Having reached the foot of the wall he set up his tavern in the open air, for the weather is mild in this heavenly land, and on the first day all who went in drank at Smetse’s stall, and paid him well out of compassion.
But one or two became drunk, and entering Paradise in this state, set Master Peter inquiring into the cause of it; and having found it out he enjoined Smetse to stop his selling, and had him whipped grievously.
XIX. Of the fair judgment of My Lord Jesus.
Not long afterwards the good wife died also, by reason of the terror that had seized hold of her at the sight of her man’s ghost.
And her soul went straight towards Paradise, and there she saw, sitting with his seat against the wall, the poor Smetse in a fit of melancholy brooding. When he saw her he jumped up with great joy, and said:
“Wife, I will go in with thee.”
“Dost thou dare?” said she.
“I will hide myself,” said he, “under thy skirt, which is wide enough for us both, and so I shall pass without being seen.”
When he had done this she knocked on the door, and Master St. Peter came to open it. “Come in,” he said, “good wife.” But seeing Smetse’s feet below the hem of the skirt: “This wicked smith,” he cried, “will he always be making fun of me? Be off, devil-baggage!”