in France the godfather and godmother of a child are
called in reference to each other compere and commere, terms
implying mutual relations of an extremely friendly kind. "The
same usage exists in all Catholic countries," adds Mr Kelly,
"and one of the novels of the _Decameron_ is founded on a
very general opinion in Italy that an amorous connection
between a _compadre_ and his _commadre_ partook almost of
the nature of incest."

In the town of Pau in Beam there was an apothecary whom men called
Master Stephen. He had married a virtuous wife and a thrifty, with
beauty enough to content him. But just as he was wont to taste different
drugs, so did he also with women, that he might be the better able to
speak of all kinds. His wife was greatly tormented by this, and at
last lost all patience; for he made no account of her except by way of
penance during Holy Week.

One day when the apothecary was in his shop, and his wife had hidden
herself behind him to listen to what he might say, a woman, who was
"commere" to the apothecary, and was stricken with the same sickness as
his own wife, came in, and, sighing, said to him--

"Alas, good godfather, I am the most unhappy woman alive. I love my
husband better than myself, and do nothing but think of how I may serve
and obey him; but all my labour is wasted, for he prefers the wickedest,
foulest, vilest woman in the town to me. So, godfather, if you know of
any drug that will change his humour, prithee give it me, and, if I be
well treated by him, I promise to reward you by all means in my power."

The apothecary, to comfort her, said that he knew of a powder which, if
she gave it to her husband with his broth or roast, after the fashion
of Duke's powder, (2) would induce him to entertain her in the best
possible manner. The poor woman, wishing to behold this miracle, asked
him what the powder was, and whether she could have some of it. He
declared that there was nothing like powder of cantharides, of which
he had a goodly store; and before they parted she made him prepare
this powder, and took as much of it as was needful for her purpose. And
afterwards she often thanked the apothecary, for her husband, who was
strong and lusty, and did not take too much, was none the worse for it.

2 Boaistuau and Gruget call this preparation _poudre de
Dun_, as enigmatical an appellation as _poudre de Duc_. As
for the specific supplied by