The Monks Hood Pulled Off, Part 2
PART II.
CHAP. I. The Capucins Journal.
THE Capucins boaſt, that of all the Religious Orders of the Romiſh Church, theirs is the moſt auſtere and perfect. The Carthuſians did formerly diſpute this honour with them; but ſince the Jeſuits are ſtarted up, who contend with them both, and would take this honour from them by force, for they will give place to none in point of perfection. And they have reaſon for it, having amongſt them all thoſe advantages by whole Sale, which the reſt have only by Retail, viz.
They beg with the Mendicants, receive Rents with the Biſhops, Benefices with the Abbots, Priviledges with the Monks; they eat good Fiſh with the Carthuſians, Fleſh with the Capucin's, wild In Fowl with the Gentry. agreat houſes ſhort Maſſes are ſaid.They ſay ſhort Maſſes, as great Mens Chaplains do; are clad like Popes, feed like Lords, and lye delicately. They are Jacobins in the Pulpit, Carmelites in the Kitchen, but never Cordeliers in the Choire. They are Confeſſors to Kings, and of late are become Chaplains to Princes, and great Ladies. They govern both men and women, gather wealth on all hands; and if you would give a Jeſuite his right name, you muſt call him Omnis homo. However, the Capucin's have gained the eſteem of the people, and do exceed all the other Monks in rigour and auſterity.
Their day begins at midnight, a little before which time, he that warns them to riſe, goes the round by their chamber doors with a kind of Cymbal, which they call a Tarrabas, being like thoſe Inſtruments of Wood, with which thoſe of the Romiſh Communion are called to their Churches three days before Easter, when the Bells are ſilent.
At this noiſe the ſleeping Fryars rouſe, rub their ears, ſhake off their fleas, and go into the Choire to ſing Matines. They that would be diſpenſed with, need only ſay to this officer, Brother I am indiſpoſed, paſs on further. When Matines are ended, having invoked all the Saints in Paradiſe, both Males and Females; they begin to whip themſelves after the manner mentioned in the 8th Chapter of the Capucin. Many make more noiſe then they have hurt, others ſtrike againſt the benches to ſpare their buttocks; and all this while they ſing with open mouth the 51 Pſalm, Have mercy on this poor Sinner, &c. There be ſome that make themſelves bleed in good earneſt, and with much whipping harden the leather of their buttocks, like that of a Poſtillion's Coat; for theſe poor people think they ſhall go to Heaven the ſooner for their much whiping themſelves.
The whips which they uſe, are called Diſciplines; ſome are made of ſmall iron chains, and ſome of ſmall cords full of knots; at the end of which ſome of them put iron rowels. Theſe whips conſiſt, ſome of five ſtrings, in honour of the five wounds of Jeſus Chriſt; and ſome of ſeven to puniſh the ſeven mortal ſins.
After theſe skirmiſhes, the Superiour bleſſeth them all, and then they diſpoſe themſelves to make that Prayer which they call mental; and that they may recollect themſelves the better, the windows are ſhut. Many of them make it, as Saint Peter in the Garden; bThey fall aſleep.Simon ſleepeſt thou? This Prayer muſt continue an hour, and then they go to a great fire; about which they make a thouſand frisks, and cut as many capers. Some turn their back to the fire, others their ſide. Some draw their Hoods over their face, others put a Handkerchief over their eyes; and all this while they rehearſe in two Choirs the office of the Virgin for thoſe that gave them the wood.
When they are well warmed, they go to ſleep till ſix a clock in Winter, and five in Summer: a little before the clock ſtrikes, they are awakened by the ſtrokes of a club on their chamber-doors, and then they return into the Choire to ſing cCertain Offices.Firſt and Third, and after that the Conventual Maſs dThe ordinary Maſs of the Monaſtery.for the good friends of the Monaſtery.
After theſe ſpiritual exerciſes, they betake themſelves to corporal ones. The Cooks prepare in the Kitchen, the Gardners go to work in the Garden. Some go to their Studies, ſome fetch a walk, ſome make croſſes for the reſt, ſome make reliques for their devout Clients, and ſome paſs the time in talking, &c.
About half an hour after nine, the Bell rings eTimes for certain Offices.Sixth and Ninth, after which offices they give ſome ſtrokes on a broken Pick-ax inſtead of a Bell; which is done in zeal to poverty; at the noiſe of theſe blows on the ſpade, they all go into the Dining-room, and one after the other kiſs the ground, and then ſtand in order waiting for the Superiour.
Mundays, Wedneſdays, and Fridays, having kiſt the ground, they attend on their knees the coming of the Superiour, who having likewiſe kiſt the ground, turns about to the reſt. Then the eldeſt of them puts off his cloak in reſpect, claſps his hands, hangs down his head on his knees, and ſays, Benedicite, Father I confeſs my fault, I am an unhappy wretch, I have broken a Platter; another ſays, I am worſe then a Devil, I have broken a Cup; another, I am a block-head, I was like to have burnt the Monaſtery. Such things as theſe they confeſs, as Mr. du Moulin hath obſerved Vide du Moulin.in the 8th Chapter of the Capucin.
To theſe childiſh confeſſions, are enjoyned on the very ſame place, Penances ſutably ridiculous, to which I adde theſe following.
They make him that hath Sung too low in the Choir, to put the Coverlet of his bed on his back, like a Cope, and a ſtaff in his hand like the Chanter of the Chapter; and as he walks along by the Tables, he ſings the Magnificat with falſe notes.
If any one be too ſpruce or finical, (as many affect to be; witneſs he that cauſed ſuch hairs of his eye-brows and beard, as he called ſupernumerary, to be pluckt out; for he cut his hairs by tale, and his beard by the rule or compaſs) they make him kiſs the Pothangers, or the bottom of a Kettle. Divers go to him to complement him, calling him Sir; and then (to make him handſom and brave) they load him with Diſh-clouts, and flap him on the Chaps with a wet cloth, as you would do to a Jack-pudding.
I have known a Maſter of the Novices to enjoyn a Novice, as a penance, to ſing a merry Song, called Madelonnette. Another hath commanded them all to paſs over the belly of one that lay flat on his back; and every one as he paſſed over him, ſaid, Burſt, burſt thou proud Cockscomb.
Another, who cauſed a Novice to be whipt in the Garden, in the ſight of Women and Maids, that lookt over the wall; being told of it, replyed, fThey would fain ſee the Females whipt.What care we though the Females ſee our ſhoulders, ſith we give them good example.
It is a very rude and uncivil penance, when a poor Capucin hath emptied his pot of Wine at Table; the Superiour commands another to be brought him. For this is to publiſh his infirmity gIt is a ſign he loves good wine.and what that is, the reſt are able to gueſs by the greatneſs of his thirſt.
If any one brags of his gentility, or talks in Courtly terms, or walks loftily, three perſons are appointed to follow him as he walks up and down, whilſt the reſt are at Table; and two Halbertiers march before him with Pick-Axes on their ſhoulders, crying, Room, Room, for the Gentleman.
If any one makes a noiſe as he walks, he is tyed hand and foot like a Calf that is carried to Market, and lies ſo upon the place till dinner be ended; or elſe he is made gallop up and down the room upon all four like a beaſt.
Going one day to a certain Monaſtery, I went into the Diningroom, and in the place where they do penance, I ſaw one buſily endeavouring to bite an Apple, which hung from the roof by a thred; and asking what that poor Fryar had done, I was told that he had eaten his Pottage too hot, and that this Apple was given him to ſtay his ſtomack while his broth did cool.
Another for breaking ſilence, was made to hold a dead mans bone in his mouth, for the ſpace of an hour at the Church door, to be ſeen by thoſe that went in.
A certain poor Fryar that was one of the Servants, coming one day very hot out of the Kitchen, preſently takes off his pot of wine; which the Superiour obſerving, made him ſhew the bottom of his empty pot, and to ſay aloud, Brethren, I pray do me the favour to fetch my Drawers for my pot, for you ſee it ſhows its breech.
When any one hath ſpoken too inſolently to his fellow, he is made to go bare-foot, bare-headed, with his hands claſpt, and a great rope about his neck; and falling on his knees, he kiſſeth the feet of all the reſt, ſaying, Brethren pray to God for a poor Toad.
He that hath too ſtately a gate, is made to walk up and down, whilſt the reſt are at dinner, with his arms a Kembow, a Basket on his head, and a lath by his ſide, made like a Sword; ſaying to them all, one after another; Brother what doſt thou think? am I not very brave?
I have known a Superiour ſo uncivil, as to command a young Novice who ſmelt to his bread, to dine on the ſeat of a Privy.
And now we are ſpeaking of Novices; it is a rent which they pay every Friday, before they ſit down at Table, to whip themſelves whilſt the 51 Pſalm is ſung, and to ſpeak to no body but on their knees, nor to riſe again before they have kiſs'd the ground.
When theſe follies are ended, and having all dined, the Superiour gives a ſignal by ſtriking with his knife on a goblet. Whereupon they all riſe, and take away, and (having given thanks) go to the Altar, where every one ſays three Paters for thoſe who gave them their Dinner; after which they walk in the garden.
About Two of the Clock, the Keeper of the Veſtry (or Sexton) ſtrikes ſive times on the broken Pick-Axe; this is called Silence, at the ſound whereof they all go to ſleep for an hour; and this is called the preparation for the mental prayer, which in Summer they make at noon.
At Two of the Clock they ſing Veſpers; at which time, moſt commonly, there are many vacant places, for ſome are walking in the Garden, others making viſits in the Town, others a begging; and it is a great chance if ſome be not abſent.
At Four a Clock they ring the hThe laſt evening Service.Completorium, after which, they make about forty Prayers to the Virgin Mary; and then they make again the mental prayer for an hour.
In the Winter they whip themſelves as ſoon as this Prayer is ended, inſtead of doing it in the night, to avoid the ſeverity of the cold.
One of the greateſt Earls in France, being once, by chance in a Monaſtery, and hearing the great noiſe they made, thought the Heavens were falling, and receiving withall a laſh on the chaps with a whip, cryed out for help; which at that time put a ſtop to their exerciſe.
One of them being wont to whip himſelf too ſeverely, the Superiour cauſed his Diſcipline (which is a kind of whip) to be taken from him. But this good Fryer loved whipping ſo well, that he went and preſented his buttocks to his companions, and begging ſome laſhes of them, he ſaid, Brother do me the kindneſs, &c.
They go out from thence merrily to Supper (which is not interrupted with Penances, as their dinner is) and then they go to diſcourſe by a good fire. Some tell the news of the Town, others read Gazetts; and every man takes the liberty to talk, except the Superiour (from the occaſion of a ſpark of fire falling on his foot) commands them to ſay ſome Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory.
About Seven a Clock, the devouteſt of them go to examine their Conſciences before the Altar; after which the Superiour ſings ſome Prayers; which being ended, they all ſtretch out their arms croſs-wiſe, and ſay Five Paters; then one of them kiſſing his hand, preſenteth him with the bruſh dipt in Holy-water, which he ſprinkles on their heads, to waſh away their Venial ſins. After this every one kiſſeth the ground, and ſays, Benedicite, and ſo they go to lye down until the Alarm calls them to Matines.
CHAP. II. Some particular Superſtitions practiſed by the Capucins.
IT is a lamentable thing to obſerve whither Superſtition leads theſe poor Souls, that take not the precepts of the Goſpel for the rule of their devotion.
There are ſome Capucins that think they do God very good ſervice by whipping themſelves every day, as ſoon as they awake; and that if they whip themſelves before the Communion, it is a good preparation thereunto.
I have read in the memorials of one of their Generals, that a certain Capucin, named Amboine Corſe, wore a Coat of Maile next his body, and girt it ſo cloſe, that his fleſh came thorow it; inſomuch, that it was incorporated into his skin; alſo that this ſame man did wear Drawers of Hogsskin, and that (the length of them being half cut) entred into his Hairs.fleſh; and at laſt he came to ſuch a degree of Superſtition, that he would eat but five raw Beans a day in Summer, and five Chacenuts in Winter, and drank nothing but Water. His deſign (ſays the General) was to try how far humane nature could go in ſuffering (he might have ſaid, in tempting God.)
Some of them lye on the bare Boards, with a Faggot for their Pillow, and ſleep with a Croſs in their hand.
A certain Capucin that was wont to ſtretch out his arms (Croſswiſe) two hours every day, being ſick and weak, would not let fall his languiſhing arms; and asking him to what purpoſe that Devotion ſerved, he anſwered me, that he did it in imitation of Saint Paul; who ſaid, That he was Crucified with Jeſus Chriſt.
I have known ſome that would bow a hundred times every day before an Image of the Virgin Mary, and at each time kiſs the feet of the Image.
Some gather Flowers and make Noſegays, wherein they put but five ſorts of flowers, in honour of the five letters of the name Maria. I have ſeen certain of them having a Noſegay of Gilliflowers in their hand, preſent it to the noſe of an Image of the Virgin Mary; and kneeling down ſaid, I ſalute thee, Mary; and repeated it ſixty three times, in honour of the ſixty three years, which they ſay the Virgin Mary lived upon Earth.
I have known ſome go four Leagues faſting, to preſent the Virgin Mary with a Crown of flowers, which they put on the head of her Image.
Another pricking himſelf, ſigned a vow to the Virgin Mary with his blood; and as he turned about, ſeeing a great gobbet of rotten flegm, which ſome body had newly ſpit, he lickt it up in honour of the ſaid Virgin.
One of their Stewards were wont to preſent Fruit to the Fryars, with ſublime intentions, viz. Sometimes he would preſent a ſlice of a Melon to each of them, in honour of the Deity; ſometimes two in honour of the two Natures of Chriſt. Sometimes three Apples in honour of the three Perſons; ſometimes four Pears in honour of the four Evangeliſts; ſeven Apricocks in deſpight to the ſeven mortal ſins; eight Figs in favour of the eight Beatitudes; nine Apples in memory of the nine Choire of Angels; ten Chaſenuts in thinking on the ten Commandments; and oftentimes twelve in memory of the twelve Apoſtles.
I have known ſome carry about with them their ſins, written in a skin of Parchment; which they ſowed to the inſide of their cloths, juſt againſt the heart; and this they did in imitation of David, who ſaith in the 51 Pſalm, My ſin is ever before me.
Another had the reputation of a Saint for whipping himſelf every night, and for whipping the ſteps of the Altar; with intention to whip the ſhooes of the little Jeſus.
Fryar Jacopon had the inwards of an Oxe hanging in his Chamber; wherein the worms bred, and he uſed to bite it ſometimes to mortifie his appetite.
Some think it a great piece of Devotion to ſleep upon a dead mans skull; others to whip themſelves with a handful of Nettles; another is admired in the Chronicles of their Order, for ſitting on one end of a plank, and weighing up and down with a Child on the other end, in the midſt of the Town, and continuing ſo to do, until the Magiſtrates came and ſaluted him for a Saint.
I knew one ſo fervent, that in zeal to the Goſpel, which makes mention of Eunuchs, that made themſelves Eunuchs for the Kingdom of God; acted the part of a Chirurgion on himſelf; and the pieces becarried on a Trencher to the Suing periours Chamber, he ordered that the two brethren ſhould be buried in the Church-yard, waiting for the reſurrection. This poor fool was within a hands breadth of death; falling down in a ſwound at the foot of the block, on which he had gelt himſelf.
I knew another, who to moderate his humours, rolled his buttocks on burning coals.
This was reputed ſanctity by ſome, but folly by the Gardiner; becauſe the Coleworts were uſed to cure the bladders which he had on his breech.
I have known ſome ſo ſcrupulous, that they would have thought themſelves in the eſtate of damnation, if they had read but ſix lines of the Goſpel of Saint John, tranſlated into the vulgar tongue.
I ſhall wave many other practices of this kind, to deplore the miſery of theſe poor men tranſported with zeal, but not according to knowledge. If there be any Piety in the Romiſh Church, it is, doubtleſs, amongſt them; but ſeeing their ſanctity is mixed with ſo much extravagance, it is not to be imitated; for Bodily exerciſe profiteth little, but godlineſs is profitable unto all things; having promiſe of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
CHAP. III. The Habits of the Capucins.
THE Habit of the Capucins conſiſteth in three things, viz. in that great exteriour habit which is ſeen in little drawers, which they call Murandes; and in the cord which muſt be of hair, or flax, and muſt have three knots. The firſt knot ſignifies Chaſtity, the ſecond Poverty, and that which beateth on their feet, ſignifies Obedience. If any one to ſhorten his cord, makes a fourth knot, they call it blame and ſelf-will.
The Cloak and Sandales are not of the eſſence of their Habit, neither can they wear them but by the Popes diſpenſation.
The rule of the Capucins permits them to wear another Habit underneath, but that hath no Hood. It reacheth to the neck only; and he that wears it, cannot wear a Cloak. This ſort of Habit is called Tunica; it is made of a ſoft and gentle cloth, and he that ſhould wear it with a Hood, and ſhould not leave off his Cloak, would be cenſured guilty of a mortal ſin.
Whereupon there aroſe, one day a great diſpute amongſt them, whether this Tunica, with a Hood, might be worn without ſin. To this anſwer was made, that for the avoiding of ſin, it ſhould be ſown at the neck and end of the Sleeves to the other Habit; and then it would be but one Habit: A reſolution both ſubtil and charitable, which draws a Soul out of Hell with a needle full of threed.
Divers of them wear large napkins on their back and ſtomach, and you may eaſily perceive it by looking at their neck. But they that do this ſhould alſo put Napkins on the out-ſide of their cloths, in imitation of St. Francis, who having put a Foxes skin with inſide his clothes to warm his ſtomach; cauſed another to be ſown on the out-ſide, that he might not be thought an Hypocrite.
I have ſeen ſome of the Capucins cloaks made of the liſts of cloth, and their cloaths made of little ſhreds ſowed together; but they that wore them were prouder than a Spaniard with his Cloak.
CHAP. IV. The Begging of the Capucins.
IN ſome Monaſteries in France, there are 120 Monks, and in many other 80. and 60. The expences of theſe Monaſteries (in reference both to back and belly, with neceſſaries as well for the Church, as Offices of the Houſhold) amount to above 35000, or 40000 livers yearly. So that you muſt conclude their Wallet would be very large, if what is put into it were ſufficient to defray ſo great an expence. But ſee how they order their buſineſs.
The chief of the Town give them weekly ſome twenty pounds of fleſh, ſome twelve pounds, ſome more, ſome leſs, which they give theſe *Beggars.Queſtors order to take of their Butchers. And you may gueſs what quantity of fleſh is brought into each Monaſtery in a week, there being very few perſons of note who do not give them ſome.
On Saturdays, moſt commonly, you may ſee at ſeveral times of the day, Butchers going to the Monaſtery, laden with meat without each others knowledge; and ſometimes the Kitchen is ſo full, that it would ſerve to furniſh a Butchers ſtall.
To theſe Alms in ſpecie, are added pecuniary Alms, given by the Nobility and Gentry of the Country. The Capucins dare not make uſe of theſe pecuniary Alms, until the intention of the donor be fully declared.
The Queſtor who takes a pride in furniſhing the Kitchen well, takes with him ſome crafty fellows to receive this money, who when they receive it, cauſe the donor to ſay, that it is to feed the poor Fryars; for if the donor had only ſaid in general it is for the neceſſities of the Monaſtery, that money could not have been made uſe of for the Kitchen. Hence it comes to paſs, that the money which comes from the Country, and that which is given for Maſſes, Sermons, and other exerciſes, is employed moſt commonly for the refreſhment of the poor Fryars; for the Benefactors cauſe thoſe very words to be uſed to thoſe to whom the Alms is given, which the parties themſelves deſire.
There is ſuch an abundance of bread given to ſome Monaſteries, that they cannot uſe it all, but the Queſtor knows how to work a kind of miracle, ſo that nothing is loſt: For when any one of thoſe that are wont to give bread, is about to give his Alms, the Queſtor begins to bleſs God for the care he hath of the poor Fryars, and teſtiſies, by his refuſal, that he hath no need of it at preſent. Then he is asked what it is that he wants. He dares not ſay he wants fleſh, for their Conſtitutions forbid them to ask fleſh in its proper ſpecies, except it be for the Sick: But he declares that the moſt part give them Bread; and that man lives not by Bread only, and gives ſo many hints, that at laſt the Benefactor, knowing his meaning, gives him fleſh.
The Bread which they take of the Baker is of the fineſt ſort, and ſometimes it ſo much abounds, that I have ſeen (beſides what was uſed) above 160 dozen of Bread remaining in a Monaſtery at the years end.
In the time of Vintage they beg Wine; they receive it by bottles at the houſe, and buy it at Fairs by the Cask with the Pecuniary Alms. That which is given to the Queſtor in bottles, they caſt into a Tun with ripe Grapes and old Wine to make it ſtrong. It is true that the Superiours have forbidden any more than two or three Casks to be received into the Cellar of the Monaſtery at a time, for fear of committing an offence againſt poverty; but when that is drunk, they cauſe more to be brought in, which is kept for a reſerve by ſome good friend to the Monaſtery.
They beg Wool at the time of of Sheep-ſhearing; and that they may get the more, they ſend out four Troops of Capucins, who traverſe the whole Country. That Sheep is very cunning that can eſcape without leaving ſome of its locks behind it: So that ſome Monaſteries have 1200 l. of Wool yearly; others 800 l. and in ſome Monaſteries they make cloth.
They beg Butter at the ſame time; and to get the more, they ſend Beaſts laden with empty pots, ſome greater, ſome leſs, of which every one takes according to their devotion; and when they are full, lead them back to the Monaſtery, whither hath been brought ſome years, 4 or 5000 l. according to the goodneſs of the ſeaſon.
Some Monaſteries have liberty to cut Wood in the Kings Forreſts, and the Gentry of the Country ſupply them, if they want more: But they go a ſhorter way to work; for on the firſt great cold, when it Snows or Hails much, they ſend ſome abroad to beg Wood, with a Cart attending them. They go bare as high as the knees, and there is no body but contributes ſomething, when he ſees their legs bare and red with cold. This way only furniſheth them with Wood enough for the whole year.
Theſe Beggars ſpare no body. If any one makes Linnen, they have their ſhare. If a Cow or an Oxe be killed in Harveſt, the skin is appointed to make Sandales for the Capucins. The Chandlers give them Candles, the Druguiſts Spices, &c. At Fairs they go from ſhop to ſhop, and there are few (beſides thoſe that ſell Whiſtles, and Puppets) but give them part of what they ſell. He that ſhould ſee the Queſtors private Magazine, would find there more accommodation then in the beſt furniſhed Boats. There is in ſome Monaſteries greater ſtore of Apothecaries Wares, than in any ſhop in the Town, alſo I have ſeen divers Cart-loads of all ſorts of Chymical Veſſels and Engines.
He that ſhould curiouſly ſurvey the Monaſteries of theſe good Fathers, would find ſome of them worth above 100000 Crowns, and ſome of them above 120000. and I have told you how you may gueſs at their ways of getting ſo much. So that I dare aſſure you not one of them hath found the Philoſophers Stone, though many have taken great pains in ſeeking it.
Sometimes they make a very remarkable begging, viz. of Gentlemens Coats and Gowns, to cloath their Altars. I have ſeen in divers places Gentlewomens Damask Coats ſerve to cover Jeſus Chriſt, who (they ſay) is in the Sacrament. But it is a very uncivil charity to uncover the back-ſides of Women, to cover Jeſus Chriſt.
CHAP. V. The Viſitations of their Provincials.
IT is the duty of Provincials to viſit the Monaſteries of their Provinces at leaſt once a year. The Provincial gives notice eight days before his arrival at any Monaſtery. At his entrance the Porter gives an extraordinary Signal to aſſemble all the Fryars in the room, where the common fire is kept, whither the Prelate goes. Being ſure every one kiſſeth his hand kneeling, and ſome kiſs his feet; and then having kiſt the ground in his preſence, they prepare to treat him.
The Officers having their Sleeves turned up to the elbow, begin with his ſhoulders, which they rub with warm linnen cloths. If he ſweats, they rub him over again and again, and then apply two large warm napkins to his body.
After this they waſh his feet with Roſes, and other ſweet flowers and herbs; and when they are well ſoakt, they wipe them with warm Napkins, which are employed about him by dozens. They that waſh his feet do it bare-headed on their knees; and when they have done, each of them kiſſeth one of his feet, and hold them until the reſt of the Fryars have kiſt them; then they conduct him to the fire whilſt they do the like (though ſomewhat more ſlightly) to his two companions.
The Steward is there attending, and preſents him with Bread and Wine; and having warmed himſelf, he is conducted to a Chamber, where he lies down on a bed. Perfumes of divers ſorts are there ſmoaking, heaps of flowers lye on the table, or on the flowr, and great Noſe-gays recreate his eyes, and ſo we leave him to repoſe himſelf for a while.
When he hath taken his reſt for an hour, they bring up his meat; if they have any good bit, it is for the Father Provincial. I have counted ſometimes a dozen diſhes before him, and three bottles of Wine, each of a different ſort. His companions are ſerved with as many diſhes; for each of them eats apart, though they ſit at the ſame Table. The ſecond courſe is not omitted; Cakes, Tarts, and Cream, are ſerved up one after the other. They end their Meals with Sweetmeats, and Spaniſh Wine to comfort their Stomach.
Having ended his repaſt, he takes a walk with the Superiour of the Monaſtery; who on this occaſion, gives either good or bad characters of his Subjects, according to the condition of his affairs, and the order which he pretends is eſtabliſhed in his Monaſtery.
The next day the Provincial cauſeth five blows to be given on the broken Pick-Axe, to aſſemble the Fryars in the Diningroom; where, being arrived, he ſignifies the occaſion of his coming; and in a kind of Sermon exhorts them to Abſtinence, Sobriety, and Auſterity of life; and appoints to every one in particular, a time of coming to him at his Chamber. And this they call the Viſitation.
The Viſitation is thus; They all go one after the other, and carry to the Provincial their whole equipage, viz. Whip, Breviary, Rule, Chaplet, Croſs, Reliques, Agnus Dei, Books, &c. Being come to the door of the Chamber, they take off their Cloaks, and go in bare-foot. As ſoon as they enter, they kiſs the ground, and ſtay there bareheaded on their knees, whilſt this Prelate lies ſtretcht on a Couch, or ſits leaning on a Cuſhion. He examines him that enters; firſt, concerning his own particular buſineſſes, and then concerning the affairs of the Monaſtery. Whereupon letting looſe their nature, they accuſe each other with much paſſion. The Provincial writes all down in his Table-book, and having made the ſign of the Croſs with his thumb, on the forehead of the Fryar, he diſmiſſeth him for that time.
When they have all, thus made, their appearance, he aſſigns a convenient hour to return to the Dining-room to make his Exhortation. His Text is moſt commonly ſutable to the complaints he hath received; which he aggrevates and exhorts them to amendment; and having ended his diſcourſe, he ſays aloud, Confeſs your faults.
At which words they all leave their places, and putting off their Cloaks, fall on their knees, accuſing themſelves as before. Then he repreſents to each one his faults in particular, and enjoyns them Penances. Some he enjoyns to whip themſelves thrice, ſome twice, and ſome once. Such a one is to faſt three Fridays with bread and water; and another to kiſs the feet of all the Fryars. All that are Prieſts, he enjoyns to ſay a Maſs of the Holy Ghoſt, and the Clerks to ſay a Chaplet of our Lady at his intention.
If any one hath offended in a reſerved caſe, he muſt declare it to the Provincial; if any one hath committed an extraordinary crime, he is caſt into Priſon by way of Proviſion, until a decree paſs againſt him in the next Provincial Aſſembly.
Having all thus accuſed themſelves, and received their Penances, they ſay their Conſiteor. After which, this Prelate puts on his Spectacles, takes a Book in his hand, and pronounceth with a loud voice (by the power, which he ſaith, he hath received from the Pope) the remiſſion of all caſes reſerved; and not reſerved of all cenſures, excommunications, ſuſpentions, interducts, &c. Then he diſpoſeth himſelf for his Dinner; after which, he departs for another Monaſtery. This is the important employment of this great Father throughout the year, ſome few days excepted in the depth of Winter.
At his departure from the Monaſtery, they all attend him on their knees at the gate, where, at his coming, they preſent him with the Holy water; which he ſprinkles on their faces; and then having all kiſt the ground, he bids them farewel.
This Prelate hath commonly two companions, whereof one ſerves him as a Secretary (but is called his fellow Counſellour) the other carries his Baggage; and this hath four Pouches or Pockets in this Cloak, and one in each Sleeve; wherein he carries the Provincials Records with ſome pieces of fine Serge to be applyed to his body, if he ſhould be cold; and fine Linnen to wipe him, if he ſhould ſweat; ſome Ten bottles of Wine (whereof one of Spaniſh Wine) to prevent Faintneſs; and ſome Bread; and roaſted Fowls, which are given him to fortifie him in his journey.
A certain Provincial being once in the Country on a Feſtival day, had the devotion to ſay Maſs, and the Fryar hath carried the baggage, laying down his Cloak, partly out of reverence, and partly to eaſe himſelf. Whilſt he was thus communicating (as they do every Holiday) a Greyhound-bitch drew a roaſted leg of Mutton out of one of the Pockets, and carried it away in her mouth, throw the middeſt of the people; who till then never knew that the Capucins had made a Cupboard of his Cloak. I leave you to judge whether this poor Fryar did not communicate with diſtraction.
CHAP. VI. The Priſons of the Capucins.
THE moſt perfect man upon earth is ſubject to failings; and ſin deſerves puniſhment, according to the degree of its exceſs: wherefore theſe good Fathers (beſides the afore-mentioned Penances) have their Priſons likewiſe to chaſtiſe Delinquents.
Theſe Priſons are of two ſorts, ſome are high, and ſome low. The high Priſons are Chambers with Grated windows, and pad-lockt-doors, not differing from other Chambers.
The low Priſons are 'twixt four ſtrong walls, garniſhed with pieces of wood; the light comes in, only through a high ſmall grated window, out of the Priſoners reach. All their houſholdſtuff is a Straw-bed, and a Straw-cover for the Privy.
Some are there five years, ſome four, &c. according to the greatneſs of their crime. But ſuch Priſons moſt commonly ſerve only for thoſe that run away from the Monaſtery, whom they call Apoſtates; whether they return voluntarily, or are taken by force.
Some years ſince they took a poor wretch that had run away from the Monaſtery; and having bound him, they put him naked into a bundle made of Straw; and were carrying him from Picardy to Paris; but he eſcaped at Amiens, and ran into a Court of guard, where having taken him, they again put him into Priſon, where he fell diſtracted, and ſo dyed.
I knew one condemned to perpetual Impriſonment; he had a chain about his middle, and manacles on his hands. He had no other bed, than the block to which he was chained; neither had he any food, ſave bread and water thrice a week; but the truth is, his crime deſerved death.
Theſe Priſoners come not out till the time be expired; they hear Maſs through a hole at the door, and never ſpeak without leave; they communicate at a little window. The knife which is given them at their meals is broken: they have no other Table then the floor, except they will eat on the ſeat of the Privy. They have no Hood to their Habit, but are allowed ſuch a one to cover their head, as the people of Bearn wear; and for a Girdle, a very weak liſt of cloth, for fear, leaſt if they had their cord, ſome inconvenience might happen.
To theſe Impriſonments, ſome other Penances are added, viz. Some are let out Fridays to whip themſelves publickly; others have their bread and drink by meaſure, &c. If any one ſtrikes his Gaoler, they ſtrip him, and whip him with a witneſs.
Theſe Priſons ſerve not only for Criminals, but alſo for Diſtracted Perſons, who are whipt often to bring them to their ſenſes. On a certain time, one of theſe Mad Men being got out of his Dungeon, went ſtrait to the Pulpit, where one was to Preach; and ſitting with his naked breech on the edge of the Pulpit, threw himſelf down; and falling on a Gentlewoman, had like to have broken her neck. This hapned upon one of their moſt ſolemn Feſtival days.
CHAP. VII. The Recreations of the Capucins.
THere is no cord but will break, if it continues too long ſtretcht; and therefore theſe Fathers let themſelves looſe thrice a year, to prepare for the auſterities of Lent.
Before any Lent begins (for they have three or four in the year) they have eight days at each time, which they call days of Recreation. This Recreation begins with good cheer, their table being better furniſht than at other times. Veal and Mutton are then too hard to be digeſted; Turkies, Capons, Hares, Rabbets, Pullets, Pigeons, Woodcocks, Larks, &c. are there to be found according to the ſeaſon. I have often ſeen a Pullet, a Pye, a Tart, and ſome Sugar'd Fritters at each mans Trencher. On Fiſhdays they have Oyſters in the ſhell to whet their Stomachs, nor is there any lack of the beſt Wines. Sometimes they have had ſuch exceſs of Proviſion, that they have been forced to throw away many Plates of it, to fatten the root of a Tree, inſtead of giving it to the Poor; for this Charity would be accounted ſcandalous amongſt them; and would make thoſe that ſhould hear of it, think they had too much plenty, and conſequently it would make their Benefactors hold their hands.
In theſe days there is no reading, every one talks freely at Table; they drink one to another; they break jeſts round the Table; they have their Marrow-bones, make Salmigondies dreſs the Hares head A la mode; they drink ſupernaculum, and ſometimes have a merry Song with it.
Sometimes after their Meals, they act the Jack-Pudding, ſhew Hocus Pocus, and Judgling Tricks; and do all the reſt mentioned by Mr. Du Moulin, in his 15 Chapter; To which I add, that they ſometimes diſguiſe themſelves like Court-beggers, acting all ſorts of poſtures. Sometimes ſuch Comedies are turned into Tragedies; but they that act them being abſolved, the next day, by an extraordinary and publick Abſolution. I ſhall not mention particulars, but leave them in the rank of ſins pardoned.
After theſe Divertiſements, the Signal is given for the ſigning of Grace, and then they omit nothing which they can invent to make themſelves merry, viz. Ther's your Choire of Muſick, and the moſt delicate Court-airs Sung. Here they are Playing at Draughts, and Cheſs; at another place they are Fencing. Some play at Hop-Frog, ſome ſhew Tumblers-Tricks; ſome go a Mumming, &c. But they that are of a cold conſtitution, ſit by the fire chearing their hearts with good Wine. In a word, there is not ſo much noiſe in any Tavern in France, as in theſe Monaſteries, at ſuch times of Recreation.
It is obſervable, that on All-Saints day, when the Vigiles for the dead are over, whilſt others are every where weeping; and cauſe the Bells to be Rung, and Prayers to be made for their Deceaſed Kinsfolk. The Capucins are engaged in theſe Recreations, ſo that, who can imagine they believe the Doctrine of the Purgatory?
In their Recreations on Twelfthday-eve (which they call the Epiphany) they divide a Cake, and he to whoſe lot the Bean falls, is King. His quality makes him ſit by the Superiour; and then he is crowned with a Parchboard Crown, which they put on the top of his Hood. After that he creates his ſeveral Officers, not omiting his Fool; and every time he drinks, they ſing muſically, the King drinks.
Leagues are ſometimes made againſt theſe Kings, which trouble their State and the whole Monaſtery. Sometimes their moſt generous Souldiers have been up to the ears in Fire; witneſs, that brisk Lay-Fryar, who endeavouring to throw a Squib over a door, let fall his Candle into a diſh of powder that he had in his hand, which ſinged his Beard and his Chops, and made him in this burning heat, leap into the Fountain, crying out with open mouth, Sancte Fælix ora pro nobis.
But this Prayer did not keep his face from being plaiſter'd up for above a fortnight, in ſuch ſort, he could not breath but through a reed, or quill.
I ſhall not mention their Danceing, with Songs, (as the Song (My little Brown Miſtreſs you kill me, &c. ſeeing they are prohibited; but ſome Balls are not diſliked, when any lovers of Balls are in the Monaſtery.
I ſhall content my ſelf with what hath been ſaid, for the diſcovery of the ſecret practices of the Capucins; and I have not done this with a deſign to offend them, but only to put a ſtop to the opinion of thoſe that would make them paſs for Angels, and not for Men. However, I declare that of all the Monks of the Romiſh Church, theſe are the moſt honeſt and civil, and of the beſt extraction. Now if their zeal deſerves reproach, 'tis becauſe it is without knowledge. If they exceed in their Recreations, 'tis becauſe they have them but ſeldom, and therefore they ſtudy to make uſe of their time of mirth, whilſt they have it. I pray God illuminate their minds with his Knowledge, (by bringing them out of that darkneſs, into which their birth, and the opinion of their imaginary Holineſs hath plagued them) and tranſlate them into his marvelous light.
FINIS.
End of the text · Pierre du Moulin Sr, The Monks Hood Pulled Off (1671)