This story is one of a class common among mediæval pulpit anecdotes. It cannot well be considered that the carvings arose from the story, nor the story from the carvings. Probably both arose from something else, accounting for the number of sinners being uniformly two, and for the attitude of the fiend in each case being so similar. With regard to the latter I must leave the matter as it is. I venture, as to the signification of the two figures, to make a suggestion to stand good until a better be found. In the Mystery Play entitled the "Trial of Mary and Joseph" (Cotton MS., Pageant xiv., amplified out of the Apocryphal New Testament, _Protevan_, xi.), the story runs that Mary and Joseph, particularly the former, are defamed by two Slanderers. The Bishop sends his Summoner for the two accused persons, and orders that they drink the water of vengeance "which is for trial," a kind of miraculous ordeal by poison. Joseph drinks and is unhurt; Mary likewise and is declared a pure maid in spite of facts. One of the Slanderers declares that the drink has been changed because the Virgin was of the High Priest's kindred, upon which the Slanderer is himself ordered to drink what is left in the cup. Doing so he instantly becomes frantic. All ask pardon of Mary for their suspicions, and, that being granted, the play is ended. Now the play commences with the meeting of the Two Slanderers. A brief extract or two will shew their method. 1ST DETRACTOR.--To reyse blawthyr is al my lay, Bakbyter is my brother of blood Dede he ought come hethyr in al this day Now wolde God that he were here, And, by my trewth, I dare well say That if we tweyn to gethyr apere Mor slawndyr we t[w]o schal a rere With in an howre thorwe outh this town, Than evyr ther was this thouwsand yer, Now, be my trewth, I have a sight Evyn of my brother ... Welcome ... 2ND DETRACTOR.--I am ful glad we met this day. 1ST DETRACTOR.--Telle all these pepyl [the audience] what is yor name-- 2ND DETRACTOR.--I am Bakbyter, that spyllyth all game, Both hyd and known in many a place. Then they fall to, and in terms of some wit and much freedom describe the physical condition of she who was "calde mayd Mary." The Two Slanderers in this play are undoubtedly men, for each styles the other "brother." Yet there are words in their dialogue, not suited to these pages, which could properly only be used by women. As in at least one of the carvings the sinners are women, if my hypothesis has any correctness there must be some other form of the story in which the detractors are female. It is to be noted, also, that the play from which I have quoted has no mention of the devil. [Illustration: A BACKBITER, ST. KATHERINE'S.]