But they that require an exact interpretation of this text, let them interpret first the like words of our Saviour to St. Peter, concerning St. John (21:22), “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” upon which was grounded a report that he should not die. Nevertheless the truth of that report was neither confirmed, as well grounded; nor refuted, as ill grounded on those words; but left as a saying not understood. The same difficulty is also in the place of St. Mark. And if it be lawful to conjecture at their meaning, by that which immediately follows, both here and in St.