Becket's Breeches
I have been promising to tell the whole story of Thomas Becket and his
hair-underpants, and how they were darned by Our Lady. The original of
the story can be found in choice Latin, in Howlett, "Materials for the
Life of Thomas Becket", Rolls Series - I forget which volume. I do not
have the Rolls Series to hand, but the story is retold (faithfully
enough) in "The Miracles of Our Lady Saint Mary, brought out of Divers
Tongues and newly set forth in English by Evelyn Underhill," London:
William Heinemann 1905. Our extract is on pages 278-9:
"At this time that holy bishop was driven by God's enemies into exile;
and he fled into France, to Pontigny, and dwelt in the monastery of the
Cistercians in that town. And for many years Saint Thomas had worn
next to his skin a shirt and breeches made of hair; for the greater
mortification of his flesh, and that he might ever keep in mind his
Saviour's pains. But none knew it, save only a holy woman, an
anchoress of Canterbury, to whom he would take the said garments so
that she might mend them.
"But when that he was compelled to flee into France for his safety,
because of the suddenness of his going he could not provide himself
with a change of this vesture; and for that it was very old and
greatly worn, that which he had on him was falling to pieces.
Therefore, being in Pontigny, where he might not get what he needed
without disclosing the matter, which for humility's sake he did not
desire to do, Saint Thomas was in great perplexity; for indeed his
breeches fell into many holes, and would scarce stay on him. Thus it
was, that one day, finding himself alone in the monastery church, and
being in the chapel of Our Lady at the head of the choir where few
passed save at the hour of her Office, it came into his mind that he
would try what he might do for the mending of the said hair breeches.
And he took them off his body very discreetly, and examined them where
they should be sewed.
"But at this craft Saint Thomas had no skill, being indeed wholly
ignorant of the matter, as is the manner of men; and how to begin he
knew not, nor yet what contrivance he must use, for he had not the
needle and thread that the business required. But far otherwise was it
with his Sweetheart, that is the Queen of Ladies. Of such matters the
Blessed Virgin is not ignorant; nay, rather is she skilful in the
rendering of womanly service, for she is the very Pattern of right
womanhood.
"Therefore she came, and saluted that bishop her lover with much
courtesy, and comforted his fears. 'What!' she said, 'would you do
this alone, that might have your Friend to help you? Let be, for this
is woman's work.'
"And thus said, she took the breeches from his hands and sat down
beside him, and repaired all the rents that were in them most properly
and well. And when the work was done, she vanished.
"Then did Saint Thomas burst into tears, and he fell down on his knees
and lauded the glorious Virgin right lovingly, because she had
remembered her servant and humbled herself to minister to his needs.
And he did on the clothing that she had mended for him, for now it was
made new and whole; and so great was the joy he had of it that it
seemed softer than the finest silk. But he told this adventure to
none, for he feared to boast of the favour that his Lady had shown
him."
Oriens.
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