THE CHARM OF GARDENS 



there is no medicine, but one ; and that is to take their 

 proper leaves and stamp them and temper them with 

 water, and then drink it, and else he shall die ; for triacle 

 will not avail, ne none other medicine. Of this venom 

 the Jews had let seek of one of their friends for to 

 empoison all Christianity, as I have heard them say in 

 their confession before their dying ; but thank be to 

 Almighty God ! they failed of their purpose ; but always 

 they make great mortality of people." 



Yet again Sir John has marvels of other countries, 

 where are men who — " when their friends be sick they 

 hang them upon trees, and say that it is better that birds 

 that be angels of God eat them, than the foul worms of 

 the earth." 



And near by is the isle of Calonak, where gardeners 

 would indeed be evily distressed by reason of the snail — 

 " that be so great, that many persons may lodge them in 

 their shells, as men would do in a little house." 



By taking ship Sir John goes from isle to isle discussing 

 the sights, and arrives at length at an isle where — " be 

 white hens without feathers, but they bear white wool as 

 sheep do here " ; and he passes by Cassay, of the 

 greatest cities of the world, and goes from that city by 

 water to an abbey of monks. 



192 



