LXIII.—THE FRIARS AND THE KNIGHT.DIGBY.Kenelm H. Digby is the author of several very valuable and interesting works. His “Mores Catholici,” “Broad Stone of Honor,” “Compitum,” and “Lover’s Seat,” prove him to be a writer of high culture and great research.
DIGBY.
Kenelm H. Digby is the author of several very valuable and interesting works. His “Mores Catholici,” “Broad Stone of Honor,” “Compitum,” and “Lover’s Seat,” prove him to be a writer of high culture and great research.
1. Two friars of Paris, traveling in the depth of winter, came, at the first hour of the night, fatigued, covered with mud, and wet with rain, to the gate of a house where they hoped to receive hospitality, notknowing that it belonged to a knight who hated all friars, and who for twenty years had never made his confession. The mother of the family replied to their petition, “I know not, good fathers, what to do. If I admit you under our roof, I fear my husband; and if I send you away cruelly in this tempestuous[453]night, I shall dread the indignation[454]of God. Enter, and hide yourselves till my husband returns from hunting, and has supped, for then I shall be able to supply you secretly with what is needful.”
2. Shortly, the husband returns, sups joyfully, but, perceiving that his wife is sad, desires to know the cause. She replies that she dares not disclose[455]it. Pressed and encouraged, she at length relates what has happened, adding, that she fears God’s judgment, seeing that His servants are afflicted with cold and hunger, while they are feasting at their ease. The knight, becoming more gentle, orders them to be led forth from their hiding-place, and to be supplied with food.
3. The poor friars came forth, and drew near the fire; and when he sees their emaciated[456]faces, humid[457]raiment,[458]and their feet stained with blood, the hand of the Lord is upon him, and from a lion he becomes a lamb. With his own hands he washes their feet, places the table, and prepares their beds, bringing in fresh straw. After the supper, with altered look and tone, he addresses the elder friar, and asks whether a shameless sinner, who hath not confessed since many years, can hope for pardon from God?
4. “Yea, in sooth,” replied the friar; “hope in the Lord, and do good, and he will deal with thee according to his mercy; for in whatever day the sinner repents, he will remember his iniquity no more.” Thecontrite host declares that he will not then defer any longer approaching the sacraments. “This very night,” said he, “I will unburden my conscience, lest my soul should be required of me.” The friar, however, little suspecting danger of death, advised him to wait till morning. All retired to rest; but during the night the friar became alarmed, rose, prostrated himself on the earth, and besought God to spare the sinner.
5. In the morning, however, the master of the house was found dead. The man of God, judging from what had passed, consoled the widow, declared that in his dreams he had been assured of the salvation of her husband; and the man was buried honorably, bells tolled, and Mass was sung, and the friars departed on their way.
6. It is to instances of this kind that St. Jerome alludes in his beautiful epistle to Lacta, where he says, “A holy and faithful family must needs sanctify its infidel chief. That man cannot be far from entering upon the career of faith, who is surrounded by sons and grandsons enlightened by the faith.”
[453]Tem-pestˊ-u-ous, very stormy.[454]In-dig-naˊ-tion, anger.[455]Disˊ-close, to make known.[456]E-maˊ-cia-ted, reduced to leanness, thin, wasted.[457]Huˊ-mid, damp, moist.[458]Raiˊ-ment, clothing.
[453]Tem-pestˊ-u-ous, very stormy.
[453]Tem-pestˊ-u-ous, very stormy.
[454]In-dig-naˊ-tion, anger.
[454]In-dig-naˊ-tion, anger.
[455]Disˊ-close, to make known.
[455]Disˊ-close, to make known.
[456]E-maˊ-cia-ted, reduced to leanness, thin, wasted.
[456]E-maˊ-cia-ted, reduced to leanness, thin, wasted.
[457]Huˊ-mid, damp, moist.
[457]Huˊ-mid, damp, moist.
[458]Raiˊ-ment, clothing.
[458]Raiˊ-ment, clothing.