HE xxvth chapter is about the Seffers. These are beggars who besmear themselves all over with salve, and lie down before the churches; thus looking as though they had been ill a long time, and as if their mouth and face had[Pg 41] broken out in sores; but if they go to a bath three days after these go away again.
Of the Schweigers, or the Jaundiced.
HE xxvjth chapter is about the Schweigers. These are beggars who take horses’ dung and mix it with water, and besmear their legs, hands, and arms with it; thereby appearing as if they had the yellow sickness, or other dreadful disease. Yet it is not true; they cheat people therewith, and they are called Schweigers.
Of the Burkhart.
HE xxvijth chapter is about the Burkhart. These are they who thrust their hands into gauntlets, and tie them with kerchiefs to their throats, and say they have Saint Anthony’s penance, or that of any other Saint. Yet it is not true, and[Pg 42] they cheat people therewith. This is called going on the Burkhart.