"My children," said Clement, "I saw a Lactantius in Rome, printed by Sweynheim and Pannartz, disciples of Fust."
"D'ye hear that, Pannartz? our work has gotten to Rome already."
"By your blue eyes and flaxen hair I wist ye were Germans: and the printing-press spoke for itself. Who then should ye be but Fust's disciples, Pannartz and Sweynheim?"
The honest Germans were now astonished that they had suspected magic in so simple a matter.
"The good father hath his wits about him, that is all," said Pannartz.
"Ay," said Sweynheim, "and with those wits would he could tell us how to get this tired beast to the next town."
"Yea," said Sweynheim, "and where to find money to pay for his meat and ours when we get there."
"I will try," said Clement. "Free the mule of the cart, and of all harness but the bare halter."
This was done, and the animal immediately lay down and rolled on his back in the dust like a kitten. Whilst he was thus employed, Clement assured them he would rise up a new mule. "His Creator hath taught him this art to refresh himself, which the nobler horse knoweth not. Now, with regard to money, know that a worthy Englishman hath intrusted me with a certain sum to bestow in charity. To whom can I better give a stranger's money than to strangers? Take it, then, and be kind to some Englishman or other stranger in his need; and may all nations learn to love one another one day."
The tears stood in the honest workmen's eyes. They took the money with heartfelt thanks.