"A devout lady being sick, and besieged by the Carmes, made her will
and gave them all: the Bishop of Bellay coming to see her, after it
was done, asked whether she had made her will; she answered yes, and
told him how; he convinced her it was not well, and she, desiring
to alter it, found a difficulty how to do it, being so beset by the
friars. The bishop bid her not trouble herself for it, but presently
took order that two notaries, habited as physicians, should come to
her, who being by her bedside, the bishop told the company it was
convenient all should withdraw; and so the former will was revoked,
and a new one made and put into the bishop's hands. The lady dies,
the Carmes produce their will, and for some time the bishop lets them
enjoy the pleasure of their inheritance; but at last, taking out the
other will, he says to them, 'Mes frères, you are the sons of Elijah,
children of the Old Testament, and have no share in the New.'"
It may have been the influence of fashion, and the eager thirst for
reputation, which were so rife in Parisian society, that inspired,
shortly after Locke's return to Paris, the following reflections, as
profound as they are true:--
"The principal spring from which the actions of men take their rise,
the rule they conduct them by, and the end to which they direct
them, seems to be credit and reputation, and that which, at any
rate, they avoid is in the greatest part shame and disgrace. This
makes the Hurons and other people of Canada with such constancy
endure inexpressible torments; this makes merchants in one country
and soldiers in another; this puts men upon school divinity in one
country and physics and mathematics in another; this cuts out the
dresses for the women, and makes the fashions for the men, and makes
them endure the inconveniences of all.... Religions are upheld by
this and factions maintained, and the shame of being disesteemed
by those with whom one hath lived, and to whom one would recommend
oneself, is the great source and director of most of the actions
of men.... He therefore that would govern the world well, had need
consider rather what fashions he makes than what laws; and to bring
anything into use he need only give it reputation."