,
they always failed. Get you hence! I will not go thither. Before God, the very bare apprehension thereof is
like to kill me. To be in a place where there are greedy, famished, and hunger−starved devils; amongst
factious devils−−amidst trading and trafficking devils−−O the Lord preserve me! Get you hence! I dare pawn
my credit on it, that no Jacobin, Cordelier, Carmelite, Capuchin, Theatin, or Minim will bestow any personal
presence at his interment. The wiser they, because he hath ordained nothing for them in his latter will and
testament. The devil take me, if I go thither. If he be damned, to his own loss and hindrance be it. What the
deuce moved him to be so snappish and depravedly bent against the good fathers of the true religion? Why
did he cast them off, reject them, and drive them quite out of his chamber, even in that very nick of time
when he stood in greatest need of the aid, suffrage, and assistance of their devout prayers and holy
admonitions? Why did not he by testament leave them, at least, some jolly lumps and cantles of substantial
meat, a parcel of cheek−puffing victuals, and a little belly−timber and provision for the guts of these poor
folks, who have nothing but their life in this world? Let him go thither who will, the devil take me if I go; for,
if I should, the devil would not fail to snatch me up. Cancro. Ho, the pox! Get you hence, Friar John! Art thou
content that thirty thousand wainload of devils should get away with thee at this same very instant? If thou
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be, at my request do these three things. First, give me thy purse; for besides that thy money is marked with
crosses, and the cross is an enemy to charms, the same may befall to thee which not long ago happened to
John Dodin, collector of the excise of Coudray, at the ford of Vede, when the soldiers broke the planks. This
moneyed fellow, meeting at the very brink of the bank of the ford with Friar Adam Crankcod, a Franciscan
observantin of Mirebeau, promised him a new frock, provided that in the transporting of him over the water
he would bear him upon his neck and shoulders, after the manner of carrying dead goats; for he was a lusty,
strong−limbed, sturdy rogue. The condition being agreed upon, Friar Crankcod trusseth himself up to his very
ballocks, and layeth upon his back, like a fair little Saint Christopher, the load of the said supplicant Dodin,
and so carried him gaily and with a good will, as Aeneas bore his father Anchises through the conflagration
of Troy, singing in the meanwhile a pretty Ave Maris Stella. When they were in the very deepest place of all
the ford, a little above the master−wheel of the water−mill, he asked if he had any coin about him. Yes, quoth
Dodin, a whole bagful; and that he needed not to mistrust his ability in the performance of the promise which
he had made unto him concerning a new frock. How! quoth Friar Crankcod, thou knowest well enough that
by the express rules, canons, and injunctions of our order we are forbidden to carry on us any kind of money.
Thou art truly unhappy, for having made me in this point to commit a heinous trespass. Why didst thou not
leave thy purse with the miller? Without fail thou shalt presently receive thy reward for it; and if ever
hereafter I may but lay hold upon thee within the limits of our chancel at Mirebeau, thou shalt have the
Miserere even to the Vitulos. With this, suddenly discharging himself of his burden, he throws me down your
Dodin headlong. Take example by this Dodin, my dear friend Friar John, to the end that the devils may the
better carry thee away at thine own ease. Give me thy purse. Carry no manner of cross upon thee. Therein
lieth an evident and manifestly apparent danger. For if you have any silver coined with a cross upon it, they
will cast thee down headlong upon some rocks, as the eagles use to do with the tortoises for the breaking of
their shells, as the bald pate of the poet Aeschylus can sufficiently bear witness. Such a fall would hurt thee
very sore, my sweet bully, and I would be sorry for it. Or otherwise they will let thee fall and tumble down
into the high swollen waves of some capacious sea, I know not where; but, I warrant thee, far enough hence,
as Icarus fell, which from thy name would afterwards get the denomination of the Funnelian Sea.
Secondly, be out of debt. For the devils carry a great liking to those that are out of debt. I have sore felt the
experience thereof in mine own particular; for now the lecherous varlets are always wooing me, courting me,
and making much of me, which they never did when I was all to pieces. The soul of one in debt is insipid,
dry, and heretical altogether.
Thirdly, with the cowl and Domino de Grobis, return to Raminagrobis; and in case, being thus qualified,
thirty thousand boatsful of devils forthwith come not to carry thee quite away, I shall be content to be at the
charge of paying for the pint and faggot. Now, if for the more security thou wouldst some associate to bear
thee company, let not me be the comrade thou searchest for; think not to get a fellow−traveller of me,−−nay,
do not. I advise thee for the best. Get you hence; I will not go thither. The devil take me if I go.
Notwithstanding all the fright that you are in, quoth Friar John, I would not care so much as might possibly
be expected I should, if I once had but my sword in my hand. Thou hast verily hit the nail on the head, quoth
Panurge, and speakest like a learned doctor, subtle and well−skilled in the art of devilry. At the time when I
was a student in the University of Toulouse (Tolette), that same reverend father in the devil, Picatrix, rector
of the diabological faculty, was wont to tell us that the devils did naturally fear the bright glancing of swords
as much as the splendour and light of the sun. In confirmation of the verity whereof he related this story, that
Hercules, at his descent into hell to all the devils of those regions, did not by half so much terrify them with
his club and lion's skin as afterwards Aeneas did with his clear shining armour upon him, and his sword in his
hand well−furbished and unrusted, by the aid, counsel, and assistance of the Sybilla Cumana. That was
perhaps the reason why the senior John Jacomo di Trivulcio, whilst he was a−dying at Chartres, called for his
cutlass, and died with a drawn sword in his hand, lying about him alongst and athwart around the bed and
everywhere within his reach, like a stout, doughty, valorous and knight−like cavalier; by which resolute
manner of fence he scared away and put to flight all the devils that were then lying in wait for his soul at the
passage of his death. When the Massorets and Cabalists are asked why it is that none of all the devils do at
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any time enter into the terrestrial paradise? their answer hath been, is, and will be still, that there is a cherubin
standing at the gate thereof with a flame−like glistering sword in his hand. Although, to speak in the true
diabological sense or phrase of Toledo, I must needs confess and acknowledge that veritably the devils
cannot be killed or die by the stroke of a sword, I do nevertheless avow and maintain, according to the
doctrine of the said diabology, that they may suffer a solution of continuity (as if with thy shable thou
shouldst cut athwart the flame of a burning fire, or the gross opacous exhalations of a thick and obscure
smoke), and cry out like very devils at their sense and feeling of this dissolution, which in real deed I must
aver and affirm is devilishly painful, smarting, and dolorous.
When thou seest the impetuous shock of two armies, and vehement violence of the push in their horrid
encounter with one another, dost thou think, Ballockasso, that so horrible a noise as is heard there proceedeth
from the voice and shouts of men, the dashing and jolting of harness, the clattering and clashing of armies,
the hacking and slashing of battle−axes, the justling and crashing of pikes, the bustling and breaking of
lances, the clamour and shrieks of the wounded, the sound and din of drums, the clangour and shrillness of
trumpets, the neighing and rushing in of horses, with the fearful claps and thundering of all sorts of guns,
from the double cannon to the pocket pistol inclusively? I cannot goodly deny but that in these various things
which I have rehearsed there may be somewhat occasionative of the huge yell and tintamarre of the two
engaged bodies. But the most fearful and tumultuous coil and stir, the terriblest and most boisterous garboil
and hurry, the chiefest rustling black santus of all, and most principal hurlyburly springeth from the
grievously plangorous howling and lowing of devils, who pell−mell, in a hand−over−head confusion, waiting
for the poor souls of the maimed and hurt soldiery, receive unawares some strokes with swords, and so by
those means suffer a solution of and division in the continuity of their aerial and invisible substances; as if
some lackey, snatching at the lard−slices stuck in a piece of roast meat on the spit, should get from Mr.
Greasyfist a good rap on the knuckles with a cudgel. They cry out and shout like devils, even as Mars did
when he was hurt by Diomedes at the siege of Troy, who, as Homer testifieth of him, did then raise his voice
more horrifically loud and sonoriferously high than ten thousand men together would have been able to do.
What maketh all this for our present purpose? I have been speaking here of well−furbished armour and bright
shining swords. But so is it not, Friar John, with thy weapon; for by a long discontinuance of work, cessation
from labour, desisting from making it officiate, and putting it into that practice wherein it had been formerly
accustomed, and, in a word, for want of occupation, it is, upon my faith, become more rusty than the
key−hole of an old powdering−tub. Therefore it is expedient that you do one of these two things: either
furbish your weapon bravely, and as it ought to be, or otherwise have a care that, in the rusty case it is in, you
do not presume to return to the house of Raminagrobis. For my part, I vow I will not go thither. The devil
take me if I go.
Chapter 3.XXIV. How Panurge consulteth with Epistemon.
Having left the town of Villomere, as they were upon their return towards Pantagruel, Panurge, in addressing
his discourse to Epistemon, spoke thus: My most ancient friend and gossip, thou seest the perplexity of my
thoughts, and knowest many remedies for the removal thereof; art thou not able to help and succour me?
Epistemon, thereupon taking the speech in hand, represented unto Panurge how the open voice and common
fame of the whole country did run upon no other discourse but the derision and mockery of his new disguise;
wherefore his counsel unto him was that he would in the first place be pleased to make use of a little
hellebore for the purging of his brain of that peccant humour which, through that extravagant and fantastic
mummery of his, had furnished the people with a too just occasion of flouting and gibing, jeering and
scoffing him, and that next he would resume his ordinary fashion of accoutrement, and go apparelled as he
was wont to do. I am, quoth Panurge, my dear gossip Epistemon, of a mind and resolution to marry, but am
afraid of being a cuckold and to be unfortunate in my wedlock. For this cause have I made a vow to young St.
Francis−−who at Plessis−les−Tours is much reverenced of all women, earnestly cried unto by them, and with
great devotion, for he was the first founder of the confraternity of good men, whom they naturally covet,
affect, and long for−−to wear spectacles in my cap, and to carry no codpiece in my breeches, until the present
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inquietude and perturbation of my spirits be fully settled.
Truly, quoth Epistemon, that is a pretty jolly vow of thirteen to a dozen. It is a shame to you, and I wonder
much at it, that you do not return unto yourself, and recall your senses from this their wild swerving and
straying abroad to that rest and stillness which becomes a virtuous man. This whimsical conceit of yours
brings me to the remembrance of a solemn promise made by the shag−haired Argives, who, having in their
controversy against the Lacedaemonians for the territory of Thyrea, lost the battle which they hoped should
have decided it for their advantage, vowed to carry never any hair on their heads till preallably they had
recovered the loss of both their honour and lands. As likewise to the memory of the vow of a pleasant
Spaniard called Michael Doris, who vowed to carry in his hat a piece of the shin of his leg till he should be
revenged of him who had struck it off. Yet do not I know which of these two deserveth most to wear a green
and yellow hood with a hare's ears tied to it, either the aforesaid vainglorious champion, or that Enguerrant,
who having forgot the art and manner of writing histories set down by the Samosatian philosopher, maketh a
most tediously long narrative and relation thereof. For, at the first reading of such a profuse discourse, one
would think it had been broached for the introducing of a story of great importance and moment concerning
the waging of some formidable war, or the notable change and mutation of potent states and kingdoms; but,
in conclusion, the world laugheth at the capricious champion, at the Englishman who had affronted him, as
also at their scribbler Enguerrant, more drivelling at the mouth than a mustard pot. The jest and scorn thereof
is not unlike to that of the mountain of Horace, which by the poet was made to cry out and lament most
enormously as a woman in the pangs and labour of child−birth, at which deplorable and exorbitant cries and
lamentations the whole neighbourhood being assembled in expectation to see some marvellous monstrous
production, could at last perceive no other but the paltry, ridiculous mouse.
Your mousing, quoth Panurge, will not make me leave my musing why folks should be so frumpishly
disposed, seeing I am certainly persuaded that some flout who merit to be flouted at; yet, as my vow imports,
so will I do. It is now a long time since, by Jupiter Philos (A mistake of the translator's.−−M.), we did swear
faith and amity to one another. Give me your advice, billy, and tell me your opinion freely, Should I marry or
no? Truly, quoth Epistemon, the case is hazardous, and the danger so eminently apparent that I find myself
too weak and insufficient to give you a punctual and peremptory resolution therein; and if ever it was true
that judgment is difficult in matters of the medicinal art, what was said by Hippocrates of Lango, it is
certainly so in this case. True it is that in my brain there are some rolling fancies, by means whereof
somewhat may be pitched upon of a seeming efficacy to the disentangling your mind of those dubious
apprehensions wherewith it is perplexed; but they do not thoroughly satisfy me. Some of the Platonic sect
affirm that whosoever is able to see his proper genius may know his own destiny. I understand not their
doctrine, nor do I think that you adhere to them; there is a palpable abuse. I have seen the experience of it in a
very curious gentleman of the country of Estangourre. This is one of the points. There is yet another not much
better. If there were any authority now in the oracles of Jupiter Ammon; of Apollo in Lebadia, Delphos,
Delos, Cyrra, Patara, Tegyres, Preneste, Lycia, Colophon, or in the Castalian Fountain; near Antiochia in
Syria, between the Branchidians; of Bacchus in Dodona; of Mercury in Phares, near Patras; of Apis in Egypt;
of Serapis in Canope; of Faunus in Menalia, and Albunea near Tivoli; of Tiresias in Orchomenus; of Mopsus
in Cilicia; of Orpheus in Lesbos, and of Trophonius in Leucadia; I would in that case advise you, and
possibly not, to go thither for their judgment concerning the design and enterprise you have in hand. But you
know that they are all of them become as dumb as so many fishes since the advent of that Saviour King
whose coming to this world hath made all oracles and prophecies to cease; as the approach of the sun's
radiant beams expelleth goblins, bugbears, hobthrushes, broams, screech−owl−mates, night−walking spirits,
and tenebrions. These now are gone; but although they were as yet in continuance and in the same power,
rule, and request that formerly they were, yet would not I counsel you to be too credulous in putting any trust
in their responses. Too many folks have been deceived thereby. It stands furthermore upon record how
Agrippina did charge the fair Lollia with the crime of having interrogated the oracle of Apollo Clarius, to
understand if she should be at any time married to the Emperor Claudius; for which cause she was first
banished, and thereafter put to a shameful and ignominious death.
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But, saith Panurge, let us do better. The Ogygian Islands are not far distant from the haven of Sammalo. Let
us, after that we shall have spoken to our king, make a voyage thither. In one of these four isles, to wit, that
which hath its primest aspect towards the sun setting, it is reported, and I have read in good antique and
authentic authors, that there reside many soothsayers, fortune−tellers, vaticinators, prophets, and diviners of
things to come; that Saturn inhabiteth that place, bound with fair chains of gold and within the concavity of a
golden rock, being nourished with divine ambrosia and nectar, which are daily in great store and abundance
transmitted to him from the heavens, by I do not well know what kind of fowls,−−it may be that they are the
same ravens which in the deserts are said to have fed St. Paul, the first hermit,−−he very clearly foretelleth
unto everyone who is desirous to be certified of the condition of his lot what his destiny will be, and what
future chance the Fates have ordained for him; for the Parcae, or Weird Sisters, do not twist, spin, or draw out
a thread, nor yet doth Jupiter perpend, project, or deliberate anything which the good old celestial father
knoweth not to the full, even whilst he is asleep. This will be a very summary abbreviation of our labour, if
we but hearken unto him a little upon the serious debate and canvassing of this my perplexity. That is,
answered Epistemon, a gullery too evident, a plain abuse and fib too fabulous. I will not go, not I; I will not
go.
Chapter 3.XXV. How Panurge consulteth with Herr Trippa.
Nevertheless, quoth Epistemon, continuing his discourse, I will tell you what you may do, if you believe me,
before we return to our king. Hard by here, in the Brown−wheat (Bouchart) Island, dwelleth Herr Trippa.
You know how by the arts of astrology, geomancy, chiromancy, metopomancy, and others of a like stuff and
nature, he foretelleth all things to come; let us talk a little, and confer with him about your business. Of that,
answered Panurge, I know nothing; but of this much concerning him I am assured, that one day, and that not
long since, whilst he was prating to the great king of celestial, sublime, and transcendent things, the lacqueys
and footboys of the court, upon the upper steps of stairs between two doors, jumbled, one after another, as
often as they listed, his wife, who is passable fair, and a pretty snug hussy. Thus he who seemed very clearly
to see all heavenly and terrestrial things without spectacles, who discoursed boldly of adventures past, with
great confidence opened up present cases and accidents, and stoutly professed the presaging of all future
events and contingencies, was not able, with all the skill and cunning that he had, to perceive the bumbasting
of his wife, whom he reputed to be very chaste, and hath not till this hour got notice of anything to the
contrary. Yet let us go to him, seeing you will have it so; for surely we can never learn too much. They on the
very next ensuing day came to Herr Trippa's lodging. Panurge, by way of donative, presented him with a long
gown lined all through with wolf−skins, with a short sword mounted with a gilded hilt and covered with a
velvet scabbard, and with fifty good single angels; then in a familiar and friendly way did he ask of him his
opinion touching the affair. At the very first Herr Trippa, looking on him very wistly in the face, said unto
him: Thou hast the metoposcopy and physiognomy of a cuckold,−−I say, of a notorious and infamous
cuckold. With this, casting an eye upon Panurge's right hand in all the parts thereof, he said, This rugged
draught which I see here, just under the mount of Jove, was never yet but in the hand of a cuckold.
Afterwards, he with a white lead pen swiftly and hastily drew a certain number of diverse kinds of points,
which by rules of geomancy he coupled and joined together; then said: Truth itself is not truer than that it is
certain thou wilt be a cuckold a little after thy marriage. That being done, he asked of Panurge the horoscope
of his nativity, which was no sooner by Panurge tendered unto him, than that, erecting a figure, he very
promptly and speedily formed and fashioned a complete fabric of the houses of heaven in all their parts,
whereof when he had considered the situation and the aspects in their triplicities, he fetched a deep sigh, and
said: I have clearly enough already discovered unto you the fate of your cuckoldry, which is unavoidable, you
cannot escape it. And here have I got of new a further assurance thereof, so that I may now hardily pronounce
and affirm, without any scruple or hesitation at all, that thou wilt be a cuckold; that furthermore, thou wilt be
beaten by thine own wife, and that she will purloin, filch and steal of thy goods from thee; for I find the
seventh house, in all its aspects, of a malignant influence, and every one of the planets threatening thee with
disgrace, according as they stand seated towards one another, in relation to the horned signs of Aries, Taurus,
and Capricorn. In the fourth house I find Jupiter in a decadence, as also in a tetragonal aspect to Saturn,
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associated with Mercury. Thou wilt be soundly peppered, my good, honest fellow, I warrant thee. I will be?
answered Panurge. A plague rot thee, thou old fool and doting sot, how graceless and unpleasant thou art!
When all cuckolds shall be at a general rendezvous, thou shouldst be their standard−bearer. But whence
comes this ciron−worm betwixt these two fingers? This Panurge said, putting the forefinger of his left hand
betwixt the fore and mid finger of the right, which he thrust out towards Herr Trippa, holding them open after
the manner of two horns, and shutting into his fist his thumb with the other fingers. Then, in turning to
Epistemon, he said: Lo here the true Olus of Martial, who addicted and devoted himself wholly to the
observing the miseries, crosses, and calamities of others, whilst his own wife, in the interim, did keep an open
bawdy−house. This varlet is poorer than ever was Irus, and yet he is proud, vaunting, arrogant,
self−conceited, overweening, and more insupportable than seventeen devils; in one word, (Greek), which
term of old was applied to the like beggarly strutting coxcombs. Come, let us leave this madpash bedlam, this
hairbrained fop, and give him leave to rave and dose his bellyful with his private and intimately acquainted
devils, who, if they were not the very worst of all infernal fiends, would never have deigned to serve such a
knavish barking cur as this is. He hath not learnt the first precept of philosophy, which is, Know thyself; for
whilst he braggeth and boasteth that he can discern the least mote in the eye of another, he is not able to see
the huge block that puts out the sight of both his eyes. This is such another Polypragmon as is by Plutarch
described. He is of the nature of the Lamian witches, who in foreign places, in the houses of strangers, in
public, and amongst the common people, had a sharper and more piercing inspection into their affairs than
any lynx, but at home in their own proper dwelling−mansions were blinder than moldwarps, and saw nothing
at all. For their custom was, at their return from abroad, when they were by themselves in private, to take
their eyes out of their head, from whence they were as easily removable as a pair of spectacles from their
nose, and to lay them up into a wooden slipper which for that purpose did hang behind the door of their
lodging.
Panurge had no sooner done speaking, when Herr Trippa took into his hand a tamarisk branch. In this, quoth
Epistemon, he doth very well, right, and like an artist, for Nicander calleth it the divinatory tree. Have you a
mind, quoth Herr Trippa, to have the truth of the matter yet more fully and amply disclosed unto you by
pyromancy, by aeromancy, whereof Aristophanes in his Clouds maketh great estimation, by hydromancy, by
lecanomancy, of old in prime request amongst the Assyrians, and thoroughly tried by Hermolaus Barbarus.
Come hither, and I will show thee in this platterful of fair fountain−water thy future wife lechering and
sercroupierizing it with two swaggering ruffians, one after another. Yea, but have a special care, quoth
Panurge, when thou comest to put thy nose within mine arse, that thou forget not to pull off thy spectacles.
Herr Trippa, going on in his discourse, said, By catoptromancy, likewise held in such account by the Emperor
Didius Julianus, that by means thereof he ever and anon foresaw all that which at any time did happen or
befall unto him. Thou shalt not need to put on thy spectacles, for in a mirror thou wilt see her as clearly and
manifestly nebrundiated and billibodring it, as if I should show it in the fountain of the temple of Minerva
near Patras. By coscinomancy, most religiously observed of old amidst the ceremonies of the ancient
Romans. Let us have a sieve and shears, and thou shalt see devils. By alphitomancy, cried up by Theocritus in
his Pharmaceutria. By alentomancy, mixing the flour of wheat with oatmeal. By astragalomancy, whereof I
have the plots and models all at hand ready for the purpose. By tyromancy, whereof we make some proof in a
great Brehemont cheese which I here keep by me. By giromancy, if thou shouldst turn round circles, thou
mightest assure thyself from me that they would fall always on the wrong side. By sternomancy, which
maketh nothing for thy advantage, for thou hast an ill− proportioned stomach. By libanomancy, for the which
we shall need but a little frankincense. By gastromancy, which kind of ventral fatiloquency was for a long
time together used in Ferrara by Lady Giacoma Rodogina, the Engastrimythian prophetess. By
cephalomancy, often practised amongst the High Germans in their boiling of an ass's head upon burning
coals. By ceromancy, where, by the means of wax dissolved into water, thou shalt see the figure, portrait, and
lively representation of thy future wife, and of her fredin fredaliatory belly−thumping blades. By
capnomancy. O the gallantest and most excellent of all secrets! By axionomancy; we want only a hatchet and
a jet−stone to be laid together upon a quick fire of hot embers. O how bravely Homer was versed in the
practice hereof towards Penelope's suitors! By onymancy; for that we have oil and wax. By tephromancy.
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Thou wilt see the ashes thus aloft dispersed exhibiting thy wife in a fine posture. By botanomancy; for the
nonce I have some few leaves in reserve. By sicomancy; O divine art in fig−tree leaves! By icthiomancy, in
ancient times so celebrated, and put in use by Tiresias and Polydamas, with the like certainty of event as was
tried of old at the Dina−ditch within that grove consecrated to Apollo which is in the territory of the Lycians.
By choiromancy; let us have a great many hogs, and thou shalt have the bladder of one of them. By
cheromancy, as the bean is found in the cake at the Epiphany vigil. By anthropomancy, practised by the
Roman Emperor Heliogabalus. It is somewhat irksome, but thou wilt endure it well enough, seeing thou art
destinated to be a cuckold. By a sibylline stichomancy. By onomatomancy. How do they call thee? Chaw−
turd, quoth Panurge. Or yet by alectryomancy. If I should here with a compass draw a round, and in looking
upon thee, and considering thy lot, divide the circumference thereof into four−and−twenty equal parts, then
form a several letter of the alphabet upon every one of them; and, lastly, posit a barleycorn or two upon each
of these so disposed letters, I durst promise upon my faith and honesty that, if a young virgin cock be
permitted to range alongst and athwart them, he should only eat the grains which are set and placed upon
these letters, A. C.U.C.K.O.L.D. T.H.O.U. S.H.A.L.T. B.E. And that as fatidically as, under the Emperor
Valens, most perplexedly desirous to know the name of him who should be his successor to the empire, the
cock vacticinating and alectryomantic ate up the pickles that were posited on the letters T.H.E.O.D. Or, for
the more certainty, will you have a trial of your fortune by the art of aruspiciny, by augury, or by extispiciny?
By turdispiciny, quoth Panurge. Or yet by the mystery of necromancy? I will, if you please, suddenly set up
again and revive someone lately deceased, as Apollonius of Tyane did to Achilles, and the Pythoness in the
presence of Saul; which body, so raised up and requickened, will tell us the sum of all you shall require of
him: no more nor less than, at the invocation of Erictho, a certain defunct person foretold to Pompey the
whole progress and issue of the fatal battle fought in the Pharsalian fields. Or, if you be afraid of the dead, as
commonly all cuckolds are, I will make use of the faculty of sciomancy.
Go, get thee gone, quoth Panurge, thou frantic ass, to the devil, and be buggered, filthy Bardachio that thou
art, by some Albanian, for a steeple− crowned hat. Why the devil didst not thou counsel me as well to hold an
emerald or the stone of a hyaena under my tongue, or to furnish and provide myself with tongues of whoops,
and hearts of green frogs, or to eat of the liver and milt of some dragon, to the end that by those means I
might, at the chanting and chirping of swans and other fowls, understand the substance of my future lot and
destiny, as did of old the Arabians in the country of Mesopotamia? Fifteen brace of devils seize upon the
body and soul of this horned renegado, miscreant cuckold, the enchanter, witch, and sorcerer of Antichrist to
all the devils of hell! Let us return towards our king. I am sure he will not be well pleased with us if he once
come to get notice that we have been in the kennel of this muffled devil. I repent my being come hither. I
would willingly dispense with a hundred nobles and fourteen yeomans, on condition that he who not long
since did blow in the bottom of my breeches should instantly with his squirting spittle inluminate his
moustaches. O Lord God now! how the villain hath besmoked me with vexation and anger, with charms and
witchcraft, and with a terrible coil and stir of infernal and Tartarian devils! The devil take him! Say Amen,
and let us go drink. I shall not have any appetite for my victuals, how good cheer soever I make, these two
days to come,−−hardly these four.
Chapter 3.XXVI. How Panurge consulteth with Friar John of the Funnels.
Panurge was indeed very much troubled in mind and disquieted at the words of Herr Trippa, and therefore, as
he passed by the little village of Huymes, after he had made his address to Friar John, in pecking at, rubbing,
and scratching his own left ear, he said unto him, Keep me a little jovial and merry, my dear and sweet bully,
for I find my brains altogether metagrabolized and confounded, and my spirits in a most dunsical puzzle at
the bitter talk of this devilish, hellish, damned fool. Hearken, my dainty cod.
Mellow C.
Varnished C.
Resolute C.
Lead−coloured C. Renowned C.
Cabbage−like C.
Knurled C.
Matted C.
Courteous C.
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Suborned C.
Genitive C.
Fertile C.
Desired C.
Gigantal C.
Whizzing C.
Stuffed C.
Oval C.
Neat C.
Speckled C.
Claustral C.
Common C.
Finely metalled C. Virile C.
Brisk C.
Arabian−like C.
Stayed C.
Quick C.
Trussed−up Grey− Massive C.
Bearlike C.
hound−like C.
Manual C.
Partitional C.
Mounted C.
Absolute C.
Patronymic C.
Sleeked C.
Well−set C.
Cockney C.
Diapered C.
Gemel C.
Auromercuriated C.
Spotted C.
Turkish C.
Robust C.
Master C.
Burning C.
Appetizing C.
Seeded C.
Thwacking C.
Succourable C.
Lusty C.
Urgent C.
Redoubtable C.
Jupped C.
Handsome C.
Affable C.
Milked C.
Prompt C.
Memorable C.
Calfeted C.
Fortunate C.
Palpable C.
Raised C.
Boxwood C.
Barbable C.
Odd C.
Latten C.
Tragical C.
Steeled C.
Unbridled C.
Transpontine C.
Stale C.
Hooked C.
Digestive C.
Orange−tawny C.
Researched C. Active C.
Embroidered C.
Encompassed C. Vital C.
Glazed C.
Strouting out C. Magistral C.
Interlarded C.
Jolly C.
Monachal C.
Burgher−like C.
Lively C.
Subtle C.
Empowdered C.
Gerundive C.
Hammering C.
Ebonized C.
Franked C.
Clashing C.
Brasiliated C.
Polished C.
Tingling C.
Organized C.
Powdered Beef C. Usual C.
Passable C.
Positive C.
Exquisite C.
Trunkified C.
Spared C.
Trim C.
Furious C.
Bold C.
Succulent C.
Packed C.
Lascivious C. Factious C.
Hooded C.
Gluttonous C. Clammy C.
Fat C.
Boulting C.
New−vamped C.
High−prized C.
Snorting C.
Improved C.
Requisite C.
Pilfering C.
Malling C.
Laycod C.
Shaking C.
Sounding C.
Hand−filling C.
Bobbing C.
Battled C.
Insuperable C.
Chiveted C.
Burly C.
Agreeable C.
Fumbling C.
Seditious C.
Formidable C.
Topsyturvying C. Wardian C.
Profitable C.
Raging C.
Protective C.
Notable C.
Piled up C.
Twinkling C.
Musculous C.
Filled up C.
Able C.
Subsidiary C.
Manly C.
Algoristical C.
Satiric C.
Idle C.
Odoriferous C.
Repercussive C.
Membrous C.
Pranked C.
Convulsive C.
Strong C.
Jocund C.
Restorative C.
Twin C.
Routing C.
Masculinating C. Belabouring C. Purloining C.
Incarnative C.
Gentle C.
Frolic C.
Sigillative C.
Stirring C.
Wagging C.
Sallying C.
Confident C.
Ruffling C.
Plump C.
Nimble C.
Jumbling C.
Thundering C.
Roundheaded C. Rumbling C.
Lechering C.
Figging C.
Thumping C.
Fulminating C.
Helpful C.
Bumping C.
Sparkling C.
Spruce C.
Cringeling C.
Ramming C.
Plucking C.
Berumpling C.
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Lusty C.
Ramage C.
Jogging C.
Household C.
Fine C.
Nobbing C.
Pretty C.
Fierce C.
Touzing C.
Astrolabian C.
Brawny C.
Tumbling C.
Algebraical C.
Compt C.
Fambling C.
Venust C.
Repaired C.
Overturning C.
Aromatizing C.
Soft C.
Shooting C.
Tricksy C.
Wild C.
Culeting C.
Paillard C.
Renewed C.
Jagged C.
Gaillard C.
Quaint C.
Pinked C.
Broaching C.
Starting C.
Arsiversing C.
Addle C.
Fleshy C.
Polished C.
Syndicated C.
Auxiliary C.
Slashed C.
Hamed C.
Stuffed C.
Clashing C.
Leisurely C.
Well−fed C.
Wagging C.
Cut C.
Flourished C. Scriplike C.
Smooth C.
Fallow C.
Encremastered C.
Depending C.
Sudden C.
Bouncing C.
Independent C.
Graspful C.
Levelling C.
Lingering C.
Swillpow C.
Fly−flap C.
Rapping C.
Crushing C.
Perinae−tegminal C.
Reverend C.
Creaking C.
Squat−couching C.
Nodding C.
Dilting C.
Short−hung C.
Disseminating C. Ready C.
The hypogastrian C.
Affecting C.
Vigorous C.
Witness−bearing C.
Affected C.
Skulking C.
Testigerous C.
Grappled C.
Superlative C. Instrumental C.
My harcabuzing cod and buttock−stirring ballock, Friar John, my friend, I do carry a singular respect unto
thee, and honour thee with all my heart. Thy counsel I hold for a choice and delicate morsel; therefore have I
reserved it for the last bit. Give me thy advice freely, I beseech thee, Should I marry or no? Friar John very
merrily, and with a sprightly cheerfulness, made this answer to him: Marry, in the devil's name. Why not?
What the devil else shouldst thou do but marry? Take thee a wife, and furbish her harness to some tune.
Swinge her skin−coat as if thou wert beating on stock−fish; and let the repercussion of thy clapper from her
resounding metal make a noise as if a double peal of chiming−bells were hung at the cremasters of thy
ballocks. As I say marry, so do I understand that thou shouldst fall to work as speedily as may be; yea, my
meaning is that thou oughtest to be so quick and forward therein, as on this same very day, before sunset, to
cause proclaim thy banns of matrimony, and make provision of bedsteads. By the blood of a hog's−pudding,
till when wouldst thou delay the acting of a husband's part? Dost thou not know, and is it not daily told unto
thee, that the end of the world approacheth? We are nearer it by three poles and half a fathom than we were
two days ago. The Antichrist is already born; at least it is so reported by many. The truth is, that hitherto the
effects of his wrath have not reached further than to the scratching of his nurse and governesses. His nails are
not sharp enough as yet, nor have his claws attained to their full growth,−−he is little.
Crescat; Nos qui vivimus, multiplicemur.
It is written so, and it is holy stuff, I warrant you; the truth whereof is like to last as long as a sack of corn
may be had for a penny, and a puncheon of pure wine for threepence. Wouldst thou be content to be found
with thy genitories full in the day of judgment? Dum venerit judicari? Thou hast, quoth Panurge, a right,
clear, and neat spirit, Friar John, my metropolitan cod; thou speakst in very deed pertinently and to purpose.
That belike was the reason which moved Leander of Abydos in Asia, whilst he was swimming through the
Hellespontic sea to make a visit to his sweetheart Hero of Sestus in Europe, to pray unto Neptune and all the
other marine gods, thus:
Now, whilst I go, have pity on me,
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And at my back returning drown me.
He was loth, it seems, to die with his cods overgorged. He was to be commended; therefore do I promise, that
from henceforth no malefactor shall by justice be executed within my jurisdiction of Salmigondinois, who
shall not, for a day or two at least before, be permitted to culbut and foraminate onocrotalwise, that there
remain not in all his vessels to write a Greek Y. Such a precious thing should not be foolishly cast away. He
will perhaps therewith beget a male, and so depart the more contentedly out of this life, that he shall have left
behind him one for one.
Chapter 3.XXVII. How Friar John merrily and sportingly counselleth Panurge.
By Saint Rigomet, quoth Friar John, I do advise thee to nothing, my dear friend Panurge, which I would not
do myself were I in thy place. Only have a special care, and take good heed thou solder well together the
joints of the double−backed and two−bellied beast, and fortify thy nerves so strongly, that there be no
discontinuance in the knocks of the venerean thwacking, else thou art lost, poor soul. For if there pass long
intervals betwixt the priapizing feats, and that thou make an intermission of too large a time, that will befall
thee which betides the nurses if they desist from giving suck to children−−they lose their milk; and if
continually thou do not hold thy aspersory tool in exercise, and keep thy mentul going, thy lacticinian nectar
will be gone, and it will serve thee only as a pipe to piss out at, and thy cods for a wallet of lesser value than a
beggar's scrip. This is a certain truth I tell thee, friend, and doubt not of it; for myself have seen the sad
experiment thereof in many, who cannot now do what they would, because before they did not what they
might have done: Ex desuetudine amittuntur privilegia. Non−usage oftentimes destroys one's right, say the
learned doctors of the law; therefore, my billy, entertain as well as possibly thou canst that hypogastrian
lower sort of troglodytic people, that their chief pleasure may be placed in the case of sempiternal labouring.
Give order that henceforth they live not, like idle gentlemen, idly upon their rents and revenues, but that they
may work for their livelihood by breaking ground within the Paphian trenches. Nay truly, answered Panurge,
Friar John, my left ballock, I will believe thee, for thou dealest plain with me, and fallest downright square
upon the business, without going about the bush with frivolous circumstances and unnecessary reservations.
Thou with the splendour of a piercing wit hast dissipated all the lowering clouds of anxious apprehensions
and suspicions which did intimidate and terrify me; therefore the heavens be pleased to grant to thee at all
she−conflicts a stiff−standing fortune. Well then, as thou hast said, so will I do; I will, in good faith,
marry,−−in that point there shall be no failing, I promise thee,−−and shall have always by me pretty girls
clothed with the name of my wife's waiting−maids, that, lying under thy wings, thou mayest be
night−protector of their sisterhood.
Let this serve for the first part of the sermon. Hearken, quoth Friar John, to the oracle of the bells of Varenes.
What say they? I hear and understand them, quoth Panurge; their sound is, by my thirst, more uprightly
fatidical than that of Jove's great kettles in Dodona. Hearken! Take thee a wife, take thee a wife, and marry,
marry, marry; for if thou marry, thou shalt find good therein, herein, here in a wife thou shalt find good; so
marry, marry. I will assure thee that I shall be married; all the elements invite and prompt me to it. Let this
word be to thee a brazen wall, by diffidence not to be broken through. As for the second part of this our
doctrine,−−thou seemest in some measure to mistrust the readiness of my paternity in the practising of my
placket−racket within the Aphrodisian tennis−court at all times fitting, as if the stiff god of gardens were not
favourable to me. I pray thee, favour me so much as to believe that I still have him at a beck, attending
always my commandments, docile, obedient, vigorous, and active in all things and everywhere, and never
stubborn or refractory to my will or pleasure. I need no more but to let go the reins, and slacken the leash,
which is the belly−point, and when the game is shown unto him, say, Hey, Jack, to thy booty! he will not fail
even then to flesh himself upon his prey, and tuzzle it to some purpose. Hereby you may perceive, although
my future wife were as unsatiable and gluttonous in her voluptuousness and the delights of venery as ever
was the Empress Messalina, or yet the Marchioness (of Oincester) in England, and I desire thee to give credit
to it, that I lack not for what is requisite to overlay the stomach of her lust, but have wherewith aboundingly
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to please her. I am not ignorant that Solomon said, who indeed of that matter speaketh clerklike and
learnedly,−−as also how Aristotle after him declared for a truth that, for the greater part, the lechery of a
woman is ravenous and unsatisfiable. Nevertheless, let such as are my friends who read those passages
receive from me for a most real verity, that I for such a Jill have a fit Jack; and that, if women's things cannot
be satiated, I have an instrument indefatigable,−−an implement as copious in the giving as can in craving be
their vade mecums. Do not here produce ancient examples of the paragons of paillardice, and offer to match
with my testiculatory ability the Priapaean prowess of the fabulous fornicators, Hercules, Proculus Caesar,
and Mahomet, who in his Alkoran doth vaunt that in his cods he had the vigour of three score bully ruffians;
but let no zealous Christian trust the rogue,−−the filthy ribald rascal is a liar. Nor shalt thou need to urge
authorities, or bring forth the instance of the Indian prince of whom Theophrastus, Plinius, and Athenaeus
testify, that with the help of a certain herb he was able, and had given frequent experiments thereof, to toss
his sinewy piece of generation in the act of carnal concupiscence above three score and ten times in the space
of four−and−twenty hours. Of that I believe nothing, the number is supposititious, and too prodigally foisted
in. Give no faith unto it, I beseech thee, but prithee trust me in this, and thy credulity therein shall not be
wronged, for it is true, and probatum est, that my pioneer of nature−−the sacred ithyphallian champion−− is
of all stiff−intruding blades the primest. Come hither, my ballocket, and hearken. Didst thou ever see the
monk of Castre's cowl? When in any house it was laid down, whether openly in the view of all or covertly out
of the sight of any, such was the ineffable virtue thereof for excitating and stirring up the people of both sexes
unto lechery, that the whole inhabitants and indwellers, not only of that, but likewise of all the circumjacent
places thereto, within three leagues around it, did suddenly enter into rut, both beasts and folks, men and
women, even to the dogs and hogs, rats and cats.
I swear to thee that many times heretofore I have perceived and found in my codpiece a certain kind of
energy or efficacious virtue much more irregular and of a greater anomaly than what I have related. I will not
speak to thee either of house or cottage, nor of church or market, but only tell thee, that once at the
representation of the Passion, which was acted at Saint Maxents, I had no sooner entered within the pit of the
theatre, but that forthwith, by the virtue and occult property of it, on a sudden all that were there, both players
and spectators, did fall into such an exorbitant temptation of lust, that there was not angel, man, devil, nor
deviless upon the place who would not then have bricollitched it with all their heart and soul. The prompter
forsook his copy, he who played Michael's part came down to rights, the devils issued out of hell and carried
along with them most of the pretty little girls that were there; yea, Lucifer got out of his fetters; in a word,
seeing the huge disorder, I disparked myself forth of that enclosed place, in imitation of Cato the Censor, who
perceiving, by reason of his presence, the Floralian festivals out of order, withdrew himself.
Chapter 3.XXVIII. How Friar John comforteth Panurge in the doubtful matter of cuckoldry.
I understand thee well enough, said Friar John; but time makes all things plain. The most durable marble or
porphyry is subject to old age and decay. Though for the present thou possibly be not weary of the exercise,
yet is it like I will hear thee confess a few years hence that thy cods hang dangling downwards for want of a
better truss. I see thee waxing a little hoar−headed already. Thy beard, by the distinction of grey, white,
tawny, and black, hath to my thinking the resemblance of a map of the terrestrial globe or geographical chart.
Look attentively upon and take inspection of what I shall show unto thee. Behold there Asia. Here are Tigris
and Euphrates. Lo there Afric. Here is the mountain of the Moon,−− yonder thou mayst perceive the fenny
march of Nilus. On this side lieth Europe. Dost thou not see the Abbey of Theleme? This little tuft, which is
altogether white, is the Hyperborean Hills. By the thirst of my thropple, friend, when snow is on the
mountains, I say the head and the chin, there is not then any considerable heat to be expected in the valleys
and low countries of the codpiece. By the kibes of thy heels, quoth Panurge, thou dost not understand the
topics. When snow is on the tops of the hills, lightning, thunder, tempest, whirlwinds, storms, hurricanes, and
all the devils of hell rage in the valleys. Wouldst thou see the experience thereof, go to the territory of the
Switzers and earnestly perpend with thyself there the situation of the lake of Wunderberlich, about four
leagues distant from Berne, on the Syon−side of the land. Thou twittest me with my grey hairs, yet
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considerest not how I am of the nature of leeks, which with a white head carry a green, fresh, straight, and
vigorous tail. The truth is, nevertheless (why should I deny it), that I now and then discern in myself some
indicative signs of old age. Tell this, I prithee, to nobody, but let it be kept very close and secret betwixt us
two; for I find the wine much sweeter now, more savoury to my taste, and unto my palate of a better relish
than formerly I was wont to do; and withal, besides mine accustomed manner, I have a more dreadful
apprehension than I ever heretofore have had of lighting on bad wine. Note and observe that this doth argue
and portend I know not what of the west and occident of my time, and signifieth that the south and meridian
of mine age is past. But what then, my gentle companion? That doth but betoken that I will hereafter drink so
much the more. That is not, the devil hale it, the thing that I fear; nor is it there where my shoe pinches. The
thing that I doubt most, and have greatest reason to dread and suspect is, that through some long absence of
our King Pantagruel (to whom I must needs bear company should he go to all the devils of Barathrum), my
future wife shall make me a cuckold. This is, in truth, the long and short on't. For I am by all those whom I
have spoke to menaced and threatened with a horned fortune, and all of them affirm it is the lot to which from
heaven I am predestinated. Everyone, answered Friar John, that would be a cuckold is not one. If it be thy
fate to be hereafter of the number of that horned cattle, then may I conclude with an Ergo, thy wife will be
beautiful, and Ergo, thou wilt be kindly used by her. Likewise with this Ergo, thou shalt be blessed with the
fruition of many friends and well−willers. And finally with this other Ergo, thou shalt be saved and have a
place in Paradise. These are monachal topics and maxims of the cloister. Thou mayst take more liberty to sin.
Thou shalt be more at ease than ever. There will be never the less left for thee, nothing diminished, but thy
goods shall increase notably. And if so be it was preordinated for thee, wouldst thou be so impious as not to
acquiesce in thy destiny? Speak, thou jaded cod.
Faded C.
Louting C.
Appellant C.
Mouldy C.
Discouraged C.
Swagging C.
Musty C.
Surfeited C.
Withered C.
Paltry C.
Peevish C.
Broken−reined C.
Senseless C.
Translated C.
Defective C.
Foundered C.
Forlorn C.
Crestfallen C.
Distempered C. Unsavoury C.
Felled C.
Bewrayed C.
Worm−eaten C.
Fleeted C.
Inveigled C.
Overtoiled C.
Cloyed C.
Dangling C.
Miserable C.
Squeezed C.
Stupid C.
Steeped C.
Resty C.
Seedless C.
Kneaded−with−cold− Pounded C.
Soaked C.
water C.
Loose C.
Coldish C.
Hacked C.
Fruitless C.
Pickled C.
Flaggy C.
Riven C.
Churned C.
Scrubby C.
Pursy C.
Filliped C.
Drained C.
Fusty C.
Singlefied C.
Haled C.
Jadish C.
Begrimed C.
Lolling C.
Fistulous C.
Wrinkled C.
Drenched C.
Languishing C.
Fainted C.
Burst C.
Maleficiated C.
Extenuated C.
Stirred up C.
Hectic C.
Grim C.
Mitred C.
Worn out C.
Wasted C.
Peddlingly furnished Ill−favoured C.
Inflamed C.
C.
Duncified C.
Unhinged C.
Rusty C.
Macerated C.
Scurfy C.
Exhausted C.
Paralytic C.
Straddling C.
Perplexed C.
Degraded C.
Putrefied C.
Unhelved C.
Benumbed C.
Maimed C.
Fizzled C.
Bat−like C.
Overlechered C. Leprous C.
Fart−shotten C.
Druggely C.
Bruised C.
Sunburnt C.
Mitified C.
Spadonic C.
Pacified C.
Goat−ridden C. Boughty C.
Blunted C.
Weakened C.
Mealy C.
Rankling tasted C.
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Ass−ridden C.
Wrangling C.
Rooted out C.
Puff−pasted C. Gangrened C.
Costive C.
St. Anthonified C. Crust−risen C.
Hailed on C.
Untriped C.
Ragged C.
Cuffed C.
Blasted C.
Quelled C.
Buffeted C.
Cut off C.
Braggadocio C.
Whirreted C.
Beveraged C.
Beggarly C.
Robbed C.
Scarified C.
Trepanned C.
Neglected C.
Dashed C.
Bedusked C.
Lame C.
Slashed C.
Emasculated C.
Confused C.
Enfeebled C.
Corked C.
Unsavoury C.
Whore−hunting C. Transparent C.
Overthrown C.
Deteriorated C. Vile C.
Boulted C.
Chill C.
Antedated C.
Trod under C.
Scrupulous C.
Chopped C.
Desolate C.
Crazed C.
Pinked C.
Declining C.
Tasteless C.
Cup−glassified C. Stinking C.
Sorrowful C.
Harsh C.
Crooked C.
Murdered C.
Beaten C.
Brabbling C.
Matachin−like C. Barred C.
Rotten C.
Besotted C.
Abandoned C.
Anxious C.
Customerless C. Confounded C.
Clouted C.
Minced C.
Loutish C.
Tired C.
Exulcerated C. Borne down C.
Proud C.
Patched C.
Sparred C.
Fractured C.
Stupified C.
Abashed C.
Melancholy C.
Annihilated C. Unseasonable C.
Coxcombly C.
Spent C.
Oppressed C.
Base C.
Foiled C.
Grated C.
Bleaked C.
Anguished C.
Falling away C.
Detested C.
Disfigured C.
Smallcut C.
Diaphanous C.
Disabled C.
Disordered C.
Unworthy C.
Forceless C.
Latticed C.
Checked C.
Censured C.
Ruined C.
Mangled C.
Cut C.
Exasperated C.
Turned over C.
Rifled C.
Rejected C.
Harried C.
Undone C.
Belammed C.
Flawed C.
Corrected C.
Fabricitant C.
Froward C.
Slit C.
Perused C.
Ugly C.
Skittish C.
Emasculated C.
Drawn C.
Spongy C.
Roughly handled C. Riven C.
Botched C.
Examined C.
Distasteful C.
Dejected C.
Cracked C.
Hanging C.
Jagged C.
Wayward C.
Broken C.
Pining C.
Haggled C.
Limber C.
Deformed C.
Gleaning C.
Effeminate C.
Mischieved C.
Ill−favoured C.
Kindled C.
Cobbled C.
Pulled C.
Evacuated C.
Embased C.
Drooping C.
Grieved C.
Ransacked C.
Faint C.
Carking C.
Despised C.
Parched C.
Disorderly C.
Mangy C.
Paltry C.
Empty C.
Abased C.
Cankered C.
Disquieted C.
Supine C.
Void C.
Besysted C.
Mended C.
Vexed C.
Confounded C.
Dismayed C.
Bestunk C.
Hooked C.
Divorous C.
Winnowed C.
Unlucky C.
Wearied C.
Decayed C.
Sterile C.
Sad C.
Disastrous C.
Beshitten C.
Cross C.
Unhandsome C.
Appeased C.
Vain−glorious C. Stummed C.
Caitiff C.
Poor C.
Barren C.
Woeful C.
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Brown C.
Wretched C.
Unseemly C.
Shrunken C.
Feeble C.
Heavy C.
Abhorred C.
Cast down C.
Weak C.
Troubled C.
Stopped C.
Prostrated C.
Scornful C.
Kept under C.
Uncomely C.
Dishonest C.
Stubborn C.
Naughty C.
Reproved C.
Ground C.
Laid flat C.
Cocketed C.
Retchless C.
Suffocated C.
Filthy C.
Weather−beaten C. Held down C.
Shred C.
Flayed C.
Barked C.
Chawned C.
Bald C.
Hairless C.
Short−winded C. Tossed C.
Flamping C.
Branchless C.
Flapping C.
Hooded C.
Chapped C.
Cleft C.
Wormy C.
Failing C.
Meagre C.
Besysted (In his anxiety to swell
his catalogue as much as possible, Sir Thomas Urquhart has set down this
word twice.) C.
Deficient C.
Dumpified C.
Faulty C.
Lean C.
Suppressed C.
Bemealed C.
Consumed C.
Hagged C.
Mortified C.
Used C.
Jawped C.
Scurvy C.
Puzzled C.
Havocked C.
Bescabbed C.
Allayed C.
Astonished C.
Torn C.
Spoiled C.
Dulled C.
Subdued C.
Clagged C.
Slow C.
Sneaking C.
Palsy−stricken C. Plucked up C.
Bare C.
Amazed C.
Constipated C.
Swart C.
Bedunsed C.
Blown C.
Smutched C.
Extirpated C.
Blockified C.
Raised up C.
Banged C.
Pommelled C.
Chopped C.
Stripped C.
All−to−bemauled C. Flirted C.
Hoary C.
Fallen away C.
Blained C.
Blotted C.
Stale C.
Rensy C.
Sunk in C.
Corrupted C.
Frowning C.
Ghastly C.
Beflowered C.
Limping C.
Unpointed C.
Amated C.
Ravelled C.
Beblistered C. Blackish C.
Rammish C.
Wizened C.
Underlaid C.
Gaunt C.
Beggar−plated C. Loathing C.
Beskimmered C.
Douf C.
Ill−filled C.
Scraggy C.
Clarty C.
Bobbed C.
Lank C.
Lumpish C.
Mated C.
Swashering C.
Abject C.
Tawny C.
Moiling C.
Side C.
Whealed C.
Swinking C.
Choked up C.
Besmeared C.
Harried C.
Backward C.
Hollow C.
Tugged C.
Prolix C.
Pantless C.
Towed C.
Spotted C.
Guizened C.
Misused C.
Crumpled C.
Demiss C.
Adamitical C.
Frumpled C.
Refractory C.
Ballockatso to the devil, my dear friend Panurge, seeing it is so decreed by the gods, wouldst thou invert the
course of the planets, and make them retrograde? Wouldst thou disorder all the celestial spheres, blame the
intelligences, blunt the spindles, joint the wherves, slander the spinning quills, reproach the bobbins, revile
the clew−bottoms, and finally ravel and untwist all the threads of both the warp and the waft of the weird
Sister−Parcae? What a pox to thy bones dost thou mean, stony cod? Thou wouldst if thou couldst, a great
deal worse than the giants of old intended to have done. Come hither, billicullion. Whether wouldst thou be
jealous without cause, or be a cuckold and know nothing of it? Neither the one nor the other, quoth Panurge,
would I choose to be. But if I get an inkling of the matter, I will provide well enough, or there shall not be
one stick of wood within five hundred leagues about me whereof to make a cudgel. In good faith, Friar John,
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I speak now seriously unto thee, I think it will be my best not to marry. Hearken to what the bells do tell me,
now that we are nearer to them! Do not marry, marry not, not, not, not, not; marry, marry not, not, not, not,
not. If thou marry, thou wilt miscarry, carry, carry; thou'lt repent it, resent it, sent it! If thou marry, thou a
cuckold, a cou−cou−cuckoo, cou−cou−cuckold thou shalt be. By the worthy wrath of God, I begin to be
angry. This campanilian oracle fretteth me to the guts,−−a March hare was never in such a chafe as I am. O
how I am vexed! You monks and friars of the cowl−pated and hood−polled fraternity, have you no remedy
nor salve against this malady of graffing horns in heads? Hath nature so abandoned humankind, and of her
help left us so destitute, that married men cannot know how to sail through the seas of this mortal life and be
safe from the whirlpools, quicksands, rocks, and banks that lie alongst the coast of Cornwall.
I will, said Friar John, show thee a way and teach thee an expedient by means whereof thy wife shall never
make thee a cuckold without thy knowledge and thine own consent. Do me the favour, I pray thee, quoth
Panurge, my pretty, soft, downy cod; now tell it, billy, tell it, I beseech thee. Take, quoth Friar John, Hans
Carvel's ring upon thy finger, who was the King of Melinda's chief jeweller. Besides that this Hans Carvel
had the reputation of being very skilful and expert in the lapidary's profession, he was a studious, learned, and
ingenious man, a scientific person, full of knowledge, a great philosopher, of a sound judgment, of a prime
wit, good sense, clear spirited, an honest creature, courteous, charitable, a giver of alms, and of a jovial
humour, a boon companion, and a merry blade, if ever there was any in the world. He was somewhat
gorbellied, had a little shake in his head, and was in effect unwieldy of his body. In his old age he took to
wife the Bailiff of Concordat's daughter, young, fair, jolly, gallant, spruce, frisk, brisk, neat, feat, smirk,
smug, compt, quaint, gay, fine, tricksy, trim, decent, proper, graceful, handsome, beautiful, comely, and
kind−−a little too much−−to her neighbours and acquaintance.
Hereupon it fell out, after the expiring of a scantling of weeks, that Master Carvel became as jealous as a
tiger, and entered into a very profound suspicion that his new−married gixy did keep a−buttock−stirring with
others. To prevent which inconveniency he did tell her many tragical stories of the total ruin of several
kingdoms by adultery; did read unto her the legend of chaste wives; then made some lectures to her in the
praise of the choice virtue of pudicity, and did present her with a book in commendation of conjugal fidelity;
wherein the wickedness of all licentious women was odiously detested; and withal he gave her a chain
enriched with pure oriental sapphires. Notwithstanding all this, he found her always more and more inclined
to the reception of her neighbour copes−mates, that day by day his jealousy increased. In sequel whereof, one
night as he was lying by her, whilst in his sleep the rambling fancies of the lecherous deportments of his wife
did take up the cellules of his brain, he dreamt that he encountered with the devil, to whom he had discovered
to the full the buzzing of his head and suspicion that his wife did tread her shoe awry. The devil, he thought,
in this perplexity did for his comfort give him a ring, and therewithal did kindly put it on his middle finger,
saying, Hans Carvel, I give thee this ring,−−whilst thou carriest it upon that finger, thy wife shall never
carnally be known by any other than thyself without thy special knowledge and consent. Gramercy, quoth
Hans Carvel, my lord devil, I renounce Mahomet if ever it shall come off my finger. The devil vanished, as is
his custom; and then Hans Carvel, full of joy awaking, found that his middle finger was as far as it could
reach within the what−do−by−call−it of his wife. I did forget to tell thee how his wife, as soon as she had felt
the finger there, said, in recoiling her buttocks, Off, yes, nay, tut, pish, tush, ay, lord, that is not the thing
which should be put up in that place. With this Hans Carvel thought that some pilfering fellow was about to
take the ring from him. Is not this an infallible and sovereign antidote? Therefore, if thou wilt believe me, in
imitation of this example never fail to have continually the ring of thy wife's commodity upon thy finger.
When that was said, their discourse and their way ended.
Chapter 3.XXIX. How Pantagruel convocated together a theologian, physician, lawyer, and philosopher,
for extricating Panurge out of the perplexity wherein he was.
No sooner were they come into the royal palace, but they to the full made report unto Pantagruel of the
success of their expedition, and showed him the response of Raminagrobis. When Pantagruel had read it over
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and over again, the oftener he perused it being the better pleased therewith, he said, in addressing his speech
to Panurge, I have not as yet seen any answer framed to your demand which affordeth me more contentment.
For in this his succinct copy of verses, he summarily and briefly, yet fully enough expresseth how he would
have us to understand that everyone in the project and enterprise of marriage ought to be his own carver, sole
arbitrator of his proper thoughts, and from himself alone take counsel in the main and peremptory closure of
what his determination should be, in either his assent to or dissent from it. Such always hath been my opinion
to you, and when at first you spoke thereof to me I truly told you this same very thing; but tacitly you scorned
my advice, and would not harbour it within your mind. I know for certain, and therefore may I with the
greater confidence utter my conception of it, that philauty, or self−love, is that which blinds your judgment
and deceiveth you.
Let us do otherwise, and that is this: Whatever we are, or have, consisteth in three things−−the soul, the body,
and the goods. Now, for the preservation of these three, there are three sorts of learned men ordained, each
respectively to have care of that one which is recommended to his charge. Theologues are appointed for the
soul, physicians for the welfare of the body, and lawyers for the safety of our goods. Hence it is that it is my
resolution to have on Sunday next with me at dinner a divine, a physician, and a lawyer, that with those three
assembled thus together we may in every point and particle confer at large of your perplexity. By Saint Picot,
answered Panurge, we never shall do any good that way, I see it already. And you see yourself how the world
is vilely abused, as when with a foxtail one claps another's breech to cajole him. We give our souls to keep to
the theologues, who for the greater part are heretics. Our bodies we commit to the physicians, who never
themselves take any physic. And then we entrust our goods to the lawyers, who never go to law against one
another. You speak like a courtier, quoth Pantagruel. But the first point of your assertion is to be denied; for
we daily see how good theologues make it their chief business, their whole and sole employment, by their
deeds, their words, and writings, to extirpate errors and heresies out of the hearts of men, and in their stead
profoundly plant the true and lively faith. The second point you spoke of I commend; for, whereas the
professors of the art of medicine give so good order to the prophylactic, or conservative part of their faculty,
in what concerneth their proper healths, that they stand in no need of making use of the other branch, which is
the curative or therapeutic, by medicaments. As for the third, I grant it to be true, for learned advocates and
counsellors at law are so much taken up with the affairs of others in their consultations, pleadings, and
such−like patrocinations of those who are their clients, that they have no leisure to attend any controversies of
their own. Therefore, on the next ensuing Sunday, let the divine be our godly Father Hippothadee, the
physician our honest Master Rondibilis, and our legist our friend Bridlegoose. Nor will it be (to my thinking)
amiss, that we enter into the Pythagoric field, and choose for an assistant to the three afore−named doctors
our ancient faithful acquaintance, the philosopher Trouillogan; especially seeing a perfect philosopher, such
as is Trouillogan, is able positively to resolve all whatsoever doubts you can propose. Carpalin, have you a
care to have them here all four on Sunday next at dinner, without fail.
I believe, quoth Epistemon, that throughout the whole country, in all the corners thereof, you could not have
pitched upon such other four. Which I speak not so much in regard of the most excellent qualifications and
accomplishments wherewith all of them are endowed for the respective discharge and management of each
his own vocation and calling (wherein without all doubt or controversy they are the paragons of the land, and
surpass all others), as for that Rondibilis is married now, who before was not,−−Hippothadee was not before,
nor is yet,−−Bridlegoose was married once, but is not now,−−and Trouillogan is married now, who wedded
was to another wife before. Sir, if it may stand with your good liking, I will ease Carpalin of some parcel of
his labour, and invite Bridlegoose myself, with whom I of a long time have had a very intimate familiarity,
and unto whom I am to speak on the behalf of a pretty hopeful youth who now studieth at Toulouse, under
the most learned virtuous doctor Boissonet. Do what you deem most expedient, quoth Pantagruel, and tell me
if my recommendation can in anything be steadable for the promoval of the good of that youth, or otherwise
serve for bettering of the dignity and office of the worthy Boissonet, whom I do so love and respect for one of
the ablest and most sufficient in his way that anywhere are extant. Sir, I will use therein my best endeavours,
and heartily bestir myself about it.
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Chapter 3.XXX. How the theologue, Hippothadee, giveth counsel to Panurge in the matter and business of
his nuptial enterprise.
The dinner on the subsequent Sunday was no sooner made ready than that the afore−named invited guests
gave thereto their appearance, all of them, Bridlegoose only excepted, who was the deputy−governor of
Fonsbeton. At the ushering in of the second service Panurge, making a low reverence, spake thus: Gentlemen,
the question I am to propound unto you shall be uttered in very few words−−Should I marry or no? If my
doubt herein be not resolved by you, I shall hold it altogether insolvable, as are the Insolubilia de Aliaco; for
all of you are elected, chosen, and culled out from amongst others, everyone in his own condition and quality,
like so many picked peas on a carpet.
The Father Hippothadee, in obedience to the bidding of Pantagruel, and with much courtesy to the company,
answered exceeding modestly after this manner: My friend, you are pleased to ask counsel of us; but first you
must consult with yourself. Do you find any trouble or disquiet in your body by the importunate stings and
pricklings of the flesh? That I do, quoth Panurge, in a hugely strong and almost irresistible measure. Be not
offended, I beseech you, good father, at the freedom of my expression. No truly, friend, not I, quoth
Hippothadee, there is no reason why I should be displeased therewith. But in this carnal strife and debate of
yours have you obtained from God the gift and special grace of continency? In good faith, not, quoth
Panurge. My counsel to you in that case, my friend, is that you marry, quoth Hippothadee; for you should
rather choose to marry once than to burn still in fires of concupiscence. Then Panurge, with a jovial heart and
a loud voice, cried out, That is spoke gallantly, without circumbilivaginating about and about, and never
hitting it in its centred point. Gramercy, my good father! In truth I am resolved now to marry, and without fail
I shall do it quickly. I invite you to my wedding. By the body of a hen, we shall make good cheer, and be as
merry as crickets. You shall wear the bridegroom's colours, and, if we eat a goose, my wife shall not roast it
for me. I will entreat you to lead up the first dance of the bridesmaids, if it may please you to do me so much
favour and honour. There resteth yet a small difficulty, a little scruple, yea, even less than nothing, whereof I
humbly crave your resolution. Shall I be a cuckold, father, yea or no? By no means, answered Hippothadee,
will you be cuckolded, if it please God. O the Lord help us now, quoth Panurge; whither are we driven to,
good folks? To the conditionals, which, according to the rules and precepts of the dialectic faculty, admit of
all contradictions and impossibilities. If my Transalpine mule had wings, my Transalpine mule would fly, if it
please God, I shall not be a cuckold; but I shall be a cuckold, if it please him. Good God, if this were a
condition which I knew how to prevent, my hopes should be as high as ever, nor would I despair. But you
here send me to God's privy council, to the closet of his little pleasures. You, my French countrymen, which
is the way you take to go thither?
My honest father, I believe I will be your best not to come to my wedding. The clutter and dingle−dangle
noise of marriage guests will but disturb you, and break the serious fancies of your brain. You love repose,
with solitude and silence; I really believe you will not come. And then you dance but indifferently, and would
be out of countenance at the first entry. I will send you some good things to your chamber, together with the
bride's favour, and there you may drink our health, if it may stand with your good liking. My friend, quoth
Hippothadee, take my words in the sense wherein I meant them, and do not misinterpret me. When I tell
you,−−If it please God,−−do I to you any wrong therein? Is it an ill expression? Is it a blaspheming clause or
reserve any way scandalous unto the world? Do not we thereby honour the Lord God Almighty, Creator,
Protector, and Conserver of all things? Is not that a mean whereby we do acknowledge him to be the sole
giver of all whatsoever is good? Do not we in that manifest our faith that we believe all things to depend upon
his infinite and incomprehensible bounty, and that without him nothing can be produced, nor after its
production be of any value, force, or power, without the concurring aid and favour of his assisting grace? Is it
not a canonical and authentic exception, worthy to be premised to all our undertakings? Is it not expedient
that what we propose unto ourselves be still referred to what shall be disposed of by the sacred will of God,
unto which all things must acquiesce in the heavens as well as on the earth? Is not that verily a sanctifying of
his holy name? My friend, you shall not be a cuckold, if it please God, nor shall we need to despair of the
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knowledge of his good will and pleasure herein, as if it were such an abstruse and mysteriously hidden secret
that for the clear understanding thereof it were necessary to consult with those of his celestial privy council,
or expressly make a voyage unto the empyrean chamber where order is given for the effectuating of his most
holy pleasures. The great God hath done us this good, that he hath declared and revealed them to us openly
and plainly, and described them in the Holy Bible. There will you find that you shall never be a cuckold, that
is to say, your wife shall never be a strumpet, if you make choice of one of a commendable extraction,
descended of honest parents, and instructed in all piety and virtue−−such a one as hath not at any time
haunted or frequented the company or conversation of those that are of corrupt and depraved manners, one
loving and fearing God, who taketh a singular delight in drawing near to him by faith and the cordial
observing of his sacred commandments−−and finally, one who, standing in awe of the Divine Majesty of the
Most High, will be loth to offend him and lose the favourable kindness of his grace through any defect of
faith or transgression against the ordinances of his holy law, wherein adultery is most rigorously forbidden
and a close adherence to her husband alone most strictly and severely enjoined; yea, in such sort that she is to
cherish, serve, and love him above anything, next to God, that meriteth to be beloved. In the interim, for the
better schooling of her in these instructions, and that the wholesome doctrine of a matrimonial duty may take
the deeper root in her mind, you must needs carry yourself so on your part, and your behaviour is to be such,
that you are to go before her in a good example, by entertaining her unfeignedly with a conjugal amity, by
continually approving yourself in all your words and actions a faithful and discreet husband; and by living,
not only at home and privately with your own household and family, but in the face also of all men and open
view of the world, devoutly, virtuously, and chastely, as you would have her on her side to deport and to
demean herself towards you, as becomes a godly, loyal, and respectful wife, who maketh conscience to keep
inviolable the tie of a matrimonial oath. For as that looking−glass is not the best which is most decked with
gold and precious stones, but that which representeth to the eye the liveliest shapes of objects set before it,
even so that wife should not be most esteemed who richest is and of the noblest race, but she who, fearing
God, conforms herself nearest unto the humour of her husband.
Consider how the moon doth not borrow her light from Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, or any other of the planets,
nor yet from any of those splendid stars which are set in the spangled firmament, but from her husband only,
the bright sun, which she receiveth from him more or less, according to the manner of his aspect and
variously bestowed eradiations. Just so should you be a pattern to your wife in virtue, goodly zeal, and true
devotion, that by your radiance in darting on her the aspect of an exemplary goodness, she, in your imitation,
may outshine the luminaries of all other women. To this effect you daily must implore God's grace to the
protection of you both. You would have me then, quoth Panurge, twisting the whiskers of his beard on either
side with the thumb and forefinger of his left hand, to espouse and take to wife the prudent frugal woman
described by Solomon. Without all doubt she is dead, and truly to my best remembrance I never saw her; the
Lord forgive me! Nevertheless, I thank you, father. Eat this slice of marchpane, it will help your digestion;
then shall you be presented with a cup of claret hippocras, which is right healthful and stomachal. Let us
proceed.
Chapter 3.XXXI. How the physician Rondibilis counselleth Panurge.
Panurge, continuing his discourse, said, The first word which was spoken by him who gelded the lubberly,
quaffing monks of Saussiniac, after that he had unstoned Friar Cauldaureil, was this, To the rest. In like
manner, I say, To the rest. Therefore I beseech you, my good Master Rondibilis, should I marry or not? By
the raking pace of my mule, quoth Rondibilis, I know not what answer to make to this problem of yours.
You say that you feel in you the pricking stings of sensuality, by which you are stirred up to venery. I find in
our faculty of medicine, and we have founded our opinion therein upon the deliberate resolution and final
decision of the ancient Platonics, that carnal concupiscence is cooled and quelled five several ways.
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First, By the means of wine. I shall easily believe that, quoth Friar John, for when I am well whittled with the
juice of the grape I care for nothing else, so I may sleep. When I say, quoth Rondibilis, that wine abateth lust,
my meaning is, wine immoderately taken; for by intemperancy proceeding from the excessive drinking of
strong liquor there is brought upon the body of such a swill−down boozer a chillness in the blood, a
slackening in the sinews, a dissipation of the generative seed, a numbness and hebetation of the senses, with a
perversive wryness and convulsion of the muscles−−all which are great lets and impediments to the act of
generation. Hence it is that Bacchus, the god of bibbers, tipplers, and drunkards, is most commonly painted
beardless and clad in a woman's habit, as a person altogether effeminate, or like a libbed eunuch. Wine,
nevertheless, taken moderately, worketh quite contrary effects, as is implied by the old proverb, which saith
that Venus takes cold when not accompanied with Ceres and Bacchus. This opinion is of great antiquity, as
appeareth by the testimony of Diodorus the Sicilian, and confirmed by Pausanias, and universally held
amongst the Lampsacians, that Don Priapus was the son of Bacchus and Venus.
Secondly, The fervency of lust is abated by certain drugs, plants, herbs, and roots, which make the taker cold,
maleficiated, unfit for, and unable to perform the act of generation; as hath been often experimented in the
water−lily, heraclea, agnus castus, willow−twigs, hemp−stalks, woodbine, honeysuckle, tamarisk, chaste tree,
mandrake, bennet, keckbugloss, the skin of a hippopotam, and many other such, which, by convenient doses
proportioned to the peccant humour and constitution of the patient, being duly and seasonably received
within the body−−what by their elementary virtues on the one side and peculiar properties on the other−−do
either benumb, mortify, and beclumpse with cold the prolific semence, or scatter and disperse the spirits
which ought to have gone along with and conducted the sperm to the places destined and appointed for its
reception, or lastly, shut up, stop, and obstruct the ways, passages, and conduits through which the seed
should have been expelled, evacuated, and ejected. We have nevertheless of those ingredients which, being of
a contrary operation, heat the blood, bend the nerves, unite the spirits, quicken the senses, strengthen the
muscles, and thereby rouse up, provoke, excite, and enable a man to the vigorous accomplishment of the feat
of amorous dalliance. I have no need of those, quoth Panurge, God be thanked, and you, my good master.
Howsoever, I pray you, take no exception or offence at these my words; for what I have said was not out of
any illwill I did bear to you, the Lord he knows.
Thirdly, The ardour of lechery is very much subdued and mated by frequent labour and continual toiling. For
by painful exercises and laborious working so great a dissolution is brought upon the whole body, that the
blood, which runneth alongst the channels of the veins thereof for the nourishment and alimentation of each
of its members, hath neither time, leisure, nor power to afford the seminal resudation, or superfluity of the
third concoction, which nature most carefully reserves for the conservation of the individual, whose
preservation she more heedfully regardeth than the propagating of the species and the multiplication of
humankind. Whence it is that Diana is said to be chaste, because she is never idle, but always busied about
her hunting. For the same reason was a camp or leaguer of old called castrum, as if they would have said
castum; because the soldiers, wrestlers, runners, throwers of the bar, and other such−like athletic champions
as are usually seen in a military circumvallation, do incessantly travail and turmoil, and are in a perpetual stir
and agitation. To this purpose Hippocrates also writeth in his book, De Aere, Aqua et Locis, that in his time
there were people in Scythia as impotent as eunuchs in the discharge of a venerean exploit, because that
without any cessation, pause, or respite they were never from off horseback, or otherwise assiduously
employed in some troublesome and molesting drudgery.
On the other part, in opposition and repugnancy hereto, the philosophers say that idleness is the mother of
luxury. When it was asked Ovid, Why Aegisthus became an adulterer? he made no other answer but this,
Because he was idle. Who were able to rid the world of loitering and laziness might easily frustrate and
disappoint Cupid of all his designs, aims, engines, and devices, and so disable and appal him that his bow,
quiver, and darts should from thenceforth be a mere needless load and burden to him, for that it could not
then lie in his power to strike or wound any of either sex with all the arms he had. He is not, I believe, so
expert an archer as that he can hit the cranes flying in the air, or yet the young stags skipping through the
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thickets, as the Parthians knew well how to do; that is to say, people moiling, stirring and hurrying up and
down, restless, and without repose. He must have those hushed, still, quiet, lying at a stay, lither, and full of
ease, whom he is able, though his mother help him, to touch, much less to pierce with all his arrows. In
confirmation hereof, Theophrastus, being asked on a time what kind of beast or thing he judged a toyish,
wanton love to be? he made answer, that it was a passion of idle and sluggish spirits. From which pretty
description of tickling love− tricks that of Diogenes's hatching was not very discrepant, when he defined
lechery the occupation of folks destitute of all other occupation. For this cause the Syconian engraver
Canachus, being desirous to give us to understand that sloth, drowsiness, negligence, and laziness were the
prime guardians and governesses of ribaldry, made the statue of Venus, not standing, as other stone−cutters
had used to do, but sitting.
Fourthly, The tickling pricks of incontinency are blunted by an eager study; for from thence proceedeth an
incredible resolution of the spirits, that oftentimes there do not remain so many behind as may suffice to push
and thrust forwards the generative resudation to the places thereto appropriated, and therewithal inflate the
cavernous nerve whose office is to ejaculate the moisture for the propagation of human progeny. Lest you
should think it is not so, be pleased but to contemplate a little the form, fashion, and carriage of a man
exceeding earnestly set upon some learned meditation, and deeply plunged therein, and you shall see how all
the arteries of his brains are stretched forth and bent like the string of a crossbow, the more promptly,
dexterously, and copiously to suppeditate, furnish, and supply him with store of spirits sufficient to replenish
and fill up the ventricles, seats, tunnels, mansions, receptacles, and cellules of the common sense,−−of the
imagination, apprehension, and fancy,−−of the ratiocination, arguing, and resolution,−−as likewise of the
memory, recordation, and remembrance; and with great alacrity, nimbleness, and agility to run, pass, and
course from the one to the other, through those pipes, windings, and conduits which to skilful anatomists are
perceivable at the end of the wonderful net where all the arteries close in a terminating point; which arteries,
taking their rise and origin from the left capsule of the heart, bring through several circuits, ambages, and
anfractuosities, the vital, to subtilize and refine them to the ethereal purity of animal spirits. Nay, in such a
studiously musing person you may espy so extravagant raptures of one as it were out of himself, that all his
natural faculties for that time will seem to be suspended from each their proper charge and office, and his
exterior senses to be at a stand. In a word, you cannot otherwise choose than think that he is by an
extraordinary ecstasy quite transported out of what he was, or should be; and that Socrates did not speak
improperly when he said that philosophy was nothing else but a meditation upon death. This possibly is the
reason why Democritus deprived himself of the sense of seeing, prizing at a much lower rate the loss of his
sight than the diminution of his contemplations, which he frequently had found disturbed by the vagrant,
flying−out strayings of his unsettled and roving eyes. Therefore is it that Pallas, the goddess of wisdom,
tutoress and guardianess of such as are diligently studious and painfully industrious, is, and hath been still
accounted a virgin. The Muses upon the same consideration are esteemed perpetual maids; and the Graces,
for the like reason, have been held to continue in a sempiternal pudicity.
I remember to have read that Cupid, on a time being asked of his mother Venus why he did not assault and
set upon the Muses, his answer was that he found them so fair, so sweet, so fine, so neat, so wise, so learned,
so modest, so discreet, so courteous, so virtuous, and so continually busied and employed,−−one in the
speculation of the stars,−−another in the supputation of numbers,−−the third in the dimension of geometrical
quantities,−−the fourth in the composition of heroic poems,−−the fifth in the jovial interludes of a comic
strain,−−the sixth in the stately gravity of a tragic vein,−−the seventh in the melodious disposition of musical
airs,−−the eighth in the completest manner of writing histories and books on all sorts of subjects,−−and the
ninth in the mysteries, secrets, and curiosities of all sciences, faculties, disciplines, and arts whatsoever,
whether liberal or mechanic,−−that approaching near unto them he unbended his bow, shut his quiver, and
extinguished his torch, through mere shame and fear that by mischance he might do them some hurt or
prejudice. Which done, he thereafter put off the fillet wherewith his eyes were bound to look them in the face,
and to hear their melody and poetic odes. There took he the greatest pleasure in the world, that many times he
was transported with their beauty and pretty behaviour, and charmed asleep by the harmony; so far was he
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from assaulting them or interrupting their studies. Under this article may be comprised what Hippocrates
wrote in the afore−cited treatise concerning the Scythians; as also that in a book of his entitled Of Breeding
and Production, where he hath affirmed all such men to be unfit for generation as have their parotid arteries
cut−−whose situation is beside the ears−−for the reason given already when I was speaking of the resolution
of the spirits and of that spiritual blood whereof the arteries are the sole and proper receptacles, and that
likewise he doth maintain a large portion of the parastatic liquor to issue and descend from the brains and
backbone.
Fifthly, By the too frequent reiteration of the act of venery. There did I wait for you, quoth Panurge, and shall
willingly apply it to myself, whilst anyone that pleaseth may, for me, make use of any of the four preceding.
That is the very same thing, quoth Friar John, which Father Scyllino, Prior of Saint Victor at Marseilles,
calleth by the name of maceration and taming of the flesh. I am of the same opinion,−−and so was the hermit
of Saint Radegonde, a little above Chinon; for, quoth he, the hermits of Thebaide can no more aptly or
expediently macerate and bring down the pride of their bodies, daunt and mortify their lecherous sensuality,
or depress and overcome the stubbornness and rebellion of the flesh, than by duffling and fanfreluching it
five−and−twenty or thirty times a day. I see Panurge, quoth Rondibilis, neatly featured and proportioned in
all the members of his body, of a good temperament in his humours, well−complexioned in his spirits, of a
competent age, in an opportune time, and of a reasonably forward mind to be married. Truly, if he encounter
with a wife of the like nature, temperament, and constitution, he may beget upon her children worthy of some
transpontine monarchy; and the sooner he marry it will be the better for him, and the more conducible for his
profit if he would see and have his children in his own time well provided for. Sir, my worthy master, quoth
Panurge, I will do it, do not you doubt thereof, and that quickly enough, I warrant you. Nevertheless, whilst
you were busied in the uttering of your learned discourse, this flea which I have in mine ear hath tickled me
more than ever. I retain you in the number of my festival guests, and promise you that we shall not want for
mirth and good cheer enough, yea, over and above the ordinary rate. And, if it may please you, desire your
wife to come along with you, together with her she−friends and neighbours−−that is to be understood−−and
there shall be fair play.
Chapter 3.XXXII. How Rondibilis declareth cuckoldry to be naturally one of the appendances of marriage.
There remaineth as yet, quoth Panurge, going on in his discourse, one small scruple to be cleared. You have
seen heretofore, I doubt not, in the Roman standards, S.P.Q.R., Si, Peu, Que, Rien. Shall not I be a cuckold?
By the haven of safety, cried out Rondibilis, what is this you ask of me? If you shall be a cuckold? My noble
friend, I am married, and you are like to be so very speedily; therefore be pleased, from my experiment in the
matter, to write in your brain with a steel pen this subsequent ditton, There is no married man who doth not
run the hazard of being made a cuckold. Cuckoldry naturally attendeth marriage. The shadow doth not more
naturally follow the body, than cuckoldry ensueth after marriage to place fair horns upon the husbands' heads.
And when you shall happen to hear any man pronounce these three words, He is married; if you then say he
is, hath been, shall be, or may be a cuckold, you will not be accounted an unskilful artist in framing of true
consequences. Tripes and bowels of all the devils, cries Panurge, what do you tell me? My dear friend,
answered Rondibilis, as Hippocrates on a time was in the very nick of setting forwards from Lango to
Polystilo to visit the philosopher Democritus, he wrote a familiar letter to his friend Dionysius, wherein he
desired him that he would, during the interval of his absence, carry his wife to the house of her father and
mother, who were an honourable couple and of good repute; because I would not have her at my home, said
he, to make abode in solitude. Yet, notwithstanding this her residence beside her parents, do not fail, quoth
he, with a most heedful care and circumspection to pry into her ways, and to espy what places she shall go to
with her mother, and who those be that shall repair unto her. Not, quoth he, that I do mistrust her virtue, or
that I seem to have any diffidence of her pudicity and chaste behaviour,−−for of that I have frequently had
good and real proofs,−−but I must freely tell you, She is a woman. There lies the suspicion.
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My worthy friend, the nature of women is set forth before our eyes and represented to us by the moon, in
divers other things as well as in this, that they squat, skulk, constrain their own inclinations, and, with all the
cunning they can, dissemble and play the hypocrite in the sight and presence of their husbands; who come no
sooner to be out of the way, but that forthwith they take their advantage, pass the time merrily, desist from all
labour, frolic it, gad abroad, lay aside their counterfeit garb, and openly declare and manifest the interior of
their dispositions, even as the moon, when she is in conjunction with the sun, is neither seen in the heavens
nor on the earth, but in her opposition, when remotest from him, shineth in her greatest fulness, and wholly
appeareth in her brightest splendour whilst it is night. Thus women are but women.
When I say womankind, I speak of a sex so frail, so variable, so changeable, so fickle, inconstant, and
imperfect, that in my opinion Nature, under favour, nevertheless, of the prime honour and reverence which is
due unto her, did in a manner mistake the road which she had traced formerly, and stray exceedingly from
that excellence of providential judgment by the which she had created and formed all other things, when she
built, framed, and made up the woman. And having thought upon it a hundred and five times, I know not
what else to determine therein, save only that in the devising, hammering, forging, and composing of the
woman she hath had a much tenderer regard, and by a great deal more respectful heed to the delightful
consortship and sociable delectation of the man, than to the perfection and accomplishment of the individual
womanishness or muliebrity. The divine philosopher Plato was doubtful in what rank of living creatures to
place and collocate them, whether amongst the rational animals, by elevating them to an upper seat in the
specifical classis of humanity, or with the irrational, by degrading them to a lower bench on the opposite side,
of a brutal kind, and mere bestiality. For nature hath posited in a privy, secret, and intestine place of their
bodies, a sort of member, by some not impertinently termed an animal, which is not to be found in men.
Therein sometimes are engendered certain humours so saltish, brackish, clammy, sharp, nipping, tearing,
prickling, and most eagerly tickling, that by their stinging acrimony, rending nitrosity, figging itch, wriggling
mordicancy, and smarting salsitude (for the said member is altogether sinewy and of a most quick and lively
feeling), their whole body is shaken and ebrangled, their senses totally ravished and transported, the
operations of their judgment and understanding utterly confounded, and all disordinate passions and
perturbations of the mind thoroughly and absolutely allowed, admitted, and approved of; yea, in such sort
that if nature had not been so favourable unto them as to have sprinkled their forehead with a little tincture of
bashfulness and modesty, you should see them in a so frantic mood run mad after lechery, and hie apace up
and down with haste and lust, in quest of and to fix some chamber−standard in their Paphian ground, that
never did the Proetides, Mimallonides, nor Lyaean Thyades deport themselves in the time of their
bacchanalian festivals more shamelessly, or with a so affronted and brazen−faced impudency; because this
terrible animal is knit unto, and hath an union with all the chief and most principal parts of the body, as to
anatomists is evident. Let it not here be thought strange that I should call it an animal, seeing therein I do no
otherwise than follow and adhere to the doctrine of the academic and peripatetic philosophers. For if a proper
motion be a certain mark and infallible token of the life and animation of the mover, as Aristotle writeth, and
that any such thing as moveth of itself ought to be held animated and of a living nature, then assuredly Plato
with very good reason did give it the denomination of an animal, for that he perceived and observed in it the
proper and self−stirring motions of suffocation, precipitation, corrugation, and of indignation so extremely
violent, that oftentimes by them is taken and removed from the woman all other sense and moving
whatsoever, as if she were in a swounding lipothymy, benumbing syncope, epileptic, apoplectic palsy, and
true resemblance of a pale−faced death.
Furthermore, in the said member there is a manifest discerning faculty of scents and odours very perceptible
to women, who feel it fly from what is rank and unsavoury, and follow fragrant and aromatic smells. It is not
unknown to me how Cl. Galen striveth with might and main to prove that these are not proper and particular
notions proceeding intrinsically from the thing itself, but accidentally and by chance. Nor hath it escaped my
notice how others of that sect have laboured hardly, yea, to the utmost of their abilities, to demonstrate that it
is not a sensitive discerning or perception in it of the difference of wafts and smells, but merely a various
manner of virtue and efficacy passing forth and flowing from the diversity of odoriferous substances applied
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near unto it. Nevertheless, if you will studiously examine and seriously ponder and weigh in Critolaus's
balance the strength of their reasons and arguments, you shall find that they, not only in this, but in several
other matters also of the like nature, have spoken at random, and rather out of an ambitious envy to check and
reprehend their betters than for any design to make inquiry into the solid truth.
I will not launch my little skiff any further into the wide ocean of this dispute, only will I tell you that the
praise and commendation is not mean and slender which is due to those honest and good women who, living
chastely and without blame, have had the power and virtue to curb, range, and subdue that unbridled, heady,
and wild animal to an obedient, submissive, and obsequious yielding unto reason. Therefore here will I make
an end of my discourse thereon, when I shall have told you that the said animal being once satiated−−if it be
possible that it can be contented or satisfied−−by that aliment which nature hath provided for it out of the
epididymal storehouse of man, all its former and irregular and disordered motions are at an end, laid, and
assuaged, all its vehement and unruly longings lulled, pacified, and quieted, and all the furious and raging
lusts, appetites, and desires thereof appeased, calmed, and extinguished. For this cause let it seem nothing
strange unto you if we be in a perpetual danger of being cuckolds, that is to say, such of us as have not
wherewithal fully to satisfy the appetite and expectation of that voracious animal. Odds fish! quoth Panurge,
have you no preventive cure in all your medicinal art for hindering one's head to be horny−graffed at home
whilst his feet are plodding abroad? Yes, that I have, my gallant friend, answered Rondibilis, and that which
is a sovereign remedy, whereof I frequently make use myself; and, that you may the better relish, it is set
down and written in the book of a most famous author, whose renown is of a standing of two thousand years.
Hearken and take good heed. You are, quoth Panurge, by cockshobby, a right honest man, and I love you
with all my heart. Eat a little of this quince−pie; it is very proper and convenient for the shutting up of the
orifice of the ventricle of the stomach, because of a kind of astringent stypticity which is in that sort of fruit,
and is helpful to the first concoction. But what? I think I speak Latin before clerks. Stay till I give you
somewhat to drink out of this Nestorian goblet. Will you have another draught of white hippocras? Be not
afraid of the squinzy, no. There is neither squinant, ginger, nor grains in it; only a little choice cinnamon, and
some of the best refined sugar, with the delicious white wine of the growth of that vine which was set in the
slips of the great sorbapple above the walnut−tree.
Chapter 3.XXXIII. Rondibilis the physician's cure of cuckoldry.
At that time, quoth Rondibilis, when Jupiter took a view of the state of his Olympic house and family, and
that he had made the calendar of all the gods and goddesses, appointing unto the festival of every one of them
its proper day and season, establishing certain fixed places and stations for the pronouncing of oracles and
relief of travelling pilgrims, and ordaining victims, immolations, and sacrifices suitable and correspondent to
the dignity and nature of the worshipped and adored deity−−Did not he do, asked Panurge, therein as
Tintouille, the Bishop of Auxerre, is said once to have done? This noble prelate loved entirely the pure liquor
of the grape, as every honest and judicious man doth; therefore was it that he had an especial care and regard
to the bud of the vine−tree as to the great− grandfather of Bacchus. But so it is, that for sundry years together
he saw a most pitiful havoc, desolation, and destruction made amongst the sprouts, shootings, buds,
blossoms, and scions of the vines by hoary frost, dank fogs, hot mists, unseasonable colds, chill blasts, thick
hail, and other calamitous chances of foul weather, happening, as he thought, by the dismal inauspiciousness
of the holy days of St. George, St. Mary, St. Paul, St. Eutrope, Holy Rood, the Ascension, and other festivals,
in that time when the sun passeth under the sign of Taurus; and thereupon harboured in his mind this opinion,
that the afore−named saints were Saint Hail− flingers, Saint Frost−senders, Saint Fog−mongers, and Saint
Spoilers of the Vine−buds. For which cause he went about to have transmitted their feasts from the spring to
the winter, to be celebrated between Christmas and Epiphany, so the mother of the three kings called it,
allowing them with all honour and reverence the liberty then to freeze, hail, and rain as much as they would;
for that he knew that at such a time frost was rather profitable than hurtful to the vine−buds, and in their
steads to have placed the festivals of St. Christopher, St. John the Baptist, St. Magdalene, St. Anne, St.
Domingo, and St. Lawrence; yea, and to have gone so far as to collocate and transpose the middle of August
216
in and to the beginning of May, because during the whole space of their solemnity there was so little danger
of hoary frosts and cold mists, that no artificers are then held in greater request than the afforders of
refrigerating inventions, makers of junkets, fit disposers of cooling shades, composers of green arbours, and
refreshers of wine.
Jupiter, said Rondibilis, forgot the poor devil Cuckoldry, who was then in the court at Paris very eagerly
soliciting a peddling suit at law for one of his vassals and tenants. Within some few days thereafter, I have
forgot how many, when he got full notice of the trick which in his absence was done unto him, he instantly
desisted from prosecuting legal processes in the behalf of others, full of solicitude to pursue after his own
business, lest he should be foreclosed, and thereupon he appeared personally at the tribunal of the great
Jupiter, displayed before him the importance of his preceding merits, together with the acceptable services
which in obedience to his commandments he had formerly performed; and therefore in all humility begged of
him that he would be pleased not to leave him alone amongst all the sacred potentates, destitute and void of
honour, reverence, sacrifices, and festival ceremonies. To this petition Jupiter's answer was excusatory, that
all the places and offices of his house were bestowed. Nevertheless, so importuned was he by the continual
supplications of Monsieur Cuckoldry, that he, in fine, placed him in the rank, list, roll, rubric, and catalogue,
and appointed honours, sacrifices, and festival rites to be observed on earth in great devotion, and tendered to
him with solemnity. The feast, because there was no void, empty, nor vacant place in all the calendar, was to
be celebrated jointly with, and on the same day that had been consecrated to the goddess Jealousy. His power
and dominion should be over married folks, especially such as had handsome wives. His sacrifices were to be
suspicion, diffidence, mistrust, a lowering pouting sullenness, watchings, wardings, researchings, plyings,
explorations, together with the waylayings, ambushes, narrow observations, and malicious doggings of the
husband's scouts and espials of the most privy actions of their wives. Herewithal every married man was
expressly and rigorously commanded to reverence, honour, and worship him, to celebrate and solemnize his
festival with twice more respect than that of any other saint or deity, and to immolate unto him with all
sincerity and alacrity of heart the above−mentioned sacrifices and oblations, under pain of severe censures,
threatenings, and comminations of these subsequent fines, mulcts, amerciaments, penalties, and punishments
to be inflicted on the delinquents: that Monsieur Cuckoldry should never be favourable nor propitious to
them; that he should never help, aid, supply, succour, nor grant them any subventitious furtherance, auxiliary
suffrage, or adminiculary assistance; that he should never hold them in any reckoning, account, or estimation;
that he should never deign to enter within their houses, neither at the doors, windows, nor any other place
thereof; that he should never haunt nor frequent their companies or conversations, how frequently soever they
should invocate him and call upon his name; and that not only he should leave and abandon them to rot alone
with their wives in a sempiternal solitariness, without the benefit of the diversion of any copes−mate or
corrival at all, but should withal shun and eschew them, fly from them, and eternally forsake and reject them
as impious heretics and sacrilegious persons, according to the accustomed manner of other gods towards such
as are too slack in offering up the duties and reverences which ought to be performed respectively to their
divinities−−as is evidently apparent in Bacchus towards negligent vine−dressers; in Ceres, against idle
ploughmen and tillers of the ground; in Pomona, to unworthy fruiterers and costard−mongers; in Neptune,
towards dissolute mariners and seafaring men, in Vulcan, towards loitering smiths and forgemen; and so
throughout the rest. Now, on the contrary, this infallible promise was added, that unto all those who should
make a holy day of the above−recited festival, and cease from all manner of worldly work and negotiation,
lay aside all their own most important occasions, and to be so retchless, heedless, and careless of what might
concern the management of their proper affairs as to mind nothing else but a suspicious espying and prying
into the secret deportments of their wives, and how to coop, shut up, hold at under, and deal cruelly and
austerely with them by all the harshness and hardships that an implacable and every way inexorable jealousy
can devise and suggest, conform to the sacred ordinances of the afore−mentioned sacrifices and oblations, he
should be continually favourable to them, should love them, sociably converse with them, should be day and
night in their houses, and never leave them destitute of his presence. Now I have said, and you have heard my
cure.
217
Ha, ha, ha! quoth Carpalin, laughing; this is a remedy yet more apt and proper than Hans Carvel's ring. The
devil take me if I do not believe it! The humour, inclination, and nature of women is like the thunder, whose
force in its bolt or otherwise burneth, bruiseth, and breaketh only hard, massive, and resisting objects, without
staying or stopping at soft, empty, and yielding matters. For it pasheth into pieces the steel sword without
doing any hurt to the velvet scabbard which ensheatheth it. It chrusheth also and consumeth the bones
without wounding or endamaging the flesh wherewith they are veiled and covered. Just so it is that women
for the greater part never bend the contention, subtlety, and contradictory disposition of their spirits unless it
be to do what is prohibited and forbidden.
Verily, quoth Hippothadee, some of our doctors aver for a truth that the first woman of the world, whom the
Hebrews call Eve, had hardly been induced or allured into the temptation of eating of the fruit of the Tree of
Life if it had not been forbidden her so to do. And that you may give the more credit to the validity of this
opinion, consider how the cautelous and wily tempter did commemorate unto her, for an antecedent to his
enthymeme, the prohibition which was made to taste it, as being desirous to infer from thence, It is forbidden
thee; therefore thou shouldst eat of it, else thou canst not be a woman.
Chapter 3.XXXIV. How women ordinarily have the greatest longing after things prohibited.
When I was, quoth Carpalin, a whoremaster at Orleans, the whole art of rhetoric, in all its tropes and figures,
was not able to afford unto me a colour or flourish of greater force and value, nor could I by any other form
or manner of elocution pitch upon a more persuasive argument for bringing young beautiful married ladies
into the snares of adultery, through alluring and enticing them to taste with me of amorous delights, than with
a lively sprightfulness to tell them in downright terms, and to remonstrate to them with a great show of
detestation of a crime so horrid, how their husbands were jealous. This was none of my invention. It is
written, and we have laws, examples, reasons, and daily experiences confirmative of the same. If this belief
once enter into their noddles, their husbands will infallibly be cuckolds; yea, by God, will they, without
swearing, although they should do like Semiramis, Pasiphae, Egesta, the women of the Isle Mandez in Egypt,
and other such−like queanish flirting harlots mentioned in the writings of Herodotus, Strabo, and such−like
puppies.
Truly, quoth Ponocrates, I have heard it related, and it hath been told me for a verity, that Pope John XXII.,
passing on a day through the Abbey of Toucherome, was in all humility required and besought by the abbess
and other discreet mothers of the said convent to grant them an indulgence by means whereof they might
confess themselves to one another, alleging that religious women were subject to some petty secret slips and
imperfections which would be a foul and burning shame for them to discover and to reveal to men, how
sacerdotal soever their functions were; but that they would freelier, more familiarly, and with greater
cheerfulness, open to each other their offences, faults, and escapes under the seal of confession. There is not
anything, answered the pope, fitting for you to impetrate of me which I would not most willingly condescend
unto; but I find one inconvenience. You know confession should be kept secret, and women are not able to do
so. Exceeding well, quoth they, most holy father, and much more closely than the best of men.
The said pope on the very same day gave them in keeping a pretty box, wherein he purposely caused a little
linnet to be put, willing them very gently and courteously to lock it up in some sure and hidden place, and
promising them, by the faith of a pope, that he should yield to their request if they would keep secret what
was enclosed within that deposited box, enjoining them withal not to presume one way nor other, directly or
indirectly, to go about the opening thereof, under pain of the highest ecclesiastical censure, eternal
excommunication. The prohibition was no sooner made but that they did all of them boil with a most ardent
desire to know and see what kind of thing it was that was within it. They thought long already that the pope
was not gone, to the end they might jointly, with the more leisure and ease, apply themselves to the
box−opening curiosity.
218
The holy father, after he had given them his benediction, retired and withdrew himself to the pontifical
lodgings of his own palace. But he was hardly gone three steps from without the gates of their cloister when
the good ladies throngingly, and as in a huddled crowd, pressing hard on the backs of one another, ran
thrusting and shoving who should be first at the setting open of the forbidden box and descrying of the quod
latitat within.
On the very next day thereafter the pope made them another visit, of a full design, purpose, and intention, as
they imagined, to despatch the grant of their sought and wished−for indulgence. But before he would enter
into any chat or communing with them, he commanded the casket to be brought unto him. It was done so
accordingly; but, by your leave, the bird was no more there. Then was it that the pope did represent to their
maternities how hard a matter and difficult it was for them to keep secrets revealed to them in confession
unmanifested to the ears of others, seeing for the space of four−and−twenty hours they were not able to lay
up in secret a box which he had highly recommended to their discretion, charge, and custody.
Welcome, in good faith, my dear master, welcome! It did me good to hear you talk, the Lord be praised for
all! I do not remember to have seen you before now, since the last time that you acted at Montpellier with our
ancient friends, Anthony Saporra, Guy Bourguyer, Balthasar Noyer, Tolet, John Quentin, Francis Robinet,
John Perdrier, and Francis Rabelais, the moral comedy of him who had espoused and married a dumb wife. I
was there, quoth Epistemon. The good honest man her husband was very earnestly urgent to have the fillet of
her tongue untied, and would needs have her speak by any means. At his desire some pains were taken on
her, and partly by the industry of the physician, other part by the expertness of the surgeon, the encyliglotte
which she had under her tongue being cut, she spoke and spoke again; yea, within a few hours she spoke so
loud, so much, so fiercely, and so long, that her poor husband returned to the same physician for a recipe to
make her hold her peace. There are, quoth the physician, many proper remedies in our art to make dumb
women speak, but there are none that ever I could learn therein to make them silent. The only cure which I
have found out is their husband's deafness. The wretch became within few weeks thereafter, by virtue of
some drugs, charms, or enchantments which the physician had prescribed unto him, so deaf that he could not
have heard the thundering of nineteen hundred cannons at a salvo. His wife perceiving that indeed he was as
deaf as a door−nail, and that her scolding was but in vain, sith that he heard her not, she grew stark mad.
Some time after the doctor asked for his fee of the husband, who answered that truly he was deaf, and so was
not able to understand what the tenour of his demand might be. Whereupon the leech bedusted him with a
little, I know not what, sort of powder, which rendered him a fool immediately, so great was the stultificating
virtue of that strange kind of pulverized dose. Then did this fool of a husband and his mad wife join together,
and, falling on the doctor and the surgeon, did so scratch, bethwack, and bang them that they were left half
dead upon the place, so furious were the blows which they received. I never in my lifetime laughed so much
as at the acting of that buffoonery.
Let us come to where we left off, quoth Panurge. Your words, being translated from the clapper−dudgeons to
plain English, do signify that it is not very inexpedient that I marry, and that I should not care for being a
cuckold. You have there hit the nail on the head. I believe, master doctor, that on the day of my marriage you
will be so much taken up with your patients, or otherwise so seriously employed, that we shall not enjoy your
company. Sir, I will heartily excuse your absence.
Stercus et urina medici sunt prandia prima. Ex aliis paleas, ex istis collige grana.
You are mistaken, quoth Rondibilis, in the second verse of our distich, for it ought to run thus−−
Nobis sunt signa, vobis sunt prandia digna.
219
If my wife at any time prove to be unwell and ill at ease, I will look upon the water which she shall have
made in an urinal glass, quoth Rondibilis, grope her pulse, and see the disposition of her hypogaster, together
with her umbilicary parts−−according to the prescript rule of Hippocrates, 2. Aph. 35−−before I proceed any
further in the cure of her distemper. No, no, quoth Panurge, that will be but to little purpose. Such a feat is for
the practice of us that are lawyers, who have the rubric, De ventre inspiciendo. Do not therefore trouble
yourself about it, master doctor; I will provide for her a plaster of warm guts. Do not neglect your more
urgent occasions otherwhere for coming to my wedding. I will send you some supply of victuals to your own
house, without putting you to the trouble of coming abroad, and you shall always be my special friend. With
this, approaching somewhat nearer to him, he clapped into his hand, without the speaking of so much as one
word, four rose nobles. Rondibilis did shut his fist upon them right kindly; yet, as if it had displeased him to
make acceptance of such golden presents, he in a start, as if he had been wroth, said, He he, he, he, he! there
was no need of anything; I thank you nevertheless. From wicked folks I never get enough, and I from honest
people refuse nothing. I shall be always, sir, at your command. Provided that I pay you well, quoth Panurge.
That, quoth Rondibilis, is understood.
Chapter 3.XXXV. How the philosopher Trouillogan handleth the difficulty of marriage.
As this discourse was ended, Pantagruel said to the philosopher Trouillogan, Our loyal, honest, true, and
trusty friend, the lamp from hand to hand is come to you. It falleth to your turn to give an answer: Should
Panurge, pray you, marry, yea or no? He should do both, quoth Trouillogan. What say you? asked Panurge.
That which you have heard, answered Trouillogan. What have I heard? replied Panurge. That which I have
said, replied Trouillogan. Ha, ha, ha! are we come to that pass? quoth Panurge. Let it go nevertheless, I do not
value it at a rush, seeing we can make no better of the game. But howsoever tell me, Should I marry or no?
Neither the one nor the other, answered Trouillogan. The devil take me, quoth Panurge, if these odd answers
do not make me dote, and may he snatch me presently away if I do understand you. Stay awhile until I fasten
these spectacles of mine on this left ear, that I may hear you better. With this Pantagruel perceived at the door
of the great hall, which was that day their dining−room, Gargantua's little dog, whose name was Kyne; for so
was Toby's dog called, as is recorded. Then did he say to these who were there present, Our king is not far
off,−−let us all rise.
That word was scarcely sooner uttered, than that Gargantua with his royal presence graced that banqueting
and stately hall. Each of the guests arose to do their king that reverence and duty which became them. After
that Gargantua had most affably saluted all the gentlemen there present, he said, Good friends, I beg this
favour of you, and therein you wil

G and P Blackmask

Transcription

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