Father Nicolo of Narni was a celebrated preacher with a quick eye, when in the pulpit, over the female part of his flock. He was one day preaching at Catanea, in Sicily, when amongst the rest of his auditory he spied out a very agreeable young woman named Agatha, wife of one Ruggieri, a physician, and was immediately enamoured with her beauty. The lady was so devout as to have her eyes constantly fixed on the preacher, and could not help perceiving that he was handsome, nor wishing secretly that her husband were no less agreeable. After sermon she addressed herself for confession to Father Nicolo who was overjoyed at this lucky opportunity of discovering his passion. Agatha had soon despatched the account of her own sins; after which she very generously confessed for her husband too, and asked the holy man if he had no cure for an old man’s jealousy. The Father replied that jealousy was a passion to be avoided by the lucky person who possessed so divine a creature. Agatha smiled, and thinking it time to return to some female friends who were waiting for her, desired absolution. The priest sighed, and said: ‘My fair daughter, who can free another that is bound himself? I am chained by the irresistible power of your beauty, and without your assistance I can neither absolve myself nor you.’ Agatha was young and inexperienced, yet by the help of a good natural understanding she was not at a loss to unravel his meaning. She had besides, to quicken her wit, been strictly guarded and ill-used by her husband. She therefore soon let the Father see that she understood him, and that she was not displeased to find, notwithstanding the sanctity of his character, that he was flesh and blood. The business of absolution was not forgotten: Father Nicolo urged his passion and, at his earnest request, the lady undertook to find means for him to pay her a visit. After a short time she acquainted him, to this end, that she was troubled with fits, and that all the medicines her husband could administer procured her no ease; therefore, said she, the next time he is sent for into the country, I will feign myself seized with my usual distemper, and send to you to bring some relic of St. Griffon for my relief. You will, I suppose, comply with the summons, and one of my faithful maids shall be ready to conduct you to my chamber. The Father applauded her wit, pronounced a thousand blessings on her for this happy invention, and thus they parted.