I wish I
knew his history. Perhaps he had to fight for every step he has risen in
the world. Perhaps he has been baffled and defeated by deception;
overcome by chicanery until his faith died within him. My faith would
die within me were it not that when I meet a Mayence I encounter also
the virtue of a Cologne, and the bluff honesty of a Count Palatine. How
marvelous is this world, where the trickery of a Kurzbold and a Gensbein
is canceled by the faithfulness unto death of a Greusel and an
Ebearhard! Thus doth good balance evil, and then--and then, how Heaven
beams upon earth in the angel glance of a good woman. God guide me
aright! God guide me aright!" he repeated fervently, "and suppress in me
all anger and uncharitableness."
He walked rapidly across the bridge into Sachsenhausen, past his room at
the street corner, and on to the monastery of the Benedictines, whose
little chapel stood open night and day for the prayers of those in
trouble or in sadness, habited only by one of the elder brothers, who
gave, if it were needed, advice, encouragement, or spiritual comfort.
Pages:
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552