The Book of Margery Kempe

Margery’s scribe begins recording the next book in 1438 to include narrative left out of the first.

One of Margery’s sons is employed by a Lynn burgess as an overseas merchant. She encourages him to pursue a religious life, but he ignores her and engages in lechery, despite her cautions. He becomes ill with a sickness that resembles leprosy, and his employer shuns him. Her son believes Margery has cursed him. Eventually, however, he asks her to intercede with God on his behalf: “Then she, trusting in his mending and having compassion for his infirmity, with sharp words of correction, promised to fulfill his intent, if God would grant it” (226). God answers her prayers and restores her son’s good health. He marries a woman in Prussia, and they have a daughter. Margery thanks God and asks to see her son again before she dies.

Margery’s son visits England. She notes that her son now dresses humbly and speaks virtuously. He credits his mother for his changed manner. He makes pilgrimages to various sites, including Rome, and asks his wife to return with him to England. He informs Margery of his plans via letter, and she prays for the couple’s safe travel, which God ensures.