,,! ,,life  ,,(  ,,/4 ,,frances ,,(     
,,rome1  ,,by  ,,lady ,,georgiana       
,,full]ton2   ,,(  ,,bless$ ,,lucy ,,(  
,,n>ni1   ,,(  ,,dom9ica ,,( ,,p>adiso  
,,& ,,(  ,,anne ,,de ,,montmor5cy3   ,,)
  ,an ,introductory ,essay  ,,on ,,!    
,,miracul\s ,,life ,,( ,,! ,,sa9ts1     
,,by ,j4 ,m4 ,,capes1 ,,esq4 ,n4,b4 ,!  
proprietor%ip ( ?is ,s]ies is secur$ 9  
all c\ntries :]e ! ,copyright is        
protect$4 ,! au?orities on :i* ! ,hi/ory
 ( ,/4 ,frances ( ,rome re/s are z      
foll[s3  ,h] life by ,mattiotti1 h]     
,confessor = t5 ye>s4 ,mattiotti enjo9$ 
h]1 z a matt] ( ob$i5ce1 to relate to   
him f "t to "t h] visions 9 ! m9ute/    
detail4 ,he 0 a timid & suspici\s man1 &
 = two or ?ree ye>s kept a daily record 
( all %e told him2 aft]w>ds1 z 8        
confid5ce 9 h] sanctity & sanity grew   
complete1 he cont5t$ himself ) a m g5]al
 acc\nt ( h] ec/asies1 & also put toge!r
 a private hi/ory ( h] life4 ,aft] h]   
dea?1 he wrote a regul> biography1 :i*  
is n[ to be f\nd 9 ! ,boll&i/ collection

 7,v5ice1 #agce1 vol4 ii474  ,e>ly 9 !  
sev5te5? c5tury1 ,urs9us1 a ,jesuit1    
wrote a life1 :i* 0 highly e/eem$1 b :i*
 0 nev] pr9t$1 &1 except 9 c]ta9        
fragm5ts1 is n[ lo/4  ,9 #afda1         
,fuligato1 a ,jesuit1 wrote ! second    
life1 9 ! ,boll&i/ collection1 :i*      
conta9s p>ticul>s ( ev5ts t happ5$ aft] 
,mattiotti's "t4  ,o!r well-writt5 lives
 h s9ce appe>$3 especially a rec5t "o by
 ! ,vicomte de ,bussire1 9 :i* w be f\nd
 v>i\s details too long to be includ$ 9 
! sket* "h pres5t$ to ! ,engli% read]4  
,,introductory ,,essay4  ,,! ,,miracul\s
 ,,life ,,( ,,! ,,sa9ts4  ,9 pres5t+ to 
! g5]al read] a newly-writt5 ,life ( s  
extraord9>y a p]son z ,/4 ,frances (    
,rome1 toge!r ) ! biographical sket*es  
conta9$ 9 ! pres5t volume1 x may be     
useful to introduce !m ) a few brief    
rem>ks on t peculi> feature 9 ! hi/ories
 ( _m ,sa9ts1 :i* is lea/ 9 accordance )
 ! popul> ideas ( mod]n times4 ,a m]e   
translation1 or republication ( a =eign 
or anci5t book1 does n necess>ily imply 

any degree ( ass5t to ! pr9ciples       
involv$ 9 ! orig9al writ]'s /atem5ts4 ,!
 new v]sion or edition may be no?+ m ?an
 a "w ( antiqu>ian or lit]>y int]e/1 by 
no means pr(ess+ any ?+ m ?an a belief t
 p]sons w be f\nd :o w1 f "s motive or  
o!r1 be glad to read x4  ,n s1 h[ev]1 9 
! case ( a biography :i*1 ?\gh n pret5d+
 to pres5t ! results ( fre% rese>*es1   
does pr(ess to give an acc\nt new 9     
%ape1 & adapt$ to ! wants ( ! day 9 :i* 
x asks its %>e ( public att5tion4 ,9 ?is
 case no p]son c hon\rably write1 & no  
editor c hon\rably sanction1 any        
/atem5ts b su* z are n only possible &  
probable1 b1 all[+ = ! degree (         
au!nticity 9 ea* case claim$1 on ! :ole 
hi/orically true4 ,no hone/ man1 :o     
absolutely disbelieves 9 all docum5ts 9 
:i* ! orig9al *ronicl] has m+l$ acc\nts 
( sup]natural ev5ts ) ! record ( 8 own  
p]sonal k1 c\ld possibly ei!r write or  
edit su* ,lives z ^? includ$ 9 ! foll[+ 
pages2 /ill less c\ld !y be made public 
by "o :o disbelieves 9 ! reality ( mod]n

 miracles altoge!r4  ,9 pres5t+1 !n1 !  
pres5t & o!r simil> volumes to ! ord9>y 
read]1 ,i anticipate "s su* que/ions z  
^!3 ,d y really put ^! /ories into our  
h&s z hi/ory8 ,are ^! m>vell\s tales to 
be reg>d$ z poetry1 romance1 sup]/iti\s 
dream+1 or z hi/orical realities8 ,if y 
pr(ess to believe 9 _! tru?1 h[ d y     
reconcile _! "* ) ! univ]sal aspect (   
human life1 z x appe>s to u & to our    
fri5ds8 ,& f9ally1 if y claim = !m !    
ass5t to :i* prov$ facts h a "r f e c&id
 m9d1 to :at ext5t ( detail d y pr(ess  
to believe 9 _! au!nticity8 ,to ^! &    
simil> que/ions ,i reply by ! foll[+    
obs]vations3  ,! la/ ( ^! que/ions may  
be answ]$ briefly4 ,! lives ( ,sa9ts &  
o!r rem>kable p]sonages1 :i* are "h &   
else:]e laid 9 a popul> =m be=e !       
,engli% public1 are n all equally to be 
reli$ on z und\bt$ly true 9 _! v>i\s    
m9ute p>ticul>s4 ,!y /& precisely on !  
same foot+ z ! ord9>y ev5ts ( purely    
secul> hi/ory2 & precisely ! same degree
 ( ass5t is claim$ = !m t ! common      

reason ( humanity accords to ! g5]al    
*ronicles ( our race4 ,no man1 :o writes
 or edits a hi/ory ( di/ant ev5ts1      
pr(esses to h precisely ! same am\nt (  
c]ta9ty z to all ! _m details :i* he    
records4 ,( "s 8 c]ta9ty is all b       
absolute2 ( o!rs he c say t he consid]s 
!m highly probable2 ( a ?ird class he   
only alleges t !y are v\*$ = by         
respectable ?\gh n num]\s au?orities41  
,/ill1 he gr\ps !m toge!r 9 "o complete 
& cont9u\s /ory1 & gives !m to ! _w z   
hi/ory2 nor does ! _w impute to him ei!r
 di%one/y1 ignorance1 cr$ulity1 or      
%all[ness1 because 9 e s+le ev5t he does
 n specify ! exact am\nt ( evid5ce on   
:i* 8 /atem5t re/s4  ,j su* is ! measure
 ( belief to be conc$$ to ! ,life ( ,/4 
,frances1 & o!r biographies or sket*es (
 a simil> k9d4 ,"s portions1 & ^? ! mo/ 
really important & prom95t1 are well    
asc]ta9$1 incontrov]tible1 &            
sub/antially true4 ,o!rs aga91 9 all    
likelihood1 took place v mu*1 ?\gh n    
lit]ally1 9 ! way 9 :i* !y are record$4 

,( o!rs1 !y 7 possibly1 or ev5 probably1
 ! m]e col\r+ ( ! writ]1 or 7 orig9ally 
adopt$ on un9ve/igat$ rum\r4 ,!y are    
all1 h[ev]1 consi/5t ) kn[n facts1 & !  
laws on :i* humanity is gov]n$ by ,div9e
 ,provid5ce2 & !re=e1 z !y may be true1 
!y take _! place 9 t va/ multitude (    
hi/ories :i* all c&id & well-in=m$      
p]sons agree 9 accept+ z wor?y ( cr$it1 
?\gh 9 v>i\s degrees4  ,suppos+1 !n1 t  
miracul\s ev5ts may & d occur 9 ! pres5t
 /ate ( ! _w's hi/ory1 x is obvi\s t ^! 
v>i\s degrees ( ass5t are comm&$ alike  
by ! sup]natural & ! natural ev5ts :i*  
are "h s freely m+l$ toge!r4 ,"s are    
und\bt$ly true1 o!rs are probably ei!r  
fictiti\s or incorrectly record$4 ,!    
sub/ance re/s on ! g5u9e docum5ts1      
orig9ally writt5 by eye-witnesses &     
p]fectly compet5t judges2 & z su*1 !    
:ole /&s simply z a result ( ! ga!r+    
toge!r ( hi/orical te/imony4  ,"h1      
h[ev]1 ! ord9>y ,engli% read] meets u ) 
! ass]tion1 t ! sup]natural portions (  
su* lives are simply impossible4 ,he    

assumes--= ,i am n exagg]at+ :5 ,i say t
 he nev] tries to prove--t ^! m>vell\s  
int]ruptions ( ! laws ( nature nev] take
 place4 ,consequ5tly1 9 8 judgm5t1 x is 
purely ridicul\s to put =? su* /ories z 
hi/ory2 & writ]s :o issue !m are guilty 
ei!r ( folly1 ignorance1 sup]/ition1 or 
an unpr9cipl$ tamp]+ ) ! cr$ulity (     
un5light5$ m9ds4 ,( ^? :o ?us meet ! "q 
( hi/orical evid5ce by an assumption ( a
 univ]sal ab/ract impossibility1 ,i     
e>ne/ly beg an unprejudic$ att5tion to !
 foll[+ consid]ations3  ,if x be once   
admitt$ t !re is a ,god1 & t ! s\l is n 
a m]e portion ( ! body1 ! exi/5ce (     
miracles becomes at once probable4 ,ap>t
 f ! records ( exp]i5ce1 we %\ld 9 fact 
h expect$ t ev5ts :i* are n[ t]m$       
miracul\s w\ld h be5 p]haps z common z  
^? :i* are regulat$ by :at we call !    
laws ( nature4 ,let x be only grant$ t !
 visible univ]se is n ! :ole univ]se1 & 
t 9 reality we are ev] 9 a /ate ( mo/   
intimate real communion ) ,him :o is its
 ,creator2 !n1 ,i say1 we %\ld h expect$

 to h be5 z habitually consci\s ( our   
int]c\rse ) t great ,be+1 z ( our       
int]c\rse ) "o ano!r4 ,! true m>vel is1 
t we are n ?us habitually consci\s ( !  
,div9e ,pres5ce1 & t ,god is really out 
( our sight4 ,if !re is a ,god1 :o is   
ev] ar\nd u & )9 u1 :y does ,he n       
communicate ) u ?r\gh ! m$ium ( our     
s5ses1 z ,he enables u to communicate ) 
"o ano!r8 ,our s\ls hold mutual         
communion ?r\gh ! int]v5tion ( ?is      
corporal frame1 ) su* a di/9ct &        
und5iable reality1 t we are z consci\s (
 our int]c\rse z ( ! contact ( a mat]ial
 sub/ance ) our mat]ial bodies4 ,:y1    
!n1--s9ce x is s inf9itely m important  
to u to hold ceaseless communication )  
our ,mak]1--:y is x t our int]c\rse )   
,him is ( a totally diff]5t nature8 ,:y 
is x t ! mat]ial creation is n ! ord9>y 
in/rum5t by :i* our s\ls conv]se ) ,him8
 ,let any man s]i\sly pond] ^u ?is awful
 "q1 & he mu/ ha/5 to ! conclusion1 t   
?\gh exp]i5ce has %[n u t ! _w ( matt]  
is n ! ord9>y *annel ( conv]se betwe5   

,god & man1 !re yet rema9s an ov]:elm+  
probability t "s su* int]c\rse takes    
place occasionally betwe51 ! s\l & t    
,god ?r\gh ^: p[] alone %e cont9ues to  
exi/4  ,9 o!r words1 ! exi/5ce (        
miracles is probable r ?an o!rwise4 ,a  
miracle is an ev5t 9 :i* ! laws ( nature
 are int]rupt$ by ! int]v5tion ( ,div9e 
ag5cy1 usually = ! purpose ( br++ ! s\l 
( man into a consci\s contact ) !       
inhabitants ( ! invisible _w4 ,) m or   
less exactness ( similitude1 a miracle  
e/abli%es betwe5 ,god & man1 or betwe5  
o!r spiritual be+s & man1 t same k9d (  
int]c\rse :i* exi/s betwe5 diff]5t liv+ 
individuals ( ! human race4 ,su* a      
consci\s int]c\rse is inde$ ass]t$ by   
infidels z well z by a!i/s1 to be1 if n 
impossible1 at lea/ s utt]ly improbable1
 t x is sc>cely )9 ! p[] ( pro( to make 
x cr$ible to ! unbias$ reason4 ,yet     
surely ! balance ( probability incl9es  
to ! v opposite side4 ,if !re is a ,god1
 & our s\ls are 9 communication 7( "s   
k9d7 ) ,him1 surely1 prior to exp]i5ce1 

we %\ld h expect$ to be habitually      
consci\s ( ?is communion4 ,& n[ t we see
 t we are n at any rate habitually s1   
/ill ! burd5 ( pro( re/s ) ^? :o allege 
t su* consci\s int]c\rse nev] takes     
place4 ,ap>t f all pro( ( ! reality (   
any "o pr(ess$ miracle1 ! infidel is    
b\nd to %[ :y all miracles are          
improbable or impossible2 9 o!r words1  
:y man %\ld nev] be consci\s ( ! pres5ce
 & w ( 8 ev]-pres5t ,god4  ,prote/ants1 
h[ev]1 & ev5 weak ,ca?olics1 reg>d !    
record ( "o ( ^? my/]i\s lives1 9 :i* ! 
s\l ( a man or woman has be5 repeat$ly  
br\ght into ?is species ( communion )   
invisible be+s1 z a tale :i*1 ?\gh x is 
j possible t x may be true1 is yet1 on !
 face ( x1 s flagrant a violation ( !   
laws ( nature1 z to be undes]v+ (       
positive he>ty belief4 ,!y conf\nd !    
laws ( physical nature ) ! laws (       
univ]sal nature4 ,!y speak ( ! nature ( 
?is mat]ial e>?1 z if x 0 id5tical ) !  
nature ( ?+s4 ,& ?is confusion ( ?\ght x
 is to :i* ,i w\ld especially call      

att5tion4 ,miracles are contr>y to !    
ord9>y laws ( physical nature1 & !re=e  
are s f> improbable1 b !y are 9 !       
/ricte/ con=mity ) ! nature ( ?+s1 &    
!re=e 9 !mselves are probable4 ,if !    
laws ( nature rule ,god z !y control    
man1 a miracle is almo/ an              
impossibility2 b if ,god rules ! laws ( 
nature1 !n x is wond]ful t some?+       
miracul\s does n befall u e day ( our   
lives4  ,aga91 x is 9 a high degree     
probable t miracul\s ev5ts w g5]ally1 s 
to say1 take _! col\r f ! special "* ( t
 relation :i* may exi/ betwe5 ,god & man
 at ! "t :5 !y come to pass4 ,if1 9 !   
inscrutable c\nsels ( ! ,almighty1 man  
is plac$1 dur+ diff]5t eras 9 8 hi/ory1 
9 diff]5t circum/ances t[>ds 8 ,creator 
& ,pres]v]1 x w\ld seem only natural t !
 v>iations 9 ^? circum/ances %\ld be    
impress$ ^u ! extraord9>y int]c\rse     
betwe5 ,god & ,8 p4 ,or1 to use ! common
 ,*ri/ian t]m1 ea* disp5sation w h its  
peculi> sup]natural aspect1 z well z its
 peculi> spiritual & invisible          

relation%ip4 ,if man 0 orig9ally 9 a    
high] & m p]fect /ate ( be+ ?an he is   
n[1 x is probable t 8 communion ) ,god 0
 s+ul>ly1 if n totally1 unlike :at x has
 be5 s9ce he fell f primeval bless$ness4
 ,if aft] 8 fall1 two tempor>y /ates h  
be5 appo9t$ to him by 8 ,god1 !n !      
miracles ( ea* epo* w be> _! own special
 correspond+ *>act]i/ics4 ,& la/ly1 if  
by a new ex]cise ( reg5]at+ & re/or+ p[]
 x has pleas$ ! ,invisible ,"o to rescue
 ,8 creatures f ! consequ5ces ( _!      
anci5t ru91 !n aga9 we may expect to    
recognise ! hi/ory ( t r$emption 9 !    
:ole c\rse ( ! miracul\s int]c\rse      
betwe5 ! ,r$eem] & ! r$eem$ until ! end 
( "t4 ,! sup]natural elem5ts 9 !        
,p>adisiacal1 ! ,patri>*al1 ! ,mosaic1 &
 ! ,*ri/ian /ates1 may be expect$ to be 
9 _m respects di/9ct1 ea* embody+ )     
awful & glori\s p[] ! invisible         
relations :i* ! ,god ( nature & ( grace 
has ?\ght fit to assume t[>ds ,8        
creatures4  ,& su*1 9 fact1 has be5 !   
case4 ,n only is ! ceaseless exi/5ce ( a

 miracul\s int]c\rse betwe5 ,god & man  
"o ( ! mo/ completely prov$ ( all       
hi/orical ev5ts1 b ! miracles ( ea*     
disp5sation are f\nd 9 a wond]ful degree
 to correspond ) ! relation%ip ( ,god to
 man 9 ea* ( ! sep>ate epo*s4 ,! same   
sup]human consi/5cy is f\nd to p]vade   
all ! works ( ,god1 bo? :]e nature &    
grace are sep>ate f "o ano!r1 & :]e !   
common laws ( nature are bur/ ?r\gh1 & !
 mat]ial univ]se is made z x 7 !        
bondslave ( ! unse54 ,! impi\sly meant  
ass]tions ( unbelief are fulfill$ 9 a   
s5se :i* unbeliev]s little look =2 & !y 
:o cry out 9 _! hatr$ ( miracles1 t all 
?+s are gov]n$ by un*ang+ law1 may le>n 
t 9 tru? un*ang+ laws d rule ov] all1   
al?\gh ^? laws h a range & a unity 9 !  
ess5ce & w ( ,god1 ( :i* mortal         
intellig5ce nev] dream$4 ,! natural & ! 
sup]natural1 ! visible & ! invisible1 ! 
ord9>y & ! miracul\s1 ! rules ( !       
physical creation & ! int]ruptions ( ^? 
rules1--all are controll$ by "o law1    
%ap$ accord+ to "o plan1 direct$ by "o  

aim1 & b\nd to "o ano!r by indissoluble 
ties1 ev5 :]e to human eyes all seem lo/
 9 confusion & ?w>t$ by mutual /ruggle4 
,( :at we %\ld n[ call ! miracul\s1 or  
sup]natural1 communion betwe5 ,god & man
 9 ,p>adise1 we "k hi/orically b little4
 ,! records ( revelation be+ = ! mo/ "p 
conf9$ to ! /ate ( man z he is1 & 8     
actual & future prospects1 pres5t b a   
glimpse ( ! consci\s communion :i* 0    
p]mitt$ to ! fir/ ( our race 9 _!       
orig9al bliss4 ,x is1 h[ev]1 believ$ by 
!ologians1 t 9 ,p>adise :at we %\ld n[  
t]m miracles did n exi/2 = ?is reason1 t
 :at is n[ extraord9>y 0 !n ord9>y4 ,god
 conv]s$ ) man1 & man held communion )  
angels1 directly & habitually2 s t 9 a  
c]ta9 s5se man saw ,god & ! _w n[ unse54
 ,footnote3 ,see ,/4 ,?omas1 ,summa1 p>s
 prima1 qu/4 #id4 art4 #a1b4 ,= x is n !
 m]e possession ( a body :i* b9ds ! s\l 
) ! *a9s ( s5se2 x is ! corruption &    
s9fulness ( our pres5t frames :i* has   
conv]t$ !m into a b>ri] betwe5 ! _s )9 &
 ! invisible univ]se4 ,z ,adam came =?  

all pure & p]fect f ! h&s ( 8 ,creator1 
a s\l dwell+ 9 a body1 8 :ole be+ m9i/]$
 fitly to ! purposes ( 8 creation1 & )  
body & s\l toge!r he conv]s$ ) 8 ,god4  
,x 0 n till ! physical s5se became 8    
in/rum5t ( rebellion1 t x 0 di%on\r$ &  
made 8 prison-h\se1 & laid "u a curse   
:i* %\ld nev] be fully remov$ until !   
la/ great day ( ! resurrection4  ,^u !  
fall ( ,adam1 a new /ate 0 introduc$1   
:i* la/$ ab\t two ?\s& five hundr$ ye>s4
 ,dur+ its cont9uance1 ! sup]natural    
int]c\rse betwe5 ,almighty ,god & ,8    
degrad$ creatures took an entirely      
diff]5t "*4 ,:at _h orig9ally be5       
cont9ual1 & z x 7 natural1 became       
comp>atively r>e & miracul\s4 ,h5ce=?   
!re seem$ to be no ,god among m51 save  
:5 at times ! usual laws ( ! e>? & !    
heav5s 7 susp5d$ & ,god spoke 9 acc5ts  
:i* none might refuse to he>4 ,( ^!     
sup]natural manife/ations ! g5]al aspect
 0 ess5tially typical ( ! future        
r$emption ( ! lo/ race by a ,savi\r4 ,t 
promise ( deliv]ance f ! consequ5ces (  

s91 :i* ,almighty ,god _h v\*saf$ to !  
fir/ s9n]s1 0 repeat$ 9 a va/ v>iety (  
miracul\s int]v5tions4 ,?\gh !re may h  
be5 _m exceptions to ! ord9>y "* ( !    
,patri>*al miracles1 /ill1 on ! :ole1 !y
 we> a typical aspect ( ! mo/ /rik+     
prom95ce4  ,! fir/ miracle record$ aft] 
! fall is ! tok5 grant$ to ,abel t 8    
sacrifice 0 accept$4 ,a deluge de/roys  
all b "o family1 :o are sav$ 9 an ark1 !
 type ( ! ,*ur* ( ,god1 & a ra9b[ is set
 9 ! sky z a type ( ! cov5ant betwe5    
,god & man4 ,a *ild is miracul\sly born 
to ,abraham 9 8 old age1 :o is aft]w>ds 
(f]$ to ,god z a type ( ! ,r$eem]1 &    
sav$ f dea? by a fre% sup]natural       
manife/ation ( ! ,div9e w4 ,! *os5 race 
become captive 9 ,egypt1 z a figure (   
man's bondage to s92 a s]ies ( awful    
miracles1 wr\ght by ! in/rum5tality (   
,moses himself1 a type ( ,jesus ,*ri/1  
deliv]s !m f _! slav]y1 t]m9at+ ) !     
in/itution ( ! ,passov]1 :5 ! pas*al    
lamb is eat51 & !y are sav$ by its      
blood1 z mank9d is sav$ by ! blood ( !  

,lamb ( ,god4 ,! ransom$ p miracul\sly  
pass ?r\gh ! ,r$ ,sea1 =e%ad[+ !        
,*ri/ian's reg5]ation by baptism2 z !y  
w&] aft]w>ds 9 ! des]t1 manna desc5ds f 
heav5 to fe$ !m1 & wat] gu%es f ! rock  
to qu5* _! ?ir/1 & to prefigure t sacr$ 
food & ^? /reams ( grace :i* are to be !
 salvation ( all m54 ,almo/ e           
int]ruption ( ! laws ( nature bespeaks !
 adv5t ( ! ,r$eem]1 & does homage to    
,him z ! ,"l ( e>? & heav54  ,at l5g? a 
code ( laws is giv5 to ! *os5 race1 to  
sep>ate !m completely f ! re/ ( m51 & a 
promise ( p]petual temporal prosp]ity is
 grant$ to !m by ,god z ! rew>d ( _!    
ob$i5ce1 & z a figure ( ! et]nal        
bless$ness ( ! j4 ,f t "t )1 z be=e1    
occasional exceptions1 ! sup]natural    
ev5ts :i* befall !m we> a new aspect4   
,_! peculi>ly typical import is ex*ang$ 
= "o m precisely 9 con=mity ) ! lead+   
pr9ciple ( ! new disp5sation4 ,! rites &
 c]emonies ( ! new ,law prefigure !     
,sacrifice & ,r$emption ( ! ,messias2 b 
! miracles ( ! next fifte5 hundr$ ye>s  

are = ! mo/ "p direct$ to uphold t rule 
( pres5t rew>d & puni%m5t1 :i* 0 !      
*>act]i/ic feature ( ! ,jewi% !ocracy4  
,! e>? op5s to puni% ! disob$i5ce (     
,core & 8 companions4 ,fi]y s]p5ts smite
 ! murmur+ cr[d ) in/ant dea?2 :ile !   
promis$ ,savi\r is prefigur$1 n by a    
miracle1 b by ! erection ( a braz5 s]p5t
 by ! h&s ( ,moses4 ,! walls ( ,j]i*o   
fall pro/rate be=e ! trumpets ( !       
victori\s ,israelites2 "o man1 ,a*an1   
unlawfully conceals "s ( ! spoil1 & an  
imm$iate sup]natural panic1 /ruck into 8
 c\ntrym51 betrays ! committal ( ! s94  
,miracul\s wat] fills ! fleece (        
,gideon1 to enc\rage him to fight = 8   
c\ntry's deliv]ance4 ,an angel =etells !
 bir? ( ,samson to set 8 p free1 :5 !y  
are aga9 9 bondage4 ,samson himself is  
end[$ ) sup]natural /r5g?2 exhau/$ ) !  
slaught] ( 8 foes1 he prays = wat] to   
qu5* 8 ?ir/1 & a /ream bur/s =? f !     
ass's jawbone ) :i* he _h j sla9 !      
,phili/9es4 ,b\nd 9 *a9s1 bl9d$1 & made 
a je/ by ! idolat]s1 8 pray] = a return 

( 8 /r5g? is he>d by ,god1 & he de/roys 
a multitude 9 8 la/ mom5ts4  ,& ?us1    
?r\gh all ! hi/ory ( ! ,k+s & !         
,prophets1 ! p[] ( ,god is repeat$ly put
 =? to alt] ! laws ( nature = ! purpose 
( en=c+ ! great rule ( ! ,mosaic law4 ,!
 disob$i5ce ( ! ,jews might1 if ,god _h 
s pleas$1 h be5 inv>iably puni%$ by !   
in/rum5tality ( ! ord9>y c\rse ( ev5ts1 
%ap$ by ! secret h& ( ,div9e ,provid5ce 
s z to execute ,8 w1 j z n[ we f9d t    
c]ta9 s9s inevitably br+ on _! own      
temporal puni%m5t by ! op]ation ( ! laws
 ( nature4 ,& s1 9 ! va/ majority (     
in/ances 9 :i* ! ,jews 7 rew>d$ &       
puni%$1 we f9d t ! ,div9e promises &    
?reats 7 fulfill$ by ! occurr5ce ( ev5ts
 9 ! natural ord] ( ?+s4 ,b yet         
frequ5tly miracles confirm$ & aid$ ! "w 
( *a/isem5t & bless+2 & ( ! num]\s      
wond]s :i* 7 wr\ght f ! giv+ ( ! law to 
! com+ ( ,*ri/1 we f9d t ne>ly all bore 
?is peculi> "*4 ,= _m c5turies also a   
con/ant miracul\s guidance 0 grant$ to !
 p 9 ! ,urim & ,?ummim1 by :i* !y 7     

enabl$1 :5 !y *ose to rema9 fai?ful1 to 
escape all national calamities & enjoy !
 fulle/ bless+s ( ! promis$ l&4  ,"u !  
,*ri/ian disp5sation1 aga91 a new "* is 
impr9t$ ^u ! sup]natural hi/ory ( !     
,*ur*1 :i* is1 9 fact1 ! impression ( ! 
,cross ( ,*ri/4 ,:ile ! *>act]i/ics ( ! 
,patri>*al & ,jewi% miracles are n :olly
 oblit]at$1 an elem5t1 :i* if n entirely
 new1 is new 9 ! int5sity ( its         
op]ation1 is introduc$ into ! miracul\s 
life ( ! *ildr5 ( ,*ri/1 :i* life is    
really ! prolongation ( ! sup]natural   
life ( ,jesus ,*ri/ ,himself4 ,x is     
accompani$ also ) a p>tial re/oration ( 
t peculi> p[] :i* 0 possess$ by man be=e
 he fell1 :5 8 body became a veil to    
hide ! _w ( spirits f 8 s\l4 ,:ile      
prophecies ( future ev5ts h n :olly     
ceas$ 9 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 & miracles are
 frequ5tly wr\ght = ! conf]r+ ( "s      
temporal bless+s1 yet ^! o!r wond]ful   
features di/+ui% ! sup]natural records (
 ,*ri/ianity f ^? ( bo? ,patri>*al &    
,jewi% times4 ,! undy+ p[] ( ! ,cross is

 manife/$ 9 ! peculi> suff]+s ( !       
,sa9ts1 9 _! my/ic communion ) !        
invisible _w1 & 9 t especial sanctity to
 :i* alone miracul\s gifts are = ! mo/  
"p accord$ "u ! ,gospel4 ,n t all ^!    
?ree peculi>ities are to be obs]v$ 9 !  
life ( e ,sa9t "u ! ,gospel4 ,f> f x1   
inde$4 ,! sup]natural life ( ! ,sa9ts   
v>ies ) diff]5t individuals1 accord+ to 
! pleasure ( t ,almighty ,_s1 :o        
communicates ,himself to ,8 elect 9 t5  
?\s& my/]i\s ways1 & manife/s ,himself  
accord+ to ,8 own w alone4 ,/ill1 at    
times1 !y are f\nd unit$1 9 conjunction 
) ^? miracul\s p[]s :i* 7 possess$ "u ! 
old disp5sations 9 "o individual4 ,9 su*
 cases we behold ! ,life & ,passion ( ! 
,k+ ( ,sa9ts visibly r5ew$ be=e our     
eyes2 ! law ( suff]+1--t my/]i\s p[]1 z 
life-giv+ z x is unfa?omable1--is set   
be=e u 9 an int5sity ( op]ation1 :i* at 
once calls =? ! sc(fs ( ! unbeliev]1 &  
quick5s ! fai? ( ! humble ,*ri/ian2 !   
privileges ( et]nity are anticipat$1 & !
 bless+s ( a lo/ ,p>adise are 9 "p      

re/or$4 ,jesus ,*ri/ lives1 & is 9 agony
 be=e u2 ! dread sc5e ( ,calv>y is      
r5ew$1 unit$ ) ^? ineffable             
communications betwe5 ! suff]+ s\l & its
 ,god1 :i* accompani$ ! life & la/ h\rs 
( ! ,r$eem] ( mank9d4 ,our adorable ,"l 
is1 z x 71 /ill inc>nate among/ u1      
display+ to our rev]5t fai? ! glories ( 
,8 ,passion 9 ! p]sons ( ^? :o are1 9 ! 
highe/ s5se t is possible1 ,8 memb]s1 a 
portion ( ,8 humanity1 9 :om ,he dwells1
 :o dwell 9 ,him1 & ^: life1 9 a degree 
incompreh5sible ev5 to !mselves1 is hid 
) ,*ri/ 9 ,god4 ,su* a ,sa9t 0 ,/4      
,frances ( ,rome1 "o ( ^? glori\s       
creations ( ,div9e grace by means ( :i*1
 at ! "t :5 ! ,holy ,city 0 fill$ )     
blood%$ & ravag$ ) pe/il5ce1 & :5 !     
heavie/ disa/]s afflict$ ! ,*ur*1       
,almighty ,god set =? be=e m5 ! undy+   
life ( ! ,cross1 & ! reality ( t        
religion :i* seem$ to be p[]less to *eck
 ! outrages ( its pr(ess$ foll[]s4  ,9  
,p>adise1 !n1 z has be5 said1 ! :ole    
nature ( man m9i/]$ to ! fulfilm5t ( !  

end = :i* he 0 creat$1 namely1 ! k &    
love ( ,god4 ,he came =? f 8 ,mak]'s h&s
 end[$ n only ) a natural s\l & body    
unta9t$ ) s91 b ) su* sup]natural gifts1
 aris+ f ! ,div9e ,pres5ce )9 him1 t    
no?+ 0 want+ b p]sev]ance to 8 f9al     
p]fection4 ,! v>i\s elem5ts 9 8 nature 7
 n1 z n[1 at w> ) "o ano!r4 ,8 body did 
n bl9d ! eye ( 8 s\l1 & agitate x ) !   
/orms ( concupisc5ce2 nor did ! s\l     
employ ! body z its in/rum5t ( rebellion
 aga9/ ,god4 ,?\gh n yet admitt$ to t   
glori\s vision ( ! ,et]nal :i* 0 to be !
 rew>d ( 8 ob$i5ce1 yet he liv$ 9 direct
 comm]ce ) ! _w ( spirits4 ,he knew &   
conv]s$ ) ,god & ,8 angels 9 a way :i*  
is n[ :olly incompreh5sible to ! va/    
majority ( 8 desc5dants4  ,:5 ,adam     
fell1 he became1 9 "o ^w1 :at we all are
 n[ by nature4 ,n only 0 he plac$ "u a  
curse1 b 8 ,god 0 hidd5 f 8 eyes2 & t   
corporeal habitation1 :i* he _h abus$ to
 8 s\l's de/ruction1 became ! prison ( 8
 s\l's captivity4 ,?\gh creat$ 9 ! image
 ( ,god1 & reta9+1 ev5 :5 fall51 c]ta9  

traces ( 8 cele/ial orig91 he became a  
m]e helpless d5iz5 ( e>?1 & a veil      
desc5d$ & hid 8 ,god & all spiritual    
be+s f 8 m9d4 ,f t "t =w>ds suff]+      
became n m]ely ! law ( 8 daily life1 b !
 only means by :i* he c\ld be fir/      
re/or$ to ! ,div9e fav\r1 & f9ally be   
tak5 to a happy et]nity4 ,& inasmu* z he
 0 to be r$eem$ by ! suff]+s ( ,"o :o 0 
at once man & n man1 ,he 0 9 a c]ta9    
s5se to %>e ^? suff]+s1 9 ord] to p>take
 9 ! bless+s !y pur*as$ = him4 ,a my/ic 
union 0 to take place betwe5 ! ,savi\r &
 ! fall5 race1 ( :i* a community 9      
suff]+1 z ! in/rum5t ( re/oration1 0 to 
be = ev] & 9 e case e/abli%$4 ,?is      
angui%1 fur!r1 0 to be tw(old1 includ+  
all ! faculties bo? ( ! body & ! s\l4   
,man _h s9n$ 9 8 :ole be+2 9 8 :ole be+1
 !re=e1 he 0 to suff]1 bo? 9 ! p]son ( 8
 ,r$eem]1 :o 0 to suff] = him1 & 9      
himself1 :o 0 to suff] ) 8 ,savi\r4 ,a  
holocau/ 0 to be (f]$ to ! (f5d$ ,maje/y
 ( ,god2 an (f]+1 n only ( 8 entire     
nature1 b a burnt (f]+2 a sacrifice :i* 

%\ld torture him 9 ! flames ( ,div9e    
v5geance1 & kill him ) its annihilat+   
fi]c5ess4  ,z1 h[ev]1 x pleas$ ! ,div9e 
,wisdom to po/pone = =ty c5turies !     
adv5t & atonem5t ( ! ,r$eem]1 s1 = !    
same p]iod1 ! race r$eem$ p>ticipat$1 9 
a comp>atively slight degree1 9 ^?      
re/orative suff]+s :i* d]iv$ all _!     
virtue f ! sacrifice ^u ! ,cross4 ,pangs
 ( body & bitt]ness ( s\l 71 9 tru?1 !  
lot ( man f ! mom5t t ,adam s9n$2 b !y 7
 ! pangs & bitt]ness ( a crim9al "u     
puni%m5t1 f> m ?an ! sacrificial pa9s ( 
! memb]s ( ,*ri/ crucifi$4 ,asceticism  
=m$ b a small portion ( ! religi\s      
wor%ip ( ! p ( ,god1 until ! great      
atonem5t 0 complet$ ^u ,calv>y4 ,n t any
 degree1 ev5 ! l[e/1 ( acceptable       
ob$i5ce c\ld ev] be atta9$ )\t "s       
measure ( ! crucifixion ( ! natural man4
 ,patri>*s & ,israelites alike felt !   
p[] ( ! ,cross z ! in/rum5t ( _!        
sanctification4 ,b /ill e>?ly prosp]ity1
 includ+ bodily pleasures1 01 z a rule1 
! rew>d ) :i* ,god recomp5s$ ,8 fai?ful 

s]vants4 ,t :i* became ! rule "u !      
,gospel1 0 ! exception f ,adam till     
,moses1 & f ,moses until ,*ri/4 ,"h &   
!re "s great example ( ,*ri/ian         
asceticism en=c$ ^u a s5sual p ! nature 
( p]fect sanctity4 ,elias fa/$ on ,m\nt 
,c>mel1 & beheld ! skirts ( ! glory ( ! 
,mo/ ,high4 ,! ,bapti/ fa/$ & tam$ 8    
natural fle% 9 ! wild]ness1 & beheld n  
only ! ,inc>nate ,son ( ,god1 b ! desc5t
 ( ! ,et]nal ,_s ^u ,him4 ,yet1 = ! mo/ 
"p1 ! fav\r$ s]vants ( ,god liv$ ! lives
 ( ord9>y m52 !y possess$ h\ses1 ri*es1 
& hon\rs2 & m>ri$ wives1 ev5 m ?an "o4  
,at l5g? ! ,cross 0 set up 9 all its    
awful p[]2 suff]+ receiv$ its p]fect    
consecration1 & took its rul+ place 9 ! 
economy ( man's r$emption4 ,jesus1 9    
desc5d+ f ! ,cross1 be/[$ t ,cross ^u ,8
 *ildr51 to be _! treasure until ! end (
 ! _w4 ,crucifixion ) ,him1 & ?r\gh     
,him1 z _! ,head1 became _! portion & _!
 glory4 ,e s\l t 0 s buri$ 9 ,8 w\nds z 
to receive ! full bless+s ( ,8          
sacrifice1 0 !reby nail$1 9 ,*ri/1 to ! 

,cross1 n to desc5d f its hall[$ wood   
until1 l ,*ri/1 x 0 dead !reon4 ,h5ce=? 
! sanctity ( ,god's *os5 s]vants assumes
 its new "*4 ,x is no long] writt51 ,i w
 br+ y into a l& fl[+ ) ! milk & honey (
 ?is e>?2 b1 ,bless$ are ! poor1 & !y t 
suff] p]secution4 ,! lot ( ,abraham & ( 
,david is ex*ang$ = t ( ,/4 ,pet] & ,/4 
,paul4 ,9 place ( triumph 9 w> ) !      
idolat]s1 ! ,*ri/ian is promis$         
p]secution2 9 place ( _m h]ds & flocks1 
& treasures ( gold1 ,god gives him      
pov]ty & sickness2 ! fa/1 ! vigil1 !    
sc\rge1 take place ( ! palaces ( c$> & !
 luxuriant c\*2 m>riage gives way to    
celibacy2 & long life is a privilege 9  
ord] t 9 _m ye>s we may suff] mu*1 & n t
 we may enjoy mu*4 ,su* is ! ord9>y     
c\rse ( ! ,div9e deal+s ) ! s\l s9ce !  
,cross receiv$ its full my/]i\s sav+    
p[]4  ,& to ! full z my/]i\s is ! new "*
 impr9t$ ^u ! miracul\s life ( ,*ri/ian 
sanctity4 ,! ph5om5a ( t new exi/5ce1 9 
:i* c]ta9 s\ls are br\ght into my/ic    
communion ) ! unse5 _w1 be> ! pr9t ( !  

w\nds ( ! ,et]nal ,son 9 a mann] :i*    
fills ! ord9>y ,*ri/ian m9d ) amazem5t &
 trembl+4 ,x is by a pa9ful crucifixion 
( ! natural man1 bo? s\l & body1 c>ri$  
to a f> m ?an ord9>y p]fection1 t ! s\l 
is introduc$ into ?is miracul\s         
condition4 ,imprison$ 9 h] fle%ly       
tab]nacle1 :i*1 ?\gh reg5]at$1 is ?r\gh 
s9 f\l1 e>?ly1 & bl9d+ z ev]1 ! m9d c   
only be admitt$ to %>e 9 ! communion :i*
 ,jesus ,*ri/ unceas+ly held ) ,8 ,fa!r 
& ) ! _w invisible1 by atta9+ "s portion
 ( t self-ma/]y :i* ,adam lo/ by 8 fall4
 ,! physical nature mu/ be subdu$ by !  
vigor\s repetition ( ^? _m pa9ful       
processes by :i* ! animal portion ( our 
be+ is r5d]$ ! slave ( ! spiritual1 & ! 
w & ! affections are r5t away f all     
creatures1 to be fix$ on ,god alone4    
,fa/+ & ab/95ce are ! fir/ elem5ts 9 ?is
 ascetic c\rse4 ,! natural ta/e is      
neglect$1 ?w>t$1 & torm5t$1 till1 we>i$ 
( solicit+ its own gratification1 x     
ceases to int]f]e ) ! indep5d5t action (
 ! s\l4 ,! appetite is fur!r d5i$ its   

wont$ satisfaction z to quantity ( food4
 ,by fa/s gradually increas+ 9 sev]ity1 
new modes ( physical exi/5ce are        
introduc$2 t :i* 0 orig9ally an         
impossibility becomes a second law (    
nature2 & ! emaciat$ frame1 =gett+ its  
=m] lu/s1 obeys almo/ spontane\sly !    
dictates ( ! victori\s _s )94 ,! h\rs ( 
sleep are curtail$ "u judici\s control1 
until t my/]i\s s5t5ce :i* compels u to 
pass a ?ird ( our exi/5ce 9 unconsci\s  
helplessness is 9 "p repeal$4 ,! s\l1   
habituat$ to incessant & self-collect$  
action1 wakes & lives1 :ile ord9>y      
,*ri/ians slumb]1 & z x 7 are dead4 ,!  
infliction ( o!r sev]e bodily pa9s      
co-op]ates 9 ! purify+ process1 &       
enables ! m9d to disreg>d ! dictates (  
nature to an ext5t :i* to _m ,ca?olics  
seems almo/ incr$ible1 & to ! unbeliev] 
an utt] impossibility4 ,physical life is
 support$ "u conditions :i* w\ld cru% a 
con/itution n support$ by ! miracul\s   
aid ( almighty p[]2 & feeble m5 & wom5  
accompli% works ( *>ity & h]oic         

self-sacrifice f :i* ! mo/ robu/ &      
en]getic ( ! human race1 9 _! highe/    
/ate ( natural p]fection1 w\ld %r9k back
 9 dismay z hopeless impossibilities4 ,!
 s5ses are lit]ally tyrannis$ ov]1      
scorn$1 d]id$1 insult+ly trampl$ on4 ,! 
sight1 ! smell1 ! he>+1 ! t\*1 & ! ta/e1
 are taught to ex]cise !mselves ^u      
objects revolt+ to _! orig9al           
incl9ations4 ,!y le>n to m9i/] to ! w   
)\t display+ "o rebelli\s symptom4      
,matt] yields to _s2 ! s\l is ! ma/] ( !
 body2 :ile ! p]ceptions ( ! intellig5ce
 atta9 an exquisite s5sibility1 & ! m9d 
is gift$ ) faculties absolutely new1 !  
fle% submits1 almo/ ins5sible to its    
condition ( s]vitude1 & sc>cely murmurs 
at ! daily dea? x is compell$ to endure4
  ,! process is ! same 9 all t reg>ds ! 
affections & passions ( ! m9d itself4 ,!
 he>t is d5i$ e ?+ t x desires1 :i* is n
 ,god4 ,h[ev] innoc5t1 h[ev]            
praisewor?y1 may be ! indulg5ce 9 c]ta9 
feel+s1 & ! gratification ( c]ta9       
pursuits 9 ord9>y ,*ri/ians1 9 ! case ( 

^! fav\r$ s\ls nature is cru%$ 9 all h] 
p>ts4 ,h] faculties rema91 b !y are     
direct$ to spiritual ?+s alone4         
,possessions ( all k9ds1 l&s1 h\ses1    
books1 pictures1 g>d5s1 husb&1 wife1    
*ildr51 fri5ds1 --all %>e ! same        
trem5d\s s5t5ce4 ,god e/abli%es ,himself
 9 ! s\l1 n only supreme1 b z ! only    
inhabitant4 ,:atsoev] rema9s to be done 
9 ?is _w is done z a duty1 (t5 z a mo/  
obnoxi\s duty4 ,love = ! s\ls t ,*ri/   
has r$eem$ is ! only human feel+ t is   
left unsubjugat$2 & :]esoev] ! emotions 
( natural affection & fri5d%ip m+le )   
?is ,*ri/ian love1 !y are wat*$1 &      
re/ra9$ ) unsp>+ sev]ity1 t ! he>t may  
come at la/ to love no?+1 except 9 ,*ri/
 ,himself4  ,all ?is1 inde$1 repeat$ly  
takes place 9 ! case ( p]sons 9 :om !   
purely miracul\s life ( ! ,*ri/ian ,sa9t
 is nev] ev5 comm5c$4 ,x is t :i* all   
monks & nuns are b\nd to /ruggle =1     
accord+ to ! diff]5t rules to :i* !y h  
respectively receiv$ _! vocation4 ,&1 by
 ! m]cy ( ,god1 ?is p]fect deta*m5t f   

e>?1 & ?is m>vell\s crucifixion ( !     
fle%1 is accompli%$ 9 _m a dev\t        
religi\s1 to :om ! extraord9>y gifts ( !
 ,holy ,gho/ are z unkn[n z ,8          
extraord9>y graces are famili>4 ,/ill1 9
 ^? exceptional in/ances :]e miracul\s  
p[]s ( any species are be/[$1 ?is bitt] 
dea?1 ?is p]sonal r5ewal 7z f> z man c  
r5ew x7 ( ! agonies ( ,calv>y1 is       
ord9>ily ! necess>y prep>ation =        
admission to ! revelations ( ! ,div9e   
glory1 & to ! o!r my/]ies ( ! miracul\s 
life4  ,! physical nature1 !n1 be+ ?us  
subdu$1 & taught to be ! ob$i5t s]vant (
 ! sanctifi$ w1 ! hi/ory ( ! ,ca?olic   
,*ur* records a long s]ies ( in/ances 9 
:i* ! s\l has be5 br\ght into direct    
communion ) ,god1 ) angels1 & ) devils1 
m or less ?r\gh ! s5sible in/rum5tality 
( ! bodily s5ses1 ?us spiritualis$ &    
exalt$ to a new (fice4 ,! ineffable     
glories ( ! life ( ,*ri/ are r5ew$ 9 ^? 
:o h ?us endur$ ! cross ( ,*ri/4 ,! dea?
 ( ! body is ! life ( ! s\l2 & ! ,son ( 
,god is1 z x 71 aga9 visibly inc>nate 9 

! _w :i* ,he has r$eem$4  ,! ph5om5a (  
?is miracul\s /ate are z v>i\s z !y are 
wond]ful4 ,!re is sc>cely a natural law 
( our be+ :i* is n f\nd to be frequ5tly 
susp5d$4 ,su* is ! od\r ( sanctity1 a   
cele/ial p]fume t exhales f ! p]son ( ! 
,sa9t1 9 conditions :]e any su* delici\s
 fragrance c\ld n possibly spr+ f       
natural causes1 & :]e ev51 z 9 ! case ( 
a dead body1 nature w\ld s5d =? sc5ts ( 
! mo/ repulsive k9d4 ,9 su* in/ances1   
sometimes 9 life1 sometimes 9 dea?1     
sometimes 9 heal?1 sometimes 9 loa?some 
diseases1 !re issues f ! physical frame 
an od\r ( une>?ly sweetness1 p]haps     
communicat+ itself to objects :i* t\* ! 
sa9tly =m4  ,or a /range sup]natural    
w>m? p]vades ! entire body1 :olly       
indep5d5t ( ! condition ( ! atmosph]e1 &
 9 circum/ances :5 by ! laws ( nature ! 
limbs w\ld be cold2 sometimes1 :ile     
sickness has r$uc$ ! sy/em to su* a     
degree ( exhau/ion1 & br\ght on s morbid
 an action ( ! functions1 t ! /oma*     
rejects1 ) a sort ( abhorr5ce1 e species

 ( food1 ! mo/ holy ,eu*>i/ is receiv$  
)\t difficulty1 & seems n only to be ?us
 receiv$1 b to furni% suffici5t su/5ance
 = ! att5uat$ frame4 ,n unfrequ5tly     
corruption has no p[] ov] a sacr$       
corpse2 & )\t ! employm5t ( any ( !     
common processes = embalm+1 c5turies    
pass away1 & ! body ( ! ,sa9t rema9s    
unt\*$ by decay1 be>+ ! impress ( life 9
 dea?1 & n crumbl+ to du/1 z 9 cases (  
natural pres]vation1 :5 expos$ to !     
action ( ! atmosph]e4 ,add to ^!1 !     
sup]natural flexibility & lightness )   
:i* at times ! liv+ body is end[$ by    
,div9e p[]2 ! physical accompanim5t (   
ec/asy2 ! elevation ( ! entire body f ! 
gr\nd1 & its susp5sion 9 ! air = a      
consid]able space ( "t2 & we h suffici5t
 examples ( ! my/]i\s ways 9 :i* !      
bodies ( ,sa9ts bespeak ! purity :i*    
dwells )9 !m1 & 9 a degree anticipate ! 
corporeal p]fections ( ^? glorifi$      
habitations 9 :i* ! s\ls ( ! j w dwell  
aft] ! resurrection4  ,by ano!r class ( 
miracul\s p[]s possess$ by ,*ri/ian     

,sa9ts1 !y are enabl$ to recognise !    
true nature or pres5ce ( purely         
spiritual objects by ! in/rum5tality (  
_! natural organs ( s5se4 ,?us1 a m]e   
t\* at times reveals to !m ! moral      
condition ( ! p]son on :om !y lay _!    
h&s4 ,a s+ul> di/a/e = natural food is  
accompani$ by a p]ception ( a cele/ial  
sweetness 9 ! holy ,eu*>i/4 ,gross s9n]s
 appe> to ! sight 9 ! =m ( hide\s       
mon/]s1 demoniacal 9 _! aspect1 or z    
we>+ ! look ( ! mo/ repulsive ( ! brute 
creation4 ,! s5se ( smell1 9 l mann]1   
detects ! /ate ( ! s\l1 :ile ! e> is    
op5$ to heav5ly s\nds & voices1 &       
,almighty ,god speaks to ! inn]         
consci\sness 9 a mann] :i*1 inexplicable
 z x is :5 def9$ 9 ! language ( human   
sci5ce1 is %[n by inconte/able pro(s to 
be a real communication f heav5 to !    
enlight5$ intellig5ce4  ,9 c]ta9 cases !
 animal creation are taught to d homage 
to ! pres5ce ( a ,sa9t4 ,z ,god op5$ !  
eyes ( ,balaam's ass1 & x beheld !      
mess5g] ( ,div9e wra? /&+ ) a sword 9 8 

h&1 s birds1 fi%es1 insects1 %eep1 & !  
wilde/ bea/s ( ! =e/s1 h at times salut$
 ! ,sa9ts ) joy & sweetness1 lay+ aside 
_! natural timidity or _! natural       
f]ocity1 & recall+ ! h\r :5 ,adam dwelt 
9 s9less peace 9 ,ed51 surr\nd$ by !    
creatures :i* ! h& ( ,god _h made4 ,all 
nature is bid ?us to arise to welcome ! 
elect ( ! ,"l ( nature4 ,fl[]s spr+ up  
b5ea? _! feet2 fruits sudd5ly rip51 &   
invite !m to ga!r & eat2 /orms cease1 & 
g5tle w9ds refre% ! sky4 ,e :]e !       
pres5ce ( ,him :o lull$ ! tempe/ ) a ^w 
is recognis$ 9 ! s\ls 9 :om ,he dwells1 
& 9 :om ,he ?us1 9 a my/ic s5se1 fulfils
 ,8 own promise1 t ! meek %all possess !
 l&4  ,?us1 aga91 "t & space are 9 _!   
degree comp>atively annihilat$ = ! sake 
( "s ( ^! fav\r$ s]vants ( ! ,et]nal &  
,omnipres5t4 ,/4 ,pius ,v41 :ile bodily 
9 ,rome1 0 a witness ( ! naval victory (
 ! ,*ri/ians ov] ! ,turks2 ,/4 ,joseph (
 ,cup]t9o read lett]s address$ to him   
:ile _! au?ors 7 writ+ !m f> away2 ,/4  
,dom9ic =esaw ! w> ( ! ,albig5ses1 & !  

dea? ( ,pet] ( ,arragon2 & ,/4 ,ignatius
 beheld 8 successor 9 ! ,duke ( ,g&ia4  
,a simil> my/]i\s faculty enables its   
possessor to disc]n ! pres5ce ( relics &
 o!r sacr$ objects1 m especially ( !    
adorable ,eu*>i/ic species2 or ev5 to   
behold ,jesus ,*ri/ ,himself 9 ,8       
glorifi$ human =m1 9 place ( ! usual    
appe>ance ( bread & w9e2 :ile 9 "s      
in/ances ! ,ho/ has d>t$1 unborne by    
mortal h&1 into ! m\? ( a ,sa9t ab\t to 
communicate at ! foot ( ! alt>4  ,on ^? 
species ( miracles :i* are 9 no way     
peculi> to ! ,*ri/ian disp5sation ,i ne$
 n l+]4 ,su* is ! gift ( heal+1 :e!r by 
! ,sa9t's w & t\* :ile alive1 or by 8   
relics & int]cession :5 dead4 ,su* is ! 
gift ( prophecy1 :i* ab\nd$1 z we might 
h expect$1 f> m 9 ! ,sa9ts be=e ! adv5t 
( ! ,r$eem] ?an s9ce ,8 com+1 & :i*1    
inde$1 0 n rigidly conf9$ to m5 (       
religi\s "*4 ,su* are ^? sup]natural    
p[]s by :i* our pres5t temporal bless+s1
 9 addition to ! cure ( diseases1 are   
conf]r$ ^u individuals or communities by

 ! in/rum5tality ( holy m5 & wom54 ,i   
conf9e myself to ^? m peculi>ly ,*ri/ian
 privileges1 :i*1 ?\gh !y 7 n :olly     
unkn[n to ! ,patri>*al & ,mosaic ,sa9ts1
 are yet em95tly *>act]i/ic ( ^? times 9
 :i* ! glorification ( ! humanity (     
,jesus appe>s to h %$ a measure (       
glories ^u ! bodies ( ^? :o mo/ int5sely
 %>e ! suff]+s ( ,8 cross4  ,"s ( ^!    
tok5s ( ! p]petual dea? ( ! ,son ( ,god 
9 ,8 ,sa9ts 71 inde$1 = sev]al c5turies 
ei!r unkn[n1 or extraord9>ily r>e 9 !   
,*ri/ian ,*ur* h]self4 ,su* is t mo/    
awful ( ! displays ( ! undy+ p[] ( !    
,cross1 9 :i* ! actual w\nds & tortures 
( ! crucifi$ ,jesus are visibly r5ew$1  
by a miracul\s ag5cy1 9 ! p]sons ( ,8   
*os5 ones4 ,?is mo/ t]rible ( ! gifts ( 
! great ,god is g5]ally prec$$ by "s    
sup]natural occurr5ce =e%ad[+ ! visible 
repres5tation ( ! sc5e on ,calv>y ab\t  
to be set up be=e ! eyes ( m54 ,at "o "t
 x is a species ( bloody sweat1 l t (   
,jesus ,*ri/ 9 ! g>d5 ( ,ge?semani2 at  
ano!r1 a visible pr9t ( ! cross is      

impress$ ^u ! %\ld]s2 or angels pres5t a
 my/ic cup ( suff]+ to ! h&s ( !        
self-sacrific+ ,sa9t4 ,!n foll[s :at is 
t]m$ /igmatisation1 or ! r5ewal ( !     
actual w\nds ( ! ,crucifi$1 accompani$ )
 ! bloody m>ks ( ! cr[n ( ?orns ^u !    
suff]]'s head2 = ! mo/ "p "o by "o1     
until ! :ole awful commemoration is     
complete1 ! sk9 & fle% are r5t on !     
=ehead & r\nd ! head1 9 ! h&s1 9 ! feet1
 & 9 ! side2 a /ream ( gore p\rs =?1 at 
times trickl+ d[n 9 sl[ drops1 at times 
7z on ,fridays7 9 a full] tide1         
accompani$ ) agonis+ pangs ( body1 &    
except 9 ! fi]ce/ mom5ts ( spiritual    
conflict1 ) int]ior consolations (      
ravi%+ sweetness4 ,! w\nds pi]ce deep   
d[n into ! fle%1 runn+ ev5 ?r\gh ! h&s &
 ! feet4  ,! /ate ( ec/asy is ano!r ( ! 
mo/ wond]ful ( ! elem5ts ( ! miracul\s  
life ( ! ,sa9ts4 ,"u ! ,div9e influ5ce !
 physical frame und]goes a *ange 9 _m   
respects simil> to t :i* is suppos$     
7:e!r truly or falsely7 to result f !   
op]ation ( magnetism or somnambulism4   

,_m features1 at ! same "t1 di/+ui% !   
,*ri/ian ec/atic condition f t :i* is   
produc$ by purely physical or 7x may be7
 diabolical causes1 on :i* we _c at     
pres5t ent] 9 detail4 ,x is suffici5t to
 say1 t ! results ( ! true ec/asy are 9 
! /ricte/ con=mity ) ! doctr9es ( !     
,*ri/ian revelation1 & 9 p]fect h>mony )
 ! p]fections & rules ( ! moral _w4  ,! 
s\l 9 ?is /ate becomes1 z x 71 indep5d5t
 ( ! p[] ( ! body1 or %e uses h]        
physical s5ses 9 an absolute            
subord9ation to h] own illum9$ w4       
,visions1 su* z are record$ 9 ! ,old    
,te/am5t 9 ! case ( ! prophets1 are     
pres5t$ to h] faculties4 ,%e is         
introduc$ into ! c\rts ( heav51 &       
beholds & conv]ses ) ,sa9ts 9 glory1 ) !
 ,"m ( ,god1 ) ,jesus ,*ri/ ,himself4   
,or ! :ole my/]y ( ! ,passion is        
re-enact$ be=e h] spiritualis$ sight1 ! 
evangelical hi/ory be+ fill$ up ) all ^?
 actual b m9ut] details :i* are omitt$ 9
 ! writt5 records ( ! ,gospels4 ,9 c]ta9
 cases1 ! body itself is lift$ up f !   

gr\nd1 & s rema9s = a :ile 9 ! pres5ce (
 a cr[d ( by/&]s4 ,9 o!rs1 ! s\l1 :ile 9
 ec/asy1 is ! m$ium ( communication     
betwe5 ,almighty ,god & o!r p]sons !n   
pres5t1 & ! ,sa9t's voice repeats !     
revelations to ^? = :om !y are design$4 
,or1 aga91 an une>?ly flame %9+ ar\nd ! 
head or :ole p]son ( ! ec/atic1 l !     
clov5 tongues ^u ! ,apo/les at ,p5teco/1
 atte/s ! pres5ce ( ! ,invisible1 &     
symbolises ! message s5t =? f ,8 ?rone  
to m54  ,a m purely intellectual vision 
or revelation is ano!r ( ! works ( !    
,holy ,gho/ 9 ,8 ,sa9ts4 ,by su*        
revelations1 = ! mo/ "p1 ! tru?s ( holy 
,scripture 7 communicat$ to its writ]s4 
,god1 :o creat$ ! human s\l ) all its   
faculties1 & :o is able to make kn[n ,8 
w 9 any way t ,he pleases to !          
intellig5ce1 has ,8 own my/]i\s b n less
 accurate te/s1 by :i* ,he enables !    
fav\r$ _s to disc]n a revelation f a m]e
 product ( ! human imag9ation1 & to     
di/+ui% betwe5 ! voice ( ,god & !       
sugge/ions ( ,satan4 ,nor 0 ?is mode (  

int]c\rse betwe5 ! s\l & h] ,god conf9$ 
exclusively to ! eld] disp5sations or to
 apo/olic ages4 ,_m a ,*ri/ian ,sa9t has
 be5 privileg$ to contemplate ,god      
,himself1 9 a c]ta9 s5se1 9 ,8 ess5ce2  
behold+ ! dep?s ( su* my/]ies z ^? ( !  
,holy ,tr9ity1 ! ,inc>nation1 !         
,eu*>i/ic ,pres5ce1 or ! true nature (  
s91 ) a directness ( vision1 &          
compreh5d+ !m to an ext5t1 :i* passes ! 
p[]s ( human language to def9e4  ,la/ly1
 all t we read 9 ! ,bible respect+ !    
visible & tangible int]c\rse betwe5 man 
& ! angelic & diabolic ho/ is cont9u$ 9 
! times ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! reality ( !   
m9i/ration ( angels & ( ! assaults (    
demons1 9 ! case ( all ,*ri/ians1 is    
believ$ by e ,ca?olic2 b 9 v _m cases ! 
,sa9ts h become z consci\s ( ! pres5ce &
 actions ( _! unse5 fri5ds & foes z ( ! 
pres5ce & actions ( mortal m54 ,to "s   
,sa9ts1 our bless$ ,"l ,himself has     
appe>$ 9 human =m1 p]haps 9 t ( ! mo/   
despis$ & mis]able ( ! poor & sick2 to  
o!rs1 _! gu>dian-angels or o!r pure     

spirits h pres5t$ !mselves1 sometimes 9 
! guise ( ord9>y m51 & sometimes 9 a    
manife/ly sup]natural %ape4 ,(t51 too1 !
 enlight5$ s\l has beheld ,satan & 8    
accurs$ spirits1 ei!r work+ x "s bodily 
injury1 or assault+ x ) "s subtle       
temptation1 or seek+ to sc>e x by assum+
 "s hide\s loa?some %ape1 or assum+ !   
g>b ( an angel ( light = ! purpose (    
accompli%+ 8 helli% ends4 ,( all ^!     
sup]natural ph5om5a1 h[ev]1 illu/rations
 w readily occur to ^? :o are famili> ) 
! lives ( ,sa9ts1 or1 inde$1 to ^? :o h 
/udi$ ! ,bible only1 & :o read ! inspir$
 writ+s z really true1 rememb]+ t !     
miracul\s ev5ts !re record$ did n cease 
! mom5t t ! canon ( ,scripture 0 clos$1 
b t su* z 0 ! relation betwe5 ,god & man
 & angels & devils = m ?an f\r ?\s&     
ye>s1 su* x has be5 until ?is v h\r4    
,su*1 !n1 are ! doctr9es & op9ions :i*  
are impli$ 9 :at may be t]m$ ! miracul\s
 life ( ,ca?olic ,sa9ts1 & ( :i* !      
hi/ory ( ,frances ( ,rome pres5ts "o ( !
 mo/ rem>kable examples4 ,!y are "h b   

briefly sket*$3 b ,i tru/ t en\gh has   
be5 said to indicate ! g5]al "* ( !     
pr9ciples involv$ 9 ^! wond]ful         
hi/ories2 & ,i n[ pass on to (f] a few  
rem>ks on ! self-contradictions into :i*
 ^? p]sons fall :o refuse to inve/igate 
?is species ( subject on ! ord9>y rules 
( hi/orical evid5ce4  ,i ne$ h>dly rem9d
 ! read] t an imm5se numb] ( p]sons1 bo?
 infidels & ,prote/ants1 especially 9   
sob]-m9d$ ,engl& & ,scotl&1 treat e     
pr(ess$ ,ca?olic miracle z a portion ( !
 va/ gigantic sy/em ( delib]ate fraud & 
villany :i* !y conceive to be ! v life (
 ,ca?olicism4 ,f ! ,pope to ! humble/   
prie/ :o says ,mass & he>s confessions 9
 an ugly little *apel 9 ! %abbie/ /reet 
( a c\ntry t[n1 all are reg>d$ z leagu$ 
9 "o wide-spread+ impo/ure4 ,pius ,,ix41
 = in/ance1 x is imag9$1 kn[s !         
liquefaction ( ,/4 ,janu>ius's blood to 
be a trick ( ! ,neapolitan cl]gy2 b he  
keeps up ! falsehood = ! sake ( ga9 &   
p[]4 ,9 l mann]1 he has an ext5sive     
,roman laboratory ev] at "w = !         

manufacture ( all ! in/rum5ts ( delusion
 :i* 8 emiss>ies propagate ?r\gh\t      
,*ri/5dom4 ,!re he makes false relics1 f
 portions ( ! true cross d[nw>ds2 !re he
 sells p>dons & indulg5ces2 & !re he has
 a corps ( writ]s employ$ 9 ! inv5tion (
 fictiti\s miracul\s tales1 sa9ts'      
lives1 & ! l4 ,all ov] ! _w he has ag5ts
 = ! sale ( ^! goods1 ! ,ca?olic ,bi%ops
 9 ,engl& be+ 8 ,engli% ,correspond5ts1 
:o d\btless receive a h&some p]c5tage on
 ! pr(its realis$4 ,! /aff ( und]l+s is 
also complete1 en]getic1 & well paid4   
,?us1 ! ,oratorian ,fa!rs are busily    
employ$ 9 scatt]+ ,sa9ts' ,lives ?r\gh\t
 ?is c\ntry1 greatly to _! own pr(it4   
,?us1 too1 ,i am myself engag$ 9 a      
simil> "w1 ei!r laugh+ 9 my sleeve at ! 
cr$ulity on :i* ,i practise1 or submitt+
 f %e] intellectual incompet5ce to be ! 
tool ( "s wily ,jesuit :o enjo9s !      
unhall[$ task4 ,su*1 :5 drawn out into  
details1 & /ripp$ ( ! pomp\s declamation
 ( ! plat=m1 is1 9 s]i\s tru?1 ! idea   
:i* innum]able p]sons imag9e to be !    

,ca?olic sy/em ( propag&ism & deceit2 & 
e ,ca?olic miracle is ?us acc\nt$ = by !
 suppos$ wick$ness ( all ,ca?olics1     
except a few bl9d$ ignorant devotees4   
,any argum5t1 !re=e1 address$ to        
prejudgm5ts ( ?is class mu/ m]ge 9 !    
g5]al argum5t1 :i* %[s t1 :e!r !        
,ca?olic religion be true or false1 x is
 beyond ! limits ( cr$ibility t its rul+
 pr9ciple c be "o ( int5tional          
deception4 ,i insi/1 !n1 t x w\ld n     
m]ely be a miracle1--if is an           
impossibility t su* an impo/ure %\ld    
rema9 undetect$ to ?is day1 & t m5 &    
wom5 ( all ranks1 ages1 & c\ntries1 !   
able/ & ! mo/ simple1 includ+ unc\nt$   
fa!rs & mo!rs ( families1 %\ld p]si/ 9  
submitt+ to & uphold+ ! au?ority ( a few
 ?\s& prie/s1 :o are really no bett] ?an
 inc>nate devils4 ,:e!r ! ,ca?olic sy/em
 be an error or n1 x mu/ h fall5 to     
pieces a hundr$ times ov]1 if its *ief  
rul] & 8 subord9ates 7 m]e trick/]s1    
play+ ^u ! cr$ulity ( a fanatical &     
besott$ _w4 ,by ?is same te/1 !n1 its   

miracul\s hi/ories mu/ be judg$1 l !    
g5]al *>act]s ( its support]s4 ,!y :o   
propagate ^! /ories believe !m to be    
true4 ,!y d n1 ( c\rse1 ass]t t e       
sup]natural /ory is :at x pr(esses to   
be4 ,!y may ev5 admit t _m are ! m]e    
creations ( well-mean+ b ill-in=m$      
report4 ,nor is e ,ca?olic prie/1 monk1 
or layman to be acc\nt$ a s9c]e & hone/ 
man4 ,!re are betray]s ( _! ,"l1 f      
,judas ,isc>iot to ! la/ wret*$         
apo/ates1 :o rema9 = ye>s 9 ! ,*ur*1    
deceiv+ o!rs )\t deceiv+ !mselves4 ,b on
 ! :ole1 & view$ z a body1 ! ,ca?olic   
,*ur* is z hone/ & tru?ful1 :5 %e ass]ts
 t _m wond]ful miracles are incessantly 
tak+ place )9 h]1 z ! mo/ scrupul\s (   
morali/s c desire4  ,b %e is h]self     
deceiv$1 exclaims ! m c&id sep>ati/ or  
sceptic1 tak+ up ! argum5t decl9$ by 8  
sc(f+ bro!r4 ,ca?olics1 x is suppos$1   
are "u ! dom9ion ( s abject a           
sup]/ition1 t ! mom5t ! subject ( _!    
religion is introduc$1 !y cease to ex]t 
_! ord9>y common s5se & p[]s (          

criticism1 & believe any ?+ & e ?+ t    
seems to be m>vell\s4 ,grant+ !m to be  
s9c]e1 ! *>itable ,prote/ant is ( op9ion
 t !y are intellectually incapable (    
te/+ ! pret5sions ( ^! wond]s to be real
 & true miracles4 ,if1 9 pla9 words1    
,ca?olics are n knaves1 !y mu/ be fools4
 ,n[1 let me ask any c&id p]son :o ?us  
acc\nts = our belief 9 mod]n miracles1  
to furni% me ) an intelligible answ] on 
two po9ts4 ,fir/1 let him expla9 h[ x   
comes to pass t an innum]able multitude 
( p]sons1 _m ( !m di/+ui%$ = ! highe/   
intellectual p[]s1 & prov+ by _! lives &
 _! dea?s t !y are ready to make e      
sacrifice = ! sake ( religion1 %\ld     
suff] !mselves to be impos$ ^u 9 s      
mom5t\s a subject1 %\ld will+ly accept z
 true a s]ies ( absurd fabrications1 ^: 
falsehood !y might detect by ! ex]cise (
 any ord9>y acut5ess1 & %\ld risk _!    
reputation ) ! _w by pr(ess+ to believe 
^! fictions4 ,if we are s9c]e 9 our     
fai?1 x is impossible to suppose u s    
will+ to be impos$ ^u4 ,! holl[ness ( ^!

 sup]natural pret5sions mu/ h betray$   
itself to "s among/ u4 ,! bubble mu/ h  
bur/ some:]e4 ,if n at ,rome1 :]e       
,prote/ants imag9e ,ca?olic intellect to
 be at its l[e/ ebb1 at lea/ 9 ,engl&1  
or ,france1 or ,belgium1 or ,g]many1 "s 
( our great ,ca?olic philosoph]s1       
hi/orians1 politicians1 & m5 ( sci5ce1  
mu/ h unveil$ ! tru?4 ,footnote3 ,x is a
 rem>kable fact1 t ! mo/ celebrat$ "w on
 ! sup]natural gifts accord$ by ,god to 
,*ri/ians1 is ! production ( "o ( !     
greate/ intellects1 & by f> ! mo/       
influ5tial political writ]1 t mod]n     
,europe has se54 ,grres1 ! au?or ( !    
,*ri/li*e ,my/ik1 0 ! ,well+ton (       
lit]ature dur+ ! la/ ,european w>4 ,!   
influ5ce :i* he ex]cis$ ov] ! :ole      
,g]man m9d by 8 ,rh5i% ,m]cury is       
altoge!r )\t p>allel 9 ! hi/ory (       
j\rnalism4 ,x 01 inde$1 reg>d$ z s      
=midable by ,napoleon himself1 t he /yl$
 ,grres a f\r? cont95tal p[]4 ,yet ?is  
fir/ ( publici/s devot$ 8 :ole life to !
 inve/igation ( ! wond]s ( ,ca?olic     

my/icism1 & believ$ ) und\bt+ conviction
 9 _! reality4  ,&1 secondly1 ,i desire 
to be told :o are ! deceiv]s4 ,if our   
num]\s miracles are all errors1 !re mu/ 
be gross deception 9 a ho/ ( in/ances   
some:]e4 ,:]e is x1 !n8 ,i ask2 :i* are 
! dupes1 & :i* ! rogues8 ,d ! cl]gy *eat
 ! laity8 ,or d ! laity 7:o h q z mu* to
 d ) ^! miracles7 *eat ! cl]gy8 ,d !    
,jesuits entrap ! ,pope8 ,or does !     
,pope my/ify ! ,jesuits8 ,:5 mission>ies
 %$ _! blood 9 hundr$s 9 hea!n l&s1 are 
we to believe t !y are ! fabricators ( !
 wond]ful tales :i* !y h be5 9 ! habit (
 s5d+ home to ,*ri/5dom8 ,or did !y     
leave ,europe ) ! int5tion ( becom+     
m>tyrs1 )\t tr\bl+ !mselves to asc]ta9  
:e!r !y 7 n ! dupes ( delusions already 
surr\nd+ !m 9 a ,*ri/ian l&8 ,aga9 ,i   
say1 if ,ca?olic miracles are all false1
 !re mu/ be b\ndless trick]y some:]e1 & 
,i dem& to "k :]e x is4 ,9 an ,engli%   
c\rt ( ju/ice a *>ge ( conspiracy _c be 
ent]ta9$ unless ! accus] c po9t out     
c]ta9 p>ties on :om to fa/5 8 *>ge4     

,judge & jury w\ld laugh at a pla9tiff  
:o came into c\rt cry+ out t he 0       
victimis$ by "s invisible1              
indescribable1 & unkn[n1 b yet v num]\s 
b& ( foes4 ,s x is ) ?is popul> !ory    
ab\t ,ca?olic miracles4 ,we are told t  
we are deceiv$4 ,we are all *eat$       
toge!r4 ,! bi%ops are victims2 ! prie/s 
are victims2 monks & nuns are victims2 !
 laity are victims2 ! old ,ca?olics 9   
,engl& are victims2 ! conv]ts are       
victims2 ! be/ ( u all are victims2 !   
mo/ le>n$1 ! mo/ pi\s1 ! mo/ able1 ! mo/
 self-d5y+1--all ^! are dupes4 ,if !re  
are deceiv]s1 !y are ! few1 ! ignorant1 
! cunn+1 & ! vile4 ,! ,roman ,*ur*1 z a 
,*ur*1 is suppos$ to be "u ! dom9ion ( a
 b& ( conspirators1 :o h bl9d$ h] eyes  
)\t h] hav+ f\nd x out1 & :o are n[ us+ 
h] = _! own godless purposes4 ,does n   
su* a supposition confute itself8 ,is x 
wor? admitt+1 ev5 z an hypo!sis8 ,w\ld  
su* a /atem5t be endur$ = a mom5t by a  
judge & twelve m5 9 a jury-box8 ,i say1 
!re=e1 be=e mov+ a /ep to ov]?r[ !      

,prote/ant accusation1 ,make a di/9ct & 
intelligible *>ge ( c]ta9 def9ite crimes
 aga9/ c]ta9 def9ite individuals4 ,:5 t 
is done1 ! pro( /ill rema9s ) y4 ,%[ u  
bo? :o are ! deceiv]s1 & h[ !y deceive  
u2 or admit t !re is no cr$ulity s      
op5-m\!d z t ( ,prote/ants :5 !y attack 
,ca?olics2 no sup]/ition s base z t :i* 
wor%ips ?is visible ord] ( nature z an  
et]nal rule :i* n ev5 ,god ,himself c   
ev] int]rupt4  ,! fact is1 h[ev]1 t no  
,prote/ant ev] attempts any ?+ l a      
pr(\nd inve/igation ( ! ,ca?olic        
miracles4 ,a calm1 critical1 & judicial 
inquiry into ! wor? ( ! ,roman process (
 canonisation has nev] be5 risk$4 ,"h is
 an enorm\s catalogue ( incid5ts1 ^:    
sup]natural "* is v\*$ = by ! decrees ( 
a long s]ies ( ,popes1 pr(ess$ly bas$ ^u
 ! mo/ prolong$ & anxi\s legal          
exam9ation4 ,= c5turies a tribunal has  
be5 decl>+ t "o s]ies ( miracles aft]   
ano!r has come be=e x2 t x has weigh$ !m
 all ) ! utmo/ c>e2 t x has he>d e ?+ t 
c\ld be urg$ aga9/ !m2 t x has reject$1 

z n prov$1 a v l>ge numb]2 & t1 aft] !  
mo/ se>*+ inquiry1 x has f\nd su* & su* 
sup]natural incid5ts to be e/abli%$ by e
 law ( human evid5ce4 ,footnote3 ,= !   
/eps foll[$ 9 ! processes (             
canonisation1 see ,fab]'s ,essay on     
,beatification1 ,canonisation1 & !      
,processes ( ! ,congregation ( ,rites4  
,no man c look at ! processes ( !       
canonisation ( ,ca?olic ,sa9ts )\t      
admitt+ t v few ( ^? secul> ev5ts :i* we
 unhesitat+ly believe are support$ by s 
ov]:elm+ a weight ( pro(4 ,m5's =tunes &
 lives are incessantly tak5 away by law 
at our v doors on l[] degrees ( evid5ce1
 & no "o exclaims4 ,& yet ! decisions ( 
?is ,ca?olic tribunal are set aside )\t 
hesitation4 ,p ?9k !m n ev5 wor?y (     
li/5+ to4 ,! :ole affair !y c\nt a      
*ildi% trifl+2 & ) a %rug or a sne] !y  
pass x by4  ,& x is ! same ) ^? miracles
 :i* h n be5 br\ght be=e any su* high   
tribunal1 b :i* re/ on und5iable private
 evid5ce4 ,^? :o are n ,ca?olics put !m 
aside simply z incr$ible4 ,!y assume t  

!y _c be true1 & !re=e t !y are n true4 
,press !m 9 argum5t1 & !y w %irk y\r mo/
 /r+5t pro(s4 ,y c make no impression ^u
 _! wills4 ,!y w believe any ?+ b t ,god
 has int]rupt$ ! c\rse ( nature 9 fav\r 
( any "o b !mselves4 ,9 %ort1 if we wi% 
to see human reason 9 its mo/ irrational
 mood1 we h b to ent] into conv]sation )
 a ,prote/ant :o ass]ts & ?9ks t he     
believes ! ,bible miracles to be true1 &
 urge ^u him ! pro(s ( su* mod]n        
miracles z are record$ ( ,/4 ,frances ( 
,rome4 ,y w p]ceive fir/1 t ?\gh he has 
made up 8 m9d on ! subject ) unhesitat+ 
dogmatism1 he has nev] inve/igat$ its   
be>+s or facts1 ev5 9 outl9e4           
,nev]!less1 to y\r surprise1 y w f9d him
 p]fectly ready to />t "s r&om !ory1 at 
a mom5t's notice1 unconsci\s ( !        
mom5t\s1 ! awful nature ( ! matt] he is 
h&l+4 ,y see1 p]haps1 t 8 m9d is        
p[]fully influ5c$ by ! s+ul> "* ( _m    
,ca?olic miracles4 ,he ?9ks !m /range1  
unnecess>y1 unacc\ntable1 absurd1       
disgu/+1 degrad+4 ,8 n]v\s s5sibilities 

are %ock$ by an acc\nt ( ! fe>ful pangs 
accompany+ ! /igmata4 ,9 ! ph5om5a (    
ec/asy he c see no?+ m ?an ! rav+s (    
delirium1 or 7if he believes 9 mesm]ism7
 ?an ! tales ( a clairvoyante1 & !      
rigidity ( catalepsy4 ,8 physical frame1
 accu/om$ to its r\t9e ( breakfa/1      
lun*eon1 & d9n]1 its s(as & easy-*airs1 
& its luxuri\s b$1 %udd]s at ! ?\ght ( !
 self-inflict$ p5ances ( ! ,sa9ts1 & at 
! idea ( ,god's be/[+ a miracul\s p[] ( 
endur+ su* horrors4 ,he w\ld be z mu*   
surpris$ to be told t ,smi?field 0      
lit]ally ! abode ( inc>nate demons1 z to
 he> t demons h (t5 assum$ ! %apes (    
bea/s & mon/]s 9 _! conflicts ) ! elect4
 ,! notion t an angel might visibly     
appe> to a pi\s travell] on ! ,great    
,we/]n or ,birm+ham railroad1 & protect 
him f dea? 9 a frightful collision (    
tra9s1 makes him op5 8 eyes &           
contemplate y z sc>cely sane to h9t at  
su* a ?+4 ,t ! ,virg91 z he calls h]1   
%\ld come d[n f heav5 & ent] a *ur* or a
 room1 & hold a conv]sation ) liv+ m51  

wom51 or *ildr5 9 ! n9ete5? c5tury1 &   
give !m a trump]y m$al1 or tell !m to   
we> a piece ( clo? r\nd _! neck1 or cure
 !m ( "s disease1 he reg>ds ab\t z      
likely & rational z t ! /ories 9 !      
,arabian ,nights & ! ,fairy ,tales %\ld 
turn out to be true hi/ories4 ,be z     
s]i\s z y please1 he simply laughs 9 8  
sleeve1 ?9k+ to himself1 ,well1 :o w\ld 
h believ$ t ! intellect ( an educat$    
,engli%man %\ld submit itself to su*    
drivell+ z ?is8  ,p]ceiv+ t ?is is !    
/ate ( 8 m9d1 y op5 ! ,bible1 :i* lies1 
h&somely b\nd1 ^u 8 table1 & runn+      
rapidly ?r\gh ! f\r ,gospels & ! ,acts (
 ! ,apo/les1 po9t out to him a long     
s]ies ( sup]natural ev5ts !re record$2 &
 %[ him t 9 _! nature !y are precisely !
 same z ^? mod]n miracles :i* provoke 8 
disgu/ or contempt4 ,y rem9d him1 fir/ (
 all1 t our ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/ is ! ,head 
( ! ,*ur*1 & t all ,8 p are made l ,him1
 9 ,8 life & ,8 suff]+s1 z well z 9 ,8  
glory2 & !n proce$ to y\r summ>y4 ,he   
acc\nts ! p5ances ( ,sa9ts ne$less &    

impossible2 y rem9d him ( our bless$    
,"l's fa/ ( =ty days & =ty nights4 ,he  
is horror-/ruck at ! details ( ! suff]+s
 ( ^? 9 :om ! ,passion ( ,*ri/ has be5  
visibly r5ew$2 y beg him to attempt to  
realise ! bloody sweat 9 ! ,g>d5 (      
,olives4 ,he speaks ( mesm]ism &        
clairvoyance1 & d]ides ! ?\ght ( a      
,sa9t's be+ illum9at$ ) radiant light1  
or exhal+ a fragrant od\r2 y ask him h[ 
he expla9s away ! transfiguration (     
,jesus4 ,he says t x is physically      
impossible t a man's body c be 7z he    
expresses x7 9 two places at once2 y    
desire him to say by :at law ( nature   
our ,"l ent]$ ! room :]e ! disciples 7  
:5 ! doors 7 %ut2 h[ ,/4 ,pet] 0 deliv]$
 f *a9s & imprisonm5t by ! angel2 h[ ,/4
 ,paul 0 rapt into ! ?ird heav51 :e!r 9 
! body or out ( ! body1 he c\ld n tell4 
,he says t :5 a ,sa9t has ?\ght himself 
attack$ by devils 9 hide\s %apes1 8 bra9
 has be5 diseas$2 y entreat him to bew>e
 ( ?r[+ a d\bt on ! temptation ( ,jesus 
,*ri/ by ,satan 9 ! wild]ness4 ,he      

pities y = believ+ t ! ,"m ( ,god has   
appe>$ = su* ne$less purposes to excit$ 
devotees2 y ask him :y ! ,son ( ,god    
appe>$ long aft] ,8 dea? & asc5sion to  
,/4 ,paul1 & told him :at he might h    
le>nt 9 a natural way f ! o!r ,apo/les4 
,he calls y\r miracul\s relics *ildi%   
trump]y2 y ask :e!r ! h&k]*iefs & aprons
 :i* cur$ ! sick1 aft] hav+ t\*$ ,/4    
,paul's body1 7 trump]y also2 & :e!r ,/4
 ,luke is c\nt5anc+ sup]/ition :5 he    
relates h[ ! p cr[d$ ne> ,/4 ,pet] to be
 heal$ by 8 v %ad[ pass+ ov] !m4 ,!n1 z 
he feels ! ov]:elm+ =ce ( y\r rebukes1  
he ins9uates t !re is some?+ div9e1     
some?+ evid5tly t\*+1 pure1 & /rict 9   
morality 9 ! ,bible n>ratives1 :i* is   
want+ 9 ^! lives ( ,ca?olic ,sa9ts2 & y 
ref] him to su* biographies z t ( ,/4   
,frances ( ,rome1 & compell+ him to read
 ! n>ratives ( h] revelations1 ask him  
if all t %e says :5 9 a /ate ( ec/asy   
does n we>1 ev5 9 8 judgm5t1 ! impress (
 a ,div9e orig91 & seem to be dictat$ by
 ! ,god ( all purity1 humility1 & love4 

,at l5g? y\r oppon5t1 aft] brief pond]+1
 *anges 8 gr\nd1 & ass]ts t y are       
y\rself deceiv$2 t ! real defect 9      
,ca?olic miracul\s /ories is ! want (   
evid5ce4 ,he tells y t he w\ld believe1 
if he c\ld2 b t y h n prov$ y\r po9t4 ,y
 next call 8 att5tion to ! di/9ct       
promise made by our bless$ ,"l to !     
,*ur*1 t miracles %\ld always cont9ue ) 
h]2 & ask him h[1 on 8 !ory1 he acc\nts 
= ! non-fulfilm5t ( ?is promise4 ,y     
desire him to lay 8 f+] on ! epo* :5 its
 fulfilm5t ceas$2 & n only to ass]t t x 
!n ceas$1 b to prove 8 ass]tion4 ,he    
says no?+1 = he has no?+ to say :i* he c
 ev5 attempt to prove2 & y proce$ to    
furni% a few examples ( miracles1 f     
patri/ic1 m$ival1 or mod]n times1 or    
p]haps ( ! pres5t day1 :i* are support$ 
by at lea/ z cog5t an am\nt ( evid5ce z 
! hi/orical pro( ( ! ,scripture         
miracles4 ,y insi/ ^u 8 disprov+ ^!4 ,he
 _c4 ,he resorts to "s new hypo!sis4 ,he
 says t !re is deception some:]e1 ?\gh  
he _c tell :]e2 & probably by ?is "t is 

%[+ symptoms ( a wi% to end !           
discussion4 ,y urge him aga91 & press   
him to give an intelligible reason =    
suppos+ t !re mu/ be deception any :]e4 
,he ?9ks a :ile2 & :5 at l5g? y are     
look+ = a rational conclusion1 he />ts  
backw>ds to 8 old assumption t !        
,ca?olic miracles _c be true4 ,he begs !
 :ole "q1 & says t !y are 9 fav\r (     
,ca?olicism1 & t ,ca?olicism is false4  
,y too recur to y\r old ref]5ce to !    
,bible1 & s on4 ,& ?us y run aga9 ! same
 r\nd2 & y may run x a ?\s& times ov]1  
till y p]ceive t !re is b "o reason :y  
y\r oppon5t is n conv9c$2 :i* is1 t he w
 n be conv9c$4 ,& ?us x 0 9 ! days :5 ^?
 v miracles 7 wr\ght :i* ,prote/ants    
pr(ess to believe4 ,! ,jews w\ld n      
believe our ,"l's words & doctr9es4 ,he 
!n bade !m believe ,him because ( ,8    
miracles2 & !y in/antly imput$ !m to !  
p[] ( ! devil4 ,he %[$ !m t ?is !ory 0  
impossible2 b1 s f> f be+ conv9c$ &     
conv]t$1 !y w5t _! ways1 & plott$ ,8    
dea?4 ,n[1 our controv]siali/s _c1 or d 

n wi%1 to take away our lives2 b :5 n a 
^w is left !m 9 ! way ( argum5t1 !y g _!
 ways1 & prote/ to _! fell[s1 t we are  
ob/9ate1 unfair1 sup]/iti\s1 & insol5t2 
& too (t5 enc\rage "o ano!r 9 ! bitt]e/ 
p]secution ( ^? :o are conv9c$ by our   
reason+s1 & submit to ! ,*ur*4   ,i n[  
turn to ! objections :i* are at times   
felt by ,ca?olics !mselves to !         
publication ( ,sa9ts' ,lives1 ab\nd+ 9  
sup]natural incid5ts4 ,su* p]sons are1  
inde$1 n num]\s2 & _! numb] is rapidly  
dim9i%+4 ,/ill x c sc>cely be d\bt$ t   
consci5ti\s ,ca?olics are to be f\nd :o 
take ! view ,i am speak+ (1 f ideas :i*1
 ?\gh errone\s 7z ,i believe71 are yet s
 truly f\nd$ 9 s9c]ity1 z to dem&       
respect & explanation f ^? :o diff] f   
!m4  ,! objections !y raise are tw(old4 
,fir/1 !y allege t su* books sc&alise   
,prote/ants & drive !m f ! ,*ur*2 &     
secondly1 !y d n see h[ incid5ts1 :olly 
unlike our ord9>y daily exp]i5ce1 c     
practically s]ve u 9 our private        
,*ri/ian lives4  ,to ! idea t           

non-,ca?olics are ?us ne$lessly         
prejudic$ aga9/ ! fai?1 ,i reply1 t ?is 
ass]tion is :olly unprov$4 ,t !y d1 z a 
matt] ( fact1 laugh & attack su*        
biographies1 ,i fully admit2 b !y laugh 
at !m on gr\nds :i* we _c admit )\t giv+
 up ! ,*ri/ian revelation itself4 ,!y   
sc(f at !m1 n because !y ?9k !m n       
support$ by cr$ible te/imony1 b because 
!y are n :at !y call dignifi$1 ref9$1 & 
j su* z !y %\ld h suppos$ all ?+s to be 
t come f ,god4 ,t su* a temp] ( m9d is  
indicative ( pure ,deism1 x ne$s no     
words to prove4 ,a man :o d]ides a      
miracul\s ev5t m]ely z trifl+1 !reby    
ass]ts t he himself is ! judge ( :at is 
great & :at is little 9 ! sight ( ,god4 
,he lays d[n laws = ! guidance ( !      
,almighty4 ,he is adopt+ ! id5tical     
reason+ ( pr(ess$ infidels1 :o on ?is v 
gr\nd reject ,*ri/ianity itself4 ,& x is
 obvi\s t no?+ c be m p]il\s ?an !      
enc\ragem5t ( s fatal a pr9ciple (      
judgm5t4 ,once let ! acute & logical    
,prote/ant p]ceive t y move "o /ep      

backw>ds 9 def]5ce to ?is objection1 &  
he w press y ) fre% consequ5ces ( ! v   
same admission until he l&s y 9         
undisguis$ scepticism1 if n 9 ! blacke/ 
,a!ism4  ,c any s+le in/ance1 9 fact1 be
 nam$ 9 :i* a m9d t 0 app>5tly det]m9$  
to seek salvation at all co/s1 has be5  
actually det]r$ f ent]+ ! ,ca?olic ,*ur*
 by meet+ ) ^! extraord9>y hi/ories8    
,are !y n a butt = det]m9$ & ob/9ate    
,prote/ants1 & = su* ,prote/ants only8  
,ask any conv]t :e!r1 on look+ back1 he 
c say t ! k ( ^! peculi>ities 9 ,ca?olic
 hagiology ev] practically held him back
 = f\r-&-tw5ty h\rs 9 8 j\rney t[>ds !  
,*ur*4 ,t ! _w is angry1 & t ! _w v5ts  
its sple5 & its contempt 9 bitt] je/s1  
is true en\gh2 b pi\s s\ls are n made to
 s91 or kept away f _! ,savi\r1 by any  
?+ ( ! k9d4 ,& t ! rage & mock+ ( man   
af=d n ! slighte/ reason = induc+ !     
,*ur* to turn out ( h] natural pa?1 ,i  
%all n di%on\r my read]s by attempt+ to 
prove to !m4  ,t x is h] natural c\rse  
to make ^! hi/ories public1 = !         

practical edification ( h] *ildr51 is   
cle> f "o fact alone1--!y are precisely 
p>allel to ! life ( our bless$ ,"l1 z   
n>rat$ 9 ! f\r ,gospels4 ,! :ole "q     
resolves itself into ?is3 ,if su* lives 
z t ( ,/4 ,frances1 & _m o!rs1 rec5tly  
publi%$ 9 ,engl&1 are n edify+ to !     
ord9>y ,*ri/ian1 !n ! life ( ,jesus     
,*ri/ is n edify+4 ,! ,gospels1 z well z
 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les & ! ,epi/les1 mu/ 
be rigor\sly expurgat$ & cut d[n to !   
type ( ! common dome/ic life ( ! pres5t 
day4 ,no?+ c be fur!r remov$ f !        
circum/ances ( mo/ m5 ?an ! records (   
our ,"l's miracles & sup]natural acts 9 
g5]al4 ,:at has ! temptation1 !         
transfiguration1 ! driv+ ! devils into !
 sw9e1 ! turn+ ! wat] into w9e at :at we
 %\ld n[ call a w$d+-breakfa/1 &1 9     
fact1 almo/ e act 9 our bless$ ,"l's    
life1 9 common ) our amusem5t1 our      
bus9ess1 our society1 our :ole exp]i5ce8
 ,yet1 to say t a dev\t s\l c m$itate on
 ^! transc5d5tly my/]i\s ev5ts1 & n     
d]ive f !m practical in/ruction to      

enable h] to fulfil h] little trivial   
e>?ly duties ) ,*ri/ian p]fection1 is   
no?+ %ort ( blasphemy4 ,! ,son ( ,god   
inc>nate1 all glori\s1 all awful1 all   
unfa?omable z ,he 0 ev5 9 ! days ( ,8   
soj\rn+ on e>?1 0 yet our example1 our  
model1 our embodi$ s]ies ( precepts4 ,! 
eye ( ! simple/ reg5]ate *ild _c be     
turn$ = an in/ant ^u ,8 ,div9e glories &
 ineffable suff]+s )\t draw+ light      
!refrom to guide x ev5 9 its play ) its 
fell[s1 or 9 ! mo/ trivial ( ! duties   
t[>ds its p>5ts & tea*]s4  ,& su*1 ,i am
 conv9c$1 is ! exp]i5ce ( ,ca?olics (   
all ranks1 ( e age & e degree (         
intellectual cultivation1 :o /udy       
religi\sly ! miracul\s lives ( ! ,sa9ts1
 believ+ !m to be1 on ! :ole1 correct   
hi/ories4 ,x is n ne$ful t !y %\ld reg>d
 !m to be lit]ally true 9 all _!        
details1 z ! ,bible is true4 ,we h b to 
reg>d !m z we reg>d o!r au!ntic human   
n>ratives1 ) ! addition ( t v5]ation &  
confid5ce :i* is due to su* portions (  
!m z h be5 =mally sanction$ by ! ,*ur*1 

to d]ive f !m unceas+ spiritual com=t & 
in/ruction4 ,d\btless1 if we are s      
ignorant z to fancy t all ,sa9ts'       
hi/ories are to be alike 9 details1 & t 
!re=e we ought to wi% t ! circum/ances (
 our lives 7 ! same z !irs1 we %all be  
do+ ourselves great mis*ief4 ,b let u   
/udy !m ) a true k ( ! m]e elem5ts ( !  
,*ri/ian fai?1 & !y w be to u :at ,/4   
,paul desires 8 disciples to seek = 9 8 
life1 namely1 a cont9uation1 z x 71 ( ! 
life ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 c>ri$ on ?r\gh all 
! successive ages ( ,8 ,*ur* on e>?4 ,!y
 w impress ^u our m9ds ) an int5sity    
peculi>ly _! own1 ! reality ( !         
invisible _w & ! ensn>+ t5d5cies ( e ?+ 
t we possess4 ,weak & ignorant z is !   
imag9ative & s5sitive portion ( our     
nature1 x ne$s e possible help t x c f9d
 to c\nt]act ! p>alys+ effects ( !      
worldl9ess ( ! _w1 ( ! lukew>mness (    
,*ri/ians1 & ( ! en?rall+ nature ( !    
univ]se ( sight & s5se4 ,our c\rage is  
wond]fully /r5g!n$1 & our love = ?+s    
invisible is inflam$1 by e ?+ t =ces u1 

z x 71 to see t ?is visible creation is 
n ! only ?+ t is real1 mighty1 & pres5t4
 ,! g5]al precepts & ! dogmatic /atem5ts
 ( religion acquire a s+ul> & liv+ =ce  
:5 we p]ceive !m c>ri$ out & realis$ 9 !
 actual affairs ( life 9 a degree to :i*
 our p]sonal exp]i5ce is a /rang]4      
,influ5c$ z human nature is by example1 
^! unpret5d+ n>ratives1 ^: :ole /r5g?   
lies 9 ! facts :i* !y record1 & n 9 !   
art ( ! biograph]1 und5iably /rike ! m9d
 ) an almo/ sup]natural =ce4 ,!y en*a9 !
 att5tion2 !y compel u to say1 ,are ^!  
?+s true8 ,are ^! ?+s possible8 ,is     
religion1 aft] all1 s t]ribly ne> to u8 
,are ?is life & ?is _w s lit]ally va9 & 
wor?less1 s absolutely no?+ wor?8 ,are  
suff]+ & awful bodily angui% bless+s to 
be really covet$8 ,are ! maxims :i* ,i  
daily he> ar\nd me s hopelessly bad &   
accurs$8 ,are angels & devils s ne>1 s v
 ne>1 to u all8 ,is purgatory s t]rible 
& s inevitable to all b ! p]fect1 t ^!  
fe>ful visions ( its pa9s are 9 sub/ance
 :at ,i myself %all endure8 ,& if ,i    

fall f grace & die 9 s9 be=e "o ( !     
innum]able temptations t h\rly beset me1
 is x true t no?+ less ?an an et]nity ( 
su* torm5ts1 ! v read+ ( :i* ev5 ?us    
repres5t$ makes me %udd] ) horror1 w be 
my inevitable lot8 ,& is ! bliss ( !    
,sa9ts & ! joy ( lov+ ,god s            
inexpressibly sweet to any s\ls "h on   
e>?8 ,is x possible t any "o %\ld escape
 f a /ate ( coldness1 deadness1         
worldl9ess1 & unwill+ p]=mance ( 8      
religi\s duties1 & positively come to   
lose all ta/e = bodily & m]e            
intellectual pleasures ?r\gh ! absorb+ (
 8 :ole be+ into ! love ( ,jesus & (    
,m>y1 & ?r\gh a burn+ ?ir/ = ! beatific 
vision ( ! ,et]nal ,tr9ity8  ,& :o w    
v5ture to say t x is n good = u all to h
 su* ?\ghts frequ5tly press$ ^u our     
att5tion8 ,if !re is any mean+ 9 ! comm&
 t we are to aim at be+ p]fect1 :atev]  
be ! /ate ( life 9 :i* we are call$ to  
seek p]fection1 surely x is no ord9>y   
advantage ?us to h ! ess5tially         
sup]natural "* ( our religi\s life =c$  

aga9 & aga9 ^u our att5tion4 ,=1 be x   
nev] =gott51 ?is v sup]naturalness is "o
 ( its ess5tial features4 ,!re are      
innum]able v>ieties 9 our vocations4 ,! 
e>?ly circum/ances 9 :i* we are to s]ve 
,god are almo/ innum]able 9 _! v>iety2 b
 ! sup]natural elem5t app]ta9s to !m all
 alike4 ,our actual relation%ip to !    
awful & glori\s realities ( ! unse5 _w  
is precisely ! same 9 k9d z t ( ! mo/   
miracul\sly end[$ ,sa9ts4 ,! only       
diff]5ce is ?is1 t 9 _! case t          
relation%ip 0 p]ceiv$ & visibly manife/$
 9 a peculi> mode1 to :i* we are        
/rang]s4 ,heav51 purgatory1 & hell are z
 ne> to u z if we beheld ! visions ( ,/4
 ,frances4 ,! cross is z lit]ally our   
portion1 9 its ess5tial nature1 z if !  
five sacr$ w\nds 7 r5ew$ physically 9   
our agonis+ frame4 ,our angel-gu>dian is
 z incessantly by our side1 z if our    
eyes 7 op5$ to behold 8 effulg5t        
radiance4 ,satan /rikes ! same bl[s at  
our s\ls1 :e!r he %[s himself to our    
sight or n4 ,! relics ( ,sa9ts1 :i* we  

c>efully look at or criticise1 may be at
 any mom5t ! vehicles ( ! same miracul\s
 p[]s z ! h&k]*iefs f ! body ( ,/4      
,paul4 ,:o w\ld say to a bl9d man1 ,=get
 ! tangible realities ( ?is life1       
because y _c see !m8 ,:o w\ld n r say1  
,be> con/antly 9 m9d :at is ! exp]i5ce (
 ^? :o c see1 t y may practically       
rememb] _! ceaseless ne>ness to y8 ,& j 
su* is ! exp]i5ce ( ! ,sa9ts1 9 ^:      
hi/ories fai? has p>tly m]g$ into sight1
 & ! veil :i* bl9ds our eyes has be5    
p>tially & at c]ta9 seasons )drawn4 ,x  
tells u1 z few ?+s else c tell1 ( !     
reality ( ! objects ( our fai?4  ,i add 
a ^w or two on ! "q1 h[ f> ! actual     
conduct ( ! extraord9>y p]sons ^: lives 
are "h relat$ is to s]ve z a model =    
practical imitation by ord9>y ,*ri/ians4
 ,to ! well-in/ruct$ ,ca?olic1 x w\ld be
 an imp]t95ce 9 me to sugge/ t !y are n 
9 e detail ?us to be foll[$4 ,x is !    
duty ( a ,*ri/ian to foll[ ! rules =    
daily life :i* x has pleas$ ,almighty   
,god to lay d[n 9 ! ,gospel1 & n to     

imag9e t ^? exceptional cases ( conduct 
to :i* ,he has sup]naturally prompt$    
c]ta9 individuals are to be imitat$ by  
^? :o h only ! ord9>y graces ( ! ,holy  
,_s4  ,! g5]al read]1 h[ev]1 may be     
rem9d$ t ,ca?olics believe1 t z !       
,creator ( ! univ]se occasionally       
int]rupts ! ord] ( ! laws ( nature1 s   
,he at times int]rupts ! relative ord] (
 ! laws ( duty2 n1 ( c\rse1 ! ess5tial  
laws ( morality1 b ^? positive laws :i* 
are obligatory simply because !y are    
enact$ by compet5t au?ority4 ,no p]son1 
inde$1 c be ju/ifi$ 9 act+ on su* an    
idea 9 8 own case1 unless guid$ by      
sup]natural light1 beyond ! usual       
spiritual illum9ation giv5 to all       
,*ri/ians4 ,?is sup]natural light is    
r>ely v\*saf$1 & x is accord+ly 9 !     
highe/ degree presumptu\s 9 any p]son to
 ov]/ep ! ord9>y r\t9e ( di/9ctly ord]$ 
duty1 "u ! idea t he is call$ by ,god to
 break ! rules giv5 = ! guidance (      
mank9d 9 g5]al4 ,9 all su* suppos$      
cases1 ! ,ca?olic ,*ur* has ! prop] te/s

 to apply1 by :i* ! s\l c le>n :e!r %e  
is l$ by a ,div9e afflatus1 or betray$  
by h] own disord]$ imag9ation1 or !     
deceits ( an invisible tempt]4          
,j4,m4,c4  ,illu/ration ,,cont5ts4  ,i4 
,,/4 ,,frances ,,( ,,rome4  ,,*apt] ,i4 
,g5]al "* ( ! ,sa9t's life--,h] *ildhood
 & e>ly piety  ,,*apt] ,,ii4            
,francesca's e>ly incl9ation = !        
cloi/]--,by h] fa!r's desire %e m>ries  
,lor5zo ,ponziano--,h] m>ri$ life--,h]  
illness & miracul\s cure  ,,*apt] ,,iii4
  ,francesca proce$s 9 h] mortifications
 & works ( *>ity --,h] sup]natural      
temptations & consolations  ,,*apt]     
,,iv4  ,! bir? ( ,franceseca's fir/     
*ild--,h] c>e 9 8 education--,%e        
und]takes ! managem5t ( h] fa!r-9-law's 
h\sehold--,a fam9e & pe/il5ce 9         
,rome--,francesca's lab\rs = ! sick &   
poor--,! miracles wr\ght 9 h] behalf    
,,*apt] ,v4  ,! bir? ( ,francesca's     
second son--,8 sup]natural gifts --,!   
bir? ( h] daught]--,satanic attacks ^u  
,francesca --,tr\bles (                 

,rome--,francesca's husb& is sev]ely    
w\nd$--,h] elde/ son1 :5 giv5 up z a    
ho/age to ! ,neapolitans1 is miracul\sly
 re/or$ to h]   ,,*apt] ,,vi4  ,suff]+s 
( ,rome f ! troops ( ,ladislas--,dea? ( 
,francesca's son ,evangeli/a--,! fam9e &
 plague 9 ,rome--,francesca's lab\rs = !
 />v+ & sick--,h] miracles   ,,*apt]    
,,vii4  ,evangeli/a appe>s to 8 "m--,an 
ar*angel is assign$ to h] z a visible   
gu>dian ?r\gh\t h] life   ,,*apt]       
,,viii4  ,francesca's illness &         
recov]y--,h] vision ( hell--,re/oration 
( tranquillity 9 ,rome--,return (       
,francesca's husb&--,h] p[] 9 conv]t+   
s9n]s   ,,*apt] ,,ix4  ,fre% sup]natural
 ev5ts 9 ,francesca's hi/ory--,h]       
ob$i5ce to h] husb& & to h] confessor   
rew>d$ by two miracles--,m>riage ( h]   
son1 & ill conduct ( 8 wife--,h]        
conv]sion ?r\gh ,francesca's            
pray]s--,fre% miracles work$ by         
,francesca   ,,*apt] ,x4  ,francesca    
lays ! f\ndation ( h] future            
congregation-- ,h] pilgrimage to ,assisi

   ,,*apt] ,,xi4  ,dea? ( ,francesca's  
fri5d & director1 ,don ,antonio--       
,tr\bles 9 ,rome & ,italy =etold by     
,francesca--,dea? ( ,vannozza1          
,francesca's si/]-9-law--,f\ndation ( ! 
,congregation ( ,oblates ( ,tor di      
,spec*i   ,,*apt] ,,xii4  ,progress &   
trials ( ! "y community--,x is confirm$ 
by ! ,pope--,tr\bles 9 ,rome & ! ,*ur*  
t]m9at$ ?r\gh ,francesca's int]cession &
 ! c\ncil ( ,flor5ce   ,,*apt] ,,xiii4  
,dea? ( ,francesca's husb&--,%e goes to 
reside ) ! community ( ,tor di          
,spec*i--,h] life z sup]ioress   ,,*apt]
 ,,xiv4  ,francesca's la/ illness & dea?
   ,,*apt] ,,xv4  ,francesca's fun]al1 &
 h] subsequ5t canonization   ,,ii4      
,,bless$ ,,lucy ,,( ,,n>ni   ,,iii4     
,,dom9ica ,,( ,,p>adiso   ,,iv4 ,,anne  
,,de ,,montmor5cy1 ,,! ,,solit>y ,,( ,,!
 ,,pyr5ees   7,illu/ration7 ,,/4        
,,frances ,,( ,,rome     ,,*apt] ,i4    
,,g5]al ,,"* ,,( ,,! ,,sa9t',s          
,,life--,,h] ,,*ildhood ,,& ,,e>ly      
,,piety4  7,illu/ration7  ,!re h be5    

sa9ts ^: hi/ories /rike u z p>ticul>ly  
beautiful1 n only z possess+ ! beauty   
:i* always belongs to sanctity1 :e!r    
exhibit$ 9 an ag$ s]vant ( ,god1 :o =   
?reescore ye>s & m has borne ! heat &   
burd5 ( ! day1 or 9 ! y\? :o has (f]$ up
 ! morn+ ( 8 life to ,8 ,mak]1 & yield$ 
x into ,8 h&s be=e tw5ty summ]s h pass$ 
ov] 8 head2 :e!r 9 a w>rior k+ l ,/4    
,l\is1 or a begg> l ,b5$ict ,labr1 or a 
royal lady l ,/4 ,elizabe? ( ,hung>y2 b 
also z unit+--9 ! circum/ances ( _!     
lives1 9 ! places !y inhabit$1 & ! epo*s
 :5 !y appe>$ 9 ! _w1 mu* t is 9 itself 
poetical & int]e/+1 & calculat$ to      
attract ! att5tion ( ! hi/orian & ! man 
( lett]s1 z well z ( ! !ologian & !     
dev\t4 ,9 ?is class ( sa9ts may well be 
includ$ ,francesca ,romana1 ! f\ndress (
 ! religi\s ord] ( ! ,oblates ( ,tor di 
,spec*i4 ,%e 0 ! model ( "y girls1 !    
example ( a dev\t matron1 & f9ally a    
wid[1 accord+ to ! v patt]n drawn by ,/4
 ,paul2 %e 0 beautiful1 c\rage\s1 & full
 ( wisdom1 nobly born1 & delicately     

br\ght up3 ,rome 0 ! place ( h] bir?1 & 
! sc5e ( h] lab\rs2 h] home 0 9 ! c5tre 
( ! great city1 9 ! he>t ( ! ,tra/ev]e2 
h] life 0 full ( trials & hair-bread?   
escapes1 & /range rev]ses2 h] hidd5 life
 0 m>vell\s 9 ! extreme3 visions ( t]ror
 & ( beauty foll[$ h] all h] days2      
fav\rs su* z 7 nev] grant$ to any o!r   
sa9t 7 v\*saf$ to h]2 ! _w ( spirits 0  
cont9ually ?r[n op5 to h] sight2 & yet1 
9 h] daily conduct1 h] "* & h] ways1    
m9ute details ( :i* h rea*$ u1 !re is a 
simplicity z well z a deep humility1    
awful 9 "o s highly gift$1 t\*+ 9 "o s  
highly fav\r$4  ,tr\bl$ & wild 7 ! times
 %e liv$ 92 p]haps if "o _h to po9t out 
a p]iod 9 :i* a ,ca?olic ,*ri/ian w\ld r
 n h _h 8 lot ca/1--"o 9 :i* !re 0 mo/  
to try 8 fai? & w\nd 8 feel+s1 he w\ld  
"n ! end ( ! f\rte5? c5tury1 & ! beg9n+ 
( ! fifte5?4 ,w> 0 rag+ all ov] ,europe2
 ,italy 0 torn by inw>d diss5sions1 by !
 rival factions ( ! ,guelphs & !        
,ghibell9es4 ,s savage 0 ! _s ) :i* _!  
conflicts 7 c>ri$ on1 t b>b>ism seem$   

once m ab\t to ov]spread t fair l&1 & ! 
,*ur* itself 0 afflict$ n only by !     
outw>d p]secutions :i* /r5g!n its       
vitality1 ?\gh = a :ile !y may appe> to 
cripple its action1 b by trials ( a f>  
deep] & m pa9ful nature4 ,h]esy _h torn 
f h] arms a great numb] ( h] *ildr51 &  
repeat$ s*isms 7 divid+ ^? :o1 9        
appe>ance & ev5 9 int5tion1 rema9$      
fai?ful to ! ,holy ,see4 ,! successors (
 ,/4 ,pet] _h remov$ ! seat ( _!        
resid5ce to ,avignon1 & ! ,et]nal ,city 
pres5t$ ! aspect ( "o va/ battle-field1 
on :i* daily & h\rly conflicts 7        
occurr+4 ,! ,colonnas1 ! ,ors9is1 !     
,savellis1 7 e in/ant engag$ 9 /ruggles 
:i* delug$ ! /reets ) blood1 & cut (f _m
 ( h] citiz5s 9 ! fl[] ( _! age2 /rang]s
 7 also cont9ually invad+ ! h]itage ( ! 
,*ur*1 & desecrat$ ,rome ) massacres &  
outrages sc>cely less deplorable ?an ^? 
( ! ,huns & ! ,v&als4 ,9 ! capital ( !  
,*ri/ian _w1 ru9s ( rec5t date lay side 
by side ) ! relics ( pa/ ages2 ! *ur*es 
7 sack$1 burn$1 & de/roy$2 ! solit>y &  

inde/ructible basilicas /ood almo/      
alone1 m\rnfully erect amid/ ^! sc5es ( 
c>nage & gloom2 & ! eyes ( ! p ( ,rome 7
 wi/fully direct$ t[>ds t tutel>y p[]1  
:i* has ev] be5 to !m a pl$ge (         
prosp]ity & peace1 & ^: removal ! signal
 ( w> & ( mis]y4  ,x 0 at t "t1 dur+ !  
,pontificate ( ,urban ,,vi41 9 ! ye>    
#achd1 t ,francesca 0 born at ,rome2 t  
%e rose z a /> 9 a d>k night1 accord+ to
 ! expression ( ! mo/ anci5t ( h]       
biograph]s4 ,h] fa!r's "n 0 ,paul       
,bussa2 h] "m's ,jacobella de'          
,r(fr$es*i2 !y 7 bo? ( noble & ev5      
illu/ri\s desc5t1 & closely alli$ to !  
,ors9is1 ! ,savellis1 & ! ,mell9is4 ,on 
! day ( h] bir? %e 0 c>ri$ to ! *ur* (  
,santa ,agnese1 9 ! ,piazza ,navona1 &  
!re baptis$4 ,little c\ld ! wor%ipp]s :o
 may h be5 pray+ !re t day = a bless+ on
 _! b]eav$ & di/ract$ city1 h guess$ 9  
:at =m t bless+ 0 be/[$1 & t t little   
babe1 a few h\rs old1 0 to prove a mo/  
p[]ful in/rum5t 9 ! h&s ( ,god = !      
ext9ction ( s*ism1 ! revival ( piety1 & 

! return ( peace4  ,f h] infancy1       
,francesca 0 n l o!r *ildr54 ,h] "m1 :5 
%e held h] 9 h] arms or hu%$ h] to sleep
 on h] knee1 _h always an involunt>y    
feel+ ( rev]5ce = h] little daught]2 x 0
 z if an angel ( ,god1 n an e>?ly *ild1 
_h be5 l5t h]2 a heav5ly expression %one
 9 h] eyes1 & ! calm s]5ity ( h] infant 
features /ruck all :o approa*$ h] )     
admiration4 ,francesca le>n$ to read at 
! same "t t %e began to speak2 ! fir/   
words %e 0 taught to utt] 7 ! sacr$     
names ( ,jesus & ,m>y2 at h] "m's knee  
%e lisp$ ! ,little ,(fice ( ! ,bless$   
,virg91 & dur+ ! :ole c\rse ( h] life %e
 nev] omitt$ t practice4  ,at two or    
?ree ye>s old %e _h ! s5se & intellig5ce
 ( a gr[n-up p]son2 an extraord9>y piety
 reveal$ itself 9 all h] words &        
actions4 ,%e nev] play$ l o!r *ildr52 b 
:5 left to h]self w\ld (t5 retire into  
sil5t corn]s ( h] fa!r's palace1 &      
kneel+ d[n1 jo9 h] little h&s 9 pray]2 &
 lift+ up h] infant he>t to ,god1 w\ld  
read a dev\t book1 or repeat hymns to ! 

,bless$ ,virg91 h] own de> "m z %e us$  
to call h]4 ,sil5ce appe>$ to be !      
delight ( ?is "y *ild--! deepe/ res]ve &
 mode/y an in/9ct ) h]4 ,at ! age ( six 
ye>s ! practices ( ! sa9ts 7 already    
famili> to h]4 ,%e _h left (f eat+ meat1
 eggs1 or sweets ( any description1 &   
liv$ on pla9ly boil$ vegetables & bread4
 ,! necessity ( eat+ at all seem$       
irksome to h]1 & %e nev] drank any ?+ b 
pure wat]4 ,!n also _h begun h] unwe>i$ 
/udy ( ! lives ( holy wom51 & especially
 ( ! virg9 m>tyrs :o h %$ _! blood = !  
love ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! ,sacram5t (     
,confirmation1 :i* %e receiv$ at t "t 9 
! *ur* ( ,santa ,agnese1 ! same 9 :i* %e
 _h be5 baptis$1 fill$ h] ) ard\r to %[ 
h] love = h] ,"l by e imag9able means1  
ev5 ^? ! mo/ pa9ful to ! fle%4  ,h] "m 0
 a v dev\t p]son1 & 9 ! habit ( visit+ e
 day "s ( ! *ur*es1 especially ^? :]e   
indulg5ces 7 to be ga9$1 & %e also      
frequ5t$ ! /ations ) affectionate       
assiduity4 ,= 9 t tr\bl$ epo*1 z 9 !    
e>lie/ times ( ! ,*ur*1 z n[1 z always1 

on c]ta9 days1 9 c]ta9 places1 ! relics 
( apo/les1 ( m>tyrs1 & ( confessors 7   
exhibit$ to ! fai?ful1 (t5 on ! v spot  
:]e !y _h f9i%$ _! c\rse ) joy1 hav+    
kept _! fai? & won _! cr[n4 ,! devotion 
( ! /ations1 z x is p]=m$ 9 ,rome1 is "o
 ( ! mo/ t\*+ l9ks ) ! pa/ t x is       
possible to conceive4 ,to pass along !  
/reet1 s (t5 trod by holy feet 9 =m] & 9
 latt] days1 & seek ! *ur* appo9t$ = t  
day's /ation2 to approa* "s "t-worn     
basilica1 or anci5t sanctu>y1 )\t ! city
 walls may be1 & paus+ on ! ?re%old1    
give "o look at ! glori\s works (       
,almighty ,god 9 ! natural _w1--at !    
wide ,campagna1 t l&-sea1 s beautiful 9 
its broad expanse & its desolate gr&eur1
 at ! purple hills ) _! gold5 lights &  
_! deep-blue %ad[s1 & ! ar*$ sky tell+ s
 vividly ! glory ( its ,mak]2 & !n sl[ly
 lift+ ! heavy curta9 t /&s betwe5 t    
vision ( e>?ly beauty1 & ! %r9e :]e     
c\ntless g5]ations h come to wor%ip1--to
 tread "u feet ! gre5 b\ghs1 !          
sweet-smell+ leaves1 ! scatt]$ fl[]s1 t 

morn+ /rewn ^u ! unev51 "t-trod1        
"t-hon\r$ pavem5t2 b[+ 9 adoration be=e 
! ,"l 9 ,8 tab]nacle1 to ?ank ,him = !  
wond]s t ,he has work$ 9 ,8 sa9ts1--= ! 
beauty ( ! _w ( grace1 ( :i* t ( !      
visible _w is b ! type & ! %ad[2 & !n   
move f "o %r9e to ! o!r1 :]ev] ! lights 
^u ! alt>s po9t ! way1 & invoke !       
assi/ance1 ! pray]s ( ! sa9ts ^: relics 
are !re display$2--all ?is is "o ( ^?   
r>e enjoym5ts :i* at once fe$ ! s\l &   
awake ! imag9ation1 & :i* ! dev\t       
,*ri/ian c f9d 9 no place b ,rome4  ,x 0
 ^! /ations t ,francesca's "m frequ5t$1 
& took h] little daught] ) h]4          
,sometimes %e w5t to "s *ur* 9 ! he>t ( 
! city2 sometimes to "s lonely %r9e )\t 
! walls4 ,!n1 z n[1 ! begg>s 7s we f9d x
 m5tion$ lat] 9 ! life ( ! ,sa9t7       
congregat$ at ! doors1 & clam\r$ = alms4
 ,!n1 z n[1 ! lights burn$ ^u ! alt>s1 &
 ! sweet smell ( fragrant & cru%$ leaves
 p]fum$ ! air4 ,dur+ s]mons ! little    
girl's att5tion nev] w&]$2 & on h]      
return home %e 0 wont to repeat :at %e  

_h he>d ) unction & delight4  ,h] "m's  
fav\rite *ur* 0 t ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova2
 9 our day m frequ5tly call$ t ( ,san   
,francesca ,romana4 ,x /&s 9 ! ,toro    
,romano1 close to ! ru9s ( ! anci5t     
,temple ( ,peace4 ,x 0 s]v$ at t "t by !
 ,b5$ict9e monks ( ,m\nt ,olivet2 & to  
"o ( !m1 ,don ,antonio di ,monte        
,savello1 ,jacobella de' ,r(fr$es*i     
intru/$ ! spiritual direction ( h]      
daught]4 ,he 0 a man ( great le>n+ &    
piety1 & cont9u$ h] director = five &   
?irty ye>s4 ,e ,w$nesday ! little maid5 
came to him = confession4 ,%e consult$  
him ab\t h] occupations1 h] religi\s    
ex]cises1 & h] /udies1 & exactly obey$ 8
 mo/ m9ute directions1 ev5 9 indiff]5t  
?+s4 ,(t5 %e tri$ = 8 p]mission to      
practise great] au/]ities2 & su* 0 h]   
f]v\r1 & ! pla9 indications ( ,god's    
designs ^u h]1 t he occasionally all[$  
h] to p]=m p5ances :i* might h be5      
consid]$ 9 ord9>y cases too sev]e = h]  
t5d] age4 ,at o!r times he =bade !m     
altoge!r2 & %e submitt$ *e]fully to 8   

comm&s1 )\t a ^w ( remon/rance or       
compla9t1 & resum$ !m aga9 at 8 desire1 
) ! equanimity ( "o :o well knew t ! _s 
( p]fect ob$i5ce is m acceptable to ,god
 ?an any works ( devotion4    ,a        
cele/ial brightness1 a m et]nal beauty1 
,%one on h] face1 & encircl$ h] =m1 :5  
aft] confession   ,homew>d s]5ely %e    
walk$1 ) ,god's b5$iction ^u   h]4   ,:5
 %e _h pass$1 x seem$ l ! ceas+ (       
exquisite   music4 ,footnote3           
,longfell[3 ,evangel9e4 ,francesca's    
daily life 0 z p]fect z a *ild's c\ld   
be4 ,no untrue words sulli$ h] pure     
lips2 no gross ?\ght dwelt 9 h] m9d4 ,%e
 seldom laugh$1 ?\gh a sweet smile 0 (t5
 on h] lips4 ,up to ! age ( elev51 h]   
life 0 "o long cont9ual pray]4 ,e little
 action 0 p]=m$ ) a view to ! glory (   
,god4 ,h] trifl+ fail+s %e deplor$ )    
angui%2 e /a9 on ! pure mirror ( h]     
consci5ce 0 in/antly wa%$ away by te>s4 
,x 0 n long be=e x pleas$ ,god to       
v\*safe to h] extraord9>y graces4 ,h]   
e>ly & almo/ intuitive acqua9tance ) !  

my/]ies ( religion 0 wond]ful4 ,e day %e
 m$itat$ on ! ,inc>nation & ! ,passion (
 ,jesus ,*ri/2 & h] devotion to !       
,bless$ ,virg9 increas$ 9 proportion to 
h] love = our ,"l4 ,h] face flu%$ )     
delight1 & a s]aphic expression beam$ 9 
h] eyes1 :5 %e spoke ( ! suff]+s (      
,jesus1 & ! glories ( ,m>y4 ,f ! little 
oratory :]e %e held secret communion )  
heav51 %e w5t out into ! _w ) ! mo/     
ard5t desire to s]ve ! poor1 to console 
! afflict$1 to d good to all4 ,!        
affection ( h] "y he>t f\nd v5t 9 num]\s
 works ( *>ity2 & ,francesca's "n1 &    
,francesca's sweet voice1 & ,francesca's
 fair face1 7 ev5 !n to _m ( ! suff]]s (
 t d>k epo* a sign ( hope1--a pl$ge t   
,god 0 /ill among/ !m z ( yore1 & ,8 ,_s
 at "w 9 ! he>ts ( m54    ,,*apt] ,,ii4 
,,francesca',s ,,e>ly ,,incl9ation ,,=  
,,! ,,cloi/]--,,by ,,h] ,,fa!r',s       
,,desire ,,%e ,,m>ries ,,lor5zo         
,,ponziano--,,h] ,,m>ri$ ,,life--,,h]   
,,illness ,,& ,,miracul\s ,,cure4   ,f !
 "t t ,francesca _h und]/ood ! mean+ ( !

 words1 h] greate/ desire _h be5 to ent]
 a conv5t2 b ) t _s ( humility & res]ve 
:i* s p>ticul>ly belong$ to h]1 %e _h   
kept h] desire conceal$ 9 h] he>t1 & _h 
manife/$ x to none b ,god & h] director4
 ,don ,antonio enc\rag$ h] to p]sev]e 9 
?is sil5ce1 & to prove h] own resolution
 by secretly adh]+ to ! rules1 &        
practis+ ! au/]ities ( "o ( ! /ricte/   
religi\s ord]s4 ,%e gladly ass5t$ to    
?is1 & p]sev]$ 9 x = a consid]able "t4  
,/rong] & deep] e day grew h] incl9ation
 to =sake ! _w1 & to hold communion )   
,god alone 9 ! solitude ( ! cloi/]2 ) t 
,god ^: love _h already driv5 f h] he>t 
all c>e = com=t1 = pleasure1 & = self4  
,b n s smoo? 0 to be h] pa? ?r\gh life2 
n mu* long] 0 %e to sit 9 sil5ce at !   
feet ( h] ,"l1 ) no o!r ?\ght ?an to    
live on ! words1 :i* fell f ,8 lips4    
,?\gh %e conceal$ z mu* z possible !    
peculi>ities ( h] mode ( life1 !y c\ld n
 altoge!r escape ! notice ( h] p>5ts2 & 
!y soon que/ion$ h] on ! subject4 ,:5 %e
 in=m$ !m ( h] wi% to embrace ! religi\s

 life1 h] fa!r *ose to consid] h]       
vocation z a *ildi% fancy1 & in=m$ h] 9 
return t he _h already promis$ h] 9     
m>riage to ,lor5zo ,ponziano1 a "y      
nobleman ( illu/ri\s bir?1 & n less     
em95t = 8 virtues & = 8 tal5ts ?an f 8  
=tune & position4 ,he reckon$ among/ 8  
ance/ors ,/4 ,paulianus1 pope & m>tyr2 8
 "m 0 a ,mell9i2 & 8 elde/ bro!r        
,paluzzo _h m>ri$ ,vannuzza1 a daught] (
 ! noble h\se ( ,santo ,croce4          
,francesca's he>t sank )9 h] at ?is     
ann\ncem5t1 & fall+ on h] knees %e      
implor$ h] fa!r to alt] 8 det]m9ation1 &
 all[ h] to foll[ :at %e believ$ to be !
 w ( ,god 9 h] reg>d4 ,%e w5t ev5 s f> z
 to prote/ t no?+ %\ld induce h] to     
cons5t to ?is m>riage2 torr5ts ( te>s   
fell f h] eyes z %e p\r$ =? h]          
supplications & urg$ h] reque/4 ,b x 0  
all 9 va9 t %e wept & pray$4 ,paul      
,bussa turn$ a deaf e> to h] plead+s2   
decl>$ t 8 ^w 0 pl$g$1 t no?+ %\ld ev]  
p]suade him to retract x2 & he insi/$ t1
 z a dutiful daught]1 %e %\ld submit    

h]self to 8 w4 ,see+ him ?us immovable1 
,francesca rose f h] knees1 )drew 9     
sil5ce f 8 pres5ce1 & retir+ into h]    
little oratory1 pro/rat$ h]self be=e !  
crucifix1 & ask$ c\nsel ( ,him at ^:    
feet %e wi%$ to live & to die2 & implor$
 ,him1 if su* 0 ,8 good pleasure1 to    
ex]t ,8 ,almighty ,p[]1 & raise ob/acles
 to ! project$ m>riage4 ,!n1 /r5g!n$ by 
pray]1 %e 0 inspir$ to seek direction f 
him :o 0 ! organ ( ! div9e w to h]1 &   
hurry+ to ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 %e       
reque/$ to see ,don ,antonio ,savello4  
,k9dly & g5tly ! good prie/ spoke to 8  
afflict$ p5it5t4 ,he promis$ to consult 
! ,"l = h] 9 pray]1 & sugge/$ "s        
devotions to be us$ by h]self = t       
purpose4 ,!n1 see+ h] c\nt5ance assume a
 calm] expression1 he endeav\r$ to      
prep>e h] m9d = :at he d\btless already 
knew 0 ! w ( ,god1 & ! true1 ?\gh 9 "o s
 m9d$1 ! s+ul> vocation ( ,francesca4   
,if y\r p>5ts p]si/ 9 _! resolution 7he 
said71 take x1 my *ild1 z a sign t ,god 
expects ( y ?is sacrifice4 ,(f] up to   

,him 9 t case y\r e>ne/ desire = !      
religi\s life4 ,he w accept ! w = ! de$2
 & y w obta9 at once ! rew>d ( t wi%1 & 
! peculi> graces atta*$ to ! sacram5t ( 
m>riage4 ,god's ways are n z our ways1  
,francesca4 ,:5 ,/4 ,m>y ,magdal5e _h   
s5t = ! ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/ to come & heal 
h] bro!r1 x 0 no d\bt a sev]e trial to  
h] t ,he came n2 t ! long h\rs ( ! day &
 ( ! night succe$$ ea* o!r1 & t ,he     
t>ri$ on ! way1 & s5t no message or tok5
 ( ,8 love4 ,b :5 h] bro!r rose f !     
dead1 :5 ! %r\d fell f 8 limbs1 & he    
/ood be=e h] full ( life & /r5g?1 %e    
und]/ood ! my/]y1 & ador$ ! div9e wisdom
 ( t delay4 ,god inde$ asks ( y y\r     
he>t1 ,francesca2 b ,he also claims y\r 
:ole self z an oblation1 & !re=e y\r w t
 ,he may m\ld x into entire con=mity )  
,8 own4 ,= works may be _m & good1 my   
daught]1 & piety may be f]v5t1 & virtues
 em95t1 & yet ! smalle/ leav5 (         
self-love or self-w may ru9 ! :ole4 ,:y 
d y weep1 ,francesca8 ,t ,god's w is n  
accompli%$1 or t y\r own is ?w>t$8 ,no?+

 b s9 c m> ! fir/1 & 9 ?is y\r trial !re
 is n ! lea/ %ade ( s94 ,z to y\r own w1
 b5d1 break1 annihilate x1 my *ild1 &   
take c\rage4 ,h b "o ?\ght--! good      
pleasure1 ! sweet w ( ,god2 submit      
y\rself to ,8 ,provid5ce4 ,lay d[n y\r  
wi%es z an oblation on ,8 alt>2 give up 
t highe/ place :i* y _h ju/ly covet$2   
take ! l[] "o :i* ,he n[ appo9ts y2 & if
 y _c be ,8 sp\se1 be ,8 lov+ & fai?ful 
s]vant4  ,francesca w5t home1 & await$ 9
 sil5ce h] fa!r's fur!r comm&s4 ,%e 0 v 
pale1 = ! /ruggle 0 a pa9ful "o4 ,%e    
pray$ night & day1 wat*$ & fa/$4 ,:5    
,paul ,bussa r5ew$ 8 injunctions1 %e    
g5tly gave h] ass5t1 begg$ him to =give 
h] pa/ resi/ance1 & h5ce=w>d gave no    
outw>d signs ( ! suff]+ )91 all ! great]
 t x came 9 ! =m ( rejoic+1 & t o!rs    
deem$ t to be happ9ess :i* co/ h] s _m  
secret te>s4 ,! family ( ,ponziano 7    
ov]joy$ at ! m>riage1--! bride 0 s ri*1 
s beautiful1 & s virtu\s2 !re 0 n a "y  
man 9 ,rome :o did n look ) envy on     
,lor5zo1 & wi% himself 9 8 /ead4 ,!re 0 

no end to ! banquets1 ! fe/ivities1 !   
m]ry-mak+s1 :i* took place on !         
occasion2 & 9 ! mid/ ( ^! rejoic+s      
,francesca left h] fa!r's palace = t ( !
 ,ponziani4 ,x /ood 9 ! he>t ( !        
,tra/ev]e1 close to ! ,yell[ ,riv]1 ?\gh
 n q ^u x1 9 ! vic9ity ( ! ,ponte       
,rotto1 9 a /reet t runs p>allel ) !    
,tib]4 ,x is a well-kn[n spot2 & on !   
#i? ( ,m>*1 ! ,fe/ival ( ,/4 ,francesca1
 ! p ( ,rome & ( ! neighb\rhood flock to
 x 9 cr[ds4 ,! mod]n build+ t has be5   
rais$ on ! f\ndation ( ! old palace is !
 ,casa dei ,es]cizii ,pii1 = ! "y m5 ( !
 city4 ,!re ! rep5tant s9n] :o longs to 
break ! *a9 ( s91 ! y\? beset by "s     
/rong temptation1 "o :o has he>d ! inw>d
 voice summon+ him to high] pa?s (      
virtue1 ano!r :o is 9 d\bt z to !       
p>ticul> l9e ( life to :i* he is call$1 
may come1 & leave beh9d !m = ?ree1 or   
five1 or t5 days1 z x may be1 ! busy _w1
 ) all its di/ractions & its agitations1
 &1 free = ! "t be+ f temporal c>es1 !  
wants ( ! body provid$ =1 & ! m9d at    

re/1 may commune ) ,god & _! own s\ls4  
,"h !y li/5 daily1 nay h\rly1 to !      
in/ructions ( dev\t prie/s1 :o1 9 !     
mann] prescrib$ by ,/4 ,ignatius1 place 
be=e !m 9 turn ! mo/ awful tru?s & ! mo/
 consol+ my/]ies ( ! ,k+dom ( ,god4     
,resolutions are ?us tak51 conv]sions   
(t5 effect$1 good purposes /r5g!n$ 9 a  
way :i* (t5 seems little %ort (         
miracul\s4 ,! means are m>vell\sly      
adapt$ to ! end2 & ?\gh _m a wave may   
sweep ov] ! s\l1 :5 x aga9 returns to ! 
_w1 a m>k has be5 /amp$ ^u x n easily   
effac$4  ,ov] ! ,casa dei ,es]cizii ,pii
 ! sweet _s ( ,francesca seems /ill to  
preside4 ,on ! day ( h] fe/ival its     
rooms are ?r[n op51 e memorial ( ! g5tle
 sa9t is exhibit$1 lights burn on num]\s
 alt>s1 fl[]s deck ! passages1 leaves   
are /rewn 9 ! *apel1 on ! /airs1 9 !    
entrance-c\rt2 gay c>pets1 figur$       
tape/ry & crimson silks hang ov] ! door1
 & cr[ds ( p g 9 & out1 & kneel be=e !  
relics or ! pictures ( ! de> sa9t (     
,rome1 & greet on ea* alt>1 & l+] 9 ^!  

*amb]s1 l k9sfolk met on a bir?day to   
rejoice toge!r4 ,! well-dress$ & !      
ragg$1 ! ri* & ! poor1 )\t di/9ction1   
pay _! homage to h] sweet memory ^: liv+
 pres5ce once adorn$ ! spot :i* !y      
visit4 ,x is a joy\s & t\*+ fe/ival1 "o 
:i* awak5s t5d] ?\ghts1 & br+s ! _w (   
memory into close connection ) t ( hope4
 ,! m9d is =cibly c>ri$ back to ! day :5
 ! "y bride ( ,lor5zo ,ponziano ent]$ ^!
 walls = ! fir/ "t1 9 all ! sacr$ beauty
 ( hol9ess & y\?--    ,pure z ! virg9   
sn[ t dwells   ,^u ! m\nta9's cre/1     
,cold z ! %eet ( ice t lies   ,^u !     
lake's deep brea/4  ,pure f ! lea/ ta9t 
( worldly vanity1 cold to all t belongs 
to human passion2 b ) a he>t burn+ )    
love to ,god1 & ov]fl[+ ) *>ity to e    
creature ( ,84  ,%e 0 receiv$ t5d]ly &  
joyfully by ,lor5zo himself1 by 8 fa!r  
,&rew1 8 "m ,cecilia1 & ,vannozza1 !    
wife ( 8 eld] bro!r4 ,francesca smil$   
sweetly z %e return$ _! c>esses2 b !    
noise1 & ! gaiety1 & ! visit+1 t att5d$ 
a w$d+ 9 ^? days weigh$ heavily on h]   

spirits2 & ?\gh %e nev] compla9$1       
,vannozza p]ceiv$ t h] little he>t 0    
oppress$ ) "s secret sorr[1 & t5d]ly    
inquir$ into its cause4 ,francesca c\ld 
n resi/ ! g5tle appeal1 & disclos$ h]   
grief to h] k9d si/]4 ,%e told h] t ! _w
 _h nev] giv5 h] pleasure1 t h]         
affections 7 else:]e set1 t %e long$ to 
live = ,god alone1 & felt sad1 9 spite (
 all h] ef=ts1 at ! tumult &            
dissipation1 :i* 0 n[ h] portion4 ,if   
su* are y\r feel+s1 my belov$ little    
si/]1 exclaim$ ,vannozza1 my sympa?y may
 s]ve to console y2 = nei!r d ,i f9d any
 delight 9 ! vanities ( ! _w1 b only 9  
pray] & m$itation4 ,let u be fri5ds1    
,francesca2 ,i w help y to lead ! life y
 desire1 & toge!r we %all arrive at !   
end we h 9 view4  ,^! k9d words fill$   
,francesca's he>t ) joy2 & f t day =w>d 
!re sprung up a fri5d%ip betwe5 ^! two  
"y wom51 :i* la/$ = eight-&-?irty ye>s1 
& 0 a s\rce ( ! greate/ consolation to  
!m ?r\gh all ! trials !y _h to enc\nt]1 
at ! same "t t x edifi$ all ^? :o beheld

 t t5d] affection4  ,9 h] new home      
,francesca foll[$ ! same mode ( life :i*
 %e _h pursu$ 9 h] fa!r's h\se2 b h]    
zeal 0 temp]$ ) s mu* wisdom & prud5ce1 
t %e (f5d$ no "o1 & contriv$ to w9 !    
affection ( all h] relations4 ,h] good  
s5se1 h] sweetness ( temp]1 h] e>ne/    
piety1 *>m$ !m all2 & !y 7 a/oni%$ t s  
"y a girl c\ld at once assume ! "p &    
fulfil ! duties ( a devot$ wife & a     
noble matron4 ,anxi\s 9 e way to con=m  
h]self to ,lor5zo's wi%es1 %e receiv$ ! 
visits ( ! high-born ladies h] equals & 
companions1 & return$ !m ) punctuality4 
,%e submitt$ to appe> 9 public ) all !  
/ate :i* belong$ to h] position1 &      
accept$ & wore ! co/ly dresses & !      
spl5did jewels :i* h] husb& lavi%$ ^u   
h]2 b "u ^? gorge\s silks & ri* brocades
 a hair-%irt 0 conceal$4 ,always ready  
to comply ) any obs]vance :i* duty or   
propriety requir$1 %e at ! same "t      
/eadily ab/a9$ ev5 f ! innoc5t amusem5ts
 9 :i* o!rs indulg$2 & nev] danc$ or    
play$ at c>ds1 or sat up late at night4 

,h] mann] 0 s g5tle & k9d1 t x inspir$  
affection 9 all :o approa*$ h]2 b !re 0 
also a pr(\nd & awful purity 9 h] aspect
 & 9 h] demean\r1 :i* effectually *eck$ 
! utt]ance ( a free or lic5ti\s ^w 9 h] 
pres5ce4 ,fai?ful to h] e>ly habits (   
piety1 %e cont9u$ e ,w$nesday h] visits 
to ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova2 & aft] confess+ 
to ,don ,antonio1 %e w5t to communion ) 
su* f]v5t devotion1 t ^? :o saw h] at ! 
alt> absorb$ 9 adoration1 =esaw t ,god  
w\ld ere long be/[ extraord9>y graces on
 h] s\l4 ,ris+ betimes 9 ! morn+1       
,francesca dev\tly said h] pray]s1 made 
h] m$itation1 & read att5tively out ( a 
spiritual book4 ,9 ! c\rse ( ! day1     
:5ev] %e _h a mom5t's leisure unclaim$  
by any ( ! duties ( h] /ate1 %e )drew   
into a *ur* or into h] own room1 & gave 
h]self up to pray]4 ,e ,saturday %e _h a
 conf]5ce ) ,fra ,mi*ele1 a ,dom9ican   
monk1 ! prior ( ,san ,clem5te1 & an     
intimate fri5d ( h] fa!r-9-law4 ,he 0 a 
le>n$ !ologian1 z well z a man ( great  
piety & virtue1 & in/ruct$ h] ) c>e 9   

all ! doctr9es ( religion4  ,at ! same  
tune1 s au/]e & dev\t a life 9 a "y     
p]son ( twelve ye>s old c\ld n fail to  
attract ! att5tion & draw d[n ! c5sures 
( ! worldly4 ,_m su* began to laugh at  
,francesca1 & to turn h] piety into     
ridicule4 ,!y intrud$ _! advice on      
,lor5zo ,ponziano1 & urg$ him to put a  
/op to :at !y t]m$ 8 wife's             
ecc5tricities4 ,b happily = ,francesca1 
he 0 n "o ( ^? m5 :o are easily influ5c$
 by ! op9ion ( o!rs4 ,he =m$ 8 own      
judgm5t1 & pursu$ 8 own l9e ( conduct   
undi/urb$ by ! comm5ts & animadv]sions (
 8 w\ld-be advis]s4 ,8 "y wife 0 mu* too
 preci\s to him1 mu* too p]fect 9 8     
sight1 h] :ole life bore too visibly !  
/amp ( ,god's deal+s ) h]1 = him to     
dream ( int]f]+ ) ! c\rse %e _h tak54   
,on ! contr>y1 he look$ ^u h] ) t       
affectionate v5]ation :i* ! pres5ce (   
true sanctity always awak5s 9 a noble & 
religi\s m9d4 ,8 fa!r & "m 7 ( ! same   
way ( ?9k+1 & all b idolis$ ! holy *ild 
:o _h come among/ !m z an angel ( peace4

 ,!y reg>d$ h] z ! bless+ ( _! h\se1 & !
 com=t ( _! old age4 ,paluzzo1 ,lor5zo's
 bro!r1 delight$ 9 enc\rag+ ! intimacy t
 _h aris5 betwe5 8 "y si/]-9-law & 8 own
 wife ,vannozza4 ,!re 0 n a s+le memb]1 
fri5d1 or s]vant1 ( t noble family1 t   
did n look ) delight ^u ,francesca4 ,%e 
0 ! joy ( e he>t1 ! sweet consol] ( e   
sorr[1 ! l9k t b\nd !m all by ! sacr$   
cord ( love4 ,day by day h] influ5ce--h]
 t5d]1 noiseless1 g5tle influ5ce--0     
felt1 subdu+1 w9n+1 draw+ !m all to     
,god4  ,! happ9ess :i* ! family (       
,ponziano _h enjoy$ s9ce ,lor5zo's      
m>riage 0 int]rupt$ by ! sudd5 & dang]\s
 illness ( 8 wife1 :i* baffl$ all m$ical
 skill1 & soon br\ght h] to ! v]ge ( !  
grave4 ,! affliction ( h] husb& & ( 8   
:ole family 0 extreme4 ,_! pe>l ( great 
price seem$ ab\t to be tak5 f !m4 ,no   
rem$ies af=d$ ! slighte/ relief to h]   
suff]+s2 %e 0 unable to re/1 or to reta9
 any n\ri%m5t2 & e day h] /r5g? decl9$4 
,! con/]nation ( h] fri5ds knew no      
b\nds2 h] fa!r 0 inconsolable4 ,he      

secretly reproa*$ himself ) ! con/ra9t  
he _h plac$ on h] incl9ations1 &        
consid]$ h] illness z a ,div9e          
*a/isem5t4 ,francesca alone rema9$      
unmov$ amid/ ! g5]al affliction4 ,%e    
plac$ h] life 9 ! h&s ( ,god1 & wait$ ! 
ev5t ) p]fect submission4 ,unable to    
speak1 or ev5 to move1 ! sweet          
expression ( h] e>ne/ eyes alone spoke  
h] gratitude to ^? :o nurs$ h] & wept   
ov] h] suff]+s4 ,at o!r times !y 7 fix$ 
on ! ,crucifix ) an unutt]able look (   
tru/ & love4 ,once only %e 0 di/urb$1 & 
indignation gave h] /r5g? to prote/     
aga9/ ! guilty sugge/ions ( "s fri5ds ( 
! family1 :o1 accord+ to ! notions ( t  
"t1 p]si/$ 9 believ+ t a spell _h be5   
ca/ ^u h]1 & propos$ to h rec\rse to "s 
p]sons 9 ,rome :o dealt1 or pret5d$ to  
deal1 9 magic arts4 ,francesca decl>$   
h]self ready to die1 r ?an c\nt5ance s  
impi\s a proce$+4 ,aft] all m$ical      
res\rces _h be5 exhau/$1 :5 despair _h  
succe$$ to hope1 ,almighty ,god re/or$  
h] heal? = a :ile2 & ! news ( h] recov]y

 0 hail$ ) rapture )9 & )\t ! palace4   
,h] suff]+s1 h[ev]1 return$ ) d\ble     
viol5ce2 %e endur$ ! mo/ excruciat+     
pa9s2 & 0 aga9 consid]$ to be at ! po9t 
( dea?4 ,dur+ a :ole ye> %e rema9$ z x 7
 on ! br9k ( et]nity3 h] s\l prep>$ to  
take its w+2 cont9ually su/a9$ by !     
,sacram5ts ( ! ,*ur*1 h] only rema9+    
?\ght 0 to soo! ! angui% ( h] husb& &   
p>5ts4 ,once aga91 ^? p]sons :o _h      
previ\sly propos$ to resort to magic    
arts = h] cure1 manag$ to ?ru/ into h]  
room1 on "s pret5ce or o!r1 a woman     
celebrat$ 9 t l9e4 ,francesca1 enlight5$
 by a div9e inspiration1 in/antly       
detect$ ! fraud2 & rais+ h]self 9 h] b$1
 ) a voice1 ! /r5g? ( :i* a/oni%$ !     
by/&]s1 exclaim$1 ,begone1 ?\ s]vant (  
,satan1 nor ev] v5ture to ent] ^! walls 
aga96 ,exhau/$ by ! ef=t1 %e fell back  
fa9t & col\rless2 & = a mom5t !y fe>$ t 
h] _s _h pass$ away4 ,b t v day ,god 0  
prep>+ a miracle 9 h] behalf2 & z %e _h 
refus$ to hold any communication ) !    
,evil ,"o1 ,he 0 ab\t to s5d ,8 "y      

s]vant a heav5ly mess5g]1 ) heal? &     
heal+ on 8 w+s4 ,x 0 ! eve ( ! ,fe/ival 
( ,/4 ,alexis1--t noble ,roman p5it5t1  
:o pass$ s _m ye>s at ! ?re%old ( 8 own 
palace1 unpiti$1 unrecognis$ by 8 own   
relations1 :o w5t 9 & out at ! gate1 &  
/opp$ n to "q ! sil5t1 lonely1 pati5t   
begg>1 :o lay !re ) 8 face hid 9 a poor 
cloak1 f9d+ peace 9 ! mid/ ( bitt]ness4 
,! ,ponziani _h all )drawn to re/ = a   
few h\rs2 ! wom5 :o att5d$ on ! dy+     
,francesca _h fall5 asleep4 ,%e 0 ly+   
motionless on h] c\* ( pa94 ,h] suff]+s 
_h be5 %>p2 !y 7 %>p] ?an ev] t night4  
,%e endur$ !m 9 ! /r5g? ( ! ,cross1 f   
:i* nei!r h] eyes nor h] ?\ghts w&]$4 ,!
 :ole h\se1 & app>5tly ! city also1 0   
wrapt 9 slumb]2 = n a s\nd m>r$ !       
/illness ( ! h\r1--t /illness s try+ to 
^? :o wat* & suff]4 ,sudd5ly on !       
d>kness ( ! sil5t *amb] a light broke1  
bright z ! day4 ,9 ! mid/ /ood a radiant
 figure1 maje/ic 9 =m & graci\s 9       
c\nt5ance4 ,he wore a pilgrim's robe2 b 
x %one l burni%$ gold4 ,draw+ ne> to    

,francesca's b$1 he said3 ,i am ,alexis1
 & am s5t f ,god to inquire ( !e if ?\  
*oose/ to be heal$8 ,twice he repeat$ ! 
words1 & !n ! dy+ "o fa9tly murmur$1 ,i 
h no *oice b ! good pleasure ( ,god4 ,be
 x done unto me accord+ to ,8 w4 ,= my  
own "p1 ,i w\ld pref] to die1 & = my s\l
 to fly to ,him at once2 b ,i accept all
 at ,8 h&s1 be x life or be x dea?4     
,life1 !n1 x is to be1 repli$ ,/4       
,alexis2 = ,he *ooses t ?\ %\lde/ rema9 
9 ! _w to glorify ,8 "n4 ,) ^! words he 
spread 8 mantle ov] ,francesca &        
disappe>$1 leav+ h] p]fectly recov]$4   
,conf\nd$ at ?is extraord9>y fav\r1 m   
alive to ! s5se ( ,god's wond]ful m]cy  
?an to h] own sudd5 fre$om f pa91       
,francesca rose 9 ha/e1 & pro/rate on ! 
floor1 made a sil5t & f]v5t ?anksgiv+2  
!n slipp+ out ( h] room )\t awak+ h]    
nurses1 %e hurri$ to ! b$side ( h] fri5d
 & si/]4 ,putt+ h] arm r\nd h] neck & h]
 *eek next to h]'s1 %e exclaim$1        
,vannozza c>a6 ,vannozza mia6 7,my de>  
,vannozza1 my own ,vannozza47 ,& !      

bewild]$ ,vannozza sudd5ly awoke out (  
h] sleep1 & di/ru/+ ! evid5ce ( h]      
s5ses1 kept repeat+1 ,:o calls me8 ,:o  
are y8 ,am ,i dream+8 ,x s\nds l ! voice
 ( my ,cecolella4 ,footnote3 ,! ,italian
 dim9utive = ,francesca4 ,yes1 x is y\r 
,cecolella2 x is y\r little si/] :o is  
speak+ to y4 ,my ,francesca1 :om ,i left
 an h\r ago at ! po9t ( dea?8 ,yes1 ! v 
same ,francesca :o n[ holds y to h]     
brea/2 y1 y1 my belov$ companion1 :o day
 & night h com=t$ & consol$ me dur+ my  
long illness1 & :o mu/ n[ help me to    
?ank ,god = ,8 wond]ful m]cy4 ,!n sitt+ 
^u h] b$1 ) h] h&s clasp$ 9 h]'s1 %e    
relat$ to h] h] vision1 & ! in/antane\s 
recov]y t _h foll[$ x2 & !n1 z ! light 0
 beg9n+ to break into ! *amb]1 %e add$ )
 eag]ness1 ,n[1 n[ ! day is come4 ,let u
 n delay a mom5t long]1 b ha/5 ) me to  
,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 & !n to ! *ur* (   
,/4 ,alexis4 ,i mu/ v5]ate 8 relics1 &  
return him my ?anks1 be=e o!rs le>n :at 
,god has done = me4  ,?is pi\s purpose  
fulfill$1 !y return$ home1 :]e          

,francesca 0 look$ ^u z "o ris5 f !     
dead4 ,! affection %e inspir$ 0 m+l$ )  
awe2 e "o consid]$ h] z ! special object
 ( ! ,div9e m]cy1 & v5]at$ h] accord+ly4
 ,n s joyfully _h ,lor5zo receiv$ h] on 
_! bridal-day1 z :5 %e came to him n[1  
re/or$ to 8 arms by ! miracul\s         
int]position ( a m]ciful ,god4          
,,*apt] ,,iii4  ,,francesca ,,proce$s   
,,9 ,,h] ,,mortifications ,,& ,,works   
,,( ,,*>ity--,,h] ,,sup]natural         
,,temptations ,,& ,,consolations4  ,n 9 
va9 _h ,francesca be5 br\ght s ne> to   
dea?1 & s wond]fully re/or$ to p]fect   
heal?4 ,a fav\r su* z %e _h receiv$ c\ld
 n fail ( produc+ signal results 9 "o :o
 s well correspond$ ) e degree ( grace  
v\*saf$ to h]4 ,?is la/ manife/ation (  
,god's m]cy dispos$ h] to m$itate deeply
 & e>ne/ly on ! designs ( ,provid5ce 9  
h] reg>d4 ,%e seem$ n[ to disc]n1 9 a   
cle> & ov]p[]+ mann]1 ! nature ( !      
p>ticul> judgm5t :i* %e _h be5 ab\t to  
und]go1 ! am\nt ( responsibility incurr$
 by e grace conf]r$ on h] s\l1 ! sev]e  

acc\nt :i* w\ld be dem&$ ( e tal5t      
committ$ to h] *>ge2 & at ! sight %e    
%udd]$1 z a man draws back affright$ at 
! di/9ct appe>ance ( a precipice :i* he 
has skirt$ 9 ! night1 or at ! waves da%+
 wildly on a bea* on :i* he has be5 l&$ 
9 safety4 ,h] m$itations at t "t assum$ 
a v solemn "*2 e mom5t t %e c\ld sp>e 0 
sp5t 9 ! neighb\r+ *ur* ( ,/4 ,cecilia  
or 9 h] own oratory1 & employ$ 9 a m9ute
 review ( h] pa/ life1 & 9 =m+ h]oic    
resolutions = ! future4  ,! gov]nm5t ( !
 tongue is "o ( ! mo/ difficult &       
important po9ts 9 ! spiritual life4 ,f  
?is "t =w>d ,francesca avoid$ all       
unnecess>y conv]sations1 & became       
habitually sil5t4 ,!re 0 no moros5ess 9 
h] sil5ce2 x nev] int]f]$ ) ! k9dnesses 
or ! c\rtesies ( life2 b z 9 *ildhood %e
 _h be5 rem>kable = x1 s 9 womanhood x  
di/+ui%$ h]1 & especially s9ce h]       
illness & miracul\s recov]y4 ,vannozza  
inquir$ ( h] "o day :at x 0 t made h] s 
habitually sil5t1 & %e answ]$1 ,god     
expects m ( u ?an h]et(ore2 & !n %e     

propos$ to h] a /ill /rict] mode ( life 
?an !y _h yet adopt$4 ,vannozza will+ly 
ass5t$1 & !y agre$ to give up all       
useless amusem5ts1 fa%ionable drives1 & 
div]sions1 & to devote to pray] & to    
good works ! h\rs ?us )drawn f ! s]vice 
( ! _w4 ,!y resolv$ to obs]ve ) ! mo/   
exact punctuality e law ( ,god1 & e     
precept ( ! ,*ur*2 to obey _! husb&s ) !
 mo/ att5tive & ,*ri/ian-l submission2  
to be inv>iably docile to _! gho/ly     
fa!r1 & submit to him _! actions1 _!    
words1 & ev5 _! ?\ghts2 & ?us to secure 
!mselves aga9/ ! deceits ( ! evil "o4   
,!y !n proce$$ to arrange = !mselves a  
place ( retreat1 :]e !y c\ld )draw to   
pray at any h\r ( ! day or ( ! night4 ,x
 0 n easy to accompli% ?is 9 a palace   
inhabit$ by a num]\s family & a l>ge    
numb] ( s]vants2 b 9 a sort ( cave at "o
 end ( ! g>d51 & 9 a little room t      
happ5$ to be unoccupi$ "u ! ro( ( !     
h\se1 !y e/abli%$ two oratories1 :i* !y 
furni%$ ) crucifixes1 images ( our      
,bless$ ,lady1 & pictures ( sa9ts1 z    

well z ) v>i\s o!r objects ( devotion & 
) in/rum5ts ( p5ance4 ,^! two little    
cells became _! com=t & delight2 :5ev]  
_! dome/ic duties or _! religi\s        
obs]vances out ( doors left !m at       
lib]ty1 !y 7 9 ! habit ( retir+ into !  
g>d5 oratory1 & at night !y frequ5tly   
sp5t :ole h\rs 9 pray] 9 ! upp] *amb]4  
,! fir/ dawn ( day (t5 f\nd !m at _!    
orisons4 ,! h\rs t 7 n devot$ to pray]  
or to ! duties ( _! /ate1 !y employ$ 9  
works ( *>ity4 ,almo/ e day !y w5t to ! 
hospital ( ,san ,spirito1 & nurs$ ! sick
 ) ! k9de/ att5tion2 consol+ !m by _!   
g5tle words & t5d] c>e1 be/[+ alms ^u ! 
mo/ ne$y1 & above all1 t5d+             
affectionately ! mo/ disgu/+ cases (    
disease & infirmity4 ,?r\gh\t _! :ole   
lives !y nev] omitt$ ?is practice4 ,to  
s]ve ,*ri/ 9 ,8 afflict$ bre?r5 0 a     
privilege !y nev] cons5t$ to =ego4      
,francesca 0 at ?is "t v anxi\s to lay  
aside ! insignia ( weal? & rank1 & to   
dress z simply z ! poor %e s mu* lov$2  
b1 always ob$i5t1 %e w\ld n attempt to d

 s )\t ! p]mission ( h] spiritual guide4
 ,don ,antonio ,savello w\ld n give h]  
leave to rel9qui% ! spl5did robes !n    
worn by p]sons ( h] rank2 he fe>$ x     
might annoy h] husb&1 & t !re might be  
dang] ( o/5tation 9 any ?+ t attract$   
public att5tion2 b he all[$ bo? ! si/]s 
to we> a co>se wooll5 g>m5t "u _!       
magnific5t dresses1 & to practise 9     
secret sev]al o!r au/]ities4 ,_! fa/s & 
ab/95ces became m rigid ?an ev]2 b 7    
c>ri$ on ) s mu* simplicity1 & su* a    
total abs5ce ( display1 t ! v p]sons :o 
habitually took _! meals 9 company ) !m1
 sc>cely rem>k$ _! mortifications1 or   
else attribut$ !m to a peculi>ity ( ta/e
 or ! obs]vance ( a regim54 ,discipl9es 
& o!r bodily p5ances ( a v sev]e nature 
7 by ?is "t habitual to ,francesca1 & %e
 p]sev]$ 9 !m to ! end ( h] life4 ,)    
:atev] c>e !y conceal$ all ^! ?+s1 x 0 n
 possible t ! city ( ,rome %\ld rema9   
ignorant ( _! piety & _! g5]osity to !  
poor4 ,! common p look$ ^u ,francesca & 
,vannozza z two sa9ts2 & _! example     

began to tell b5eficially ^u ! wom5 ( _!
 own class4 ,sev]al noble ladies 7      
inspir$ ) ! desire to walk 9 _! /eps1 & 
to imitate _! virtues4 ,b x 0 n likely t
 ,satan %\ld behold unmov$ ! "w ( grace 
?us advanc+ 9 ! he>ts ( ^! two "y       
s]vants ( ,god1 & ?r\gh !m on _m o!rs4  
,he *af$ at ! sight2 & n[ began t long  
s]ies ( attacks1 ( /ruggles1 & (        
artifices1 by :i* he endeav\r$ to m> !  
glori\s progress ( ^! h]oic s\ls4       
,almighty ,god seems to h grant$ to !   
pr9ce ( d>kness1 9 ,san ,francesca's    
case1 a p]mission 9 "s respects simil>  
to t :i* ,he gave him ) reg>d to ,8     
s]vant ,job4 ,he 0 all[$ to ?r[         
temptations 9 h] way1 to cause h] /range
 suff]+s1 to p]secute h] by fe>ful      
manife/ations ( 8 visible pres5ce1 to   
haunt h] "u v>i\s %apes1 "s s$uctive 9  
_! appe>ance1 o!rs repulsive & t]rific 9
 _! nature2 b he 0 n p]mitt$ 7z1 ?anks  
be to ,god1 he nev] is p]mitt$17 to     
deceive or to injure ,8 fai?ful s]vant1 
:o = e trial ( ! sort obta9$ "s div9e   

fav\r 9 comp5sation2 :o = e vision (    
diabolical horror1 0 all[$ a glimpse    
into ! _w ( glory2 & to :om at a lat]   
p]iod 0 appo9t$ a heav5ly gu>dian to    
def5d h] aga9/ ! viol5ce ( h] inf]nal   
foe4  ,! fir/ "t t ,satan pres5t$       
himself 9 a visible =m to ,francesca's  
sight1 ,god gave h] an e>ne/ ( ,8       
protection 9 ! /rife ab\t to be wag$    
betwe5 h] & ! old s]p5t by miracul\sly  
reveal+ to h] ! "* ( h] visitor4 ,x 0 "u
 ! aspect ( a v5]able h]mit1 emaciat$ ) 
fa/s & wat*+s1 t he ent]$ ! ,ponziano   
palace3 8 int5tion 01 by "s artful      
words1 to inspire ,francesca ) av]sion &
 disgu/ = ! solit>y life1 & at ! same "t
 = t hidd5 life :i* %e s zeal\sly       
practis$ 9 ! mid/ ( ! _w4 ,he 0 %[n into
 a l>ge room1 :]e ! assembl$ family 7   
sitt+ & conv]s+ toge!r4 ,no soon] _h    
,francesca set h] eyes ^u him1 ?an %e 0 
sup]naturally enlight5$ z to 8 true "*2 
%e knew at once ! dreadful enemy1 ?us = 
! fir/ "t made manife/ to h] sight2 &1  
sudd5ly *ang+ col\r1 %e rose & left !   

room4 ,vannozza foll[$ 7al>m$ at h] ha/y
 dep>ture71 & f\nd h] 9 ! oratory kneel+
 be=e ! ,crucifix1 & z pale z dea?4 ,%e 
inquir$ into ! cause ( h] emotion2 b    
,frances simply desir$ h] to return to !
 sitt+-room1 & reque/ ,lor5zo to dismiss
 ! h]mit4 ,z soon z he 0 dep>t$1 %e     
re-appe>$ among/ !m z s]5e & calm z     
usual2 & to no "o b to h] confessor did 
%e m5tion ! circum/ance4 ,yet x 0 a mo/ 
awful mom5t1 t fir/ initiation into !   
sup]natural _w1 t fir/ contact ) ! p[]s 
( d>kness1 t op5+ ( ! visible w> betwe5 
h] & ! great enemy4 ,no wond] t %e 0    
habitually sil5t2 h] s\l mu/ h liv$ 9 v 
close communion ) ! invisible _w1 & !   
pres5ce ( ,god mu/ h be5 realis$ 9 an   
extraord9>y decree by "o ^: spiritual   
disc]nm5t 0 s miracul\sly ke54  ,a m    
ord9>y sn>e 0 ! tempt]'s next res\rce1 &
 he *ose z 8 in/rum5t a p]son ( piety & 
virtue1 b ^: human fe>s & affections 7  
too /rong = h] fai?4 ,he sugge/$ to     
,cecilia1 ! "m-9-law ( ! two sa9ts1 :o 0
 mo/ fondly atta*$ to !m1 & mat]nally   

solicit\s ab\t _! heal?s1 t ! ascetic   
life :i* !y l$ mu/ necess>ily impair x2 
t amusem5ts 7 ess5tial to "y p]sons2 & t
 ! s+ul>ity ( _! conduct reflect$       
discr$it on ! family4 ,"u ?is           
impression1 %e /rove by e means 9 h] p[]
 to c\nt]act _! designs1 to ?w>t !m 9 _!
 devotional & *>itable practices1 & to  
induce !m to give up m ( _! "t & ( _!   
att5tion to ! _w4 ,%e ?us gave !m       
occasion to practise a v peculi> k9d (  
pati5ce1 & to ga9 ! m m]it 9 ! eyes (   
,god1 9 t !y _h daily to enc\nt] a sort 
( opposition p>ticul>ly try+ to "y &    
ard5t spirits4 ,x is relat$1 t "o day1  
:5 !y _h g5tly b /eadily refus$ to pay  
"s visits :i*1 f> f be+ absolute duties1
 7 only pretexts = gossip & ! mo/       
frivol\s conv]sations1 ,francesca &     
,vannozza _h retir$ into ! g>d5 oratory2
 & aft] sp5d+ "s "t 9 pray]1 began      
conv]s+ toge!r on ! life :i* ! e>ly     
,fa!rs 7 wont to lead 9 ! des]ts1 & ( ! 
happ9ess x mu/ be to live entirely      
devot$ to ! s]vice ( ,god1 & to commune 

) ,him above1 f> f ! di/ract+ ?\ghts &  
c>es ( ! _w4 ,!y w5t on pictur+ to      
!mselves ! mann] 9 :i* !y w\ld h divid$ 
_! "t & arrang$ _! occupations "u simil>
 circum/ances1 & toge!r !y made out a   
complete rule ( life4  ,absorb$ 9 !     
subject1 ,vannozza exclaim$1 ) *ildlike 
simplicity1 ,b :at %\ld we h to eat1    
si/]8 & ,francesca repli$1 ,we %\ld se>*
 = fruits 9 ! des]t1 de>e/2 & ,god w\ld 
surely n let u seek 9 va94 ,z %e said ^!
 words !y rose to return home1 & f a    
tree :i* grew out ( a ru9$ wall on "o   
side ( ! g>d5 !re fell at h] feet a     
qu9ce ( ! l>ge/ size & mo/ %9+ col\r1 & 
ano!r simil> to x 0 ly+ 9 ,vannozza's   
pa?4 ,! si/]s look$ at ea* o!r 9 sil5t  
a/oni%m5t2 = ! "t ( ! ye> 0 ,april1 &   
no?+ b a miracle c\ld h br\ght ^! apples
 to maturity at ?is unwont$ season4 ,!  
ta/e ( ! fruit 0 z excell5t z its col\r 
0 beautiful4 ,!y 7 divid$ among/ !      
memb]s ( ! family1 :o wond]$ at ! m>vels
 :i* seem$ cont9ually to att5d ! /eps ( 
,francesca4 ,%e 0 pr(\ndly grateful =   

su* fav\rs1 b probably m>vell$ less ?an 
o!rs at _! occurr5ce4 ,h] y\?2 !        
simplicity ( h] fai?2 h] total          
ab/raction f worldly ?\ghts2 h] cont9ual
 /udy & m$itation ( ! ,holy ,scriptures 
& ( ! lives ( ! ,sa9ts1--mu/ h          
necess>ily famili>is$ h] m9d ) su*      
ideas4 ,x c\ld n seem incr$ible to h]1 t
 ! ,god :o 9 less fav\r$ times1 & "u a  
sev]] disp5sation1 _h s (t5 susp5d$ !   
laws ( nature1 9 ord] to support1 to    
guide1 & to in/ruct ,8 p2 t ! ,savi\r :o
 _h turn$ wat] into w9e by a s+le ^w1 & 
)]$ ! unpr(itable fig-tree by a         
look1--%\ld at all times display ! same 
p[] 9 fav\r ( ,8 *ildr51 9 ways n a :it 
m m>vell\s or my/]i\s4  ,cecilia made "o
 m ef=t to *eck :at %e consid]$         
exagg]ation 9 ! mode ( life ( h]        
daught]s-9-law4 ,%e urg$ _! husb&s to   
int]f]e1 & by _! au?ority to oblige !m  
to mix m ) ! _w4 ,b ,paluzzo & ,lor5zo  
_h too deep an e/eem = _! wives1 & too  
great a s5se ( ! advantages !y d]iv$ f  
_! s+ul> virtues1 to be p]suad$ into    

putt+ a re/ra9t on _! actions4 ,s9ce !y 
_h come into ! family1 & unit$ _! pi\s  
ef=ts = _! own & o!rs' spiritual        
improvem5t1 disputes & qu>rels _h giv5  
way to ! mo/ edify+ concord4 ,! s]vants1
 mov$ by _! example1 p]=m$ _! duties )  
exempl>y zeal1 frequ5t$ ! *ur*es & !    
sacram5ts1 & ab/a9$ f pr(ane or idle    
words4 ,!y accord+ly entreat$ _! "m to  
give up h] fruitless attempts1 & all[ ! 
two "y wom5 lib]ty to foll[ ! rule (    
life !y _h adopt$2 & ?us put an end to !
 k9dly meant b try+ p]secution !y _h    
gone ?r\gh4  ,ab\t ?is "t ! devil1 ?w>t$
 9 8 designs1 b always on ! wat*1 0     
p]mitt$ to v5t 8 ang] aga9/ ,francesca &
 h] si/]-9-law 9 a way to :i* he (t5 _h 
rec\rse1 & :i*1 :ile x seem$ to display 
a mom5t>y p[] ov] _! bodies1 only prov$ 
9 ! end t a /rong] "o ?an he 0 always at
 h& to defeat 8 malice1 & snat* f him 8 
prize4 ,francesca & ,vannozza _h gone to
 ,/4 ,pet]'s on an int5sely hot day 9   
,july1 9 ! ye> #acii4 ,absorb$ 9 pray]1 
!y _h h>dly notic$ ! lapse ( "t1 &      

twelve o'clock _h /ruck :5 !y set out on
 _! way home4 ,9 ord] to avoid          
obs]vation1 & ! m>ks ( v5]ation :i* ! p 
lavi%$ ^u !m z soon z !y set eyes on !  
two sa9ts 7z !y always call$ !m71 !y    
*ose ! mo/ unfrequ5t$ /reets !y c\ld    
f9d4 ,! heat grew intol]able4 ,! sultry 
air seem$ on fire1 & n a brea? /irr$ x4 
,exhau/$ ) fatigue1 _! m\?s p>*$ ) ?ir/1
 !y rea*$ ! *ur* ( ,/4 ,leon>do2 & hold+
 ea* o!r's h&s1 approa*$ ! br9k ( !     
riv]1 9 ord] to cool _! burn+ lips &    
?robb+ heads ) a little wat]4 ,z !y b5t 
ov] ! /ream = t purpose1 a viol5t bl[ f 
an invisible arm 0 aim$ at ,francesca1 &
 hurl$ h] into ! ,tib]4 ,vannozza fell )
 h]2 &1 clasp$ 9 ea* o!r's arms1 !y 7   
rapidly c>ri$ away by ! curr5t1 & saw no
 means ( escape4 ,!y 7 lovely 9 _!      
lives1 & 9 _! dea?s !y 7 n divid$1 might
 well h be5 said ( !m1 _h ! wat]y grave1
 :i* seem$ inevitable1 swall[$ up on t  
day ! two brides ( ! ,ponziani4 ,b x 0 n
 ! w ( ,god t !y %\ld p]i%4 ,human aid 0
 n at h&2 ! /ream 0 rapid1 ! curr5t     

deep1 & ! eddies curl$ ar\nd !m2 b !y   
call$ ^u ,god ) "o voice1 & 9 an in/ant 
! wat]s1 z if in/9ct ) life1 & ob$i5t to
 a heav5ly comm&1 bore !m g5tly to !    
%ore1 & deposit$ !m unhurt on ! gre5    
m>g9 ( ! riv]4  ,ab\t ?is "t also a     
sup]natural fav\r ( ! mo/ extraord9>y   
nature 0 v\*saf$ to ,francesca4 ,h]     
gu>dian angel1 :o 0 "o day to accompany 
h]1 n by an invisible pres5ce only1 z 9 
! case ( all ,*ri/ians1 b1 by a r>e     
privilege ( grace1 9 a visible =m1 ev]  
manife/ to h] spiritual sight1 n[ began 
to reveal himself to h] by ! mo/ wat*ful
 obs]vance ( h] conduct4 ,at all times &
 9 all places1 by day & by night1 h]    
slighte/ faults 7 notic$ & puni%$ by ?is
 /ill invisible1 b n[ evid5tly pres5t   
monitor4 ,at ! lea/ imp]fection 9 h]    
conduct1 be=e %e _h "t to accuse & to   
condemn h]self1 %e felt ! bl[ ( a       
my/]i\s h&1 ! w>n+ ( an ev]-att5tive    
gu>dian2 & ! s\nd ( t my/ical *a/isem5t 
0 audible to o!rs also4 ,great 0 !      
a/oni%m5t ( ^? :o c\ld ?us disc]n some?+

 ( ,god's deal+s ) ?is *os5 s\l4 ,once1 
:5 %e _h ab/a9$ ?r\gh human respect f   
int]rupt+ ! c\rse ( a v frivol\s &      
useless conv]sation1 ! w>n+ 0 inflict$ )
 su* sev]ity t %e bore ! m>k ( ! bl[ =  
sev]al succe$+ days4  ,su* a rapid      
advance 9 hol9ess1 su* new &            
ev]-increas+ virtues1 7 ! results ( ?is 
sup]natural tuition1 t ,satan n[        
attempt$ to s$uce h] by ! wilie/ ( 8    
artifices1 ! ma/]-piece ( 8 art1 8      
fav\rite s91--! pride t apes humility4  
,s _m miracles wr\ght 9 h] fav\r1 su*   
/range revelations ( ,god's peculi> love
 = h] s\l1 awak5$ 9 ,francesca's m9d1 or
 r ! devil sugge/$ to h] ! ?\ght1 t x   
might be bett] to conceal !m f h]       
director1 or at lea/ to acqua9t him )   
only a portion ( ! wond]s t 7 wr\ght 9  
h] behalf2 & accord+ly1 ! next "t %e w5t
 to confession %e refra9$ f m5tion+ !   
signal grace :i* _h be5 v\*saf$ to h]4  
,at ! v in/ant %e 0 ?r[n pro/rate on !  
gr\nd1 & recognis$ ! h& ( h] heav5ly    
monitor 9 ! bl[ :i* ?us w>n$ h] ( !     

griev\s error into :i* %e 0 fall+4 ,9 t 
%ort mom5t %e _h "t to p]ceive &        
ackn[l$ge x2 & ) int5se contrition %e   
confess$ to h] director ! false humility
 :i* _h beguil$ h] into a dang]\s       
res]ve1 ) p]fect op5ness reveal$ to him 
! :ole ( ,god's pa/ & pres5t deal+s ) h]
 s\l1 & expla9$ to him ! mean+ ( :at _h 
j tak5 place4 ,don ,antonio li/5$ )     
a/oni%m5t & gratitude1 & ?us address$   
h]3 ,y h j escap$ f a great dang]1 my   
daught]2 = ^? :o aim at p]fection _c    
conceal any ?+ f _! spiritual guide )\t 
runn+ ! risk ( delusion4 ,by y\r mi/ak5 
sil5ce y 7 comply+ ) ! sugge/ions (     
,satan1 :o1 "u ! semblance ( humility1 0
 seek+ to awak5 9 y a secret & baneful  
pride4 ,y w\ld h be5 l$ by degrees to   
ov]-e/imate ^! sup]natural fav\rs1 to   
deem !m n m]ely means ( grace1 b rew>ds 
due to y\r m]its2 to despise ^? to :om  
,god does n grant !m2 & to give y\rself 
up to extravagant & unau?oris$ au/]ities
 9 ord] to secure _! cont9uance1 & to   
di/+ui% y\rself 9 y\r own & o!rs' sight4

 ,i %\ld h =bidd5 y to practise !m2 y   
w\ld h be5 tempt$ to r5\nce my guidance1
 to take "o confessor aft] ano!r1 until 
y _h f\nd "o weak or bl9d en\gh to      
approve y\r self-w2 & !n ! ar*-enemy (  
mank9d1 "u ! g>b ( an angel ( light1    
w\ld h made y ! prey ( 8 delusions1 till
 at la/ y might h fall5 f "o error into 
ano!r1 & made %ipwreck ( y\r fai?4 ,su* 
has be5 ! d[nw>d c\rse ( _m a s\l1 t has
 begun by yield+ to a false humility--! 
(fspr+ ( pride--& has end$ 9 s9 &       
p]dition4  ,f t "t =w>d1 ,francesca 0 on
 h] gu>d aga9/ e species ( pride &      
self-reliance1 h[ev] disguis$ & ref9$4  
,%e relat$ h] faults & temptations1 !   
graces %e receiv$ & ! fav\rs %e obta9$1 
) ! same *ildlike op5ness & simplicity4 
,x 0 at ! age ( sixte5 t %e 0 ?us       
advanc$ 9 ! sci5ce ( ! sa9ts2 & e day h]
 virtues & h] piety increas$4           
,,*apt] ,,iv4  ,,! ,,bir? ,,(           
,,francesca',s ,,fir/ ,,*ild--,,h] ,,c>e
 ,,9 ,,8 ,,education--,,%e ,,und]takes  
,,! ,,managem5t ,,( ,,h]                

,,fa!r-,,9-,,law',s ,,h\sehold--,a      
,,fam9e ,,& ,,pe/il5ce ,,9              
,,rome--,,francesca',s ,,lab\rs ,,fob   
,,! ,,sick ,,& ,,poor--,,! ,,miracles   
,,wr\ght ,,9 ,,h] ,,behalf4  ,! ye>     
#adjj 0 op5+ "u melan*oly auspices4     
,boniface ,,ix4 0 at t mom5t 9          
possession ( ! pontifical ?rone1 &      
celebrat+ ! jubilee1 ! p]iodical        
recurr5ce ( :i* at ! end ( e fifty ye>s 
_h be5 decre$ by ,clem5t ,,vi4 9 #acej2 
b ,rome 0 ev5 !n 9 a lam5table /ate1 &  
presages 7 n want+ ( /ill m disa/r\s    
times4 ,! w>s = ! succession ( ! k+dom (
 ,naples1 betwe5 ,l\is ( ,anj\ &        
,ladislas ,durazzo1 7 agitat+ ! :ole (  
,italy2 & ! capital ( ! ,*ri/ian _w 0   
expos$ to all ! fury ( ! cont5d+ p>ties4
 ,! p[]ful faction ( ! ,colonnas1 9 arms
 aga9/ ! ,pope1 invad$ ! ,capitol at !  
head ( a num]\s body ( insurg5ts on     
horseback & on foot2 & ! air res\nd$ ) !
 cries ( ,long live ! p6 ,dea? to !     
tyrant ,boniface ,,ix46 ,on t day !     
signal 0 giv5 = a division ( p>ties1 :i*

 l$ %ortly aft]w>ds to ! appall+ trag$y 
:i* decimat$ ! nobility ( ! ,et]nal     
,city & delug$ h] /reets ) blood4       
,lor5zo ,ponziano1 f 8 rank & 8 great   
possessions1 z well z f 8 fidelity to ! 
,*ur* & ! ,sov]eign ,pontiff1 0         
especially m>k$ out z an enemy by !     
adv]se faction4 ,b :ile on e side ! /orm
 0 brew+1 & ! aspect ( public affairs   
ea* day m gloomy1 a bless+ 0 grant$ to  
him :i* = ! la/ five ye>s he _h ard5tly 
desir$4 ,! expectation ( an heir to !   
family ( ,ponziano fill$ him & 8 p>5ts )
 inexpressible delight4 ,francesca1 9 ! 
meantime1 0 incessantly occupi$ 9       
recomm5d+ to ,god ! *ild %e 0 ab\t to   
be>2 & (f]$ up h] e little act (        
devotion 9 its behalf1 ) ! hope ( draw+ 
d[n ! ,div9e bless+ on its future       
exi/5ce4 ,9 ! same ye> %e 0 happily     
deliv]$ ( a son1 :o 0 imm$iately baptis$
 9 ! *ur* ( ,santa ,cecilia 9 ,tra/ev]e1
 & receiv$ ! "n ( ,giovanni ,bapti/a4 ,x
 0 n at t "t ! cu/om = ladies ( rank to 
nurse _! *ildr52 b ,francesca set aside 

all su* consid]ations1 & nev] cons5t$ to
 =ego a "m's sacr$ privilege4 ,%e did n 
intru/ h] *ild = a mom5t to ! c>e (     
o!rs1 afraid t1 9 h] abs5ce1 ! utt]ance 
( unwor?y s5tim5ts1 bad mann]s & habits1
 :i* ev5 9 infancy may cause impressions
 n easily eradicat$1 %\ld ta9t ) ! lea/ 
evil ! he>t & m9d ( h] son4 ,x is       
rem>kable h[ c>eful ! holy mo!rs :i* we 
read ( 9 ! lives ( ! ,sa9ts appe> to h  
be5 ( ! circum/ances att5d+ ! infancy ( 
_! *ildr51--t p]iod dur+ :i* we are apt 
to suppose t no impressions c be giv5 or
 receiv$4 ,are we n p]haps 9 error on t 
po9t8--,z mu* t we read & app>5tly =get 
leaves not)/&+ a c]ta9 deposit 9 our    
m9ds1 :i* comes into play :5 call$ =? by
 association1 s1 may n c]ta9 sights1    
s\nds1 & words1 n und]/ood at ! "t1     
imp>t a c]ta9 col\r1 /amp c]ta9 images  
on ! m9d ( an infant1 :i*1 h[ev] dim &  
confus$1 deep5 & gr[ ) x z x exp&s8 ,!re
 h be5 curi\s psy*ological in/ances (   
names1 ( languages1 ( dormant           
recollections1 reawak5+ z x 7 "u a      

peculi> condition ( ! n]v\s sy/em1 & :i*
 c\ld only be trac$ to impressions      
receiv$ 9 ! e>lie/ /ages ( exi/5ce4     
,francesca1 9 ob$i5ce to h] director1 z 
well z guid$ by h] own s5se ( duty1     
modifi$ = ! "t be+ h] usual mode ( life1
 & occupi$ h]self ) ! c>e ( h] *ild 9   
pref]5ce to all o!r obs]vances ( *>ity  
or ( devotion4 ,%e did n compla9 or     
regret t %e _h to give up h] habitual   
religi\s ex]cises1 9 ord] to t5d & to   
nurse ! little creature :om %e look$ ^u 
z ! gift ( ,god1 & ^: c>eful tra9+ ! be/
 (f]+ %e c\ld make 9 return4 ,! joy :i* 
%e _h felt 9 h] infant's bir? 0 m>r$ by 
! dea? ( h] fa!r1 :o1 :5 8 gr&son 0     
plac$ 9 8 arms1 exclaim$ 9 ! words ( ,/4
 ,simeon1 ,"l1 n[ lette/ ,?\ ?y s]vant  
dep>t 9 peace2 & ! words seem to h be5  
prophetic1 = he di$ almo/ imm$iately    
aft]w>ds1 & 0 buri$ 9 ! vaults ( ,santa 
,agnese1 9 ! ,piazza ,nuova4 ,at a lat] 
p]iod1 :5 t *ur* 0 recon/ruct$1 8 rema9s
 7 transport$ to ! cloi/]s ( ,tor ,di   
,spec*i1 :]e ! simple inscription1 ,"h  

lies ,paul ,bussa1 rema9s to ?is day4   
,francesca1 9 pursuance ( h] desire1 n  
only to exclude evil1 b to infuse good  
dispositions at ! e>lie/ possible p]iod 
into h] baby's s\l1 lo/ no opportunity (
 imp>t+ to him ! fir/ notions (         
religion4 ,be=e he c\ld speak1 %e us$ to
 repeat to him e day ! ,"l's ,pray] & ! 
,hail ,m>y1 clasp 8 little h&s toge!r1 &
 direct 8 eyes to heav51 & to ! images (
 ,jesus & ,m>y1 ^: names 7 ( c\rse !    
fir/ words he le>n$ to utt]4 ,%e *eck$ 9
 him by grave looks1 & slight puni%m5ts 
fitt$ to 8 age1 e ebullition ( self-w1  
ob/9acy1 & ang]2 & lat]1 ( deceit1 envy1
 & immode/y4 ,?\gh %e _h ! mo/ t5d] "m's
 he>t1 %e seldom indulg$ 9 passionate   
c>esses1 & nev] left un*a/is$ any ( 8   
faults1 or gave way 9 any in/ance to 8  
te>s & impati5ce4 ,:5 o!rs object$ t x 0
 absurd to expect self-comm& f a        
creature ^: reason 0 n develop$1 %e     
ma9ta9$ t habits ( self-control are to  
be acquir$ at ! e>lie/ age1 & t ! b5efit
 ?us obta9$ ext5ds to ! :ole ( life4 ,! 

*ild ?us tra9$ liv$ to prove ! wisdom ( 
h] views1 & became 9 difficult times !  
support ( 8 family & an hon\r to _! "n4 
,ab\t a ye> aft] ! bir? ( ,giovanni     
,bapti/a1 ,cecilia1 ,lor5zo's "m1 di$4  
,&reazzo ,ponziano1 & bo? 8 sons1 fully 
consci\s ( ! prud5ce & virtue (         
,francesca1 resolv$ to place h] at !    
head ( ! h\se1 & to commit to h] alone !
 sup]9t5d5ce ( _! dome/ic affairs & !   
:ole managem5t ( ! h\sehold4 ,di/ress$  
at ! proposal1 %e plead$ h] y\? &       
inexp]i5ce1 & urg$ t ,vannozza1 z ! wife
 ( ! elde/ bro!r1 0 z a matt] ( c\rse   
entitl$ to t position4 ,vannozza1 h[ev]1
 plead$ ) su* eag]ness t x 0 h] mo/     
anxi\s desire n to occupy x1 & t all %e 
wi%$ 0 to be ,francesca's disciple &    
companion1 t1 ov]come by ! g5]al        
importunity1 %e f\nd h]self oblig$ to   
comply4 ,n[ x 0 t h] m]it %one          
conspicu\sly4 ,plac$ at ! head ( ! mo/  
opul5t h\se 9 ,rome1 no symptom ( pride1
 ( haught9ess1 or ( self-complac5cy1 ev]
 reveal$ itself 9 h] looks or 9 h]      

actions4 ,%e 0 nev] he>d to speak a h>% 
or impati5t ^w4 ,firm 9 requir+ f e     
p]son 9 h] h\se ! prop] fulfilm5t ( _!  
duties1 %e did x 9 ! g5tle/ mann]4      
,always c\rte\s to h] s]vants1 %e urg$  
!m to s]ve ,god ) dilig5ce1 & wat*$ ov] 
_! s\ls r$eem$ by ,8 preci\s blood4 ,h] 
address 0 s w9n+ & p]suasive1 t x seldom
 fail$ ( its effect4 ,%e contriv$ to    
arrange ! h\rs ( _! lab\r ) s mu* ord] &
 skill1 t ea* _h suffici5t leisure to   
he> ,mass1 to att5d ! p>o*ial           
in/ructions on ,sundays & holidays1 to  
frequ5t ! ,sacram5ts1 & jo9 e day 9     
family pray]1--fulfill+ ! :ole ( a      
,*ri/ian's duty4 ,if by any *ance 7& x 0
 a r>e "o 9 a h\se ?us gov]n$7 a qu>rel 
arose betwe5 any ( ! s]vants1 %e 0      
always ready to come =w>d1 appease angry
 passions1 & reconcile diff]5ces4 ,if1 9
 s do+1 %e _h occasion to speak ) :at %e
 consid]$ undue sev]ity to "o ( !       
p>ties1 %e w\ld imm$iately apologise )  
te>s1 & 9 ! humble/ mann] entreat       
=giv5ess4 ,?is extreme sweetness (      

disposition1 h[ev]1 did n deg5]ate into 
weakness2 & %e c\ld te/ify ! utmo/      
displeasure1 & reprov$ ) en]gy :5 (f5ces
 7 committ$ aga9/ ,god4 ,x 0 intol]able 
to h] t ,8 ,div9e ,maje/y %\ld be       
insult$ 9 h] abode2 & %e1 ! g5tle/ & mo/
 unassum+ ( wom51 c\ld display on su*   
occasions ! greate/ firmness4  ,"o day1 
x is record$1 sev]al g5tlem5 _h be5 d9+ 
) ,lor5zo2 & "o ( !m aft] d9n] drew f 8 
pocket a book :i* conta9$ a treatise on 
magic4 ,lor5zo took x up1 & 0 exam9+ x )
 "s curiosity1 :5 8 wife /ole           
noiselessly beh9d him1 took x out ( 8   
h&s1 & ?rew x into ! fire4 ,nettl$ by   
?is proce$+1 h] husb& reproa*$ h] 9 r   
bitt] t]ms = h] incivility to _! gue/2 b
 %e1 :o 0 habitually submissive to 8    
lea/ ^w1 only repli$ t %e c\ld n regret 
! de/ruction ( :at might h prov$ to _m  
an occasion ( s94 ,%e inexorably        
consign$ to ! flames 9 ! same mann] e   
bad book t came 9 h] way4  ,h] t5d]     
*>ity 0 ev9c$ :5 any ( ! inmates ( !    
palace 7 ill4 ,%e 0 !n ! affectionate   

nurse ( ! suff]]s1 & sp5t :ole nights by
 _! b$side4 ,no?+ ev] disc\rag$ or we>i$
 h]2 ! l[e/ s]vant 9 ! h\se 0 att5d$ to1
 z if %e _h be5 h] own "m or si/]4 ,m   
anxi\s /ill = _! s\l's heal? ?an _!     
body's1 %e 0 kn[n to g out h]self alone 
at night 9 se>* ( a prie/ :5 a sudd5    
case ( dang] _h occurr$ b5ea? h] ro(4   
,h] *>ity 0 9 "o in/ance miracul\sly    
rew>d$ by a direct int]position (       
,provid5ce1 9 a matt] app>5tly trifl+1 b
 on :i*1 humanly speak+1 h] de> si/]    
,vannozza's exi/5ce seem$ to turn4 ,%e 0
 dang]\sly ill1 & _h be5 = days unable  
to swall[ any food2 ! v sight ( x caus$ 
h] intol]able nausea2 & f %e] exhau/ion 
h] life 0 r$uc$ to s l[ an ebb1 t ! wor/
 0 appreh5d$4 ,on ,francesca's inquir+  
if %e c\ld ?9k ( any ?+ :i* %e c\ld     
imag9e x possible to eat1 %e nam$ a     
c]ta9 fi%1 :i* 0 n 9 season at t "t4 ,! 
m>kets 7 sc\r$ by ! s]vants1 b naturally
 9 va91 & !y return$ empty-h&$ to !     
deject$ ,francesca1 :o1 kneel+ by !     
b$side ( h] fri5d1 betook h]self1 )     

ardu\s fai? & *ildlike simplicity1 to   
pray]4 ,:5 %e rais$ h] head1 !          
mu*-wi%$-= article ( food 0 ly+ be=e h]2
 & ! fir/ morsel ( x t ,vannozza eat    
re/or$ h] to heal?4  ,%e _h be5 ab\t a  
ye> at ! head ( h] fa!r-9-law's h\se1 :5
 ,rome fell "u ! d\ble sc\rge ( fam9e & 
pe/il5ce4 ,! ,ponziani 7 imm5sely ri*1 &
 _! palace furni%$ ) e k9d ( provisions4
 ,francesca =bade h] s]vants to s5d away
 a s+le poor p]son )\t reliev+ _! wants2
 & n cont5t ) ?is1 %e s\ght !m out      
h]self1 invit$ !m to come to h]1 & made 
!m cont9ual pres5ts ( corn1 w9e1 oil1 & 
clo?+4 ,%e exhort$ !m to be> _! suff]+s 
) pati5ce1 to return to ,god & to _!    
religi\s duties1 & to /rive by f]v5t    
pray] to appease ! ,div9e wra?1 provok$ 
by ! crimes ( mank9d4 ,vannozza & h]self
 7 indefatigable 9 _! visits to !       
hospitals & ! out-(-!-way corn]s ( !    
city4  ,&reazzo ,ponziano1 a good man1 b
 n a sa9t1 0 al>m$ at ! excessive       
lib]ality ( 8 daught]-9-law1 & fe>$ t x 
w\ld end 9 produc+ a fam9e 9 8 own h\se4

 ,he began by prud5tly )draw+ f _! h&s !
 key ( ! gran>y2 & !n1 = great]         
security1 afraid p]haps ( yield+ to _!  
entreaties1 :i* he 0 n accu/om$ to      
resi/1 he took to sell+ :atev] corn he  
possess$ beyond :at 0 requir$ = ! daily 
consumption ( ! family4 ,no?+1 !re=e1   
rema9$ 9 ! corn-l(t b a huge heap (     
/raw4 ,! provid5t old man foll[$ ! same 
plan ) 8 cell>1 & sold all ! w9e x      
conta9$1 ) ! exception ( "o cask1 :i* 0 
res]v$ = 8 own & 8 *ildr5's use4        
,mean:ile ! sc>city w5t on increas+ e   
day1 & ! numb] ( />v+ wret*es 9         
proportion4 ,franceses1 unable to meet  
_! dem&s1 & /ill m incapable ( leav+ !m 
to p]i%1 brav$ at la/ all false %ame &  
repugnance1 & resolv$ ) ,vannozza to g  
into ! /reets & beg = ! poor4 ,!n 7 se5 
^? two noble & lovely wom5 /&+ at !     
doors ( ! *ur*es1 knock+ at ! gates ( ! 
palace1 foll[+ ! ri* 9 ! public places1 
plead+ ) te>s ! cause ( ! suff]]s1      
gladly receiv+ ! abundant alms t 7      
sometimes be/[$ ^u !m1 & n less gladly !

 sne]s1 ! repulses1 ! insult+ words t   
(t5 fell to _! %>e 9 ^! pilgrimages (   
m]cy4 ,at la/ ! fam9e rea*$ its height4 
,at e side1--on ! pavem5t1 9 ! corn]s ( 
! /reets1--7 ly+ cr[ds ( p]sons1 b>ely  
clo!d ) a few tatt]$ rags1 hagg>d )     
hung]1 wa/$ ) fev]1 & call+ ^u dea? to  
end _! suff]+s4 ,x 0 a griev\s1 a       
horrible sight1--"o t well-nigh broke ! 
he>t ( our sa9t4 ,! moan+s ( ! dy+ 7 9  
h] e>s2 ! expression ( _! gha/ly faces  
haunt$ h] day & night4 ,%e w\ld h gladly
 %$ h] blood = !m1 & f$ !m ) h] life4 ,a
 sudd5 inspiration came ov] h] "o day3  
,come to ! corn-l(t1 %e exclaim$1 turn+ 
to ,vannozza1 & to ,cl>a1 a fav\rite &  
pi\s s]vant ( !irs2 ,come ) me to !     
corn-l(t2 let u see if among/ ! /raw we 
may n succe$ 9 f9d+ a few gra9s ( corn =
 ! poor4 ,& on _! knees = sev]al h\rs ^?
 pati5t1 lov+ wom5 sift$ ! /raw1 & by   
d9t ( lab\r collect$ ab\t a measure (   
corn1 :i* !y 7 be>+ away 9 triumph1 :5 !
 ,god :o caus$ ! wid['s oil n to fail1 &
 made h] b>rel ( meal la/ ?r\gh a       

sc>cely m griev\s fam9e1 0 prep>+ _!    
rew>d4 ,lor5zo _h ent]$ ! gran>y j z !y 
7 c>ry+ (f _! h>d-e>n$ treasure1 &1     
look+ ab\t him1 beheld 9 place ( ! /raw 
:i* 0 ly+ !re a mom5t be=e1 #dj measures
 ( bright yell[ corn1 s %9+ & s full1   
says ,francesca's e>lie/ biograph]1 t x 
seem$ z ?\gh x _h be5 rais$ 9 ,p>adise1 
& reap$ !re by angels4 ,9 sil5t         
a/oni%m5t he po9t$ out to !m ! miracul\s
 supply1 & mu/ h felt 9 t h\r :at su*   
virtue z 8 wife's & 8 si/]'s c\ld ev5 9 
?is _w w9 ( m]cy at ,god's h&s4 ,b corn 
0 n en\gh2 ! sick want$ w9e4 ,!y came1  
poor pallid gho/s1 j ris5 f _! b$s (    
suff]+1 to beg x ( ,francesca2 ag$ m5 & 
delicate *ildr51 mo!rs ) infants at _!  
brea/s1 poor worn-out prie/s s9k+ )     
exhau/ion1 & yet will+ to assi/ o!rs1 !y
 _h rec\rse to h] = a little w9e to     
/r5g!n !m 9 _! works ( m]cy1 & %e _h no 
w9e to give1 save out ( ! s+le cask 9 ! 
cell>4 ,%e gave x1 nev]!less2 & day aft]
 day drew f x1 till n a drop 0 left4    
,&reazzo1 provok$1 wax$ v wro?2 he _h   

nev] be=e be5 angry ) ,francesca1 b n[  
he /orm$ & rav$ at h]2 he _h be5 to !   
cell> to see ! w9e drawn = t day's use1 
& n a drop 0 9 ! cask4 ,*>ity inde$6 he 
exclaim$1 *>ity beg9s at home2 a pretty 
sort ( virtue ?is1 :i*1 "u ! pretext (  
assi/+ /rang]s1 introduces p5ury &      
privation into ! mid/ ( a p]son's own   
family4 ,he v5t$ 8 ang] 9 bitt]         
reproa*es2 ,lor5zo & ,paluzzo 7 also    
incl9$ to take 8 "p1 & jo9$ 9 sev]ely   
blam+ ,francesca4 ,%e ! :ile1 ) a g5tle 
voice & quiet mann]1 brea?+ mo/ probably
 a secret pray] to h] :o at !           
m>riage-fea/ ( ,cana turn$ to h] ,son & 
said1 ,!y h no w9e1 d\btless ) an inw>d 
assurance t ,god w\ld befri5d h] 9 an   
extraord9>y1 b n to h] an unprec$5t$    
mann]1 ?us address$ !m3 ,d n be angry2  
let u g to ! cell>2 may be1 ?r\gh ,god's
 m]cy1 t ! cask may be full by ?is "t4  
,!y foll[$ h] ) an involunt>y           
submission2 & on rea*+ ! spot1 saw h]   
turn ! cock ( ! b>rel1 out ( :i* !re    
in/antly fl[$ ! mo/ exquisite w9e1 :i*  

,&reazzo ackn[l$g$ to be sup]ior to any 
he _h ev] ta/$4 ,! v5]able old man turn$
 to 8 daught]-9-law1 &1 ) te>s 9 8 eyes1
 exclaim$1  ,oh1 my de> *ild1 dispose   
h5ce=w>d ( e ?+ ,i possess1 & multiply  
)\t end ^? alms t h ga9$ y su* fav\r 9  
,god's sight4  ,! report ( ?is miracle  
spread f> & wide2 &1 9 spite ( h]       
humility1 ,francesca did n object to its
 be+ divulg$1 z x te/ifi$ to ! ,div9e   
virtue ( almsgiv+1 & enc\rag$ ! ri* to  
increase _! lib]ality1 & m9i/] m        
abundantly to ! suff]+ memb]s ( ,*ri/4  
,a k9d ( religi\s awe seems to h tak5   
possession ( ,lor5zo's m9d1 at ! sight (
 s _m wond]s wr\ght 9 8 h\se4 ,! great  
e/eem 9 :i* he _h always held 8 wife1 n[
 took ! =m ( a pr(\nd v5]ation4 ,he     
recomm5d$ h] to foll[ 9 e respect !     
div9e inspirations %e receiv$1 & left h]
 entirely free to ord] h] life & dispose
 ( h] "t 9 any way %e ?\ght fit4        
,francesca1 aft] consult+ ) h] director1
 took advantage ( ?is p]mission to      
execute :at _h be5 h] long-*]i%$ desire4

 ,sell+ all h] ri* dresses1 h] jewels1 &
 h] ornam5ts1 %e di/ribut$ ! money      
among/ a numb] ( poor families1 & f t "t
 =w>d nev] wore h]self any o!r g[n ?an  
"o ( co>se d>k-gre5 clo?4 ,h]           
mortifications became s cont9ual &      
sev]e1 h] fa/s s rigid1 t x is difficult
 to conceive h[ h] heal? c\ld h su/a9$  
!m )\t miracul\s support1 or h[ %e c h  
f\nd "t = all h] duties1 & ! incr$ible  
numb] ( good works :i* %e daily p]=m$4  
,:5 we consid] t %e 0 unremitt+ 9 h]    
att5tion to h] *ildr51 t %e 0 nev] kn[n 
to neglect ! dilig5t sup]9t5d5ce (      
h\sehold affairs1 t %e repeat$ly visit$ 
! hospitals & ! poor sick 9 _! h\ses1 t 
morn+ & ev5+ %e w5t to ! *ur*es :]e     
indulg5ces 7 to be ga9$1 recit$ num]\s  
vocal pray]s1 (t5 sp5t h\rs 9           
contemplation1 & 9 ! g>d5 oratory1 :]e )
 ,vannozza1 ,cl>a1 & ,rita ,celli1 a    
dev\t "y p]son :o 0 admitt$ into _!     
intimacy1 %e read spiritual books or    
conv]s$ on religi\s subjects1--our      
admiration is quick5$2 = t zeal & /rong 

w c\ld "w wond]s all b incompreh5sible  
to ^? :o h n put _! %\ld] to ! :eel 9   
good e>ne/1 or le>nt to appreciate !    
priceless value ( e m9ute ( ?is %ort    
life4     ,,*apt] ,v4  ,,! ,,bir? ,,(   
,,francesca',s ,,second ,,son--,,8      
,,sup]natural ,,gifts--,,! ,,bir? ,,(   
,,h] ,,daught]--,,satanic ,,attacks ,,^u
 ,,francesca---,,tr\bles ,,(            
,,rome--,,francesca',s ,,husb& ,,is     
,,sev]ely ,,w\nd$--,,h] ,,elde/ ,,son1  
,,:5 ,,giv5 ,,up ,,z ,a ,,ho/age ,,to   
,,! ,n,e,a,p,o,ll,t,a,n,s1 ,,is         
,,miracul\sly ,,re/or$ ,,to ,,h]4       
,,francesca _h j atta9$ ! age ( tw5ty :5
 h] second son 0 born4 ,he 0 baptis$ on 
! day ( 8 bir?1 & receiv$ ! "n (        
,giovanni ,evan--geli/a4 ,! contempor>y 
biograph]1 "s ( ^: say+s h be5 already  
quot$1 m5tions ( ?is *ild t he 0 end[$ )
 wond]ful gifts ( grace1 & t ! love (   
,god 0 manife/$ 9 him ev5 be=e he c\ld  
speak4 ,9 8 qua9t language he ?us       
describes him3 ,evangeli/a 0 old 9 s5se1
 small 9 body1 great 9 s\l1 respl5d5t 9 

beauty1 angel-l 9 all 8 ways4 ,he might 
well h be5 t]m$1 9 famili> language1 8  
"m's own *ild2 = 9 8 v]ie/ infancy 8    
only pleasure 0 to be c>ri$ into *ur*es1
 or to give alms to ! ne$y1 especially  
to ! poor religi\s1 = :om he _h a       
special pr$ilection4 ,francesca's       
delight 9 ?is lovely little infant 0    
indescribable4 ,he 0 to h] z "o ( ,god's
 own angels1 & te>s ( joy fill$ h] eyes 
z %e mus$ on ! extraord9>y signs ( grace
 :i* he daily ev9c$4 ,sup]natural _h be5
 ! "m's virtues1 sup]natural 7 !        
qualities ( ! *ild2 at ! age ( ?ree ye>s
 old he 0 end[$ ) ! gift ( prophecy1 & !
 faculty ( read+ ! un-utt]$ ?\ghts (    
m5's he>ts4  ,s+ul> in/ances ( ?is p[]  
are on record4 ,he 0 9 8 "m's arms "o   
day1 :5 two m5dicant fri>s approa*$ !   
,ponziano ,palace4 ,in/antly /ret*+ out 
8 little h&s1 ,evangeli/a took f        
,francesca ! alms %e 0 wont to be/[ on  
su* visitors1 & held x out to !m2 b at !
 same "t look+ /eadfa/ly at "o ( !      
monks1 he said to him1 ,:y w y put (f   

?is holy habit8 y w we> a f9] "o2 b woe 
to y :o =get y\r v[ ( pov]ty4  ,! fri>  
col\r$ & turn$ away2 b x 0 soon evid5t t
 ! words 7 prophetic1 = )9 a %ort "t1 & 
aft] obta9+ a bi%opric ?r\gh a          
simoniacal act1 ! unhappy man di$ a     
viol5t dea?4 ,t same ye>1 ,evangeli/a 0 
9 8 p>5t's room "o day2 & 8 fa!r tak+   
him up on 8 knees1 0 play+ ) him1 &     
dev\r+ him ) kisses4 ,9 ! mid/ ( 8      
sport1 ! *ild turn$ sudd5ly pale1 & lay+
 hold ( a dagg] :i* _h be5 left on !    
table1 he plac$ ! po9t ( x aga9/        
,lor5zo's side1 & said to him z he look$
 up into 8 face ) a /range melan*oly    
smile1 ,?us w !y d to y1 my fa!r4 ,& x s
 happ5$ t at ! "t ( ! invasion ( ,rome  
by ! troops ( ,ladislas ,durazzo1 ! "l (
 ,ponziano 0 dang]\sly w\nd$ 9 ! exact  
place & mann] :i* 8 little son _h po9t$ 
out4  ,evangeli/a 0 n q ?ree ye>s old :5
 8 little si/] ,agnese 0 born1 :o 9     
beauty1 heav5ly sweetness ( temp]1 &    
precoci\s piety1 prov$ ! exact c\nt]p>t 
( h] bro!r4 ,soon aft] h] conf9em5t1    

,francesca _h a vision :i* impress$ h] )
 ! belief t ,god w\ld "o day claim ?is  
*ild z ,8 own4 ,%e saw a dove ( dazzl+  
:it5ess1 be>+ 9 its beak a t9y light$   
tap]1 ent] ! room2 & aft] mak+ two or   
?ree circles 9 ! air1 x /oop$ ov]       
,agnese's cradle1 t\*$ h] br[ & limbs ) 
! tap]1 g5tly flutt]$ its w+s1 & flew   
away4 ,look+ ^u ?is z a sign t ! little 
maid5 w\ld be call$ to ! mona/ic life1  
%e br\ght h] up z a preci\s deposit only
 l5t h] = a "t1 & to be deliv]$ up at no
 di/ant p]iod4 ,) ev5 /rict] c>e ?an %e 
_h us$ ) h] bro!r1 if t 7 possible1 %e  
wat*$ ov] ! little girl2 nev] leav+ h] =
 a s+le mom5t1 & p]=m+ t[>ds h] ! (fices
 ( a s]vant z well z ( a "m4 ,%e kept h]
 9 complete retirem5t1 nev] tak+ h] out 
( doors except to *ur*2 tea*+ h] to love
 ,jesus supremely--bett] ev5 ?an h]     
p>5ts--& ent]ta9+ h] ) descriptions ( t 
de> ,savi\r's adorable p]fections4 ,%e  
enc\rag$ h] to obs]ve sil5ce1 to "w ) h]
 h&s at /at$ times1 & taught h] to read 
9 ! lives ( ! sa9ts ( holy virg9s &     

m>tyrs4 ,agnese's "* & turn ( m9d answ]$
 precisely to h] "m's wi%es2 & !        
p]fection ( h] conduct 0 su*1 t %e 0    
g5]ally designat$ by all :o knew h] z ! 
little sa9t or ! little angel4  ,! ye>s 
( ,evangeli/a's & ,agnese's infancy _h  
be5 mo/ disa/r\s ones to ! unhappy      
inhabitants ( ,rome4 ,! factions :i* _h 
aris5 9 consequ5ce ( ! s*ism1 & ( !     
intrigues ( ,ladislas ( ,naples1 _h     
bani%$ all security1 & conv]t$ ! t[n    
into a field ( battle1 :]e bloody       
conflicts 7 daily tak+ place4 ,!        
pr9ciples ( union seem$ bani%$ f ! _w4  
,! nations & sov]eigns ( ,europe1 giv5  
up to ! mo/ selfi% policy1 ceas$ to     
ackn[l$ge ! *ief pa/or ( ! ,*ur*2 & !   
,et]nal ,city1 beyond any o!r place1 _h 
become an ar5a = f]oci\s /ruggles &     
sangu9>y conspiracies4 ,! ye> #adjf     
br\ght ) x a mom5t>y semblance ( peace1 
& ,francesca & ,vannozza avail$ !mselves
 ( t brea?+-"t to revisit "s ( ! di/ant 
*ur*es1 & att5d ! ,italians z be=e4 ,!y 
us$ to walk to !m on foot at ! e>lie/   

break ( day1 accompani$ by ,rita ,celli1
 ! "y p]son already m5tion$1 & ,lucia   
degli ,aspalli1 a dev\t m>ri$ woman     
ne>ly relat$ to ! ,ponziano family4 ,!y 
repeat$ psalms & litanies on _! way1 or 
sp5t ! "t 9 pi\s m$itation1 & rema9$ "s 
h\rs 9 pray] be=e ! alt>s :i* !y visit$ 
9 turn1--tak+ c>e to be at home aga9 by 
! "t t _! pres5ce 0 requir$4 ,9 t tr\bl$
 epo* ! voice ( ! prea*] 0 seldom he>d2 
s]mons1 h[ev]1 7 occasionally deliv]$ by
 ! ,franciscans & ! ,dom9icans 9 !      
*ur*es ( ,ara ,coeli & ,santa ,m>ia     
sopra ,m9]va2 & at ^! our sa9ts nev]    
fail$ to assi/4 ,_! spiritual guide _h  
giv5 !m leave to g to communion sev]al  
times a week4 ,?is 0 a privilege seldom 
grant$ & seldom s\ght = 9 ^? di/ract$   
times4 ,! bless$ practice ( daily       
communion1 :i* univ]sally prevail$      
among/ ! e>ly ,*ri/ians1--t practice :i*
 turns e>? into heav51 & conv]ts ! l& ( 
exile into a p>adise ( peace & joy1--0  
all b entirely neglect$1 or only kept up
 9 "s few cloi/]s4 ,! two si/]s         

habitually communicat$ 9 ! *ur* ( ,santa
 ,cecilia1 ! ne>e/ to _! h\se4 ,"o ( !  
prie/s ( t p>i% 0 sc&alis$ at ! frequ5cy
 ( _! communions1 & p]suad$ himself t x 
0 incr$ible t "y wom5 ( _! age1 & 9 su* 
a position ( life1 c\ld possibly be 9   
possession ( ! requisite dispositions4  
,?is unhappy man v5tur$ "o day to give  
,franeesca an unconsecrat$ waf]2 ,god   
in/antly reveal$ to ! sa9t ! s9 ( !     
prie/1 & %e in=m$ h] director ( ! fact4 
,don ,antonio disclos$ to ! a/oni%$     
(f5d] ! secret :i* _h be5 conf9$ to 8   
own brea/4 ,he confess$ 8 fault ) !     
deepe/ contrition1 implor$ ,god's p>don1
 ask$ =giv5ess ( ! sa9t1 & receiv$ !    
humiliation z a w>n+ aga9/ ra% judgm5ts4
  ,! w>f>e :i* ,satan 0 p]mitt$ to c>ry 
on aga9/ ,francesca became m & m viol5t 
at ?is p]iod ( h] life4 ,9 actual       
outrages1 9 t]rific visions1 9 my/ical b
 real suff]+s1 :i* afflict$ e s5se &    
tortur$ e n]ve1 ! animosity ( ! evil _s 
ev9c$ itself2 & ,almighty ,god p]mitt$  
x1 = %e 0 ( ^? *os5 ?r\gh mu*           

tribulation to asc5d ! /eep pa? :i* is  
pav$ ) ?orns & compass$ ) d>kness1 b on 
:i* ! ray ( an une>?ly sun%9e breaks at 
times4 ,%e 0 to p>take ( ! miracul\s    
gifts ( ! sa9ts2 to w9 m5's s\ls ?r\gh  
pray]1 to read ! secrets ( _! he>ts1 to 
see angels walk+ by h] side1 to heal    
diseases by ! t\* ( h] h&s1 & hold !    
devils at bay1 :5 !y ?\ght to injure !  
bodies ( o!rs or wage w> ) h] own _s4 ,b
 su* heights ( glory are n ga9$ )\t     
proportionate suff]+2 ! cup ( :i* ,jesus
 drank to ! dregs 9 ,8 agony %e 0 to    
dr9k (1 ! baptism ( horror ) :i* ,he 0  
baptis$ 0 to be h]'s also 9 a measure2 &
 t my/]i\s weakness1 t div9e            
helplessness ( ,81 :i* all[$ ,satan to  
c>ry ,him1 ! ,"l ( all1 to ! p9nacle ( !
 temple or ! br[ ( ! m\nta91 0 n un%>$  
by ,8 s]vant4 ,/range & bewild]+ 7 !    
assaults %e endur$1 b /ill m wond]ful ! 
defeats ( ! evil "o4 ,( h] triumph1 z ( 
^? ( h] ,"l1 x may be said1 t :5 ! devil
 left h]1 !n angels came & m9i/]$ unto  
h]4 ,/range1 t ^? :o believe ! hi/ory ( 

,jesus %\ld turn incr$ul\sly away f t ( 
,8 sa9ts2 = did ,he n expressly say1 t  
:at ,he suff]$1 !y %\ld suff]2 t :]e ,he
 _h ov]come1 !y w\ld triumph2 & t !     
works t ,he p]=m$1 aye & great] works   
/ill1 !y %\ld accompli%8  ,on "o        
occasion1 :5 on ! po9t ( sett+ out = !  
,basilica ( ,/4 ,pet]'s1 ,vannozza 0    
viol5tly precipitat$ d[n ! /airs ( !    
palace by ! p[] ( ! evil _s1 & fell at  
h] si/]'s feet1 :o at t in/ant he>d a   
voice :isp]+ 9 h] e>1 ,i w\ld kill ?y   
si/]1 & drive !e to despair2 b at ! same
 mom5t an inw>d revelation bade         
,francesca raise up ! pro/rate =m ( h]  
fri5d1 & apply to h] bruis$ limbs an    
o9tm5t :i* in/antly reliev$ ! pa9s ( h] 
fall4 ,ano!r "t our sa9t 0 lift$ up by !
 hair ( h] head1 & susp5d$ ov] a        
precipice = ! space ( "s m9utes2 )      
p]fect calmness %e call$ ^u ,jesus1 & 9 
a mom5t f\nd h]self 9 safety )9 h] room4
 ,h] fir/ act 0 to cut (f h] beautiful  
hair1 &1 (f] x up z a ?ank-(f]+ to ,him 
:o _h sav$ h] f ! h&s ( ! inf]nal enemy4

 ,^! are only specim5s ( ! trials ( ?is 
nature to :i* ,francesca 0 m or less    
subject$ all h] life1 b to :i* x w n be 
necess>y aga9 to make m ?an casual      
allusion4  ,9 ! ye> #adji1 :5 %e 0 ab\t 
tw5ty-sev5 ye>s old1 h] temporal        
calamities began4 ,aft] ,ladislas (     
,naples1 befri5d$ by ! enemies ( !      
,pope1 & 9 #adjh ga9$ possession ( ,rome
 by fraudul5t means he left beh9d him z 
gov]nor ( ! city ! ,c\nt ,pietro ,traja1
 a r\gh & brutal soldi]1 well fitt$ to  
s]ve ! fi]ce passions ( 8 ma/]4 ,he 0   
cont9ually look+ out = occasions to     
p]secute ^? ,roman nobles :o rema9$     
fai?ful to ! cause ( ! ,*ur*4 ,he 0     
abett$ 9 ?is by ! faction ( ! ,colonnas1
 & "s o!r p[]ful families1 :o support$ !
 pret5sions ( ! anti-,popes ,gregory    
,,xii4 & ,b5$ict ,,xiii4 aga9/ !        
legitimate pontiff ,alex&] ,v41 rec5tly 
elect$ by ! ,c\ncil ( ,pisa4 ,! troops (
 ,lewis ( ,anj\1 ! rival ( ,ladislas 9 !
 k+dom ( ,naples1 _h 9 ! mean "t ent]$ t
 portion ( ,rome :i* w5t by ! "n ( !    

,leon9e ,city1 & ga9$ possession ( !    
,vatican & ! ca/le ( ,/4 ,angelo4       
,sev]al skirmi%es took place betwe5 !   
=ces ( ! usurp] & ! troops ( ! ,pope & (
 ,lewis ( ,anj\4 ,lor5zo ,ponziano1 :o f
 8 bir? & 8 tal5ts 0 ! mo/ em95t man ( 8
 p>ty1 & an ard5t support] ( !          
legitimate cause1 comm&$ ! pontifical   
army on "o ( ^! occasions1 & 0 p]sonally
 engag$ 9 a conflict ) ! ,c\nt (        
,traja's soldi]s4 ,9 ! mid/ ( ! fray he 
0 recognis$ by ! opposite p>ty1 & became
 ! special m>k ( _! attacks4 ,fight+ )  
h]oic c\rage1 he _h ne>ly succe$$ 9     
disp]s+ 8 assailants1 :51 z ,evangeli/a 
_h =etold ! ye> be=e1 a dagg] 0         
trea*]\sly ?ru/ into 8 side1 & inflict$ 
s deep a w\nd t he fell to ! gr\nd1 & 0 
tak5 up = dead4 ,! t]rible news 0 c>ri$ 
to ! ,ponziano palace1 & ann\nc$ to     
,francesca4 ,! angui% t h] c\nt5ance    
reveal$ fill$ ! by/&]s ) compassion2 b x
 0 only = an in/ant t %e /ood z if      
transfix$ & ov]:elm$ ) grief4  ,repress+
 by a /rong ef=t h] bur/+ sobs & ! cries

 t 7 break+ f h] he>t1 %e soon rais$ h] 
eyes to heav5 ) a /eadfa/ gaze1 =gave ! 
assass91 (f]$ up ,lor5zo's life & h]    
own1 & murmur$ ! words ( ,job1 ,! ,"l _h
 giv5 him1 ! ,"l has tak5 him away2     
bless$ be ! "n ( ! ,"l4 ,!n1 calm1      
compos$1 brac$ = endurance1 %e          
c\rage\sly advanc$ to meet ! sl[ approa*
 ( ^? :o 7 br++ back to 8 home ! body ( 
h] murd]$ husb&4 ,z !y laid him 9 ! hall
 ( ! palace1 %e knelt by 8 side1 & putt+
 h] face close to 81 %e disc]n$ 9 !     
app>5tly lifeless =m ! fa9t symptoms (  
l+]+ vitality4 ,! sudd5 revulsion ( hope
 did n ov]come h] pres5ce ( m9d4 ,%e    
in/antly desir$ ^? ab\t h] to s5d = a   
prie/ & = a doctor2 & !n1 b5d+ ov]      
,lor5zo1 %e sugge/$ to him1 9 words :i* 
f\nd _! way to ! und]/&+ ( ! dy+ man1   
:atev] ! mo/ affectionate t5d]ness & !  
mo/ ard5t piety c\ld devise at su* a    
mom5t1--to prep>e ! s\l = its la/       
flight1 p>don = 8 foes1 & especially = 8
 assass91 a firm tru/ 9 ,god1 & ! union 
( 8 suff]+s ) ^? ( 8 ,"l4  ,! palace    

pres5t$ a sc5e ( wild confusion4 ,arm$  
m5 7 mov+ to & fro2 ! cla% ( arms 0 m+l$
 ) ! groans ( ! s]vants3 ! weep+ &      
wait+s ( ! wom5 & ( ! *ildr51 v[s (     
v5geance1 curses deep & l\d1 frantic    
regrets1 7 he>d on e side4 ,francesca   
alone 0 z an angel ( peace1 9 ! mid/ ( !
 upro> ( passion & ! outp\r+ ( grief4   
,h]'s 0 ! ke5e/ sorr[ ( all2 b x 0 kept 
"u by ! /r5g? ( a long-practis$ fai?1 & 
?us x int]f]$ ) no duty & /agg]$ at no  
trial4 ,day & night %e wat*$ by         
,lor5zo's c\*4 ,h] exp]i5ce 9 nurs+ !   
sick1 & 9 dress+ w\nds1 enabl$ h] to    
r5d] him ! mo/ m9ute & efficaci\s       
assi/ance4 ,h] wat*ful love1 h] t5d]    
assiduity1 receiv$ its rew>d2 ,god gave 
h] t life1 f> de>] to h] ?an h] own4    
,contr>y to all expectation1 ,lor5zo    
sl[ly recov]$2 b = a long "t rema9$ 9 a 
prec>i\s condition4  ,mean:ile ! ,c\nt (
 ,traja1 press$ on e side1 began to     
=esee ! necessity ( leav+ ,rome2 b1 9 8 
exasp]ation1 resolv$ previ\sly to wreak 
8 v5geance on ! families mo/ devot$ to !

 ,pope1 & especially on t ( ! ,ponziani1
 :i* 0 especially obnoxi\s to him4 ,he  
accord+ly arre/$ ,paluzzo1 ,vannozza's  
husb&1 & kept him 9 close conf9em5t2 &  
und]/&+ t ,lor5zo _h a son ( eight or   
n9e ye>s old1 he comm&$ t he %\ld be    
giv5 up into 8 h&s z a ho/age1 & swore t
 9 case ( a refusal he w\ld put ,paluzzo
 to dea?4 ,n[1 inde$1 is ,francesca tri$
 almo/ beyond ! p[] ( endurance3 n[ is  
h] cup ( angui% fill$ to ! brim4 ,%e c  
ask c\nsel ( none3 ,lor5zo %e d>es n    
consult3 x might kill him to he> !      
fe>ful tru?4 ,o!rs w\ld say1 ,give up ! 
*ild2 & %e looks at 8 fair face1 at 8   
innoc5t eyes1 at ! purity ( 8 spotless  
br[2 & %e _c1 %e w n1 %e mu/ n give him 
up4 ,oh1 t %e _h ! w+s ( a dove to fly  
away & c>ry him h5ce6 ,%e takes him by !
 h&1 &1 l a second ,hag>1 goes =?1 :i!r 
%e kn[s n4 ,x is an in/9ct1 an impulse1 
an inspiration4 ,x is ! "m's he>t )9 h] 
t bids h] fly f ! horrible dilemma1 &   
save h] *ild f ! tyrant :o seeks m ?an 8
 life1--:o w\ld ru9 8 s\l4 ,?r\gh       

out-(-!-way /reets1 into ! des]t$ corn]s
 ( ! city %e goes1 clasp+ ! boy's h& )  
an agonis+ grasp1 ) b "o ?\ght--to hide 
him f e eye4 ,sudd5ly %e /ops %ort2 be=e
 h] /&s ,don ,antonio1 h] long-tru/$    
director1 :o has l$ h] ?r\gh ! gre5     
pa/ures 9 :i* h] _s has f\nd re/4 ,he   
que/ions h]1 & he>s ! incoh]5t acc\nt ( 
h] fe>s1 h] angui%1 & h] flight4 ,by a  
sup]natural light he sees ! drift ( ?is 
trial1 & puts h] fai? to ! te/4         
,francesca1 he said1 y fly to save !    
*ild2 ,god bids me tell y t x is to !   
,capitol y mu/ c>ry him--!re lies 8     
safety2 & d y g to ! ,*ur* ( ,ara       
,cceli4 ,a fi]ce /ruggle rose 9         
,francesca's he>t--! greate/ /orm t _h  
ev] convuls$ x4 ,to ! ,capitol6 %e is   
ab\t to cry4 ,x is at ! ,capitol t !    
tyrant awaits him6 ,b ere ! words are   
utt]$1 !y die away on h] lips4 ,grace   
has ga9$ ! ma/]y2 ! fai? ( ! sa9t has   
ass]t$ its p[]4 ,! wild expression      
passes away f h] eyes2 %e b[s h] head 9 
sil5ce1 & ) a firm /ep retraces h] /eps1

 9 ob$i5ce to him :o has spok5 9 ,god's 
"n4 ,9 ! mean "t ! report ( ! ev5t _h   
spread ?r\gh ,rome1 & 9 ! m cr[d$ /reets
 :i* %e _h to pass ?r\gh a cry ( pity & 
( t]ror arose4 ,cr[ds press ab\t h]1 &  
bid h] turn back2 !y tell h] %e is mad  
to surr5d] ! *ild1 !y try to take him f 
h]1 & to c>ry him back by =ce to 8      
fa!r's palace2 b 9 va94 ,%e waves !m (f1
 & pursues h] way till %e has rea*$ !   
,capitol4 ,%e walk$ /raight up to !     
place :]e ! ,neapolitan tyrant 0 /&+1 & 
surr5d]$ up ! boy to him2 & !n1 )\t once
 look+ back1 %e hurri$ into ! ,*ur* (   
,ara ,coeli1 fell pro/rate at ! feet ( !
 ,"m ( ,m]cy1 & be=e t sacr$ image1 de> 
to ?is day to e ,ca?olic p>5t1 %e made !
 sacrifice ( h] *ild1 ( h] life1 ( h]   
s\l1 ( all t 9 t h\r %e _h felt to give 
up4 ,!n1 = ! fir/ "t1 a torr5t ( te>s   
reliev$ h] tight-b\nd he>t2 & gaz+ on ! 
picture1 %e saw ! dove-l eyes ( !       
,bless$ ,virg9 assume ! t5d]e/ & mo/    
enc\rag+ expression1 & 9 h] e>s 7 :isp]$
 words welcome z ! dew to ! ?ir/y gr\nd2

 sweet z ! notes ( ! bird :5 ! /orm has 
subsid$3 ,be n afraid2 ,i am "h to      
befri5d y4  ,%e 0 at peace2 %e felt sure
 t h] son 0 safe2 & on h] knees1 9      
spee*less pray]1 %e wait$ ! ev5t4 ,nor  
did %e wait long4 ,:5 %e _h left ! ,c\nt
 ( ,traja's pres5ce1 he _h ord]$ "o ( 8 
(fic]s to take ! little ,bapti/a on 8   
horse1 & c>ry him away to a place he    
appo9t$2 b1 f ! in/ant t ! *ild 0 plac$ 
on ! saddle1 no ef=ts c\ld induce !     
animal to /ir f ! spot4 ,9 va9 8 rid]   
urg$ him ) spurs & :ip3 nei!r ! sev]e/  
bl[s1 nor ! accu/om$ voice ( 8 ma/]1    
succe$$ 9 mov+ him an in* f ! place1 :]e
 he /ood z motionless z a /atue4 ,f\r ( 
! knights ( ,naples r5ew$ ! attempt4    
,f\r successive /e$s 7 tri$ = ! purpose1
 & always ) ! same result4 ,!re is a    
/r5g? great] ?an man's w2 !re is a p[] t
 defeats human malice4 ,/ruck ) a secret
 t]ror & dismay by ! evid5t prodigy1 !  
,c\nt ( ,traja gave up ! unequal conte/1
 & ord]$ ! *ild to be re/or$ to 8 "m4   
,be=e ! alt> ( ! ,ara ,coeli1 at ! foot 

( t image1 :]e 9 h] angui% %e _h fall5 &
 f\nd hope :5 hope seem$ at end1        
,francesca receiv$ back into h] arms !  
son ( h] love1 & bless$ ! ,god :o _h    
giv5 h] /r5g? to g ?r\gh ?is ! sev]e/ ( 
h] trials4     ,,*apt] ,,vi4  ,,suff]+s 
,,( ,,rome ,,f ,,! ,,troops ,,(         
,,ladislas--,,dea? ,,( ,,francesca',s   
,,son ,,evangeli/a--,,! ,,fam9e ,,&     
,,plague ,,9 ,,rome--,,francesca',s     
,,lab\rs ,,= ,,! ,s,t,a,r,vl,n,g ,,&    
,,sick--,,h] ,,miracles4  ,,pope        
,,alex&] ,v4 di$ at ,bologna 9 #adaj4   
,sixte5 c>d9als assembl$ 9 t city1 &    
*ose = 8 successor ,bal?az> ,cossa1 :o  
took ! "n ( ,john ,,xxiii4 ,:ile !y 7   
proce$+ ) ! election1 ,ladislas seiz$ ! 
opportunity ( ! int]regnum once m to    
advance ^u ,rome2 & f ,veletri he       
?reat5$ x ) a second invasion4 ,! new   
,pope r5ew+ ! alliance ) ,lewis ( ,anj\1
 !y comb9$ _! =ces aga9/ ,ladislas1 &   
endeav\r$ to drive him back f ! position
 he _h tak54 ,_! arms prov$ successful 9
 a fir/ battle2 b ,lewis hav+ )drawn 8  

troops imm$iately aft] ! victory1       
,ladislas deceiv$ ! ,holy ,fa!r by a    
pret5d$ peace1 ga9$ possession ( ,rome1 
& gave x up to pillage4 ,! horrors ( ?is
 invasion1 & ( ! sack t foll[$ x1       
surpass$ 9 atrocity almo/ all ^? :i* _h 
previ\sly afflict$ ! capital ( !        
,*ri/ian _w4 ,a numb] ( palaces & h\ses 
7 de/roy$1 ! basilicas 7 despoil$ ( _!  
treasures & desecrat$ by ! mo/ abom9able
 orgies1 ! *ur*es turn$ into /ables1 &  
_m ( ! fai?ful adh]5ts ( ! ,*ur*        
subject$ to ! torture or b>b>\sly put to
 dea?4  ,! ,ponziani 7 among/ ! pr9cipal
 ( ! ,pope's support]s2 & ,lor5zo1      
sc>cely recov]$ f 8 long illness1 0     
p]suad$ by 8 fri5ds to )draw himself by 
flight f ! fury ( ! conqu]or1 & conceal 
himself 9 a di/ant prov9ce4 ,x _h be5   
impossible to remove 8 wife & *ildr52 & 
,francesca rema9$ expos$ to a succession
 ( ! mo/ try+ disa/]s4 ,! weal? ( !     
family *iefly consi/$ 9 _! c\ntry       
possessions1 & ! imm5se numb] ( cattle  
:i* 7 br$ on ^? broad l&s2 & day aft]   

day intellig5ce 0 br\ght to h] t "o     
f>m-h\se or ano!r 0 burnt or pillag$1 ! 
flocks disp]s$ or de/roy$1 & ! %eph]ds  
murd]$ by a ru?less soldi]y4 ,t]rifi$   
peasants made _! escape into ! city1 &  
sc>$ ! inhabitants ( ! palace ) dreadful
 acc\nts ( ! dea? ( _! companions1 & ( !
 de/ruction ( prop]ty :i* 0 cont9ually  
go+ on4 ,a cry ( despair rang f ,m\nt   
,soracte to ! ,alban ,hill1 ext5d$ to ! 
%ores ( ! ,m$it]ranean1 & res\nd$ 9 !   
palaces ( ,rome1 c>ry+ dismay to ! he>ts
 ( its ru9$ & brok5-spirit$ nobles4     
,francesca receiv$ ! tid+s ) an a*+ he>t
 inde$2 = h] compassion = ! suff]+s (   
o!rs did n p]mit h] to rema9 unmov$     
amid/ su* dire mis=tunes4 ,/ill %e nev] 
lo/ h] habitual composure2 h] only      
occupation 0 to console ! m\rn]s3 h]    
fir/ impulse on ^! occasions to bless   
,god1 & accept at ,8 h&s all t ,8       
provid5ce orda9$4 ,x 0 well t %e 0      
resign$1 & _h le>n$ ! lesson ( c\rage at
 ! foot ( ! ,cross2 =1 l a flood at     
spr+-tide1 h] afflictions 7 increas+ e  

day1 ?reat5+ to ov]:elm all l&m>ks b ^? 
( an indomitable fai?4 ,"o fatal morn+1 
a troop ( savage ruffians1 drunk ) rage1
 & vocif]at+ blasphemies1 broke into !  
palace1 clam\r+ aft] ,lor5zo1 & ?reat5+ 
to torture ! s]vants if !y did n        
in/antly reveal 8 place ( concealm5t2 & 
end$ by c>ry+ away ,bapti/a1 :o clung 9 
va9 to 8 "m's neck1 & 0 only p>t$ f h]  
by =ce4 ,:5 !y _h succe$$ 9 te>+ him    
away f h] arms1 !y proce$$ to pillage1 &
 all b to de/roy1 ! "t-hon\r$ resid5ce (
 ! ,ponziani4 ,9 ! space ( a few h\rs t 
gorge\s abode 0 turn$ into a heap (     
ru9s4 ,b]eft ( h] husb&1 ( h] son1 & (  
all ! conv5i5ces ( life1 ,francesca1 )  
h] two y\ng] *ildr51 rema9$ alone &     
unprotect$2 = h] bro!r-9-law1 ,paluzzo1 
:o might h be5 a support to h] 9 t      
dreadful mom5t1 0 /ill a prison] 9 !    
tyrant's h&s1 & h] innoc5t boy %>$ !    
same fate4 ,x is n exactly kn[n h[ long 
8 captivity la/$2 b x may be suppos$ t  
means 7 f\nd ( effect+ 8 release1 & s5d+
 him to ,lor5zo2 = x is m5tion$ t1 at ! 

p]iod :5 ! tr\bles 7 at an end1 & peace 
re/or$ to ! city ( ,rome1 ! fa!r & ! son
 return$ toge!r4  ,9 ! mean "t1         
,francesca took %elt] 9 a corn] ( h]    
ru9$ habitation2 & !re1 ) ,evangeli/a & 
,agnese1 %e manag$ to live 9 ! mo/      
complete seclusion4 ,^! two *ildr5 7 n[ 
_! "m's only com=t1 z _! education 0 h] 
pr9cipal occupation4 ,evangeli/a1 z he  
advanc$ 9 age1 9 no way beli$ ! promise 
( 8 infancy4 ,he liv$ 9 _s ) ! angels & 
sa9ts1 & seem$ m fitt$ = _! society ?an 
= any e>?ly companion%ip4 ,to be ) ,god 
0 8 only dream ( bliss4 ,?\gh sc>cely   
n9e ye>s old1 he already help$ 8 "m 9   
all ! pa9s %e took ) ,agnese's education
  ,! h\r = ano!r sacrifice 01 h[ev]1 at 
h&4 ,x 0 n long delay$4 ,! second       
invasion ( ,rome _h be5 succe$$ by a    
dreadful fam9e1 :i* 0 foll[$ 9 its turn 
by a sev]e pe/il5ce4 ,already "o or two 
cases ( ! prevail+ epidemic _h appe>$ 9 
! ,ponziano ,palace1 & !n ,evangeli/a   
sick5$ ) x2 & "o morn+ ,francesca 0 told
 t ! son ( h] love 0 dy+4 ,no soon] _h  

he felt ! fir/ symptoms ( ! plague1 ?an 
he ask$ = a confessor4 ,he nev] d\bt$ t 
8 la/ h\r 0 come2 & %e believ$ x too4   
,don ,antonio hurri$ to ! b$-side ( !   
boy1 :o1 aft] he _h made 8 confession1  
s5t = 8 "m1 & tak+ h] h& 9 81 address$  
h] 9 "s su* words z foll[3  ,"m m9e1 ,i 
h (t5 told y t ,god w\ld n leave me ) y 
long2 t ,he w h me dwell ) ,8 angels4   
,jesus is my treasure1 my hope1 & my    
joy4 ,i h ev] liv$ ) ,him 9 ?\ght1 9    
desire1 9 unutt]able long+s4 ,e day ,i h
 said ',?y k+dom come2' & n[ ,he calls  
me to x4 ,!re is a cr[n prep>$ = me1 my 
belov$ "m4 ,! ,"l is ab\t to give x me1 
& we mu/ "p = a:ile4 ,b bless ,8 "n1 oh 
my "m4 ,praise ,him ) me2 = ,he deliv]s 
me f all t y\r love dread$ = me ^u e>?4 
,!re is no s91 no sorr[1 no sickness :]e
 ,i am go+4 ,no?+ b peace & joy & !     
sight ( ,god 9 t bett] l& :]e ! bless$  
are expect+ me4 ,i mu/ n see y weep4 ,i 
w n h y grieve4 ,rejoice ) y\r *ild2 =  
,i see !m ev5 n[1 my holy advocates1 ,/4
 ,an?ony & ,/4 ,vaupl]ius4 ,!y are com+ 

to fet* me away4 ,de>e/ "m1 ,i w pray = 
y4 ,evangeli/a w love y 9 heav5 z he has
 lov$ y on e>?1 & y w come to him !re4  
,! dy+ boy !n rema9$ sil5t = a few      
mom5ts4 ,!n a sudd5 light illum9$ 8     
face2 8 features seem$ trans=m$4 ,rais+ 
8 eyes ) a look ( rapture1 he exclaim$1 
,"h are ! angels come to take me away4  
,give me y\r bless+1 my "m4 ,d n be     
afraid4 ,i %all nev] =get y4 ,god bless 
y & my de> fa!r1 & all :o belong to ?is 
h\se4 ,bless$ be ! "n ( ! ,"l4 ,!n      
cross+ 8 little arms on 8 *e/1 he b[$   
d[n 8 head1 a la/ smile pass$ ov] 8     
face--%e _h h] me$1 t smile 9 dea?1 & 8 
"y _s pass$ to ! regions ( endless      
bliss4  ,a t\*+ prodigy1 well adapt$ to 
*e] ! he>t ( our sa9t1 took place t v   
day 9 a h\se adjo9+ h] own4 ,a little   
girl1 :o _h be5 dang]\sly ill = a long  
"t1 & _h completely lo/ ! p[] ( spee*1  
at ! v mom5t t ,francesca's son _h      
expir$ sudd5ly rais$ h]self 9 h] b$1 &  
exclaim$ sev]al times 9 a l\d voice1 & 9
 a /ate ( evid5t rapture1 ,see1 see6 h[ 

beautiful6 ,evangeli/a ,ponziano is go+ 
up into heav51 & two angels ) him6 ,!   
mortal rema9s ( ! "y boy 7 deposit$ 9 ! 
family vault 9 ! *ur* ( ,santa ,cecilia1
 9 ,tra/ev]e4 ,a monum5t 0 erect$ !re ) 
! simple inscription1 ,"h lies          
,evangeli/a ,ponziano2 & a figure 9     
/one1 clo!d 9 a long robe1 0 c>v$ ^u x4 
,francesca wept ov] ! loss ( h]         
de>ly-belov$ *ild1 b did n grieve = him4
 ,h[ c\ld %e h done s8 ,he 0 9 bliss2 & 
_h only prec$$ h] to t heav5 = :i* %e 0 
day by day prep>+4 ,nor 0 x a "t = !    
idle indulg5ce ( sorr[4 ,want & sickness
 7 turn+ ,rome into a *>nel-h\se4 ,wild 
voices 7 scream+ = bread on e side4 ,!  
/reets 7 encumb]$ by ! victims (        
contagi\s disease2 _! frantic cries &   
pite\s moan+s re-e*o$ 9 ea* piazza & "u 
e portico4 ,old m5 7 dy+ surr\nd$ by !  
corpses ( _! *ildr52 mo!rs press$ to _! 
milkless bosoms _! />v+ infants4 ,o!rs  
crept ab\t b]eft ( all _! family1 &     
haunt+ l pale gho/s ! sc5es ( _! pa/    
happ9ess4 ,no c>riages %ook ! public    

ways4 ,! grass grew 9 ! des]t$ /reets2  
"o m\rnful equipage alone sl[ly pursu$  
its c\rse ?r\gh ! doom$ city1 ga!r+ z x 
pass$ ! dead at e door2 & :5 ! dreadful 
c>go 0 complet$1 be>+ x away to ! cr[d$ 
cemet]y4 ,! ru9 ( private prop]ty1 !    
g5]al p5ury occasion$ by ! cruelties (  
,ladislas1 & ! sack+ ( ,rome by 8       
soldi]s1 _h cut (f almo/ all ! res\rces 
( private *>ity4 ,anxiety = self1 & !   
fe> ( contagion1 _h work$ s deeply on ! 
m9d ( ! multitude1 t _m p]sons ab&on$   
ev5 _! ne> relatives & fri5ds :5 !y 7   
attack$ by ! plague4 ,no?+ b ! *>ity :i*
 is ( div9e n ( natural orig9 c\ld meet 
su* an em]g5cy1 or cope 9 any degree ) !
 awful mis]y ( ^? days4 ,francesca1     
b]eav$ ( e ?+ b h] "o little girl1 &    
lodg$ ) ,vannozza & ,rita 9 a corn] ( _!
 dismantl$ h\se1 _h no long] at h] comm&
 ! res\rces %e _h =m]ly possess$ = !    
relief ( ! poor4 ,a little food f _!    
ru9$ e/ates 0 n[ & !n suppli$ to ^!     
lonely wom52 & !y sc>cely p>took ( x    
!mselves1 9 ord] to be/[ ! greate/ "p on

 ! sick & poor4 ,!re 0 a l>ge hall 9 !  
l[] "p ( ! palace :i* _h be5 less injur$
 ?an any o!r portion ( ! build+4 ,x 0 at
 lea/ a place ( %elt] aga9/ !           
inclem5cies ( ! wea!r4 ,! si/]s conv]t$ 
x into a tempor>y hospital2 b ( ! %att]$
 furniture t lay scatt]$ ab\t ! h\se1 !y
 contriv$ to make up b$s & cov]+1 & to  
prep>e "s clo?+ = ! wret*$ creatures !y 
7 ab\t to receive4 ,:5 all 0 ready1 !y  
w5t 9 se>* ( ! suff]]s4 ,if !y f\nd any 
too weak to walk1 !y c>ri$ !m into ! new
 asylum2 !re !y wa%$ & dress$ _!        
putrefy+ sores1 & by means :i* sa9ts h  
(t5 employ$1 & :i* we c\ld h>dly be> ev5
 to ?9k (1 !y conqu]$ 9 !mselves all    
repugnance to sights & employm5ts aga9/ 
:i* ! s5ses & ! fle% rise 9 rebellion4  
,!y prep>$ bo? m$ic9e & food2 wat*$ !   
sick by day & by night2 lab\r$          
incessantly = _! bodies1 & /ill m = _!  
s\ls4 ,_m 7 ^? :o recov]$ heal? ?r\gh   
,francesca's c>e1 & _m m :o 7 heal$ ( ! 
wor/ disease ( ! s\l1--a h>d5$ imp5it5ce
 "u ! j judgm5t ( ,god4 ,%e _h ! art (  

awak5+ _! fe>s1 )\t driv+ !m to despair2
 to make !m look ^u _! suff]+s z a means
 ( expiation 7t great secret ( ,ca?olic 
consolation71 & br+ !m by degrees to    
rep5tance1 to confession1 to ! practice 
( long-=gott5 duties1 & ( ^? ,*ri/ian   
virtues :i* h] own example recomm5d$ to 
_! he>ts4  ,! example :i* ! ru9$ &      
b]eav$ wives ( ! ,ponziani _h giv5 k9dl$
 a simil> _s among ! hi!rto apa!tic     
inhabitants ( ,rome4 ,! magi/rates ( !  
city1 /ruck at ! sight ( su* unp>allel$ 
ex]tions :]e ! means 7 s sl5d]1 7 r\s$ f
 _! inaction1 & 9 sev]al p>ts ( ! city1 
especially 9 ! p>i%es ( ,/4 ,cecilia & (
 ,santa ,m>ia 9 ,tra/ev]e1 hospitals &  
asylums 7 op5$ = ! p]i%+ multitudes4    
,(t5 & (t5 ,francesca & ,vannozza saw ! 
morn+ dawn1 & n a bit ( food ( any      
description did !y possess = !mselves or
 = _! inmates4 ,!y !n w5t out to beg1 z 
!y _h done be=e2 b n m]ely z an act (   
humility1 nor dress$ z h]et(ore z became
 _! rank1 or 9 ^? places only :]e _!    
names secur$ respect1 & g5]ally a       

fav\rable answ]2 b 9 ! g>b ( pov]ty1 9 !
 spots :]e begg>s 7 wont to congregate &
 ! ri* to be/[ alms1 !y took _! /&1 &   
gratefully receiv$ ! brok5 bits t fell f
 ! tables ( ! weal?y4 ,ea* remnant (    
food1 ea* rag ( clo?+1 !y br\ght home ) 
joy2 & ! m\ldie/ piece ( bread out ( _! 
bag 0 set aside = _! own n\ri%m5t1 :ile 
! be/ 0 be/[$ on _! gue/s4  ,9 our own  
"t1 9 our own ri* & luxuri\s city1 !re  
is a c\nt]p>t to ^! de$s ( h]oic *>ity4 
,!re are "y & well-educat$ wom51 :o 9 _!
 homes nev] lack$ ! necess>ies or !     
com=ts1 nay p]haps ! luxuries ( life1 :o
 d ! same2 :o receive into _! abode !   
ag$1 ! maim$1 ! crippl$1 & ! de=m$2     
lodg+ !m 9 _! be/ rooms1 & !mselves 9   
cell>s or g>rets2 t5d+ !m z _! s]vants1 
& fe$+ !m z _! mo!rs2 begg+ = !m f door 
to door ! crumbs f ! tables ( ! ri*1 &  
c>ry+ along _! basket1 rejoic+ :5 x is  
heavy1 ev5 ?\gh _! arms a*e & _! *eeks  
gr[ pale ) ! lab\r2 l ,francesca1 fe$+  
^u ! remnants ( ! poor fea/ :]e ! poor h
 sat be=e !m4  ,francesca 0 insult$ 9 h]

 c>e] ( m]cy ?r\gh ! /reets ( ,rome1 :5 
civil w> & an>*y 7 rag+ !re 9 ! wilde/  
epo* ( lawless /rife & fi]ce/ passion2 &
 ! g5tle si/]s ( ! poor1 ! s]vants ( !  
helpless1 :o h ab&on$ home & fri5ds &   
com=ts1 &1 above all1 respectability1 t 
idol ( ! ,engli% m9d1 t wret*$ c\nt]feit
 ( virtue1 = ! love :i* !y be> to ,*ri/ 
9 ,8 suff]+ memb]s1 h be5 insult$ &     
beat5 9 ! /reets ( ,london 9 ! face (   
day1 & only because ( ! habit !y        
wore1--! badge ( no common vocation1--! 
nun's black dress1 ! liv]y ( ! poor4 ,! 
p>allel is consol+ to !m1 p]haps also to
 u2 = is n ,francesca n[ ! *]i%$ sa9t ( 
,rome1 ! pride & ! love ( e ,roman he>t8
 ,& may n ! day come :5 our pati5t1     
h]oic nuns w be look$ ^u z "o ( ,god's  
be/ bless+s1 9 a city :]e luxury runs   
riot on ! "o h&1 & />vation & mis]y     
reign on ! o!r8 ,w n ! eye foll[ !m )   
love1 & _m rise up to call !m bless$8   
,_! c\rse is l h]s2 may _! end be !     
same6  ,! hi/orians ( our sa9t relate t 
on "o ( ! occasions above allud$ to1 :5 

h] only res\rce 0 to beg = h] sick      
*>ges1 %e w5t to ! ,basilica ( ,san     
,lor5zo )\t ! walls1 :]e 0 ! /ation ( ! 
day1 & seat$ h]self among/ ! cr[d (     
begg>s :o1 accord+ to cu/om1 7 !re      
assembl$4 ,f ! ris+ ( ! sun to ! r++ ( !
 vesp]-bell1 %e sat !re side by side ) !
 lame1 ! de=m$1 & ! bl9d4 ,%e held out  
h] h& z !y did1 gladly endur+1 n !      
semblance1 b ! reality ( t deep         
humiliation4 ,:5 %e _h receiv$ en\gh    
:]e) to fe$ ! poor at home1 %e rose1 &  
mak+ a sign to h] companions1 ent]$ !   
old basilica1 ador$ ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t1
 & !n walk$ back ! long & we>y way1     
bless+ ,god all ! :ile1 & rejoic+ t %e 0
 c\nt$ wor?y to suff] = ,8 de> sake4    
,^? :o are well acqua9t$ ) ,rome1 :o h  
frequ5t$ ! /ations & love ! basilicas1 &
 especially t v5]able old pile ( ,san   
,lor5zo1 ) its upp] & l[] *apel1 its    
magnific5t columns1 its beautiful       
pulpit1 its wide portico ) half-effac$  
frescoes1 & its r>e mosaics--^? pa9t+s 9
 /one :i* "t itself _c de/roy2 ^? ^:    

eyes h gaz$ ) delight on ! glori\s view 
z !y approa*$ x1 & ^: e>s are famili> ) 
! s\nd ( ! m5dicant's voice1 to :om !   
remembrance ( ,francesca's /ory may h   
won1 p]*ance1 an additional dole1--c =m 
to !mselves ) ease a picture ( ! sc5e2 &
 :5 !y visit x aga9 9 reality1 may be   
tempt$ to look out = "s sa9tly face1 =  
"s sweet1 angel-l c\nt5ance1 among/ !   
sordid & suff]+ gr\ps be=e !m1 & wond]  
if ev] aga9 su* *>ity z ,francesca's w  
animate a woman's he>t4 ,n long ago1 = a
 few %ort ye>s1 9 ,francesca's city1 !re
 0 "o :o bade fair to emulate ! virtues 
( ! de> sa9t ( ,rome2 b z %e 0 rapidly  
tread+ 9 h] foot/eps1 & h] "n 0 becom+ e
 day m de> to ! p among/ :om %e dwelt1  
dea? snat*$ h] away4 ,h] memory rema9s1 
& ! poor bless x ev5 n[4 ,may ,god grant
 u su* 9 our own l&6 ,sa9ts are sorely  
ne$$ 9 ^! busy1 re/less1 money-lov+     
times ( ours2 z mu* z1 or m ?an1 9 !    
wild middle ages1 or ! tr\bl$ c5turies t
 foll[$4  ,francesca possess$ a small   
v9ey>d ne> ! *ur* ( ,/4 ,paul )\t !     

walls2 & 9 t "t ( sc>city1 :5 e little  
res\rce _h to be turn$ to acc\nt = !    
purposes ( *>ity1 %e us$ to g !re & ga!r
 up into p>cels & faggots ! long grass &
 ! dry bran*es ( ! v9es4 ,:5 %e _h      
collect$ a c]ta9 numb] ( ^! packets1 %e 
laid !m on an ass1 & w5t ?r\gh ! t[n1   
/opp+ at v>i\s poor dwell+s to di/ribute
 ! fruits ( h] lab\rs4 ,on "o ( ^!      
occasions h] donkey /umbl$ & fell1 & !  
wood :i* he 0 c>ry+ roll$ to a          
consid]able di/ance4 ,francesca 0 look+ 
ab\t h] 9 consid]able emb>rassm5t1 n    
able to lift x up aga91 :5 a ,roman     
nobleman1 ,paolo ,lelli ,petrucci1 a    
fri5d ( h] husb&'s1 *anc$ to pass by4   
,a/oni%$ at see+ h] 9 su* a pr$icam5t1  
he ha/5$ to h] assi/ance2 & %e receiv$ x
 ) z mu* s]5ity & composure z if h]     
occupation _h be5 ! mo/ natural ?+ 9 !  
_w4  ,by ?is "t h] virtues 7 de/9$ to   
receive a wond]ful rew>d1 & ,god be/[$  
^u h] ! gift ( heal+ to a miracul\s     
degree4 ,_m a sick p]son giv5 ov] by !  
physicians 0 re/or$ to heal? by ! s+le  

t\* ( h] h&s1 or ! pray]s :i* %e (f]$ up
 9 _! behalf4 ,m ?an sixty ( ^! cases 7 
well atte/$ at ! "t ( h] canonisation4  
,francesca 0 pr(\ndly s5sible ( !       
bless$ness ( ?is gift1 & grateful = !   
p[] x af=d$ h] ( reliev+ ! suff]+s (    
o!rs2 b at ! same "t h] humility prompt$
 h] to conceal x z mu* z possible4 ,%e  
endeav\r$ to d s by mak+ up an o9tm5t   
compos$ ( oil & wax1 :i* %e appli$ to ! 
sick1 :atev] _! disease might be1 9 !   
hope t _! recov]y w\ld always be ascrib$
 to its efficacy4 ,b ?is holy subt]fuge 
did n always succe$4 ,! physicians      
analys$ ! o9tm5t1 & decl>$ t x possess$ 
9 itself no heal+ qualities :atsoev]4   
,"o day1 ^u ent]+ ! ,hospital ( !       
,tra/ev]e1 ,francesca f\nd a poor       
mule-driv]1 :o _h j be5 c>ri$ 91 8 foot 
hav+ be5 cru%$ by ! fall ( a scy!2 x 0 9
 su* a horrible & hopeless condition1 t 
! surgeons 7 ab\t to amputate ! limb4   
,francesca1 he>+ ! cries ( ! poor wret*1
 b5t ov] him1 exhort+ him to pati5ce2 & 
promis+ him a spe$y relief1 appli$ "s ( 

h] o9tm5t to 8 mangl$ foot4 ,! w\nds    
in/antly clos$1 ! pa9 vani%$1 & a %ort  
"t aft] ! mule-driv] return$ to 8       
cu/om>y occupation4  ,"s days aft]w>ds1 
! two si/]s 7 return+ home f ! basilica 
( ,/4 ,john ,lat]an2 & pass+ by ! bridge
 ( ,santa ,m>ia1 n[ ! ,ponte ,rotto1 7! 
v anci5t little *ur* opposite to !      
,temple ( ,ve/a71 !y saw ext5d$ on !    
pavem5t a man ^: arm _h be5 sev]$ by a  
sword-cut2 & unable to procure m$ical   
assi/ance1 ! poor wret* _h la9 !re ev]  
s9ce 9 excruciat+ tortures1 :i* _h r$uc$
 him to ! la/ extremity4 ,francesca1    
full ( compassion = 8 mis]able          
condition1 c>ri$ him ) ,vannozza's aid  
into h] h\se1 put him 9 a w>m ba?1      
cleans$ 8 w\nd ) ! greate/ c>e1 & dress$
 x ) h] o9tm5t4 ,9 a %ort "t1 & )\t any 
m$ical assi/ance1 ! sev]$ limb 0 re/or$ 
to its usual position1 & a complete     
recov]y ensu$4  ,! b[l 9 :i* ,san       
,francesca comp\nd$ ?is miracul\s rem$y 
is pres]v$ 9 ! conv5t ( ,tor di ,spec*i4
 ,dur+ ! nov5a ( ! sa9t1 :5 ! doors are 

?r[n op5 to cr[ds ( dev\t p]sons1 x /&s 
on a table 9 ! entrance-*amb]1 & is     
daily fill$ by ! nuns ) fre%            
sweet-smell+ fl[]s--violets1 primroses1 
anemones1 & ! l4 ,! visitor may be> away
 ) him "s ( ^! fragrant remembrances1 & 
*]i% !m = h] sake1 ! od\r ( ^: virtues w
 la/ z long z ! seasons return1 & ! spr+
 br+s back to our gladd5$ sight ^?      
,sweet nursl+s ( ! v]nal skies1   ,ba!d 
) s(t airs & f$ ) dew4  ,a /ill m       
wond]ful miracle ?an ^! occurr$ ab\t ?is
 "t4 ,francesca & h] fai?ful companion  
,vannozza _h be5 visit+ sev]al *ur*es 9 
t "p ( ,rome :i* goes by ! "n ( ! ,ri\e 
de ,monti4 ,pass+ be=e a mean-look+     
dwell+1 !y he>d ! mo/ he>t-r5d+ sobs &  
cries4 ,/opp+ to inquire into ! cause ( 
?is despair1 !y f\nd a "m frantically   
weep+ ov] ! body ( a *ild1 :o _h di$ a  
few h\rs aft] its bir? )\t hav+ receiv$ 
baptism4 ,francesca g5tly reprov$ !     
woman = ! delay :i* _h endang]$ h] son's
 salvation2 !n1 tak+ ! little corpse    
into h] arms1 %e utt]$ a f]v5t pray]1 & 

9 a mom5t gave back ! baby to its "m1   
fully re/or$ to life & heal?4 ,%e desir$
 h] to h x in/antly baptis$1 & !n made  
h] escape1 tru/+ t %e %\ld rema9        
undiscov]$2 & inde$ ! woman ^: *ild %e  
_h be5 ! means ( sav+ _h nev] se5 h]1 & 
wond]$ a:ile if an angel _h visit$ h] 9 
disguise2 b ! description ( h] dress1 & 
! miracle %e _h work$1 conv9c$ all :o   
he>d ( x t ! visitor 0 no o!r ?an ! wife
 ( ,lor5zo ,ponziano4  ,compassionate to
 o!rs1 ,francesca 0 m]cilessly sev]e to 
h]self2 h] au/]ities kept pace ) h]     
increas+ sanctity4 ,%e 0 enabl$ to c>ry 
on a mode ( life :i* mu/ h ru9$ h] heal?
 _h x n be5 miracul\sly su/a9$4 ,%e     
slept only = two h\rs1 & t on a n>r[    
plank cov]$ ) no?+ b a bit ( r\gh c>pet4
 ,! cont9ual w>f>e :i* %e wag$ aga9/ h] 
body br\ght x m & m into subjection to !
 _s2 & h] s5ses 7 "u su* p]fect control1
 t natural repugnances vani%$1 & !      
sup]ior "p ( ! s\l reign$ supremely ov] 
! mean] in/9cts & incl9ations ( ! fle%4 
,su* 0 h] spiritual pr(ici5cy at ! e>ly 

age ( tw5ty-n9e4 ,,*apt] ,,vii4         
,,evangeli/a ,,appe>s ,,to ,,8 ,,"m-,,an
 ,,ar*angel ,,is ,,assign$ ,,to ,,h] ,,z
 ,a ,,visible ,,gu>dian ,,?r\gh\t ,,h]  
,,life1  ,,evangeli/a _h be5 dead ab\t a
 ye>4 ,8 image 0 ev] pres5t to 8 "m's   
he>t2 %e saw him 9 _s at ! feet ( 8 ,"l4
 ,nev]1 ev5 9 h] inmo/ s\l1 0 %e        
consci\s ( a wi% to recall him f ! heav5
 he _h rea*$ to ! e>?ly home :i* he _h  
left desolate2 b n = "o mom5t c\ld %e   
=get ! *ild ( h] love1 or cease to      
invoke him z a cele/ial gu>dian ak9 to  
^? :o _h s long hov]$ ab\t h] pa?4 ,h]  
fai? & resignation 7 ri*ly rew>d$4 ,god 
gave h] a sight ( h] *ild 9 heav51 & he 
0 s5t to ann\nce to h] "o ( ! mo/       
extraord9>y fav\rs t 0 ev] v\*saf$ to a 
daught] ( ,adam4 ,francesca 0 pray+ "o  
morn+ 9 h] oratory1 :5 %e became        
consci\s t ! little room 0 sudd5ly      
illum9at$ 9 a sup]natural mann]2 a      
my/]i\s light %one on e side1 & its     
radiance seem$ to p]vade n only h]      
outw>d s5ses1 b ! inmo/ dep?s ( h] be+1 

& to awak5 9 h] s\l a /range s5sation ( 
joy4 ,%e rais$ h] eyes1 & ,evangeli/a   
/ood be=e h]2 8 famili> aspect un*ang$1 
b 8 features transfigur$ & beam+ )      
ineffable spl5d\r4  ,by 8 side 0 ano!r (
 ! same size & height z himself1 b m    
beautiful /ill4 ,francesca's lips move1 
b 9 va9 %e seeks to articulate2 ! joy & 
! t]ror ( t mom5t are too int5se4 ,h]   
son draws ne> to h]1 & ) an angelic     
expression ( love & respect he b[s d[n 8
 head & salutes h]4 ,!n ! "m's feel+s   
pr$om9ate2 %e =gets e ?+ b 8 pres5ce1 & 
op5s h] arms to him2 b x is no e>?ly =m 
t %e encloses )9 !m1 & ! glorifi$ body  
escapes h] grasp4 ,& n[ %e ga9s c\rage &
 addresses him1--9 brok5 acc5ts inde$1 b
 ) trembl+ eag]ness4  ,is x y1 inde$8   
7%e cries7 ,o son ( my he>t6 ,:5ce d y  
come8 :o are y\r companions8 :at y\r    
abode8 ,angel ( ,god1 ha/ ?\ ?\ght ( ?y 
"m1 ( ?y poor fa!r8 ,amid/ ! joys (     
,p>adise ha/ ?\ rememb]$ e>? & its      
suff]+s8  ,evangeli/a look$ up to heav5 
) an unutt]able expression ( peace & (  

joy2 & !n1 fix+ 8 eyes on 8 "m1 he said1
 ,my abode is ) ,god2 my companions are 
! angels2 our sole occupation !         
contemplation ( ! ,div9e p]fections1--! 
endless s\rce ( all happ9ess4 ,et]nally 
unit$ ) ,god1 we h no w b ,82 & our     
peace is z complete z ,8 ,be+ is        
inf9ite4 ,he is ,himself our joy1 & t   
joy kn[s no limits4 ,!re are n9e *oirs (
 angels 9 heav51 & ! high] ord]s (      
angelic spirits in/ruct 9 ! ,div9e      
my/]ies ! less exalt$ intellig5ces4 ,if 
y wi% to "k my place among/ !m1 my "m1  
le>n t ,god1 ( ,8 great goodness1 has   
appo9t$ x 9 ! second *oir ( angels1 & ! 
fir/ hi]>*y ( ar*angels4 ,?is my        
companion is high] ?an ,i am 9 rank1 z  
he is m bright & fair 9 aspect4 ,!      
,div9e ,maje/y has assign$ him to y z a 
gu>dian dur+ ! rema9d] ( y\r e>?ly      
pilgrimage4 ,night & day by y\r side1 he
 w assi/ y 9 e way4 ,nev] amid/ ! joys (
 ,p>adise h ,i = an in/ant =gott5 y1 or 
any ( my lov$ ones on e>?4 ,i knew y 7  
resign$2 b ,i also knew t y\r he>t w\ld 

rejoice at behold+ me once m1 & ,god has
 p]mitt$ t ,i %\ld ?us gladd5 y\r eyes4 
,b ,i h a message = y1 my "m4 ,god asks 
= ,agnese3 %e may n t>ry long ) y2 h]   
place is ready 9 ! ,new ,j]usalem4 ,be (
 good com=t1 nay1 r rejoice t y\r *ildr5
 are safely h\s$ 9 heav54 ,evangeli/a   
commun$ a %ort :ile long] ) 8 "m1 & !n1 
bidd+ h] t5d]ly f>ewell1 disappe>$2 b ! 
ar*angel rema9$1 & to ! day ( h] dea? 0 
ev] pres5t to h] sight4  ,%e n[ und]/ood
 ! s5se ( ! vision t _h be5 s5t h] at ! 
"t ( ,agnese's bir?4 ,x 0 n = ! cloi/]1 
b = heav5 itself1 t ,god claim$ h] "y   
daught]2 & dur+ ! few rema9+ days ( h]  
e>?ly life %e wait$ ^u h] ) a t5d]ness  
m+l$ ) v5]ation2 look+ ^u h] z "o :o    
sc>cely belong$ to ! r\gh _w %e 0 s soon
 to leave4 ,& ! *os5 *ild ( ,god1 !     
little maid5 on :om ! my/ic dove _h re/$
 9 its flight1 soon droop$ l a fl[] 9 an
 ung5ial air1--soon gave h] fond "m a   
la/ kiss & a la/ smile2 & !n h] g5tle _s
 w5t to seek h] bro!r's k9dr$ s\l4 ,!y 7
 buri$ toge!r2 & ! day 0 n[ come =      

,francesca1 :5 e>?ly happ9ess altoge!r  
vani%es1 :5 life has its duties b has   
lo/ all its joys1--& !n1 :at a lesson is
 9 ! /ory6 ,god's angel h5ce=w>d /&s    
visibly by h] side1 & nev] leaves h]6   
,:5 ,evangeli/a _h p>t$ f 8 "m1 %e _h   
fall5 pro/rate on ! gr\nd1 & bless$ ,god
 = ,8 great m]cy to h]1 ! mo/ wor?less (
 s9n]s1 = su* %e deem$ h]self2 & !n1    
turn+ to ! angel1 :o /ood ne> h]1 %e    
implor$ him to be h] guide & director2  
to po9t out ! way %e 0 to tread2 to     
combat ) h] aga9/ ,satan & 8 m9i/]s2 &  
to tea* h] e day to become m l 9 _s to 8
 & h] ,"l4 ,:5 %e left ! oratory1 !     
ar*angel foll[$ h]1 &1 envelop$ 9 a halo
 ( light1 rema9$ always visible to h]1  
?\gh imp]ceptible to o!rs4 ,! radiance t
 surr\nd$ him 0 s dazzl+1 t %e c\ld     
seldom look ^u him ) a fix$ gaze4 ,at   
night1 & 9 ! mo/ pr(\nd d>kness1 %e c\ld
 always write & read by ! light ( t     
sup]natural brightness4 ,sometimes1     
h[ev]1 :5 9 pray]1 or 9 conf]5ce ) h]   
director1 or engag$ 9 /ruggles ) ! ,evil

 ,"o1 %e 0 enabl$ to see 8 =m ) p]fect  
di/9ctness1 & by ,don ,antonio's ord]s  
?us describ$ him3--,8 /ature1 %e said1  
is t ( a *ild ( ab\t n9e ye>s old2 8    
aspect full ( sweetness & maje/y2 8 eyes
 g5]ally turn$ t[>ds heav53 words _c    
describe ! div9e purity ( t gaze4 ,8 br[
 is always s]5e2 8 glances k9dle 9 ! s\l
 ! flame ( ard5t devotion4 ,:5 ,i look  
^u him1 ,i und]/& ! glory ( ! angelic   
nature1 & ! degrad$ condition ( our own4
 ,he we>s a long %9+ robe1 & ov] x a    
tunic1 ei!r z :ite z ! lilies ( ! field1
 or ( ! col\r ( a r$ rose1 or ( ! hue ( 
! sky :5 x is mo/ deeply blue4 ,:5 he   
walks by my side1 8 feet are nev] soil$ 
by ! mud ( ! /reets or ! du/ ( ! road4  
,francesca's conduct 0 n[ direct$ 9 !   
mo/ infallible mann]4 ,by a special     
privilege1 a companion _h be5 assign$ to
 h] f ! heav5ly hi]>*y2 & if %e committ$
 any faults1 error c\ld n n[ be plead$ 9
 excuse4 ,h] actions1 h] words1 & h]    
?\ghts1 7 to be ev] on a p> ) ^? ( !    
s9less ,be+ :o 0 to be h] guide ?r\gh\t 

h] e>?ly pilgrimage4 ,x 0 an awful      
responsibility1 a />tl+ fav\r2 b tru/+ 9
 ,god's grace1 ?\gh fully aw>e ( h] own 
weakness1 %e did n %r9k f ! task4 ,h]   
greate/ wi% _h always be5 to atta9 a    
p]fect con=mity ) ! ,div9e ,w1 & n[ ?is 
my/]i\s guidance furni%$ h] ) ! means ( 
kn[+ t ,w 9 its m9ute/ details4 ,9 h]   
/ruggles ) ! ,evil ,"o1 ! ar*angel      
became h] %ield ( def5ce2 ! rays ( light
 :i* d>t$ f 8 br[ s5t ! demons h[l+ on  
_! way4 ,?us protect$1 %e fe>$ nei!r !  
wiles nor ! viol5ce ( ,satan4  ,!       
pres5ce ( h] heav5ly guide 0 also to    
,francesca a mirror1 9 :i* %e c\ld see  
reflect$ e imp]fection ( h] fall51 ?\gh 
to a great ext5t r5ew$1 nature4 ,mu* z  
%e _h disc]n$1 ev5 f h] e>lie/ *ildhood1
 ( ! innate corruption ( h] he>t1 yet %e
 (t5 told h] director1 t x 0 only s9ce  
%e _h be5 cont9ually 9 ! pres5ce ( an   
angelic companion t %e _h realis$ its   
am\nt4 ,s t ?is div9e fav\r1 f> f exalt+
 h] 9 h] own eyes1 s]v$ to ma9ta9 h] 9 !
 deepe/ humility4 ,:5 %e committ$ !     

slighte/ fault1 ! angel seem$ to        
disappe>2 & x 0 only aft] %e _h c>efully
 exam9$ h] consci5ce1 discov]$ h] fail+1
 lam5t$ & humbly confess$ x1 t he       
return$4 ,on ! o!r h&1 :5 %e 0 only     
di/urb$ by a d\bt or a scruple1 he 0    
wont to be/[ on h] a k9d look1 :i*      
dissipat$ at once h] uneas9ess4 ,:5 he  
spoke1 %e us$ to see 8 lips move2 & a   
voice ( indescribable sweetness1 b :i*  
seem$ to come f a di/ance1 rea*$ h] e>s4
 ,8 guidance enlight5$ h] *iefly ) reg>d
 to ! difficulty %e felt 9 submitt+ to  
c]ta9 c>es & obligations :i* belong$ to 
h] position z mi/ress & head ( a family4
 ,%e 0 apt to imag9e t ! h\rs ?us       
employ$ 7 lo/ 9 ,god's sight2 b h]      
cele/ial gu>dian correct$ h] judgm5t on 
?is po9t1 & taught h] to disc]n ! ,div9e
 w 9 e little irksome worldly duty1 9 e 
trifl+ contradiction1 z well z 9 great  
trials & on important occasions4 ,!     
light ( ! angelic pres5ce gave h] also a
 m>vell\s insight into ! ?\ghts ( o!rs4 
,_! s9s1 _! errors1 _! evil incl9ations1

 7 sup]naturally reveal$ to h]1 & (t5   
caus$ h] ! ,ke5e/ sorr[4 ,%e 0 enabl$   
?r\gh ?is gift to br+ back to ,god _m a 
w&]+ s\l1 to fru/rate bad designs1 &    
reconcile ! mo/ invet]ate enemies4      
,francesca us$ sometimes1 to say to ,don
 ,antonio1 :5 %e reque/$ 8 p]mission =  
"s additional au/]ities :i* he hesitat$ 
9 grant+1 ,be n afraid1 fa!r2 ! ar*angel
 w n all[ me to proce$ too f> 9 t c\rse4
 ,he always *ecks me :5 ,i am tempt$ to 
transgress ! b\nds ( prud5ce4 ,& ,don   
,antonio believ$ x1 = 8 p5it5t always   
spoke ! exact tru?2 & 9 ! miracul\s     
mann] 9 :i* %e ov] & ov] aga9 read 8 mo/
 secret ?\ghts1 & manife/$ !m to him1 he
 _h a pl$ge ( h] v]acity1 z well z ( h] 
extraord9>y sanctity4  ,,*apt] ,,viii4  
,,francesca',s ,,illness ,,&            
,,recov]y--,,h] ,,vision ,,(            
,,hell--,,re/oration ,,( ,,tranquillity 
,,iii ,,rome--,,return ,,(              
,,francesca',s ,,husb&--,,h] ,,p[] ,,9  
,,conv]t+ ,,s9n]s4  ,f\r long ye>s _h   
elaps$1 dur+ :i* ,rome _h be5 giv5 up to

 diss5sions & civil discord1 :ile       
epidemics ( v>i\s k9ds 7 cont9ually     
succe$+ ea* o!r1 & c>ry+ (f _m ( its    
inhabitants4 ,at ! op5+ ( ! ye> #adad1  
,sigismund1 k+ ( ! ,romans1 & ,john     
,,xxiii41 _h agre$ to conv5e a c\ncil at
 ,con/ance2 & ! fai?ful 7 beg9n+ to *]i%
 a hope t ! s*ism :i* _h s long desolat$
 ! ,*ur* might be draw+ to a close4 ,b  
?is di/ant prospect ( relief 0 n        
suffici5t to c\nt]balance ! actual      
suff]+s ( ! mom5t2 & ,francesca beheld )
 ev]-increas+ pa9 ! am\nt ( s9 & ( mis]y
 :i* fill$ ! city ( h] bir?4 ,h]        
ex]tions1 h] lab\rs1 h] bodily & m5tal  
trials1 told at la/ ^u h] enfeebl$      
frame1 & ab\t ?is "t %e fell dang]\sly  
ill4 ,almo/ all h] acqua9tances1 & ev5  
h] own family1 fl$ f h]1 t]rifi$1 x w\ld
 seem1 by ! idea ( contagion4 ,vannozza 
alone rema9$1 & nev] left h] b$-side4   
,"s !re 7 :o came to visit1 b n = !     
purpose ( consol+ h]2 on ! contr>y1 x 0 
to reproa* ! dy+ sa9t ) :at !y call$ h] 
absurd infatuation1 :i* _h introduc$ !  

plague into h] abode1 & endang]$ h] own 
life1 = ! sake ( a set ( wor?less       
wret*es4 ,%e li/5$ ) h] accu/om$        
g5tl5ess1 )\t attempt+ to def5d h]self f
 ! *>ge4 ,h] s\l 0 p]fectly at peace2 %e
 c\ld joyfully accept ! dea? t n[ appe>$
 inevitable2 %e c\ld ?ank ,god e>ne/ly t
 ! /ruggle 0 pa/1 & ,evangeli/a &       
,agnese safely lodg$ 9 ,8 arms4 ,%e     
look$ =w>d to a spe$y reunion ) ^!      
belov$ ones2 & m>k$ ! progress ( h]     
disease z ! prison] wat*es ! process by 
:i* 8 *a9s are riv54 ,a few words or    
love & fai? %e n[ & !n :isp]$ to        
,vannozza2 at o!r times %e rema9$       
absorb$ 9 div9e contemplation4 ,ov]%ad[$
 by an angel's w+1 calm 9 ! mid/ ( sev]e
 suff]+1 %e p]=m$ h] habitual devotions 
9 z f> z h] /r5g? p]mitt$1 & only gave  
up pa9ful p5ances by ! express ord] ( h]
 director4 ,%e :o _h heal$ s _m sick    
p]sons c>$ n to be heal$ h]self4  ,x 0  
n1 h[ev]1 ,god's w t %e %\ld die s soon4
 ,aft] pass+ sev]al mon?s 9 prolong$    
suff]+s1 h] heal? 0 sudd5ly re/or$4 ,x 0

 at ?is p]iod ( h] life t %e _h ! awful 
& detail$ visions ( hell :i* h rema9$ on
 record1 & 9 :i* _m salut>y & fe>ful    
lessons are convey$4 ,%e 0 rapt 9 _s1 & 
c>ri$ ?r\gh ! realms ( endless woe4 ,:at
 0 once *os5 by ! g5ius ( man z a !me = 
its highe/ poetic ef=t--a j\rney ?r\gh !
 m\rnful city1 among/ t lo/ p ,footnote3
 ,p] me si va nella citt dol5te1 ,p] me 
si va tra la p]duta g5te4--,,dante4 --0 
giv5 to ! sa9t 9 my/ic trance to        
accompli%4 ,an angel l$ h] ?r\gh ^!     
t]rific sc5es2 & an intuitive p]ception 
0 giv5 to h] ( ! v>i\s suff]+s ( !      
condemn$ s\ls4 ,s deep 0 ! impression   
:i* ?is trem5d\s vision left on         
,francesca's s\l1 t nev] aft]w>ds1 z    
long z %e liv$1 c\ld %e speak ( x )\t   
te>s & trembl+2 & %e w\ld (t5           
emphatically w>n ^? p]sons :o1 tru/+ too
 implicitly to ,god's m]cy1 =got 9 _!   
reckless security ! t]rors ( ,8 ju/ice4 
,"s ( ! fresco pa9t+s 9 ! conv5t ( ,tor 
di ,spec*i repres5t ?is vision1 & are   
visible to ?is day4 ,! ,pope ,john      

,,xxiii41 & ,sigismund1 k+ ( ! ,romans1 
_h at la/ succe$$ 9 =m+ a league1 ) !   
object ( deliv]+ ,italy f ! intol]able  
yoke ( ,ladislas1 k+ ( ,naples4 ,?is    
tyrant _h assembl$ a num]\s army1 & 0   
m>*+ ^u ,bologna2 b ! measure ( 8       
iniquities 0 n[ full1 & ! h& ( dea?     
arre/$ him on 8 way4 ,an illness1       
occasion$ by 8 incr$ible excesses1 seiz$
 him betwe5 ,nurni & ,p]ugia1 & he di$  
on ! #e? ( ,augu/1 #adad4 ,! sov]eign   
,pontiff1 free f ! t]rors :i* ?is fi]ce 
usurp] _h inspir$1 & yield+ to !        
importunities ( ! c>d9al1 set out =     
,con/ance1 :]e he 0 to meet ! ,emp]or   
,sigismund4 ,?is same ,c\ncil (         
,con/ance 0 ev5tually to be ! means (   
mak+ void 8 election1 & ( end+ ! great  
s*ism ( ! ,we/1 by plac+ 9 ! *air ( ,/4 
,pet] ! illu/ri\s ,pontiff ,m>t9 ,v4 ,! 
dea? ( ,ladislas re/or$ peace to ! /ates
 ( ! ,*ur*1 & 9 p>ticul> to ! city (    
,rome4 ,) ! cessation ( civil broils !  
fam9e disappe>$2 & ) x ! griev\s        
pe/il5ce t _h s long accompani$ x4 ,!   

fields 7 cultivat$ once m2 ! peasants   
gradually return$ to _! f>ms2 ! flocks  
graz$ unmole/$ 9 ! gre5 pa/ures ( !     
,campagna2 & ! :ilom des]t$ prov9ces    
smil$ aga9 "u ! influ5ce ( return+      
prosp]ity4  ,! suff]+s ( ! ,ponziani 7  
also at an end4 ,!y 7 recall$ f         
bani%m5t1 & _! prop]ty 0 re/or$4 ,lor5zo
 & 8 son--n[ 8 only son--,bapti/a4      
return$ to _! home1 & to ! wife & "m !y 
_h s long$ to behold aga94 ,b mix$ )    
sorr[ 0 ! cup ( joy :i* t h\r seem$ to  
(f]4 ,lor5zo1 :o a few ye>s back 0 9 !  
prime ( life--/rong1 heal?y1 &          
en]getic1--he :o _h met e foe & e trial 
)\t %r9k+1 0 n[ brok5 by long suff]+s2  
ag$ m ?r\gh exile & grief ?an ?r\gh     
ye>s4 ,we are told t :5 he ent]$ 8      
palace & look$ ^u 8 wife1 deep sobs %ook
 8 brea/1 & he bur/ into an agony (     
te>s4 ,! two beautiful *ildr5 :i* he _h 
left by h] side1 :]e 7 !y8 ,gone6 nev]  
to gladd5 8 eyes aga91 or make music 9 8
 home by ! s\nd ( _! sweet voices4 ,&   
,francesca h]self1 pale ) rec5t illness1

 sp5t ) ceaseless lab\rs1 %e /ood be=e  
him ! p]fect picture ( a woman & a sa9t1
 ) ! div9e expression ( h] belov$ face  
un*ang$2 b h[ *ang$ 9 =m1 9 bloom1 9    
brightness1 9 e ?+ b t beauty :i*       
hol9ess gives & "t _c efface6  ,long &  
bitt]ly he wept1 & ,francesca g5tly     
consol$ him4 ,%e told him h[ ,evangeli/a
 _h appe>$ to h]2 h[ _! *ildr5 7 only   
gone be=e !m1 companions n[ ( ^? angels 
!y _h s resembl$ ^u e>?4 ,%e :isp]$ to  
him t "o ( ^! 0 ev] at h] side2 & :5 he 
look$ ^u h]1 & rememb]$ all %e _h be5 to
 him1 d\btless he f\nd x easy to        
believe4 ,taught by adv]sity1 m ?an ev] 
influ5c$ by 8 admirable wife1 ,lor5zo   
h5ce=w>d adopt$ a m ?or\ghly ,*ri/ian   
mode ( life ?an he _h hi!rto foll[$4 ,n 
cont5t ) prais+ h] virtues1 he s\ght to 
imitate !m1 & practis$ all ! duties (   
religion ) ! utmo/ /rictness4 ,on "o    
po9t alone 8 conduct 0 inconsi/5t ) !   
pr9ciples he pr(ess$1 & ?is 01 :ile x   
la/$1 a s\rce ( ke5 anxiety to          
,francesca4 ,!re 0 a ,roman nobleman :o1

 sev]al ye>s be=e1 _h griev\sly (f5d$ ! 
"l ( ,ponziano1 & ) :om he absolutely   
refus$ to be reconcil$4 ,?is _h =m]ly   
be51 & 0 aga9 aft] 8 return1 an occasion
 ( sc&al to _m4 ,! m em95t 7 8 virtues1 
! high] 8 religi\s pr(ession1 ! m gl>+  
appe>$ su* an evid5t inconsi/5cy4       
,francesca h]self 0 blam$ = x2 & p us$  
to wond] t %e :o 0 s (t5 successful 9   
reconcil+ /rang]s & promot+ peace 9     
families1 _h n ! p[] ( allay+ an enmity 
discr$itable to h] husb& & at v>iance ) 
! dictates ( religion4 ,at la/1 h[ev]1  
by d9t ( pati5ce & g5tl5ess1 %e         
accompli%$ :at _h seem$ = a long "t a   
hopeless endeav\r4 ,! he>ts ( bo? p>ties
 7 t\*$ ) remorse4 ,lor5zo1 :o 0 !      
aggriev$ p>ty1 grant$ 8 enemy a full &  
free p>don1 & a p]fect reconciliation   
ensu$4 ,?is triumph ov] himself on ! "o 
po9t :]e ! /ubborn natural w _h s long  
held out1 result$1 z is almo/ always !  
case1 9 a rapid advance t[>ds p]fection4
  ,lor5zo1 f ?is "t =?1 )drew m & m f   
public life1 refus$ ^? po/s ( hon\r & ( 

responsibility :i* a fri5dly gov]nm5t   
press$ ^u him1 & surr5d]$ himself almo/ 
entirely to ! duties & ex]cises ( a     
/rictly religi\s life4 ,9 8 conv]sations
 ) 8 wife1 he daily ga9$ a deep] insight
 into ! secrets ( ! spiritual life4 ,f> 
f compla9+ ( ! am\nt ( money :i* %e sp5t
 9 *>ity1 ( ! exi/5ce ( an hospital )9 !
 walls ( 8 palace1 ( h] v>i\s & labori\s
 works ( m]cy1 or ( ! l5g? ( "t :i* %e  
sp5t 9 pray]1 he r5ew$ 8 reque/ t %e    
w\ld1 9 e respect1 foll[ :at seem$ to h]
 ! w ( ,god1 & ! mo/ p]fect mann] (     
life4 ,francesca gratefully compli$ )   
?is 8 desire4 ,%e wat*$ m /rictly ?an   
ev] ov] ! conduct ( ^? committ$ to h]   
*>ge1 & recomm5d$ to !m by h] example   
ev5 m ?an by h] precepts an exact       
obs]vance ( ! comm&m5ts ( ,god & ( !    
,*ur*4 ,:at money 0 exclusively h] own1 
%e regul>ly divid$ into two p>ts3 )     
"o-half %e b\ght food = ! poor1 ) ! o!r 
clo?+ & m$ic9e = ! sick4 ,h] own dress  
co/ h] next to no?+2 %e cont9u$ to we>  
h] old gre5 g[n pat*$-up ) any odd bits 

( clo? t fell 9 h] way4 ,almo/ e day %e 
w5t to h] v9ey>d & ga!r$ wood = !       
faggots :i* %e gave away on h] return4  
,h] relations1 h] fri5ds1 & ev5 h]      
s]vants1 7 annoy$ at h] employ+ h]self 9
 su* lab\r1 & bitt]ly compla9$ ( !      
humiliation x occasion$ !m to meet h] s 
meanly dress$ & s meanly occupi$4       
,lor5zo did n %>e ^? feel+s2 on !       
contr>y1 he us$ to look ^u h] on ^!     
occasions ) an increase ( affection &   
v5]ation2 & support$ by 8 approval1 by !
 approbation ( h] director1 & ! dictates
 ( h] own consci5ce1 %e c>$ little = !  
comm5ts ( o!rs4  ,! k9d ( apo/olate :i* 
by ?is "t %e ex]cis$ 9 ,rome 0 v        
rem>kable2 & h] p[] ov] m5's m9ds &     
he>ts sc>cely %ort ( miracul\s4 ,!re 0 a
 subdu+ *>m1 an irresi/ible influ5ce 9  
h] words & 9 h] mann]1 :i* told on e    
v>iety ( p]sons4 ,! expression ( h]     
c\nt5ance1 ! tones ( h] voice1 h] m]e   
pres5ce1 work$ wond]s 9 effect+         
conv]sions1 & 9 animat+ to virtue ^? :om
 %e approa*$4 ,h] gift ( read+ ! ?\ghts 

( o!rs1 :i* _h increas$ ev] s9ce !      
ar*angel _h become h] companion1 enabl$ 
h] 9 sev]al in/ances to br+ ab\t        
conv]sions1 sev]al ( :i* are relat$ at  
l5g? by h] biograph]s4  ,among/ !m 0 t (
 a "y woman :o 0 ly+ dang]\sly ill 9 "o 
( ! hospitals ( ! city4 ,francesca _h   
be5 di/ribut+ food to ! sick1 & 0 !n    
att5d+ ! dea?-b$ ( a "y man1 :o 0 ab\t  
to receive ! la/ ,sacram5ts1 :5 a pi]c+ 
cry f "o ( ! adjo9+ w>ds rea*$ h] e>s4  
,%e ha/5$ to ! spot1 & f\nd a "y woman  
/ret*$ on "o ( ! n>r[ b$s1 & dy+ 9 all !
 agonies ( despair4 ,no soon] _h %e     
look$ ^u ! poor creature ?an h] dreadful
 hi/ory 0 sup]naturally reveal$ to h]4  
,%e _h "s "t be=e _h an illegitimate    
*ild1 &1 "u ! pressure ( %ame & t]ror1  
_h de/roy$ x4 ,! consci\sness ( ?is     
crime 0 driv+ h] to despair1 & %e _h n  
c\rage to confess x4 ,b n[ words 7      
:isp]$ 9 h] e>1 :i* w5t /raight to !    
po9t on :i* ! awful /raggle turn$2 :i*  
spoke ( ! horrible mis]y ( dy+ imp5it5t 
& unabsolv$1 & ( ! b\ndless m]cy :i* has

 provid$ a rem$y = ! deepe/ /a9s ( s91 !
 blood ( ,jesus appli$ to ! s\l by !    
grace ( ! ,sacram5t4 ,= a long "t ! poor
 creature resi/$1 turn$ h] head away1 & 
refus$ to be com=t$4 ,b :5 ,francesca1 9
 /ill m press+ t]ms1 allud$ to !        
intol]able burd5 ( an unackn[l$g$ crime1
 ( ! life-giv+ humiliation ( a s9c]e    
confession1 ( ! dire confusion ( an     
un=giv5 s\l on ! day ( ,judgm5t2 ( !    
love ( ,jesus1 ( ! t5d]ness ( ,m>y1 ( ! 
indulg5ce ( ! ,*ur*1 ! sweetness (      
p>don1 ! peace ( reconciliation2 !n !   
/ubborn he>t yield$1 ! se>$ _s 0 s(t5$4 
,bur/+ into te>s1 ! dy+ suff]] exclaim$1
 ,a prie/6 a prie/6 & "o 0 at h& at !   
fir/ call ( contrition1 & answ]$ t      
expir+ cry1 z ,mat!w did ! royal        
prophet's confession3 ,! ,"l =gives2 ?\ 
%alt n p]i%4 ,& %ortly aft] 9           
,francesca's arms ! p>don$ s9n] brea!d  
h] la/4  ,ab\t ! same "t1 ,francesca 0 !
 means ( conv]t+ "o :o w\ld d\btless h  
turn$ ) contempt f ! poor crim9al on !  
hospital-b$ ) horror1 f ! guilty de/roy]

 ( h] own *ild1 & deem$ t to brea! !    
same air z su* a wret* 0 9 itself       
contam9ation4 ,& yet1 9 ,god's "r1      
,g5tilezza may h be5 z1 or p]haps m     
guilty ?an ! sorely-tempt$1 unprotect$1 
mis]able be+1 :o 9 weakness fir/1 & !n 9
 t]ror1 almo/ 9 madness1 _h ru%$ into   
crime2 = %e 0 ri*1 noble1 & beautiful2  
_h be5 nurs$ 9 pomp & pleasure2 hung] _h
 nev] tempt$1 & scorn nev] pursu$ h]4   
,h] life _h be5 "o cont9u$ sc5e (       
amusem5t & ( spl5d\r4 ,%e c>$ = no?+ b !
 homage ( m51 ! inc5se ( admiration1 !  
intoxication ( pleasure4 ,!re 0 n a duty
 t %e did n neglect1 nor "o sacr$       
obligation t %e felt h]self b\nd to     
obs]ve4 ,we are n told t %e committ$ :at
 m5 call crimes2 b h] husb& %e treat$ ) 
op5 contempt1 & ridicul$ him on acc\nt (
 8 atta*m5t to religi\s duties2 h]      
*ildr5 %e altoge!r neglect$1 & ab&on$ !m
 to ! c>e ( s]vants1 :ile h] days &     
nights 7 devot$ to amusem5ts &          
frivolities ( e description4 ,sev]al ( !
 ,roman ladies1 :o us$ to be h]         

companions1 _h be5 induc$1 by           
,francesca's example & exhortation1 to  
give up a life ( dissipation1 & adopt "o
 bett] befitt+ ! ,*ri/ian pr(ession2 b  
,g5tilezza laugh$ at h] & at !m1 & us$  
to say1 ) insol5t d]ision1 t %e _h no   
vocation = we>+ rags & c>ry+ faggots4   
,p]fectly indiff]5t to ! ridicule ) :i* 
%e s\ght to cov] h]1 ,francesca pray$   
incessantly = ! va9 & haughty woman1 :o 
seem$ beyond ! rea* ( reproa* or (      
p]suasion4 ,"o day1 h[ev]1 mov$ by a    
prophetic impulse1 %e ?us address$ h]3  
,y scorn my w>n+s1 ,g5tilezza2 y laugh  
at ! advice ( y\r confessor4 ,b rememb] 
t ,god is p[]ful1 & n to be mock$ )     
impunity4 ,! day is at h& :5 y w rue !  
/ubbornness ( y\r he>t4  ,a few days    
aft]w>ds1 z ,g5tilezza1 :o 0 ) *ild at !
 "t1 0 desc5d+ ! /airs ( h] palace1 h]  
foot slipp$1 & %e fell headlong to !    
bottom4 ,h] s]vants rais$ h] 9 _! arms1 
& f\nd h] all b dead4 ,! physicians1 :o 
7 summon$ 9 ha/e1 judg$ unfav\rably ( h]
 case1 & pron\nc$ t h] *ild mu/         

infallibly h be5 kill$ by ! fall4 ,!    
wret*$ woman bur/ into te>s1 b x 0 n s  
mu* h] own dang]1 or ! dea? ( h] infant 
:i* %e deplor$1 z ! ru9 ( h] beauty1 :i*
 _h be5 h] pride & h] sn>e4 ,h] features
 _h be5 s injur$ by ?is accid5t1 t h]   
face 0 completely disfigur$1 & )        
rebelli\s ang] %e wept ov] h] lo/       
lovel9ess4 ,francesca1 ^u he>+ ( ?is    
ev5t1 hurri$ to ! spot1 & nurs$ ! suff]+
 woman ) ! t5d]e/ c>e4 ,) ! utmo/       
k9dness %e rem9d$ h] ( ! duties %e _h   
neglect$1 & ( ! means ( grace %e _h     
despis$1 & exhort$ h] to recognise ! h& 
( a m]ciful ,god 9 ! *a/isem5t %e _h    
receiv$4 ,%e spoke to h] ( h] husb&1 (  
h] *ildr51 ( ! true & sweet vocations ( 
a wife & a "m1 ( ! transitory nature (  
all e>?ly enjoym5ts2 & into ! he>t      
subdu$ by pa9 & disappo9tm5t h] words   
made _! way4 ,x 0 z if scales _h fall5 f
 ! eyes ( ! suff]]4 ,god is j1 %e       
exclaim$ at la/2 ,i des]v$ ev5 a great] 
puni%m5t ?an ,i h met )4 ,pray = me1    
,francesca ,ponziano2 pray = me2 & oh1  

he> me promise1 t if my life is sp>$1 ,i
 w give up all my evil ways1 & h5ce=w>d 
become a ,*ri/ian wife & a ,*ri/ian "m2 
s help me ,god1 :om ,i h s griev\sly    
(f5d$6 ,francesca b5t ov] h] & embrac$  
h]2 %e saw t h] rep5tance 0 s9c]e1 &    
bade h] be ( good com=t1 & t h] p5it5ce 
w\ld be accept$4 ,& s x turn$ out2 =    
,g5tilezza 0 safely deliv]$ ( a heal?y  
little girl1 & 9 "t recov]$ n only h]   
heal? b ! beauty :i* %e _h once turn$ to
 su* bad acc\nt2 &1 :ile fai?ful to h]  
promise1 %e ceas$ to abuse ! gifts (    
,god1 & devot$ h]self to ! dilig5t      
p]=mance ( h] duties1 became a *os5     
fri5d ( ,francesca's1 & "o ( ! mo/ pi\s 
& exempl>y matrons 9 ,rome4  ,among !   
relatives ( ! sa9t1 !re 0 a "y man ^: "n
 0 ,giovanni ,antonio ,lor5zi1 ^: temp] 
0 fi]ce & viol5t 9 ! extreme4 ,hav+ be51
 z he consid]$1 insult$ by ano!r ,roman 
nobleman1 he v[$ t he w\ld take 8 life1 
& resolv$ to h him assass9at$4          
,francesca's angel reveal$ to h] 8      
crim9al design1 :i* 0 z yet conf9$ to 8 

own brea/4 ,%e in/antly s5t = ! object (
 8 enmity1 & *>g$ him1 z he valu$ 8     
exi/5ce1 n to leave 8 own h\se = a c]ta9
 numb] ( days2 & )\t in=m+ him ( !      
reason1 obta9$ 8 promise to t effect4 ,9
 ! mean "t %e disclos$ to ,lor5zi h] k (
 8 guilty project1 & induc$ him to ab&on
 all idea ( rev5ge4 ,h] influ5ce ov]    
,angelo ,savelli1 on a simil> occasion1 
0 /ill m rem>kable4 ,he _h qu>rell$ ) a 
"y man ( 8 acqua9tance1 & a duel _h     
ensu$1 9 :i* he _h be5 sev]ely w\nd$4 ,8
 ang] 0 excessive2 he did no?+ b ?reat5 
& curse 8 adv]s>y4 ,nei!r 8 own family  
nor t ( 8 foe c\ld succe$ 9 appeas+ him1
 & he 0 dy+ ) v5geance 9 8 he>t1 &      
acc5ts ( rage on 8 lips4 ,francesca 0   
in=m$ ( 8 condition1 & w5t1 /raightway  
to 8 b$-side4 ,%e _h no soon] utt]$ a   
few words1 ?an he bade h] br+ 8 enemy to
 him1 t he might =give & embrace him4   
,he 0 himself a/oni%$ at ! *ange ?us    
wr\ght by h] pres5ce1 & decl>$ t ! ,holy
 ,_s _h mov$ him by h] means4 ,he       
receiv$ ! la/ ,sacram5t ) ! be/         

dispositions1 & di$ soon aft]1 full (   
peace & hope1 & repeat$ly assur$ 8      
family t ,god1 9 m]cy to 8 s\l1 _h s5t !
 wife ( ,ponziano to save him f ! ru9   
:i* 0 s ne>ly ov]tak+ him4  ,"o m       
in/ance among/ _m ( ,francesca's p[]s ( 
p]suasion may be adduc$1 9 addition to !
 prec$+4 ,%e 01 z we h se51 a con/ant   
att5dant at ! *ur* ( ,santa ,m>ia       
,nuova1 :]e h] confessor1 ,don ,antonio 
,savello (ficiat$4 ,x s happ5$ t "o ( ! 
monks ( 8 ord]1 ,don ,ippolito1 :o      
subsequ5tly play$ a "p 9 ! hi/ory ( !   
sa9t1 & :o _h be5 n[ resid+ t5 ye>s 9 ! 
conv5t1 0 ab\t ?is "t appo9t$ to ! (fice
 ( sacri/an1 al?\gh he _h previ\sly     
fill$ ) di/9ction div]s important       
functions 9 ! mona/]y4 ,he _h accept$   
?is appo9tm5t out ( ob$i5ce & humility (
 _s2 b aft] a :ile ! devil sorely tempt$
 him to regret hav+ done s2 to rep9e at 
:at he began to consid] z an act (      
tyranny & inju/ice2 & ^! reflections1   
gradually indulg$ 91 made sad havoc ( 8 
peace ( m9d4 ,an oppressive melan*oly   

beset him2 & at la/ he came to !        
resolution ( ab&on+ 8 habit & ! mona/]y1
 if ! obnoxi\s appo9tm5t 7 n cancell$4  
,b "o day t he _h be5 invok+ ,m>y1 our  
,lady ( good c\nsel1 he felt a sudd5    
inspiration to g & communicate to       
,francesca 8 discont5t1 8 re/lessness1 &
 ! resolution he _h =m$4 ,%e li/5$      
att5tively to 8 /atem5t1 & !n quietly   
address$ to him "s que/ions :i* plac$ ! 
subject 9 its true light4 ,%e ask$ him )
 :at purpose he _h ent]$ ! religi\s     
/ate2 :om he _h int5d$ to s]ve 9 do+ s2 
:i* he pref]r$1 ! ,god :o desc5ds &     
dwells on ! alt>1 or ! s]vants :o wait  
^u ,him else:]e8 ,:i* 0 ! highe/ po/1 t 
( wat*+ ov] ! sanctu>y1 9 company ) !   
angels1 or ( m9i/]+ to m51 h[ev] holy & 
em95t !y might be1 z w\ld be 8 lot 9    
ano!r (fice8 ,! wisdom & simplicity (   
?is answ] w5t /raight to ,don           
,ippolito's he>t4 ,he in/antly acquiesc$
 9 its ju/ice1 & w5t directly to        
confession4 ,) e>ne/ b5evol5ce he betook
 himself to ! duties ( 8 at once humble 

& exalt$ (fice1 edifi$ all 8 bre?r5 by 8
 unfeign$ humility1 & became 9 "t !     
model ( 8 ord]4 ,he 0 aft]w>ds          
successively nam$ sub-prior1 & !n prior 
( ! mona/]y ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova2 & 0  
lat] ! associate & support ( ,francesca 
9 ! f\ndation ( h] congregation ( !     
,noble ,oblates ( ,tor di ,spec*i4      
,,*apt] ,,ix4  ,,fre% ,,sup]natural     
,,ev5ts ,,9 ,,francesca',s              
,,hi/ory--,,h] ,,ob$i5ce ,,to ,,h]      
,,husb& ,,& ,,to ,,h] ,,confessor       
,,rew>d$ ,,by ,,two                     
,,miracles--,,m>riage ,,( ,,h] ,,son1   
,,& ,,ill ,,conduct ,,( ,,8 ,,wife--,,h]
 ,,conv]sion ,,?r\gh ,,francesca',s     
,,pray]s--,,fre% ,,miracles ,,work$ ,,by
 ,,francesca4  ,francesca's ob$i5ce to  
h] director 9 spiritual matt]s1 & to h] 
husb& 9 o!r respects1 cont9u$ to be     
exempl>y4 ,9 bo? in/ances %e receiv$ a  
miracul\s pro( t ,god reg>d$ ) especial 
fav\r t humble submission ( _s 9 "o :om 
,he end[$ ) su* m>vell\s gifts4 ,! /ory 
( ^! miracles mighht well furni% a      

subject to a pa9t] or a poet4 ,"o day t 
%e & ,vannozza _h ask$ p]mission to     
visit ! %r9e ( ,santa ,croce 9          
,gi]usalemme1 ,don ,antonio _h giv5 !m  
leave to d s2 on condition t1 z an      
ex]cise ( self-control1 & a te/ ( _!    
ob$i5ce1 !y %\ld walk !re & back )\t    
once rais+ _! eyes to look ab\t !m4 ,he 
wi%$ !m to employ all ! "t ( t long walk
 9 m5tal pray] & m$itation4 ,!y proce$$ 
on _! way )\t int]ruption1 till1 on     
approa*+ ! hospital adjo9+ ! *ur* ( ,/4 
,john ( ,lat]an1 a sudd5 ru% ( p ov]took
 !m1 & s\nds ( t]ror 7 he>d on e side4  
,a bull _h escap$ f its lead]s1 & driv5 
frantic by ! cries ( ! multitude1 x 0   
da%+ savagely along4 ,francesca &       
,vannozza /ood directly 9 8 pa?4 ,l\d   
%\ts w>n$ !m to get out ( ! way2 b1     
fai?ful to ! ob$i5ce !y _h receiv$1 &   
probably inw>dly assur$ t !y w\ld be    
protect$ aga9/ ! dang]1 :atev] x 01 !y  
advanc$ calm & unmov$ ) _! eyes fix$ on 
! gr\nd4 ,! by/&]s1 :o 7 c[]+ at a      
di/ance1 %udd]$2 = x seem$ t ! next     

mom5t mu/ see !m "u ! feet ( ! bell[+   
animal4 ,b no2 ! same influ5ce t tam$ ! 
lions 9 ,daniel's d5 0 at "w ) ! savage 
bea/4 ,at sight ( ! two wom51 x sudd5ly 
/opp$ 9 its c\rse1 became p]fectly      
tranquil1 /ood /ill :ile !y pass$1 & !n 
resum$ its flight2 :ile !y proce$$ to ! 
*ur* )\t hav+ exp]i5c$ ! slighte/       
emotion ( fe>4 ,!re is an anci5t say+1 t
 a wild bea/ is appeas$ by ! sight ( a  
maid5 9 h] purity2 & !re c be no d\bt t 
^? sa9ts :o h rega9$ 9 "s measure1 by   
mortification1 p5ance1 & h]oic virtue1 !
 purity ( man's orig9al nature1 h at !  
same "t recov]$1 9 a c]ta9 degree1 ! p[]
 :i* ,adam possess$ ov] ! animal        
creation4 ,x is a fact ( frequ5t        
occurr5ce 9 _! lives1 t my/]i\s homage  
paid to !m by ! wild inhabitants ( !    
des]t1 or ! g5tle d5iz5s ( ! grave4 ,/4 
,francis ( ,assisi1 & ,/4 ,rose ( ,lima1
 among/ o!rs1 7 s+ul>ly end[$ ) ?is     
gift4 ,!re are few m t\*+ ?\ghts1 or any
 bett] calculat$ to make u und]/& ! true
 "* ( sanctity1 & ! gradual re/oration (

 a fall5 nature to "o ak9 to t ( !      
angels4  ,! o!r miracle 0 "o atte/$ by  
,vannozza1 :o witness$ its occurr5ce4   
,francesca devot$ all h] leisure mom5ts 
to pray]1 b nev] all[$ h] delight 9     
spiritual ex]cises to int]f]e ) h] duty 
z a wife4 ,h] att5tion to ,lor5zo's     
slighte/ wants & wi%es 0 unceas+4 ,%e   
nev] compla9$ ( any am\nt ( int]ruption 
or ( tr\ble :i* 8 claims ^u h] "t might 
occasion4 ,"o day t %e 0 recit+ 9 h]    
room ! (fice ( ! ,bless$ ,virg91 he s5t 
= h]4 ,in/antly ris+ f h] knees1 %e     
obey$ 8 summons4 ,:5 %e _h p]=m$ !      
trifl+ s]vice he requir$1 %e return$ to 
h] pray]s4 ,f\r successive times1 = !   
mo/ insignificant ( purposes1 %e 0 s5t  
=3 ea* "t1 ) unwe>i$ good hum\r1 %e     
compli$1 & resum$ h] devotions )\t a    
%ad[ ( discont5t or annoyance4 ,on      
resum+ h] book ! la/ "t t ?is occurr$1  
great 0 h] a/oni%m5t 9 f9d+ ! antiphon1 
:i* %e _h f\r times begun & f\r times   
left unf9i%$1 writt5 9 lett]s ( gold4   
,vannozza1 :o 0 pres5t1 witness$ !      

miracle2 & ! ar*angel :isp]$ to         
,francesca1 ,?us ! ,"l rew>ds ! virtue (
 ob$i5ce4 ,! gild$ lett]s rema9$ 9 !    
book to ! day ( h] dea?4  ,h] pray]s 7  
frequ5t2 h] f]v\r 9 proportion4 ,beg9n+ 
) ! ,our ,fa!r & ! ,hail ,m>y1 x 0 h]   
practice to recite !m sl[ly1 & to pond] 
on ea* ^w z %e pron\nc$ x4 ,! ,(fice ( !
 ,bless$ ,virg9 %e repeat$ daily at !   
appo9t$ h\rs1 & almo/ always on h]      
knees2 ! ,ros>y also1 & a great numb] ( 
psalms besides1 z well z v>i\s devotions
 = ! holy s\ls 9 purgatory4 ,z to m5tal 
pray]1 h] :ole life 0 "o cont9u$ orison2
 ev] 9 communion ) ,god1 %e nev] lo/ !  
s5se ( ,8 pres5ce4 ,f ?is "t =w>d 7%e 0 
n[ ?irty-two ye>s old71 h] life grew m &
 m sup]natural4 ,! my/ical wond]s t h   
manife/$ !mselves 9 s _m sa9ts 7        
display$ 9 h] to an em95t degree4 ,:5 %e
 approa*$ ! tribunal ( p5ance1 b1 above 
all1 9 go+ to communion1 h] body        
sometimes emitt$ a fragrant od\r1 & a   
halo ( light surr\nd$ h] head4 ,(t5 &   
(t51 aft] receiv+ ! ,bread ( ,life1 %e  

fell into a long ec/asy1 & = h\rs rema9$
 motionless1 & wrapt up 9 sil5t         
contemplation1 unable to move f ! spot b
 at ! comm& ( h] director2 ! virtue (   
ob$i5ce ov]com+ ev5 ! my/ical           
ins5sibility to all outw>d objects4 ,h] 
intimate int]c\rse ) heav5 dur+ ^?      
mom5ts2 ! prophecies :i* %e utt]$2 !    
mann] 9 :i* di/ant & future occurr5ces 7
 made manife/ to h] spiritual           
p]ceptions1 te/ifi$ to ! sup]natural    
nature ( ^! ec/asies4 ,an intimate union
 e/abli%$ itself betwe5 h] & ! objects (
 h] incessant contemplation4 ,:5 %e     
m$itat$ on ! glori\s my/]ies1 on !      
triumphs ( ,m>y1 or ! bliss ( ! angelic 
spirits1 an int5se joy beam$ 9 h] face1 
& p]vad$ h] :ole p]son4 ,:51 on ! o!r   
h&1 %e mus$ on ! ,passion ( our ,"l1 or 
on ! sorr[s ( ,8 ,"m1 ! :ole expression 
( h] face 0 *ang$1 & bore ! impress ( an
 unutt]able woe2 & ev5 by physical pa9s 
%e p>took 9 a measure ( ! suff]+s ( h]  
,god4 ,! anxi\s torm5ts ( ! ,passion 7  
rehe>s$ z x 7 9 h] body2 & ere long a   

w\nd 9 h] side manife/$ "o ( ! mo/      
a/oni%+ b indubitably e/abli%$ in/ances 
( ! real ?\gh my/ical %>e :i* "s ( !    
sa9ts h _h 9 ! life-giv+ agonies ( !    
,"l4 ,none b ,vannozza1 :o us$ to dress 
t t\*+ & awful w\nd1 & ,don ,antonio1 to
 :om %e reveal$ x 9 confession1 7       
acqua9t$ ) ?is extraord9>y tok5 ( union 
betwe5 ! crucifi$ ,r$eem] & ,8 fav\r$   
s]vant4 ,%e suff]$ int5se pa9 :ile x    
la/$1 b x 0 a joyful suff]+4 ,love made 
x preci\s to h]4 ,%e _h desir$ to dr9k (
 ,8 cup1 & be baptis$ ) ,8 baptism2 &   
,he de/9$ h] "o day to sit at ,8 side & 
%>e ,8 glory4 ,%e _h drunk to ! dregs ! 
cup ( e>?ly sorr[2 ! angui% ( b]eavem5t1
 ! desolation ( lonel9ess1 ! torm5ts (  
fe>1 ! pangs ( sickness & pov]ty4 ,& n[ 
! mo/ my/]i\s suff]+s fell to h] lot1 ( 
a nature too sacr$ = common m5tion1 =   
man's inve/igation1 b n ! less real &   
true ?an ! o!rs4 ,! relief 0 z miracul\s
 z ! infliction4 ,9 a vision %e saw     
h]self transport$ into ! cave (         
,be?lehem1 & into ! pres5ce ( ! ,infant 

,jesus & ( ,8 ,"m4 ,) a sweet smile1 !  
,bless$ ,virg9 bade ,francesca discov] !
 w\nd :i* love _h made1 & !n ) wat] t   
fl[$ f ! rock1 %e wa%$ h] side1 &       
dismiss$ h]4 ,:5 h] ec/asy 0 ov]1 %e    
f\nd t ! miracul\s w\nd 0 p]fectly      
heal$4  ,x 0 at ?is "t t %e pr$ict$ 9 ! 
mo/ positive mann]1 & :5 appe>ances 7   
all aga9/ su* a result1 t ! papal s*ism 
0 ab\t to end4 ,! ,c\ncil ( ,con/ance 0 
sitt+1 & new difficulties & conflicts   
cont9ually arose4 ,w> 0 on ! po9t (     
bur/+ out aga91 & e body trembl+ at !   
?\ght ( fre% disa/]s4 ,contr>y1 h[ev]1  
to all expectations1 ! la/ weeks ( ! ye>
 #adae saw ! conclusion ( ! s*ism4 ,!   
assembl$ fa!rs1 ) a c\rage t none _h    
=ese51 & indiff]5t to ! ?reats (        
,fr$]ick ( ,au/ria on ! "o side1 & ( !  
,k+ ( ,france on ! o!r1 :o 7 ea*        
advocat+ ! cause ( an anti-pope1--! =m] 
support+ ,john ,,xxiii41 ! latt] ,b5$ict
 ,,xiii41--!y depos$ ^! two usurp]s1    
oblig$ ,gregory ,,xii4 to r5\nce 8      
pret5sions also1 & on ! #aa? ( ,novemb] 

unanim\sly elect$ ,otto ,colonna1       
,c>d9al ,deacon ( ,/4 ,george 9         
,velabro1 :o took ! "n ( ,m>t9 ,v42 & by
 8 virtues & 8 tal5ts succe$$ 9 re/or+3 
peace to ,rome itself1 & to ! :ole      
,ca?olic _w4 ,x 0 g5]ally suppos$1 ev5  
dur+ h] lifetime1 & mu* m aft] h] dea?1 
t ,francesca's pray]s1 h] te>s & h]     
suff]+s1 _h accel]at$ t bless$ ev5t1 &  
drawn d[n ! m]cy ( ,god on ,8 afflict$  
,*ur*4  ,! son ( ,lor5zo & ,francesca4  
,bapti/a ,ponziano1 _h n[ arriv$ at !   
age ( eighte51 & 0 consid]$ ! mo/       
promis+ ( ! "y ,roman noblem54 ,!       
excell5t education he _h receiv$ 0 be>+ 
its fruits4 ,9 appe>ance & 9 mann]s1 9  
tal5ts & 9 "*1 he 0 equally di/+ui%$4   
,lor5zo1 anxi\s to p]petuate 8 family1 &
 secure heirs to 8 l>ge possessions1    
press$ 8 son to m>ry4 ,x 0 ) ! greate/  
satisfaction t ,francesca second$ 8     
wi%es4 ,%e long$ to give up to a        
daught]-9-law ! managem5t ( dome/ic     
affairs1 & to be m free to devote h] "t 
to religi\s & *>itable employm5ts4 ,! "y

 p]son on :om ! *oice ( ,bapti/a & ( 8  
p>5ts fell 0 ,mobilia1 a maid5 ( :om x  
is record$ t %e 0 ( noble bir? & ( s+ul>
 beauty1 b h] family "n is n m5tion$4   
,imm$iately ^u h] m>riage1 accord+ to ! 
cont95tal cu/om ( ! "t1 ! bride came to 
reside "u ! same ro( z h] fa!r &        
"m-9-law4 ,%e 0 receiv$ z a belov$      
daught] by ,francesca & ,vannozza2 b %e 
nei!r return$ _! affection nor appe>$   
s5sible ( _! k9dness4 ,br\ght up by an  
excell5t "m 9 a v /rict mann] & entire  
seclusion1 h] head 0 completely turn$ at
 sudd5ly f9d+ h]self h] own mi/ress3    
ador$ by h] husb&1 furni%$ ) ! mo/ ample
 means ( gratify+ all h] fancies1 %e 0  
b5t on mak+ up = ! some:at au/]e life %e
 _h l$ z a "y girl1 & gave no ?\ght to  
any ?+ b h] beauty1 h] dress1 & all !   
amusem5ts )9 h] rea*4 ,:olly inexp]i5c$1
 %e decl9$ to ask or to receive advice1 
& *ose 9 e respect to be guid$ by h]    
incl9ations alone4 ,imp]i\s ) h] equals1
 haughty ) h] sup]iors1 %e gave h]self  
all ! airs imag9able1 & treat$ h]       

"m-9-law ) ! mo/ supreme contempt1 h>dly
 pay+ h] m att5tion ?an if %e _h be5 !  
l[e/ m5ial 9 ! h\se4 ,9 ! gay societies 
:i* %e frequ5t$1 x 0 h] fav\rite        
amusem5t to turn ,francesca into        
ridicule1 to mimic h] mann]s & h] /yle (
 conv]sation2 & %e (t5 decl>$ h]self    
p]fectly a%am$ ( be+ relat$ to a p]son s
 totally ignorant ( ! ways ( ! _w4 ,h[ c
 "o feel any respect1 %e us$ to ask1 = a
 p]son :o ?9ks ( no?+ b ! poor1 dresses 
z "o ( !m1 & goes ab\t ! /reets c>ry+   
bread1 wood1 & old clo!s8 ,x 0 n t      
,mobilia's disposition 0 absolutely bad2
 on ! contr>y1 %e 0 naturally           
sweet-temp]$2 b nev] hav+ be5 left be=e 
to h] own managem5t1 & ta/+ = ! fir/ "t 
! excit+ pleasures ( ! _w1 ! contra/ :i*
 h] "m-9-law's appe>ance1 mann]s1 & :ole
 mode ( life pres5t$ to t :i* seem$ to  
h] s attractive1 irritat$ h] beyond     
measure1 till at la/ h] dislike am\nt$  
to av]sion2 %e c\ld h>dly endure        
,francesca 9 h] sight4 ,va9 7 !         
remon/rances ( h] husb& & ( h]          

fa!r-9-law1 va9 _! entreaties & _!      
repro(s2 unavail+ also prov$ ! int]f]5ce
 ( "s mutual fri5ds1 :o s\ght to conv9ce
 h] ( ! culpability ( h] conduct1 & to  
p]suade h] t %e 0 b\nd to %[ ,bapti/a's 
"m at lea/ ! att5tions ( ord9>y         
civility4 ,! head/rong "y woman p]si/$ 9
 exhibit+ ! utmo/ contempt = h]4 ,!     
,sa9t endur$ all h] fr[>dness ) unv>y+  
g5tl5ess & pati5ce1 nev] utt]+ a %>p or 
unk9d ^w 9 return1 & sp5d+ long h\rs 9  
pray] t ! he>t s clos$ aga9/ h]1 & s    
giv5 up to ! _w1 might ?r\gh ,god's m]cy
 be s(t5$ & *ang$4 ,"o day1 :5 %e 0     
r5ew+ ^! petitions ) m ?an common f]v\r1
 %e he>d ! foll[+ words di/9ctly        
pron\nc$ 9 h] he>+3 ,:y d y grieve1     
,francesca8 & :y is y\r s\l disquiet$8  
,no?+ takes place )\t ,my p]mission1 &  
all ?+s "w toge!r = ! good ( ^? :o love 
,me4 ,& h] trial 0 ev5 !n ab\t to end4  
,x happ5$ a few days aft]w>ds1 :5 all ! 
inhabitants ( ! palace 7 assembl$ r\nd !
 fire 9 ! hall 7= x 0 9 ! w9t] season71 
t ,mobilia began z usual to attack h]   

"m-9-law1 & to turn h] mode ( life into 
ridicule1 ) ev5 great] bitt]ness ?an    
usual2 & turn+ to h] husb& & to 8 fa!r1 
%e exclaim$ impati5tly t %e c\ld n      
und]/& h[ !y all[$ h] to foll[ h] mean &
 degrad+ pursuits1 to mix ) ! refuse ( !
 rabble1 & draw d[n ^u ! :ole family n  
only m]it$ disgrace1 b intol]able       
inconv5i5ces4 ,%e 0 go+ on 9 ?is way1 & 
speak+ ) great viol5ce1 :5 all ( a sudd5
 %e turn$ z pale z dea?1 a fit ( trembl+
 came ov] h]1 & 9 a mom5t %e fell back  
s5seless4 ,francesca & ,vannozza c>ri$  
h] to h] b$1 :]e1 recov]+ h]            
consci\sness1 %e 0 seiz$ ) mo/ acute    
pa9s4 ,! int5sity ( h] suff]+s drew f h]
 ! mo/ pite\s cries4 ,!n h] consci5ce 0 
r\s$2 !n1 z if sudd5ly awak5$ to a s5se 
( ! enormity ( h] conduct1 ) a falt]+   
voice %e murmur$3 ,my pride6 my dreadful
 pride6 ,francesca b5t ov] h] g5tly1    
entreat$ h] to be> h] suff]+s pati5tly1 
assur$ h] !y w\ld soon subside4 ,!n     
,mobilia bur/ into an agony ( te>s1 &   
exclaim$ be=e all ! by/&]s1 ,!y w       

subside1 my de> "m1 if y ask x ( ,god2 b
 ,i h des]v$ m1 mu* m1 by my horrible   
behavi\r to y4 ,=give me1 de> "m2 pray =
 me4 ,i ackn[l$ge my fault4 ,h5ce=w>d1  
if ,god sp>es my life1 y\r daught] w be 
to y ! mo/ lov+1 ! mo/ ob$i5t ( h&maids4
 ,take me 9 y\r arms1 "m1 & bless y\r   
*ild4 ,francesca press$ to h] bosom !   
beautiful "y creature 9 :om su* a *ange 
_h be5 sudd5ly wr\ght1 & :ile %e f]v5tly
 bless$ h]1 ,mobilia felt t all h] pa9s 
_h left h]4  ,f t day =w>d ! :ole tone (
 h] m9d 0 alt]$2 h] conv]sion 0         
complete4 ,francesca became to h] an    
object ( ! mo/ affectionate v5]ation2 %e
 consult$ h] ab\t all h] actions1 &     
communicat$ to h] h] mo/ secret ?\ghts4 
,utt]ly despis+ ! vanities ( ! _w :i* _h
 l$ h] a/ray1 %e adopt$ h] views &      
op9ions1 & set entirely at naught !     
s$uctions ( worldly gr&eur4 ,! sanctity 
( ,francesca 0 n[ s evid5t to h] t %e   
began to wat* h] actions1 h] words1 e   
detail ( h] life1 ) a mixture ( awe & ( 
int]e/2 & kept a record 9 writ+ ( all t 

%e obs]v$1 & ( ! miracul\s occurr5ces   
:i* 7 s (t5 tak+ place ?r\gh h]         
in/rum5tality1 z well z 9 h] own p]son4 
,! =em5tion$ p>ticul>s %e atte/$ ^u oa? 
aft] ! ,sa9t's dea?1 :5 ! depositions 7 
tak5 :i* s]v$ at a lat] p]iod = !       
process ( h] canonisation4 ,! mo/       
intimate fri5d%ip e/abli%$ itself betwe5
 ,bapti/a's wife & 8 "m2 no?+ c\ld exce$
 ! devot$ & affectionate rev]5ce ( ! "o1
 or ! t5d]ness ) :i* x 0 repaid by !    
o!r4 ,francesca1 ) ! mo/ wat*ful love1  
att5d$ to ,mobilia's slighte/ wants or  
wi%es3 nurs$ h] assidu\sly 9 h]         
conf9em5ts1 & be/[$ ^u h] gr&*ildr5 !   
same c>es t %e _h lavi%$ on h] own      
*ildr54 ,x 0 a great relief to h] t     
,mobilia1 :o 0 n[ only occupi$ ) h]     
duties1 assum$ at h] reque/ ! managem5t 
( ! h\se1 & ! regulation ( all dome/ic  
affairs4 ,%e 0 ?us enabl$ to devote     
h]self m unres]v$ly to ! s]vice ( ! poor
 & ( ! hospitals4 ,! hospital :i* %e    
visit$ mo/ con/antly 0 t :i* h]         
fa!r-9-law _h f\nd$ ne> ! ,*iesa del    

,salvatore1 call$ at a lat] p]iod ,santa
 ,m>ia 9 ,cappella4 ,! miracles wr\ght  
by ! lay+ on ( h] h&s became m num]\s   
?an ev]1 & h] fame increas$ 9           
proportion4 ,! degree 9 :i* h] assi/ance
 0 s\ght1 h] pray]s implor$1 & !        
reputation ( h] sanctity ext5d$1 0      
pa9ful to h] humility2 b h] sup]natural 
gifts 7 too evid5t to be conceal$ f o!rs
 or f h]self1 & !re only rema9$ to h] to
 humble h]self m deeply at ! feet ( !   
,god :o ?us %[$ =? ,8 p[] 9 "o :om %e   
deem$ ! mo/ wor?less ( ,8 creatures4  ,a
 great "w 0 prep>+ = h] h& to d2 ! fir/ 
/one ( a spiritual build+ 0 to be laid2 
%e 0 gr[+ ripe = ! "w2 & ,god 0 draw+   
m5's eyes ^u h] ) wond] & ) awe1 t :5 t 
day came !y might li/5 to h] voice4 ,!  
w>n+s :i* %e gave to p]sons ?reat5$ by  
secret dang]s 7 innum]able2 h] insight  
into ! condition ( _! s\ls m>vell\s4 ,"o
 day %e s5ds ^w to h] confessor t he w  
be s5t = on ! foll[+ night to att5d a   
sick p]son1 b t he mu/ on no acc\nt     
leave 8 h\se2 & x turns out t assass9s 7

 ly+ 9 wait = him 9 ! /reet1 & t !      
pret5d$ sick man 0 a lure to draw him   
out4 ,ano!r "t a y\? ( sixte51 ,jacopo  
,v9c5zo1 is ly+ dang]\sly ill 9 !       
,piazza ,campitelli4 ,8 "m ha/5s to !   
,sa9t1 :o smiles :5 %e ent]s ! room1 &  
bids h] g 9 peace1 = h] son has recov]$2
 & on h] return %e f9ds him 9 p]fect    
heal?4 ,%e sees a prie/ at ! alt>1 & he 
appe>s to h] sight z if cov]$ ) a       
frightful leprosy4 ,by h] confessor's   
ord] %e relates h] vision to ! object ( 
x2 &1 conf\nd$ & amaz$1 ! unhappy man   
ackn[l$ges t he 0 celebrat+ 9 a /ate (  
mortal s94 ,he rep5ts1 confesses1 &     
am5ds 8 life4 ,two m5 pay a visit toge!r
 to ! ,ponziano ,palace2 "o is ! nephew 
( ,vannozza1 a pi\s & exempl>y prie/2 ! 
o!r a "y man ( tw5ty1 :om he has adopt$4
 ,ang] is work+ 9 ! bosom ( ! y\?2 he   
has suff]$ f 8 b5efactor "s imag9>y     
wrong1 & he is plann+ 8 rev5ge1 & is    
ab\t to utt] a calumny :i* w affect 8   
"*4 ,francesca takes him aside3 :at c %e
 "k ( :at is pass+ 9 8 s\l3 h[ read :at 

has n be5 reveal$ to any human creature8
 ,%e tells him :at he designs1 & awak5s 
him to a s5se ( 8 +ratitude1 he no soon]
 has left ! h\se ?an1 fall+ at ! feet ( 
8 companion1 he confesses to him 8      
crime1 & implores 8 =giv5ess4 ,cecca    
,cl>elli1 a relation ( ! ,ponziani1 is  
deliv]$ ( a little girl 9 su* app>5t    
good heal? t no "o ?9ks ( baptis+ h]2 a 
gr& c]emony = ! purpose is prep>+ 9 a   
neighb\r+ *ur*1 to take place ! foll[+  
day2 b 9 ! middle ( ! night ,francesca  
arrives1 & entreats t ! *ild may be     
in/antly baptis$4 ,! p>5ts & ! prie/    
object1 b ! ,sa9t is urg5t2 %e w take no
 d5ial2 ) reluctance h] reque/ is       
compli$ )1 & no soon] has ! sacram5t be5
 conf]r$ ?an ! infant expires4 ,a *ild (
 ! same p>5ts1 a lovely little girl1 is 
dumb2 %e is f\r ye>s old1 & n a s+le ^w 
has %e ev] pron\nc$4 ,&reozzo1 h] fa!r1 
entreats 8 wife to c>ry h] to ! ,sa9t1 &
 implore h] assi/ance4 ,francesca's     
humility _c endure ?is direct appeal1 & 
%e tries to put !m (f2 b1 deeply affect$

 by _! te>s1 %e at la/ t\*es ) h] f+] ! 
tongue ( ! little ,camilla1 & says1     
,hope e ?+ f ! m]cy ( ,god2 x is z      
b\ndless z ,8 p[]4 ,! p>5ts dep>t full (
 fai? & com=t2 & ere !y rea* _! h\se1 ! 
*ild has utt]$ ) p]fect di/9ctness !    
bless$ names ( ,jesus & ,m>y2 & f t day 
=w>d acquires & reta9s ! p[] ( spee*4   
,no wond] t ! "n ( ,francesca gr[s e day
 m fam\s1 & t %e is e day m de> to ! p  
among/ :om %e dwells2 t he>ts are       
subdu$1 s9n]s reclaim$1 m\rn]s consol$  
by ! sight ( h] bless$ face1 by ! sweet 
s\nd ( h] voice4 ,_m rise ab\t h] & call
 h] bless$2 b *ildr51 & m especially h] 
own spiritual *ildr51 are soon to call  
h] "m4 ,a new epo* is n[ at h& 9 h]     
c>e]4 ,god _h plac$ 9 h] he>t _m ye>s   
ago a hope :i* %e _h nurs$ 9 secret1 &  
wat]$ ) h] te>s1 & fo/]$ by h] pray]s4  
,nev] impati5t1 nev] be=eh& ) ,god's    
provid5ce1 %e wait$3 ,8 "t 0 %e knew to 
be h] "t2 ,8 w 0 ! passion ( h] he>t1 h]
 end1 h] rule1 & ,god _h made h] w ,81 &
 br\ght ab\t by sl[ degrees its         

accompli%m5t4 ,p]mission to lab\r       
fir/1--! result f> di/ant1 b cle>1 !    
vision ( t result1 :5 once ,he _h said  
to h]1 ,beg9 & "w4 ,to t>ry pati5tly = t
 signal1 to obey x unhesitat+ly :5 once 
giv51 is ! rule ( ! sa9ts4 ,h[ m>vell\s 
is _! in/9ct6 h[ accordant _! practice6 
,fir/1 ! hidd5 life1 ! common life2 !   
sil5ce ( ! h\se ( ,naz>e?2 ! c>p5t]'s   
%op2 ! m>riage-fea/1 x may be1 = "s2 &  
at la/1 ! h\r is come1 & ! true "w = :i*
 !y are s5t into ! _w has to be done1 9 
! des]t or 9 ! cloi/]1 9 ! temple or 9 !
 m>ket-place1 on ,m\nt ,?abor or on     
,m\nt ,calv>y2 & ! m>tyr or ! confessor1
 ! f\nd] or ! re=m] ( a religi\s ord]1  
comes =?1 & 9 an in/ant1 or 9 a few     
ye>s1 p]=ms a "w at :i* e>? wond]s &    
angels rejoice4     ,,*apt] ,x4         
,,francesca ,,lays ,,! ,,f\ndation ,,(  
,,h] ,,future ,,congregation--,,h]      
,,pilgrimage ,,to ,,assisi4  ,,lor5zo   
,,ponziano',s admiration & affection = 8
 wife _h gone on increas+ ) advanc+     
ye>s2 ! p]fection ( h] life1 & !        

miracles he _h s (t5 se5 h] p]=m1       
inspir$ him ) an unb\nd$ rev]5ce4 ,8    
cont9ual pray]1 ! ard5t desire ( 8 he>t1
 0 to h h] by 8 side z 8 guide & 8      
gu>dian angel dur+ ! rema9d] ( 8 life & 
at ! h\r ( 8 dea?4 ,p]haps x 0 to w91 z 
x 71 f ,provid5ce ! fav\r he s e>ne/ly  
implor$1 t he resolv$ 9 no way to be a  
clog on h] actions1 or an ob/acle 9 !   
way ( ,god's designs ^u h]4 ,tak+ h]    
aside "o day1 he spoke to h] ) ! greate/
 affection1 & (f]$ to release h] f all !
 obligations impos$ by ! /ate ( m>riage1
 to all[ h] ! fulle/ lib]ty ( action & !
 mo/ absolute control ov] h] own p]son1 
h] own "t1 & h] own conduct1 on "o only 
condition1--t %e w\ld promise nev] to   
cease to inhabit 8 h\se1 & to guide him 
9 ! way 9 :i* h] example _h hi!rto l$   
him4 ,francesca1 pr(\ndly t\*$ by 8     
k9dness1 did n hesitate to give ?is     
promise4 ,%e accept$ 8 proposal joyfully
 & gratefully1 9 s mu* z x conduc$ to ! 
accompli%m5t ( ,god's w & ( ,8 ult]ior  
designs ^u h]2 b %e cont9u$ to devote   

h]self to h] excell5t husb&1 & ) ! mo/  
att5tive solicitude to r5d] him e s]vice
 9 h] p[]4 ,he 0 n[ 9 v decl9+ heal?1 & 
%e r5d]$ him by day & by night all !    
c>es ( ! t5d]e/ nurse4 ,! religi\s life1
 ! natural complem5t ( su* a c\rse z h]s
 _h be51 (t5 =m$ ! subject ( h]         
m$itations2 & ,god1 :o de/9$ h] to be ! 
f\ndress ( a new congregation ( pi\s    
wom51 sugge/$ to h] at ?is "t ! fir/    
/eps t[>ds its accompli%m5t4  ,x w be   
rememb]$ t f h] *ildhood upw>d %e _h be5
 us$ to frequ5t ! *ur* ( ,santa ,m>ia   
,nuova1 on ! ,=o ,romano2 h] "m _h done 
s be=e h]1 & _h intru/$ h] to !         
spiritual direction ( "o ( ! mo/ em95t  
memb]s ( ! ord] by :om t *ur* 0 s]v$4   
,santa ,m>ia ,nuova is "o ( ! olde/     
*ur*es 9 ,rome4 ,x _h be5 de/roy$ &     
rebuilt 9 ! eigh? c5tury2 & 9 #aceb _h  
be5 giv5 up to ! ,olivetan monks ( ,/4  
,b5$ict4 ,z ! congregation :i*          
,francesca in/itut$ 0 orig9ally =m$ on !
 model1 & aggregat$ to t ( ! religions (
 ,m\nt ,olivet1 x w n be irrelevant to  

give "s acc\nt ( _! orig9 & ! life ( _! 
illu/ri\s f\nd]4  ,b]n>d ,ptolomei or   
,tolomei1 :o 0 suppos$ to be desc5d$ f !
 ,ptolemies ( ,egypt1 0 born 9 #abgb4   
,di/+ui%$ by 8 precoci\s abilities1 he  
became1 at ! e>ly age ( tw5ty-two1      
*ief-magi/rate 7gonfaloni]e7 ( 8 native 
t[n1 ,si5na2 & at tw5ty-five atta9$ to !
 dignity ( doge4 ,soon aft] he 0 sudd5ly
 /ruck ) bl9dness1 & ! mat]ial d>kness 9
 :i* he f\nd himself involv$ op5$ 8     
m5tal sight to ! light ( religi\s tru?4 
,he turn$ ) 8 :ole he>t to ,god1 &      
irrevocably devot$ himself to ,8 s]vice 
& to a life ( au/]ity & m$itation4 ,!   
,bless$ ,virg9 miracul\sly re/or$ 8     
sight1 & 8 purpose /ood firm4 ,divid+ 8 
=tune into two equal p>ts1 he be/[$ "o  
half on ! poor1 & ! o!r to ! f\ndation (
 pi\s in/itutions4 ,) a few companions  
he retir$ into ! m\nta9\s des]ts (      
,accona1 ab\t fifte5 miles f ,si5na1 :]e
 !y gave !mselves up to a life (        
asceticism & pray]1 :i* attract$ to _!  
solitude _m dev\t s\ls f v>i\s p>ts ( ! 

_w4 ,satan1 z usual1 set 8 batt]ies 9   
array aga9/ ! new an*orites1 & trials ( 
v>i\s sorts assail$ !m 9 turn4 ,!y 7 ev5
 d5\nc$ to ,pope ,john ,,xxii4 z p]sons 
ta9t$ ) h]esy2 b ,tolomei1 )            
,piccolom9i1 "o ( 8 companions1 made _! 
way to ,avignon1 & !re1 9 ! pres5ce ( ! 
sov]eign ,pontiff1 completely cle>$     
!mselves f ! calumni\s imputation4 ,_!  
ord] 0 approv$1 & !y return$ to ,accona1
 :]e !y took ! "n ( ,congregation ( ,m>y
 ( ,m\nt ,olivet ( ! ,b5$ict9e ,ord]4   
,?is 0 by ! express desire ( ! ,bless$  
,virg91 :o _h appe>$ to ! sa9t1 & enjo9$
 him to adopt ! rule ( ,/4 ,b5$ict1     
promis+ at ! same "t h] protection to ! 
new ord]4 ,on ! #bf? ( ,m>*1 #acai1 !   
new religi\s receiv$ _! habits2 & ,m\nt 
,accona took ! "n ( ,m\nt ,olivet1 9    
hon\r ( ! agony ( our ,"l4 ,t]rible 7 ! 
conflicts ( ! holy f\nd] ) ! ,evil ,"o2 
b out ( !m all he came victori\s4 ,8    
expositions ( ,scripture 7 wond]ful1 &  
d]iv$1 x 0 said1 f 8 my/ical colloquies 
) ! ar*angel ,/4 ,mi*ael4 ,! au/]ity ( 8

 life 0 extreme2 8 p5ances sev]e &      
cont9ual4 ,9 #acdh ,/4 ,b5$ict appe>$ to
 him & ann\nc$ ! approa* ( ! pe/il5ce   
:i* 0 soon to visit ,italy1 & w>n$ him (
 8 own dea?1 :i* spe$ily foll[$4 ,_m ( 8
 disciples _h visions ( ! glori\s       
translation ( 8 s\l to heav52 & num]\s  
miracles wr\ght at 8 tomb bore witness  
to 8 sanctity4 ,8 monks inhabit$ ! *ur* 
& ! cloi/]s ( ,santa ,m>ia 9 ,dom9ica1  
or1 z x is m commonly call$1 9          
,navicella1 f ! rudely-sculptur$ m>ble  
monum5t t /&s on ! grass be=e its       
portal1 a remnant ( bygone days1 to :i* 
nei!r hi/ory nor tradition has giv5 a   
"n1 b :i* has itself giv5 "o to !       
picturesque old *ur* t /&s on ! br[ ( ! 
,coelian ,hill4 ,z _! numb]s aft]w>ds   
increas$1 !y 7 put to great inconv5i5ce 
by ! n>r[ limits ( _! abode2 & ,c>d9al  
,beltorte1 titul> ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1
 obta9$ = !m f ,pope ,clem5t ,,vi4      
possession ( ! *ur* ( t "n4 ,!y accept$ 
! gift ) joy2 = n only did x owe its    
orig9 to ! fir/ ages ( ,*ri/ianity1 b x 

conta9$ _m valuable relics2 & among/ o!r
 treasures "o ( ^? pictures ( ! ,bless$ 
,virg9 :i* tradition has ascrib$ to ,/4 
,luke ! ,evangeli/2 to ?is day x is     
v5]at$ 9 t spot2 & ^? :o kneel at ! tomb
 ( ,/4 ,francesca ,romana1 on rais+ _!  
eyes to ! alt> above x behold ! sacr$   
image :i* has be5 v5]at$ = s _m         
g5]ations4  ,?r\gh prosp]ity & adv]sity 
,francesca _h nev] ceas$ to frequ5t t   
*ur*4 ,at its confessional & at its     
alt>s %e _h be5 a con/ant att5dant4 ,o!r
 wom51 h] fri5ds & imitators1 _h foll[$ 
h] example2 b\nd by a t5d] fri5d%ip1 b5t
 on ! same objects1 unit$ by ! same love
 ( ,jesus & ( ,m>y1 (t5 & (t5 !y _h be5 
!re toge!r1 ^? noble wom5 :o _h resolv$ 
to glory 9 no?+ b ! ,cross1 to h no rank
 b t ( h&maids 9 ! h\se ( ! ,"l4        
,francesca 0 _! model1 _! tea*]1 _!     
*]i%$ guide3 !y clung to h] ) ! t5d]e/  
affection2 !y 71 accord+ to an ,ea/]n   
poet's expression1  ,footnote3,!y a r[ (
 pe>ls1 & ,i   ,! silk5 cord on :i* !y  
lie4  a r[ ( goodly pe>ls1 & %e ! silk5 

cord :i* b\nd !m toge!r4 ,!y 7 com+ out 
( ! *ur* "o ev5+1 :5 ,francesca gave !m 
! fir/ intimation ( h] hopes ( _! future
 de/9y4 ,!y 7 n %[n ! di/ant sc5e1 only 
! fir/ /ep !y 7 to take4                
,footnote3,lead ?\ me on2 ,i d n ask to 
see ,! di/ant sc5e3 "o /ep en\gh = me4  
,newman's ,v]ses on ,religi\s ,subjects 
,x 0 "o ( ^? small beg9n+s s trifl+ 9   
m5's sight1 s important 9 _! results1--!
 gra9 ( mu/>d-se$ h]eaft] to gr[ into a 
tree4 ,francesca spoke to !m1 z !y walk$
 along1 ( ! ord] ( ,/4 ,b5$ict1 ( !     
sanctity ( its f\nd]1 ( ! virtues1 !    
piety1 ! good works ( its memb]s1 &     
submitt$ to !m t by tak+ ! "n ( ,oblates
 ( ,m\nt ,olivet1 & obs]v+ conjo9tly    
c]ta9 rules1 su* z might befit p]sons   
liv+ 9 ! _w1 !y might p>ticipate 9 _!   
m]its1 & enjoy _! privileges4 ,h]       
companions hail$ ?is proposal ) joy1 &  
begg$ h] to use all h] ef=ts to c>ry x  
into effect4 ,don ,antonio1 to :om      
,francesca communicat$ _! pi\s wi%es1   
l5t a fav\rable e> to ! reque/1 & 9 8   

turn br\ght x "u ! notice ( !           
,vice-,prior ,don ,ippolito1 :o1 9 !    
abs5ce ( ! sup]ior1 0 *>g$ ) ! gov]nm5t 
( ! mona/]y4 ,he 0 ! same :o at "o "t   
=m$ ! project ( leav+ ! ord]1 & 0 det]r$
 f s do+ by ,francesca's advice4 ,he    
readily receiv$ _! ov]tures1 & obta9$ = 
h] & = h] companions f ! ,g5]al ( !     
,ord] p]mission to assume ! "n (        
,oblates ( ,m>y1 a p>ticul> aggregation 
to ! mona/]y ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 & a 
%>e 9 ! suffrages & m]its ( ! ord] ( ,/4
 ,b5$ict4  ,greatly rejoic$ at ! happy  
result ( _! application1 !y gave        
!mselves to fa/+1 pray]1 & p5ance1 9    
prep>ation = _! special consecration to 
! ,bless$ ,virg94 ,x took place on !    
,fea/ ( ! ,assumption ( ! ye> #adbe4    
,at break ( day1 9 ! *ur* ( ,santa ,m>ia
 ,nuova1 ,francesca1 ,vannozza1 ,rita de
 ,celli1 ,agnese ,selli1 & six m noble  
,roman ladies1 confess$1 receiv$ ! pi\s 
in/ructions ( ,don ,antonio1 &          
communicat$ at a ,mass :i* ,don         
,ippolito said be=e ! miracul\s image ( 

! ,bless$ ,virg94 ,imm$iately aft] !    
holy sacrifice1 !y d$icat$ !mselves to  
h] s]vice1 accord+ to ! =mula us$ by !  
,olivetan monks2 only t ! phrase me (f]o
 0 sub/itut$ = pr(iteor2 & t in/ead (   
tak+ solemn v[s1 !y 7 simply affiliat$  
to ! ,b5$ict9e ,ord] ( ,m\nt ,olivet4   
,su* 0 ! fir/ beg9n+ ( ! congregation ( 
:i* ,francesca 0 ! "m & f\ndress4 ,9 ^! 
e>ly times1 ,don ,antonio1 _! director1 
did n assign !m any special occupation1 
& only urg$ !m to ! mo/ scrupul\s       
ob$i5ce to ! comm&m5ts ( ,god & ( !     
,*ur*1 to a t5d] devotion to ! ,"m (    
,god1 a dilig5t p>ticipation 9 !        
,sacram5ts1 & ! ex]cise ( all ! ,*ri/ian
 virtues1 & ! v>i\s works ( m]cy4 ,! l9k
 betwe5 !m consi/$ 9 _! con/ant         
att5dance at ! *ur* ( ,santa ,m>ia      
,nuova1 :]e !y receiv$ communion on all 
! ,fea/s ( our ,lady1 & 9 a t5d]        
v5]ation = ,francesca1 :om !y look$ ^u z
 _! spiritual "m4 ,!y _h incessant      
rec\rse to h] advice2 & h] simple/ words
 7 z a law to !m1 h] conduct _! example4

 ,%e assum$ no p[]1 & disclaim$ all     
au?ority2 b ! sov]eign empire ( love 0  
=c$ into h] reluctant h&s4 ,!y insi/$ on
 be+ gov]n$ by "o !y held 9 su*         
affection1 & gave up e pleasure = ! sake
 ( be+ ) h]1 & %>+ 9 h] pursuits4  ,x 0 
9 ! summ] ( ! foll[+ ye> t ,francesca   
decid$ on p]=m+ a pilgrimage to ,santa  
,m>ia1 or1 z x is m commonly call$ ,la  
,madonna degli ,angeli1 9 hon\r ( our   
,lady & ( ! s]aphic ,sa9t ( ,assisi4    
,vannozza & ,rita eag]ly agre$ to       
accompany h]2 & !y resolv$ to set on on 
! #b;d ( ,augu/1 9 ord] to arrive 9 "t =
 ! celebrat$ indulg5ce del ,p]dono4 ,x 0
 9 pov]ty1 n only ( _s b ( actual       
reality t !y wi%$1 to p]=m _! j\rney to 
! tomb ( ! great apo/le ( pov]ty1--to g 
on foot1 & unprovid$ ) money1           
provisions1 or com=ts ( any sort4       
,lor5zo & ,p>azza1 :o _h readily cons5t$
 to ! propos$ pilgrimage1 demurr$ = a   
:ile at ?is mode ( c>ry+ x out2 b       
,francesca pray$ 9 h] oratory t ,god    
w\ld incl9e _! he>ts to cons5t to x2 &  

soon1 ) a reluctant smile1 !y cons5t$ to
 all %e propos$1 & bo? only ejaculat$1  
,g on y\r way 9 peace2 d z y li/1 & only
 pray = u4 ,out ( ! gates ( ,rome !y    
w5t1 ?r\gh t c\ntry s well kn[n to ^? :o
 h (t5 visit$ ! ,et]nal ,city2 up ! hill
 f :5ce ! fir/ sight ( its domes & its  
t[]s1 ( its tombs & ( its p9es1 is hail$
 ) rapture1 f :5ce a long la/ l+]+ look 
( love is ca/ ^u :at ! he>t :isp]s is   
its own ,ca?olic home4 ,x 0 ! fir/1 & z 
x w\ld seem ! only occasion 7at lea/    
none o!r is m5tion$ 9 h] life7 9 :i*    
,francesca left its walls1 & trod o!r   
gr\nd ?an t :i* ! /eps ( s _m m>tyrs h  
hall[$1 ! blood ( s _m sa9ts has        
consecrat$4 ,! valleys ( ,veii on ! "o  
h&1 ! heights ( ,baccano on ! o!r1 !    
beautiful & /ately m\nta9 ( ,soracte1   
met _! eyes z !y d ours3 w\ld t we look$
 ^u !m ) ! same e>?-ab/ract$ gaze z     
!irs6 ,! ,go?ic t[]s ( ,civita          
,ca/ellana look$ d[n ^u ! humble        
pilgrims z !y pass$ by 9 pi\s m$itation4
 ,! s\nd ( _! sweet voices1 recit+      

pray]s or *ant+ hymns1 m+l$ ) ! murmurs 
( ! /ream t ba!s ! old walls ( ,nurni2 &
 !n ?r\gh ! wild defile ( ,monte ,somma 
into ! lovely ,umbrian ,vale !y w5t1    
?r\gh t en*ant+ l& :]e e tree & rock    
we>s ! =m t ,claude ,lorra9e or         
,salvator ,rosa h made famili> to ! eye 
& de> to ! poetic m9d2 :]e ! v9es hang 9
 graceful g>l&s1 & ! fireflies at night 
dance f b\gh to b\gh2 :]e ! brooks & !  
riv]s are ( ! col\r ( ! sapphire or !   
em]ald1 & ! purple m\nta9s smile r ?an  
fr[n on ! sunny l&scape2 :]e ! t[ns & ! 
conv5ts1 ! *ur*es & ! cottages1 are set 
l :ite gems 9 ! deep v]dure t surr\nds  
!m4 ,!re is no l& m fair1 no sky m      
t5d]ly blue1 no breeze m balmy1 ?an ! l&
 :]e ,spoleto & ,toligno & ,assisi rise 
9 _! picturesque beauty1 ?an ! sky :i*  
spreads its azure ro( ov] ! ,umbrian    
travell]'s head1 ?an ! airs :i* are     
waft$ f ! heights ( ,monte ,falco1 or ! 
hill ( ,p]ugia4 ,beautiful is t c\ntry6 
fair ^! works ( ,god6--b m beautiful    
/ill is ! invisible _w :i* ,francesca & 

h] companions contemplat$1 ! :ile1 )    
we>y pati5t feet1 9 ! sultry ,augu/     
wea!r1 !y trod ! l5g!n+ road f "o humble
 re/+-place to ano!r4 ,fair] ! inw>d    
p]fection ( a s\l :i* ,god has r5ew$1   
?an all ! gorge\s b evanesc5t lovel9ess 
( e>?'s mo/ lovely sc5es4  ,at l5g? _!  
pilgrimage is draw+ to a close2 ! t[]s (
 ! ,madonna degli ,angeli are conspicu\s
 9 ! di/ance2 half unconsci\sly !y ha/5 
9 approa*+ x2 b ! heat is int5se1 & _!  
lips p>*$ ) ?ir/2 !y c h>dly speak1 = _!
 tongues cleave to ! ro( ( _! m\?s1 :5 a
 /rang] meets !m1 "o ( /rik+ & v5]able  
appe>ance1 & clo!d 9 ! religi\s habit ( 
,/4 ,francis4 ,he hails ! travell]s1 &  
/raightway speaks ( ,m>y & ( ,jesus1 ( !
 my/]y ( ! ,passion1 ( ! wond]s ( ,div9e
 love4 ,nev] h su* words ( fire met !   
e>s ( ! a/oni%$ pilgrims4 ,_! he>ts burn
 )9 !m1 & !y are ready to exclaim1 ,nev]
 did man speak l to ?is man4 ,francesca 
sees h] angel assume 8 brighte/ aspect4 
,hays ( light seem to d>t f 8 =m1 & to  
envelope 9 a dazzl+ halo ! monk :o is   

address+ !m4 ,%e kn[s him n[2 & makes a 
sign to h] companions4 ,x is ,/4        
,francis himself4 ,x is ! s]aphic sa9t (
 ,assisi4 ,he blesses ! little troop1 & 
t\*+ a wild pe>-tree by ! road-side1 he 
br+s d[n to ! gr\nd a fruit ( su*       
prodigi\s size1 t x s]ves to allay !    
?ir/ & re/ore ! /r5g? ( ! exhau/$       
travell]s4  ,t day !y rea*$ ! %r9e :]e  
!y _h s long$ to kneel2 t little hut1   
once ! abode ( ! sa9t1 :i* /&s 9 its    
r\gh simplicity )9 ! gorge\s *ur*2 :]e !
 ri* & great ( ! _w come daily to d     
homage to ! apo/le ( pov]ty1 ! close    
imitator ( ,him :o _h n (t5 :]e to lay  
,8 head4 ,!re !y receiv$ communion !    
next morn+2 !re !y pray$ = _! abs5t     
fri5ds2 !re ,francesca _h a vision1 9   
:i* %e 0 enc\rag$ to p]sev]e 9 h]       
lab\rs1 to accompli% h] pi\s design1 & !
 protection ( ,jesus & ,8 ,"m 0 promis$ 
to h]4 ,let u foll[ !m 9 ?\ght up ! /eep
 hill to ,assisi--to ! *ur* :]e ! relics
 ( ! sa9t1 :]e 8 mortal rema9s are laid4
 ,let u desc5d into ! subt]ranean *apel1

 pause at e alt>1 & muse on ! records ( 
t a/oni%+ life1 ! mo/ m>vell\s p]haps ( 
any :i* x has ev] be5 p]mitt$ to mortal 
man to live4 ,let u g ) !m to ! home ( 8
 y\?1 :]e 8 confessor%ip began 9 *ildi% 
suff]+s = ! sake ( ,*ri/4 ,let u v5]ate 
) !m ! relics ( ,/4 ,cl>e1 ! g5tle si/] 
_s ^: memory & ^: ord] are l9k$ ) 82 & =
 a mom5t ?9k :at pray]s1 :at v[s1 :at   
acts ( fai?1 ( hope1 ( *>ity1 mu/ h ris5
 l inc5se f ^? devot$ he>ts 9 su* sc5es1
 amid/ su* recollections4 ,d\btless !y  
bore away ) !m a ho/ ( sweet & pi\s     
?\ghts4 ,_! faces mu/ h %one ) heav5's  
own light z !y retrac$ _! /eps to ! home
 :]e lov+ he>ts 7 await+ !m4 ,few su*   
pilgrimages c h ev] be5 p]=m$1          
,francesca at ! tomb ( ,/4 ,francis (   
,assisi mu/ h be5 a bless$ sight ev5 =  
an angel's eyes4        ,,*apt] ,,xi4   
,,dea? ,,( ,,francesca',s ,,fri5d ,,&   
,,director1 ,,don ,,antonio--,,tr\bles  
,,9 ,,rome ,,& ,,italy ,,=etold ,,by    
,,francesca--,,dea? ,,( ,,vannozza1     
,,francesca',s ,,si/] ,,9               

,,law--,,f\ndation ,,( ,,!              
,,congregation ,,( ,,oblates ,,( ,,tor  
,,di ,,spec*i4  ,,! extraord9>y graces  
:i* _h att5d$ our ,sa9t dur+ h]         
pilgrimage 7 ! prelude ( a trial :i* 0  
await+ h] 9 ,rome4 ,h] e>lie/ fri5d1 h] 
long-tru/$ guide1 ,don ,antonio         
,savello1 _h di$ dur+ h] abs5ce4 ,?\gh  
%e accept$ ?is disp5sation ( ,god's     
provid5ce ) h] habitual resignation1 x  
cut h] to ! he>t4 ,%e _h deeply lov$ &  
rev]5c$ h] spiritual fa!r2 he _h        
in/ruct$ h] 9 *ildhood2 direct$ h] ev]  
s9ce ) wisdom & fai?fulness2 & 8 loss 0 
9 "o s5se great] to h] ?an t ( any o!r  
fri5d4 ,x occurr$1 too1 at ! v mom5t :5 
%e 0 ab\t to c>ry out ! ,div9e          
intimation ) reg>d to ! f\ndation ( a   
new ,congregation1 :5 difficulties 7 e  
:]e />+ h] 9 ! face1 & ! want ( a p[]ful
 & will+ auxili>y m ?an ev] ne$ful4 ,%e 
did n1 h[ev]1 lose c\rage1 b pray$      
f]v5tly t ,god w\ld inspire h] *oice ( a
 director2 & mu* "t %e sp5t on h] knees 
implor+ ?is fav\r4 ,no d\bt ! selection 

%e made 0 ! result ( ^! pray]s2 & "o ( !
 pro(s t ,god's ways are n z our ways1  
nor ,8 ?\ghts z our ?\ghts4 ,h] *oice   
fell on ,don ,giovanni ,mattiotti1 !    
curate ( ,santa ,m>ia 9 ,tra/ev]e1 to   
:om %e _h already sometimes be5 to      
confession4 ,he 0 a man ( irreproa*able 
"* & di/+ui%$ piety1 b ( an irresolute &
 vaccillat+ disposition1 easily         
di%e>t5$2 nor w\ld he at fir/ sight h   
appe>$ qualifi$ = ! direction ( a p]son 
z f> advanc$ 9 p]fection z ,francesca1  
on :om ,god _h su* great designs1 & )   
:om ,he *ose to deal 9 su* wond]ful     
ways4 ,b ! trials :i* ,francesca _h to  
endure f ! irresolution ( ,don          
,giovanni2 ! pati5ce ) :i* %e submitt$  
to 8 v>y+ comm&s2 & ! sup]natural means 
?r\gh :i* he 0 taught to recognise h]   
sanctity1 & to assi/ 9 c>ry+ out h]     
designs1 t5d$ 9 ! end to ! glory ( ,god1
 & ! praise ( ! ,sa9t1 ^: v humility 0 a
 trial to h]1 9 ^? days ( small beg9n+s1
 & (t5 ( pa9ful d\bts4 ,crosses ( v>i\s 
k9ds arose 9 connection ) ! und]tak+4   

,"s ( ! monks ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 =  
in/ance1 took occasion1 on ! visits ( a 
fa!r inspector1 to compla9 ( ,don       
,ippolito1 & to accuse him ( transgress+
 ! /atutes1 & go+ beyond 8 p[]s1 9      
admitt+ a congregation ( wom5 to ! "n & 
! privileges ( _! ord]2 especially      
consid]+ t sev]al ( ^! wom5 7 m>ri$1 &  
liv+ 9 ! _w4 ,b ! visitor 0 a man (     
piety & prud5ce4 ,he closely exam9$ into
 ! "q1 & satisfi$ himself t ! in/itution
 t5d$ to edification1 & 0 pleas+ to     
,god2 & he sanction$ x accord+ly1 z f> z
 0 9 8 p[]1 & promis$ to advocate its   
cause ) ! fa!r-g5]al4  ,9 ! mon? ( ,july
 ( #adcj ,francesca _h a rem>kable      
vision1 :i* indicat$ to h] ! ev5ts t 7  
spe$ily to foll[1 & :i* %e prophesi$ )  
an accuracy1 t1 9 ! end1 occasion$ g5]al
 a/oni%m5t4 ,"o night1 aft] sp5d+ sev]al
 h\rs 9 pray]1 %e saw a lurid light1    
?r\gh :i* a numb] ( ,satan's m9i/]s 7   
hurry+ to & fro1 %ak+ _! tor*es1 &      
rejoic+ ) dreadful glee ov] ! imp5d+    
calamities ( ,rome4 ,! ,sa9t fell on h] 

knees1 & bes\ght ! ,"l to sp>e h]       
unhappy c\ntry4 ,!n fall+ into ec/asy1  
%e beheld ! ,infant ,jesus 9 ,8 ,"m's   
arms surr\nd$ ) angels1 & ,/4 ,pet]1 ,/4
 ,paul1 & ,/4 ,john ! ,bapti/ 9 !       
attitude ( pray]1 plead+ = m]cy to !    
,et]nal ,city1 :i* !y seem$ to protect  
by _! f]v5t supplications4 ,at ! same "t
 %e he>d a voice t said1 ,! pray]s ( !  
sa9ts h /ay$ ! arm ( ! ,"l2 b woe to !  
guilty city if %e rep5t n1 = great      
afflictions are at h&4 ,"s days aft]w>ds
 ! lightn+ fell simultane\sly on !      
*ur*es ( ,/4 ,pet]1 ,/4 ,paul1 & on !   
%r9e ( ,/4 ,john ,bapti/ 9 ! ,lat]an    
,basilica4 ,francesca %udd]$ :5 %e he>d 
( x2 %e felt at once t ! day ( grace _h 
gone by2 & 9 ?rill+ words describ$ to h]
 confessor1 & to sev]al o!r p]sons t 7  
pres5t1 ! mis=tunes t 7 ab\t to fall ^u 
,rome4  ,! fulfilm5t ( h] pr$ictions 0 n
 long delay$1 ?\gh no?+ at ! "t seem$ to
 give !m weight4 ,! unwe>i$ ex]tions (  
,m>t9 ,v4 _h succe$$ 9 heal+ ! w\nds (  
,*ri/5dom4 ,9 ,rome he _h repress$      

an>*y1 recall$ ! exil$ citiz5s to _!    
homes1 rebuilt ! *ur*es1 giv5 a new     
impulse to ! gov]nm5t1 to ! adm9i/ration
 ( ju/ice1 to politics1 to lit]ature1 to
 sci5ce1 & to art4 ,he _h work$ h>d to  
promote a re=mation 9 ! mann]s ( !      
cl]gy1 & effect$ 9 _m places !          
re-e/abli%m5t ( ! discipl9e ( ! ,*ur*4  
,! legates :om he s5t to all ! c\rts (  
,europe _h re/or$ "s degree ( union     
betwe5 ! ,*ri/ian pr9ces1 & prea*$ a    
crusade aga9/ ! ,turks & ! foll[]s (    
,john ,huss4 ,he _h call$ toge!r a      
c\ncil1 :i* 0 fir/ conv5$ at ,pavia1 &  
aft]w>ds remov$1 fir/ to ,si5na1 & !n to
 ,basle4 ,b be=e he c\ld him self jo9 ! 
assembly1 dea? ov]took him4 ,worn out ) 
8 indefatigable lab\rs = ! welf>e (     
,*ri/5dom1 he w5t to receive 8 rew>d at 
an unadvanc$ age1 9 ! mon? ( ,febru>y ( 
! ye> #adca4  ,gabriel ,c&aluc]o succe$$
 him "u ! "n ( ,eug5ius ,,iv4 ,! fir/   
,consi/ory :i* he held 0 m>k$ by a      
fe>ful accid5t1 :i* p *ose to consid] z 
an evil om54 ,! floor ( ! hall gave way1

 & 9 ! mid/ ( ! confusion t ensu$ a     
bi%op 0 kill$1 & _m p]sons griev\sly    
w\nd$4 ,a discont5t$ monk put ab\t !    
report t ,m>t9 ,v4 _h di$ 9 possession (
 a consid]able treasure2 & ! ,colonnas1 
cat*+ eag]ly at ?is pretext1 took up    
arms to make good _! claims to ?is      
suppos$ h]itage4 ,once m ! adv]se       
factions rose aga9/ ea* o!r1 & blood    
fl[$ 9 ! /reets ( ,rome4 ,! ,colonnas 7 
con/ra9$ to fly2 & ! monk1 convict$ (   
hav+ conspir$ to deliv] up ! ,ca/le (   
,/4 ,angelo to ! rebels1 & to get !     
,pope assass9at$1 0 condemn$ to dea? &  
execut$4 ,a tempor>y reconciliation 0   
effect$ betwe5 ,eug5ius ,,iv4 & ! too   
p[]ful family ( ! ,colonnas2 b _!       
haughty & viol5t temp] soon br\ght ab\t 
a rupture4 ,!y advanc$ ^u ,rome at !    
head ( _! troops2 a bloody engagem5t    
took place "u ! walls ( ! city1 9 :i* ! 
pontifical troops _h ! upp] h&1 b _m ( !
 nobles p]i%$ 9 ! affray4  ,conflicts ( 
a /ill m h>r[+ nature n[ arose betwe5 ! 
,pope & ! ,c\ncil ( ,basle4 ,duke       

,philip ( ,milan avail$ himself ( ?is   
opportunity to retrieve ! sacrifices he 
_h made 9 a treaty :i* ! ,pope _h l$ him
 to sign ) ! ,v5etians4 ,he =g$ a decree
 :i*1 purport$ to proce$ f ! fa!rs ( !  
c\ncil1 appo9t+ him lieut5ant-g5]al ( ! 
,*ur* 9 ,italy2 & arm$ ) ?is assum$     
title1 he despat*$ to ! ,roman ,/ates   
,francesca ,s=za & ,ni*olas ,=tebraccio1
 two fam\s adv5tur]s 9 8 pay4 ,! latt]  
advanc$ ^u ,rome1 & began to deva/ate   
its neighb\rhood4 ,! ,pope1 :olly       
unprep>$ = def5ce1 w>d$ (f ! dang] by   
s[+ diss5sion betwe5 ! two g5]als1 :i*  
he effect$ by giv+ up to ,s=za1 = 8     
lifetime1 ! possession ( ,ancona1 & ( ! 
prov9ces :i* he _h conqu]$ 9 ! /ates ( !
 ,*ur*4 ,s=za1 9 consequ5ce1 took "p )  
,eug5ius1 & defeat$ ,=tebraccio at      
,tivoli2 b 9 ! meantime a g5]al         
insurrection broke out 9 ,rome itself4  
,! ,ghibell9e p>ty attack$ ! ,pope1 laid
 siege to ! *ur* ( ! ,holy ,apo/les1 :]e
 he _h tak5 %elt]1 & f :5ce he escap$ ) 
difficulty disguis$ z a monk1 emb>k$ on 

! ,tib]1 & f\nd a refuge fir/ at ,pisa &
 !n at ,bologna4 ,rome 0 giv5 up = five 
mon?s to all ! horrors ( an>*y1 !       
pontifical palace pillag$1 & new        
magi/rates *os5 9 lieu ( ^? appo9t$ by !
 ,pope2 ! g>rison ( ! ca/le ( ,/4       
,angelo alone rema9+ firm 9 its         
allegiance to ! sov]eign ,pontiff4 ,we>y
 at la/ ( s mu* disord]1 ! city ( its   
own accord submitt$ itself to lawful    
au?ority4 ,eug5ius s5t a legate1 :o 9 "s
 measure succe$$ 9 re-e/abli%+ peace2 b 
he himself rema9$ 9 ! nor? ( ,italy1    
engag$ 9 convok+ a c\ncil1 :]e) to      
oppose ! irregul> decrees ( t assembl$  
at ,basle4  ,^! ev5ts1 :i* spread ov]   
sev]al ye>s1 are relat$ 9 confirmation (
 ! prophetical gifts ( ,francesca1 :o   
accurately =esaw & =etold !m :5 no?+    
presag$ _! occurr5ce4 ,at ! "t :5 ?is   
/orm 0 ab\t to bur/ ov] ,italy1 & !     
beg9n+ ( sorr[ 0 at h&1 %e 0 doom$ to   
exp]i5ce ano!r ( ! heavy afflictions t  
life _h yet 9 /ore = h]4 ,vannozza1 h]  
*]i%$ companion1 h] si/]1 h] c\nsellor1 

h] bosom fri5d1 0 summon$ to receive h] 
heav5ly cr[n2 & %e h]self to add to all 
h] virtues a m p]fect deta*m5t f all    
e>?ly ties4 ,!y _h be5 unit$ by e l9k t 
affection1 sympa?y1 & simil>ity ( feel+1
 ta/es1 & op9ions c create betwe5 two   
he>ts devot$ to ,god1 & ?r\gh ,him to   
ea* o!r4 ,_! union _h n be5 obscur$ by !
 smalle/ cl\d4 ,toge!r !y _h pray$1     
suff]$1 & lab\r$2 & 9 trials & joys     
alike !y _h be5 insep>able4 ,francesca  
_h be5 w>n$ 9 a vision ( ! approa*+ end 
( h] si/]-9-law2 & at l5g?1 /rong 9     
fai?1 %e /&s by h] dy+-b$2 & :5 ! ,evil 
,"o1 baffl$ 9 life1 makes a f9al ef=t to
 di/urb ! dep>t+ s\l1 %e prays = !      
belov$ ( h] he>t1 spr9kles holy wat] on 
t mu*-lov$ =m1 reads al\d ! hi/ory ( !  
,passion ( our ,"l2 & ,vannozza1        
support$ by ^? sacram5tal graces :i*    
,satan _c )/&1 foll[$ almo/ beyond !    
v]ge ( life by t wat*ful t5d]ness :i* _h
 be5 h] joy on e>?1 sees ! evil _s      
retire be=e ! might ( ,francesca's      
angel1 & brea!s h] la/ 9 p]fect peace4  

,! s\l :i* _h s]v$ & lov$ ,god s f]v5tly
 ^u e>? 0 c>ri$ up to heav5 9 a =m      
visible to ! eyes ( h] fri5d2 a pure    
flame1 envelop$ 9 a light transp>5t     
cl\d1 0 ! symbol ( t g5tle _s's flight  
into its k9dr$ skies4  ,! mortal rema9s 
( ,vannozza 7 laid 9 ! *ur* ( ! ,ara    
,coeli1 9 ! *apel ( ,santa ,croce4 ,!   
,roman p resort$ !re 9 cr[ds to behold  
once m _! lov$ b5efactress1--! "m ( !   
poor1 ! consol] ( ! afflict$4 ,all /rove
 to c>ry away "s little memorial ( "o :o
 _h gone ab\t among !m do+ good2 & dur+ 
! ?ree days :i* prec$$ ! int]m5t1 !     
conc\rse did n abate4 ,on ! day ( !     
fun]al1 ,francesca knelt on "o side ( ! 
c(f91 &1 9 sight ( all ! cr[d1 %e 0 rapt
 9 ec/asy4 ,!y saw h] body lift$ f !    
gr\nd1 & a s]aphic expression 9 h]      
uplift$ face4 ,!y he>d h] murmur sev]al 
times ) an indescribable emphasis ! ^w1 
,:58 :58 7,qu&o8 qu&o87 ,:5 all 0 ov]1  
%e /ill rema9$ immovable2 x seem$ z if  
h] s\l _h ris5 on ! w+s ( pray]1 &      
foll[$ ,vannozza's _s into ! realms (   

bliss4 ,at la/ h] confessor ord]$ h] to 
rise1 & to g & att5d on ! sick4 ,%e     
in/antly compli$1 & walk$ away to !     
hospital :i* %e _h f\nd$1 app>5tly      
unconsci\s ( e ?+ ab\t h]1 & only r\s$ f
 h] trance by ! habit ( ob$i5ce :i*1 9  
or out ( ec/asy1 nev] =sook h]4  ,f t   
day h] visions grew m frequ5t & m       
a/oni%+4 ,%e seem$ to live 9 heav52 &   
dur+ ^? h\rs ( my/ical int]c\rse ) sa9ts
 & angels1 & ) ! ,"l ( angels & ( sa9ts1
 to obta9 sup]natural lights :i* guid$  
h] 9 ! f\ndation ( h] new congregation4 
,! ,bless$ ,virg9 reveal$ to h] t ,/4   
,paul1 ,/4 ,b5$ict1 & ,/4 ,m>y ,magdal5e
 7 to be its protectors2 & t ,don       
,giovanni ,mattiotti1 h] director1 ,fra 
,b>tolommeo ,biondii1 ( ! ord] ( ,/4    
,francis1 & ,don ,ippolito1 ( !         
,olivetan ,ob$i5ce1 7 to co-op]ate ) h] 
9 its e/abli%m5t4 ,to ,don ,giovanni a  
p>ticul> message 0 s5t to confirm him 9 
! int5tion ( =w>d+ ! "w1 & to w>n him   
aga9/ disc\ragem5t f ! _m difficulties x
 w\ld meet )4 ,wond]ful 7 ! sights :i* x

 0 giv5 h] to see 9 ^? long ec/asies1   
dur+ :i* h] s\l seem$ to abs5t itself f 
h] all-b spiritualis$ body4 ,sometimes a
 spee*less contemplation held all h]    
faculties 9 abeyance2 at o!rs1 9 burn+  
words1 %e describ$ :at pass$ be=e h]    
m5tal sight4 ,at times h] motionless    
attitude almo/ wore ! semblance ( dea?2 
:ile (t5 %e mov$ ab\t & p]=m$ v>i\s     
actions 9 connection ) ! subjects ( h]  
visions4 ,9 ! *ur*es :i* %e frequ5t$1--9
 ,santa ,croce 9 ,g]usalemme1 9 ,santa  
,m>ia 9 ,tra/ev]e1 9 ! ,*apel ( !       
,angels 9 ,santa ,cecilia1 9 h] own     
oratory1--%e is fav\r$ ) ! pres5ce (    
cele/ial visitants4 ,! v>i\s            
ecclesia/ical fea/s ( ! ye> br+ ) !m    
analog\s revelations2 %e sp5ds h] "t 9 !
 cave ( ,be?lehem & ! h\se ( ,naz>e?1 on
 ! m\nta9s1 :]e ,jesus 0 wont to pray1  
:]e ,he 0 transfigur$1 :]e ,he agonis$1 
& :]e ,he di$4 ,%e adores ) ! %eph]ds & 
! wise m52 %e li/5s to ,8 voice ) !     
disciples & ! dev\t multitude2 %e suff]s
 ) ! ,"m ( sorr[s1 & weeps ) ! ,magdal5e

 at ! foot ( ! ,cross4 ,! beauties ( !  
,new ,j]usalem1 ! lovely pa/ures1 ! fre%
 wat]s1 ! bright fl[]s1 ! preci\s /ones1
 :i* typify ! glories ( ! _w to come1   
are spread be=e h] 9 ^? my/ic trances4  
,deep] & m my/]i\s revelations are      
v\*saf$1 wond]ful secrets disclos$ to h]
 "u expressive symbols1 & ,/4 ,paul is  
h] guide ?r\gh ^? regions :]e he 0      
ravi%$ 9 _s :ile /ill1 l h]1 an         
inhabitant ( e>?4 ,"o day t %e 0 9      
ec/asy a voice ( m ?an common sweetness 
address$ to h] ^! words--,?y pa? is     
/rewn ) ?orns1 ,francesca1 & _m an      
ob/acle w /& 9 ?y way1 ere ?y little    
flock c be ga!r$ toge!r 9 our abode4 ,b 
rememb] t hail does n always foll[ ^u   
?und]1 & t ! brighte/ sun%9e (t5 breaks 
?r\gh ! d>ke/ cl\ds4  ,enc\rag$ by ?is  
intimation1 ! ,sa9t began 9 e>ne/ to    
consid] ( ! means ( e/abli%+ h]         
congregation4 ,dur+ a %ort abs5ce :i* h]
 husb& made f ,rome1 %e invit$ all !    
,oblates to h] h\se1 & hav+ made !m %>e 
h] slight repa/1 %e assembl$ !m ar\nd   

h]1 & spoke to !m to ! foll[+ effect3   
,my de> companions1 ,i h call$ y toge!r 
9 ord] to imp>t to y ! lights :i* ,i h  
receiv$ f ! ,"l & ,8 bless$ ,"m ) reg>d 
to our congregation4 ,= sev5 ye>s we h  
be5 especially consecrat$ to h] s]vice1 
& h b\nd ourselves to live 9 *a/ity &   
ob$i5ce1 & to obs]ve ! rules prescrib$  
to u2 & ,i h long ?\ght t z we h be5    
unit$ 9 _s & 9 int5tion1 s ought we to  
be 9 our outw>d mode ( life4 ,= a :ile  
,i fanci$ t ?is my desire might only be 
! result ( my mat]nal affection = y1 & (
 my solicitude = y\r advancem5t4 ,b !   
,"l has at la/ reveal$ to me t x is ,8 w
 t ,i %\ld f\nd a new spiritual edifice 
9 ?is city1 ! anci5t /ronghold (        
religion & ( fai?4 ,x w =m an asylum =  
^? p]sons ( y\r sex & ( y\r rank :o h   
conceiv$ ! g5]\s resolution ( =sak+ ! _w
 & its allurem5ts2 ,i h tagg$ ( ! ,"l to
 select = ,8 purpose "o less unwor?y ?an
 myself1 b ,i d>e no long] )/& !        
manife/ation ( ,8 w4 ,i am prep>$ to    
accompli% ,8 bidd+2 b )\t y1 my si/]s   

:at c ,i d8 ,y are ! f\ndations ( !     
build+1 ! fir/ /ones ( ! new spiritual  
h\se ( ,8 "m4 ,y are ! se$ f :i* a      
pl5tiful h>ve/ is to spr+4 ,e>?ly c>es1 
! temporal affairs ( life1 mu/ no long] 
take up y\r "t4 ,he summons y to a      
retreat1 :]e y w live 9 ,8 pres5ce1     
imitate ,8 example1 & copy ! virtues (  
,m>y1 :]e y w pray = ,rome1 & turn away 
,8 wra? f ! deg5]ate & guilty city4 ,h y
 n he>d h[ two ye>s ago ! ?und]bolts    
fell on h] sacr$ t[]s8 ,d y n see h[ e  
day fre% mis]ies are ga!r+ on ! devot$  
heads ( h] p8 ,b ,god is full ( m]cy2 :5
 mo/ inc5s$ at our s9s1 ,he ca/s ab\t = 
s\ls t w appease ,8 ang]4 ,he has turn$ 
,8 eyes ^u u4 ,he bids u unite1 & /& 9 !
 brea* betwe5 ,him & ! d>+ s9n]s :o ea* 
day defy ,him4 ,:y t>ry we long]8 :y    
fur!r delay8 ,! arms ( ! ,bless$ ,virg9 
are wide op5 to receive u4 ,%all we draw
 back f h] embrace8--,no1 r let u fly to
 h] feet4  ,z %e pron\nc$ ^! la/ words  
,francesca fell into an ec/asy1 :i* la/$
 = "s "t1 & dur+ :i* %e plead$ ) ,god = 

^? :o 7 to belong to ! new in/itute4 ,h]
 companions gaz$ ^u h] ) sil5t v5]ation2
 & :5 %e came to h]self1 all ) "o       
accord1 & ) te>s ( joy1 pr(ess$ !mselves
 ready to make e sacrifice :i* ,god     
might require ( !m1 & to adopt ! mode ( 
life & ! rule :i* ,francesca might      
sugge/4 ,b _! ass5t 0 only a prelim9>y  
/ep 9 ! und]tak+4 ,x 0 necess>y to f9d a
 h\se suitable to _! purpose1 to obta9 !
 cons5t ( ! /ill exi/+ p>5ts ( "s ( !   
,oblates1 to fix 9 a def9itive mann] _! 
rule & con/itutions1 & f9ally to procure
 ! sanction ( ! ,holy ,fa!r1 & 8        
approval ( ! new ord]4 ,francesca att5d$
 9 turn to ea* ( ^! objects4 ,to ! fir/ 
place %e consult$ h] ?ree coadjutors on 
! *oice ( a h\se2 & difficulties )\t    
numb] arose on ?is po9t4 ,! prie/s 7    
al>m$ at ! s5sation :i* ?is und]tak+    
w\ld produce1 & 7 q at a loss to f9d    
money = ! pur*ase4 ,francesca _h long   
s9ce giv5 away almo/ all t %e possess$4 
,:at little rema9$ 0 devot$ to works (  
*>ity :i* c\ld n be ab&on$1 & all agre$ 

t %e 0 on no acc\nt to h rec\rse on ?is 
occasion to h] husb& or to h] son4 ,:ile
 !y 7 delib]at+1 ,francesca 0 fav\r$ ) a
 vision1 9 :i* ! div9e assi/ance 0      
promis$ to ! ,oblates1 & _! protectors  
7,don ,giovanni 9 p>ticul>7 exhort$ to  
p]sev]ance4 ,enc\rag$ by ^! assurances1 
!y look$ out = a h\se adapt$ to !       
requirem5ts ( a religi\s community2 &   
aft] _m rese>*es ,don ,ippolito propos$ 
to ,don ,giovanni a build+ 9 !          
,campitelli di/rict1 on ! spot :]e ! old
 t[]1 kn[n by ! "n ( ,tor di ,spec*i1   
us$ to /&1 directly opposite to !       
,capitol1 & n f> f ! ,santa ,m>ia       
,nuova4 ,v>i\s ob/acles arose to !      
pur*ase ( ?is h\se1 :i* 0 nei!r z l>ge  
nor z conv5i5t z might h be5 wi%$2 b !y 
7 f9ally ov]come1 & ! acquisition       
complet$ t[>ds ! end ( ! ye> #adcb4 ,?is
 h\se1 :i* 0 at fir/ consid]$ only z a  
tempor>y resid5ce1 0 subsequ5tly add$   
to1 & has rema9$ to ?is day ! c5tral    
h\se ( ! ord]2 & 9 ! pontifical bull !  
congregation is design$ by ! "n (       

,oblates ( ,tor di ,spec*i4 ,?is matt]  
once arrang$1 ,francesca succe$$ 9      
dissipat+ ! objections rais$ by ! p>5ts 
( "s ( ! y\ng] ,oblates1 & to reconcile 
!m to ! propos$ alt]ation 9 _! daught]s'
 mode ( life4 ,x 0 d\btless a trial to  
h] t :ile %e 0 remov+ all ! difficulties
 9 ! way ( ! m p]fect life :i* h]       
companions 7 ab\t to lead1 %e h]self    
c\ld only1 l ,moses1 look on ! promis$  
l& ( spiritual seclusion :i* !y1 h]     
disciples & h] *ildr51 7 ent]+ on1 &    
aft] :i* %e _h ye>n$ f ! days ( h]      
*ildhood4 ,b %e nev] hesitat$ z to h]   
l9e ( duty2 x 0 cle> be=e h]4 ,lor5zo _h
 releas$ h] f all obligations b "o--t ( 
resid+ 9 8 h\se & wat*+ ov] 8 old age4  
,8 infirmities 7 increas+1 & h]         
att5tions indisp5sable to 8 com=t4 ,no  
"o c\ld supply to him ,francesca's c>e4 
,%e (f]$ up to ,god ! daily self-d5ial (
 h] exi/5ce2 & by fre% tok5s ( ,8 fav\r 
,he rew>d$ h] ob$i5ce4  ,h] next anxiety
 0 ! =mation ( ! con/itution & ( ! rules
 :i* 7 to gov]n ! infant congregation2 &

 9 frequ5t conf]5ces ) h] pi\s          
coadjutors ! subject 0 discuss$4 ,aft]  
_m delib]ations1 dur+ :i* !y c\ld arrive
 at no conclusion1 x 0 agre$ t ! matt]  
%\ld be laid be=e ,god 9 pray]2 & _!    
hope 0 n deceiv$4 ,9 a s]ies (          
visions1--9 :i* ,/4 ,paul 9 ! fir/      
in/ance1 & on o!r occasions ! bless$    
,virg9 & ,/4 ,john ! ,evangeli/1 appe>$ 
to ,francesca1--directions 7 giv5 h] s  
ample & s detail$ z to ! rule :i* h]    
spiritual daught]s 7 to foll[1 t !re    
rema9$ no room = hesitation4 ,! sev]al  
fa/s :i* !y 7 to obs]ve2 ! l5g? ( "t :i*
 !y 7 to devote to pray]1 to "w1 & to   
sleep2 ! mann] 9 :i* _! actions 7 to be 
p]=m$2 ! vocal pray]s !y 7 to recite2 ! 
solitude1 ! sil5ce !y 7 to keep2 !      
pov]ty1 ! community ( goods :i* !y 7 to 
practise2 _! dress1 _! occupations1 _!  
sep>ation f ! _w1 _! deta*m5t f all     
e>?ly ties ( int]e/ & k9dr$ :i* !y 7 at 
all times to be inspir$ )2 ! precautions
 to be tak5 9 procur+ ! cons5t ( p>5ts1 
& secur+ ! free action ( ! ,oblates :o  

might h]eaft] jo9 ! ord]1 7 all indicat$
 ) ! greate/ precision2 & in/ructions 7 
transmitt$ to ,don ,giovanni & 8        
co-op]ators to enlight5 !m z to !       
guidance & gov]nm5t ( ! congregation4 ,!
 miracul\s mann] 9 :i* ! ,sa9t _h (t5   
read _! mo/ secret ?\ghts1 ! miracles !y
 saw h] p]=m1 & ! admirable t5\r ( h]   
life1 9 :i* ! mo/ active virtues 7      
comb9$ ) ! deepe/ humility1 &           
sup]natural fav\rs receiv$ ) ! mo/      
pr(\nd self-abasem5t1 7 to !m a w>rant (
 ! g5u95ess ( h] revelations1 ! sub/ance
 ( :i*1 cond5s$ & r$uc$ into a s]ies (  
rules1 are to ?is day obs]v$ by !       
,oblates ( ,tor di ,spec*i4     ,,*apt] 
,,xii4  ,,progress ,,& ,,trials ,,( ,,! 
,,"y ,,community--,,x ,,is ,,confirm$   
,,by ,,! ,,pope--,,tr\bles ,,9 ,,rome   
,,& ,,! ,,*ur* ,,t]m9at$ ,,?r\gh        
,,francesca',s ,,int]cession ,,& ,,!    
,,c\ncil ,,( ,,flor5ce4  ,x 0 on ! #be? 
( ,m>*1 ! ,fea/ ( ! ,annunciation1 9 !  
ye> #adcc1 t ! ,oblates1 t5 9 numb]1 met
 9 ! *ur* ( ,santa ,m>ia 9 ,tra/ev]e1   

:]e _! holy f\ndress _h s long be5 9 !  
habit ( resort+4 ,!y all he>d ,mass1 &  
w5t to communion ) ! utmo/ f]v\r1 & !n 9
 procession proce$$ to ! h\se !y 7      
h5ce=w>d to inhabit4 ,t h\se1 :i*       
n[-a-days is ?r[n op5 dur+ ! ,octave ( !
 ,fea/ ( ,san ,francesca1 :]e "y wom5   
come ) _! little *ildr51 & po9t out to  
!m ! room :i* !y inhabit$ 9 _! own      
*ildhood1 :5 "u ! g5tle c>e ( ! ,oblates
 ( ,m>y4 ,x is no gloomy abode1 !       
,conv5t ( ,tor di ,spec*i ev5 9 ! eyes (
 ^? :o _c und]/& ! happ9ess ( a nun4 ,x 
is su* a place :i* "o loves to see      
*ildr5 92 :]e religion is comb9$ ) e ?+ 
t pleases ! eye & recreates ! m9d4 ,!   
beautiful *apel2 ! g>d5 ) its magnific5t
 orange-trees2 ! op5 gall]ies1 ) _!     
fanciful decorations & sc5ic recesses1  
:]e a holy picture or figure takes y by 
surprise1 & meets y at e turn2 ! light  
airy rooms :]e religi\s pr9ts &         
ornam5ts1 ) fl[]s1 birds1 & +5i\s toys1 
te/ify t innoc5t enjoym5ts are enc\rag$ 
& smil$ ^u1 :ile f e w9d[ may be caught 

a glimpse ( ! ,et]nal ,city1 a spire1 a 
ru9$ wall1--some?+ t speaks ( ,rome &   
its ?\s& *>ms4 ,on ,holy ,?ursday no    
sepul*re is m beautiful ?an t ( ,tor di 
,spec*i4 ,fl[]s )\t end1 & bright       
hang+s1 all sweet & co/ly ?+s1 d homage 
to ! ,"l 9 ! h\rs ( ,8 lov+ imprisonm5t4
  ,b on ! day :5 ,francesca's companions
 fir/ ent]$ ^? walls1 !re 0 no?+ v fair 
or beautiful to greet !m1 ?\gh !y e>n$  
!re1 h[ev]1 9 _! he>ts1 f ! alt> !y _h j
 left1 ! s\rce ( all light & love2 & to 
! eyes ( fai? ! sc5e mu/ h be5 a bright 
"o4 ,) delight !y ex*ang$ !n ord9>y     
dress = t :i* ! rule prescrib$3         
,francesca alone /ood among !m no nun 9 
h] outw>d g>b1 b ! true/ nun ( all1     
?r\gh ! inw>d consecration ( h] :ole be+
 to ,god4 ,agnese de ,sellis1 a relation
 ( h]s1 & a woman highly di/+ui%$ =     
virtue & prud5ce 0 elect$ sup]ior ( !   
h\se4 ,!re 0 a truly admirable spectacle
 pres5t$ to ! p ( ,rome2 ^! wom5 7 all (
 noble bir?1 & accu/om$ to all ! com=ts 
& conv5i5ces ( life4 ,mo/ ( !m _h be5   

weal?y2 "s ( !m 7 /ill "y2 & = ! love ( 
,god !y _h giv5 op e ?+1 & made ov] _!  
possessions to _! relations2 = x 0 n to 
lead a life ( ease1 ( religi\s quietude1
 ( holy contemplation alone1 t !y _h    
sep>at$ !mselves f ! _w4 ,x 0 to imitate
 ! pov]ty ( ,*ri/1 to place 9 ! common  
/ock1 z ! fir/ ,*ri/ians did1 ! little  
!y _h res]v$1 & to endure all !         
privations incid5t on pov]ty4 ,_! exact 
& spontane\s ob$i5ce to ! g5tle ,agnese 
0 z rem>kable z ! sweetness & humility )
 :i* %e rul$4 ,seldom se5 abroad1 _!    
h\rs 7 divid$ betwe5 pray]1 m$itation1  
spiritual read+1 & works ( m]cy4        
7,footnote3 ,! rule :i* !y !n adopt$    
rema9s ! same to ?is day4 ,! ,oblates ( 
,tor di ,spee*i are n1 /rictly speak+1  
nuns3 !y take no v[s1 & are b\nd by no  
obligations "u pa9 ( s92 !y are n       
cloi/]$1 & _! dress is t :i* 0 worn at !
 p]iod ( _! e/abli%m5t by ! wid[s ( !   
,roman nobles47 ,francesca1 oblig$ to be
 abs5t f !m 9 body1 0 ev] pres5t ) !m 9 
_s4 ,%e 0 ! t5d]e/ "m to ! little flock 

t _h ga!r$ "u h] %elt]+ w+3 m9i/]+ to _!
 necessities2 visit+ !m z (t5 z %e c\ld 
leave h] husb&'s side2 excit+ !m on to  
p]fection by h] words & example2 consol+
 ! weak1 & confirm+ ! /rong4  ,x 0 n to 
be expect$ t ! infant congregation c\ld 
be free f evil reports1 & f ! k9d (     
p]secution :i* ev] att5ds ! und]tak+s & 
tries ! c\rage ( ,god's mo/ fai?ful     
s]vants4 ,! mode ( life ( ! ,oblates    
became ! g5]al subject ( conv]sation2 & 
?\gh ! wis] & bett] portion ( !         
community 7 fill$ ) respect & admiration
 = _! virtues1 !re 7 n want+ p]sons to  
raise a cry aga9/ !m & aga9/ _!         
f\ndress1 & to compla9 t wom5 %\ld be   
all[$ to l5d an exi/5ce :i* 0 /rictly   
speak+ nei!r secul> nor religi\s2 a     
mona/]y )\t enclosure1 )\t v[s1 )\t     
rev5ues1 )\t any security = its p]man5t 
support4 ,_! comm5ts 7 n )\t effect on !
 naturally irresolute m9d ( ,don        
,giovanni ,mattiotti & ,fra ,b>tolommeo 
,bi&ii4 ,! =m]1 9 p>ticul>1 grew        
discont5t$ & despond+4 ,! direction ( ! 

ord] 0 a heavy burd5 to him2 & 8 fai? 9 
,francesca's revelations 0 %ak5 by ! _m 
worldly difficulties :i* he =esaw4 ,!   
miracul\s mann] 9 :i* ! ,sa9t read 8    
?\ghts1 & transmitt$ to him & 8         
companion ! repro(s & enc\ragem5ts :i* 7
 sup]naturally address$ to !m ?r\gh !   
m$ium ( "o ( h] visions1 op5$ _! eyes to
 a s5se ( _! pusillanimity1 & made !m   
a%am$ ( _! misgiv+s4  ,ano!r ?reat5$    
trial 01 by ! m]cy ( ,god1 turn$ into a 
consolation4 ,"o ( ! y\nge/ ( !         
,oblates1 ,augu/9a ,coluzzi1 0 ! only   
*ild ( h] "m1 :o 0 a wid[4 ,?is "m _h   
made a g5]\s sacrifice to ,god 9 gladly 
surr5d]+ ?is belov$ daught] to !        
exclusive s]vice ( ,him :o _h call$ h]  
to t high vocation2 b %e _h miscalculat$
 h] sacrifice1 or1 p]haps1 tru/$ too mu*
 to h] own /r5g?4 ,:5 ! sacrifice 0     
made1 ! human feel+s rose 9 h] he>t )   
t]rible viol5ce1 & life appe>$ to h] z  
"o dre>y blank1 n[ t h] home 0 %orn (   
its light1 n[ t ! belov$ *ild ( h] he>t 
_h ceas$ to gladd5 h] eyes4             

,self-reproa* = _! va9 rep9+s height5$  
h] mis]y1 & mis]y at la/ grew into      
despair4 ,9 an in/ant ( wild            
recklessness %e seiz$ a knife1 & 0 ab\t 
to de/roy h]self1 :51 l an angel at !   
h\r ( h] utmo/ ne$1 h] daught] 0 at h]  
side1 & arre/$ h] arm4 ,x 0 s aga9/ all 
rules & all probabilities t %e %\ld h   
come to h] at t mom5t1 t %e gaz$ on h] 9
 sil5t a/oni%m5t4 ,francesca 0 9 pray]  
at ! mom5t1 :5 ,satan _h be5 tempt+ !   
un=tunate woman2 & ! dreadful dang] %e 0
 9 0 miracul\sly reveal$ to h]4 ,%e     
in/antly ord]$ ,augu/9a to leave :at %e 
0 ab\t1 & hurry to h] "m4 ,! "y girl    
arriv$ 9 "t2 & s great 0 ? impression   
:i* ?is m]ciful int]position produc$ on 
! "m1 s deep h] s5se ( ! p]il to :i* h] 
s\l _h be5 expos$1 t %e ha/5$ to ?r[    
h]self at ,francesca's feet1 & ) bless+s
 on h] & on h] daught]1 %e express$ h]  
gratitude = ,augu/9a's vocation1 & h]   
e>ne/ wi% t %e %\ld rema9 fai?ful to x4 
,ano!r trial arose 9 ^? e>ly days at    
,tor di ,spec*i f ! resolution =m$ by a 

weal?y "y heiress to jo9 ! ord]4 ,%e    
belong$ to "o ( ! noble/ families 9     
,rome1 & 0 b5t on employ+ h] =tune 9    
support+ ! infant congregation4         
,francesca 0 reluctant to receive h]2 b1
 ov] p]suad$ by ! op9ions ( o!rs1 %e    
gave way4 ,a viol5t opposition          
imm$iately arose2 & !re 0 no end to !   
calumnies & vitup]ations :i* 7 employ$  
on ! occasion4 ,francesca1 aga9         
enlight5$ by a div9e intimation1 insi/$ 
on re/or+ ! "y p]son to h] family2 & a  
rule 0 h5ce=w>d made t none b p]sons ( a
 m advanc$ age %\ld be admitt$ into !   
ord]4  ,^! & _m o!r difficulties r5d]$ x
 v desirable t ! approval ( ! ,holy     
,fa!r %\ld set its seal on ! "w1 &      
furni% x ) a %ield aga9/ ! malice ( !   
_w4 ,! p]missions :i* !y s\ght 7 z      
foll[s3 #a/1 t ! ,oblates %\ld be all[$ 
! rights to live 9 community1 & to admit
 o!r p]sons into _! society2 #b;d1 t !y 
might elect = !mselves a sup]ioress2    
#c;d1 t ?is sup]ioress %\ld h ! p[] (   
*oos+ a confessor = ! h\se2 #d?1 t !y   

%\ld h a *apel 9 :i* to he> ,mass1 to g 
to confession & to communion1 & be      
exempt$ f ! jurisdiction ( ! p>i% & !   
p>i% prie/s4 ,?is s*eme 0 fully approv$ 
( by ! ?ree coadjutors2 b x 0 "s "t be=e
 ,don ,giovanni c\ld be induc$ to lay x 
be=e ! sov]eign ,pontiff4 ,he alleg$ t !
 di/urb$ /ate ( ,rome1 & ! _m di/ract+  
c>es :i* 7 besett+ ! ,holy ,fa!r1 held  
out no prospect ( success 9 su* a       
mission2 b1 urg$ by v>i\s irresi/ible   
pro(s t ,god will$ t he %\ld und]take x1
 he at la/ cons5t$4 ,! petition 0 fram$ 
9 ! "n ( ! ,oblates1 ,francesca         
absolutely refus+ to be m5tion$ z !     
f\ndress4 ,:ile he b5t 8 way to !       
pontifical palace1 ! ,oblates ( ,tor di 
,spec*i & ! monks ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova 
jo9$ 9 f]v5t pray] to ,god = ! success (
 8 application4 ,eug5ius ,,iv4 receiv$  
,francesca's mess5g] ) great k9dness1 & 
bade him c>ry back to h] assurances ( 8 
fav\rable disposition t[>ds !           
congregation1 recomm5d+ himself at !    
same "t to h] pray]s & to ^? ( h] si/]s4

 ,he comm5d$ ! exam9ation ( ! case to   
,gasp>d1 ,ar*bi%op ( ,conza1 & enjo9$   
him to v]ify ! facts recit$ 9 !         
petition1 & to communicate on ! subject 
) ! prior & ! monks ( ,santa ,m>ia      
,nuova2 & if satisfi$ ) ! result1 to    
grant ! privileges !re9 reque/$4 ,!     
ar*bi%op appli$ himself ) dilig5ce to ! 
execution ( ^! ord]s2 & ! orig9al       
docum5t 9 :i* ?is au?orisation is       
record$ /ill exi/s among/ ! ar*ives ( ! 
mona/]y4 ,x /ipulates t ! ,oblates %all 
be subject to ! jurisdiction ( ! sup]ior
 & ( ! monks ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 & t 
!y may cont9ue to inhabit ! h\se ( ,tor 
di ,spec*i until su* "t z !y %all h made
 pur*ase ( ano!r4 ,a %ort "t aft]w>ds ! 
,oblates1 full ( gratitude & joy at !   
fav\rs :i* _h be5 grant$ !m1 & e day m  
satisfi$ ) _! abode1 solicit$ & obta9$  
p]mission to rema9 9 x 9 p]petuity4 ,?is
 la/ transaction took place at ! v "t :5
 ,rome 0 giv5 up to an>*y1 & frightful  
disord]s reign$ )9 its walls2 :5 !      
pontifical magi/rates _h be5 ?ru/ aside1

 & furi\s demagogues in/all$ 9 _!       
places4 ,! ,pope _h tak5 refuge 9       
,bologna1 & x is f t t[n t is dat$ !    
la/-m5tion$ decree4 ,! congregation 0   
successively confirm$ by ?ree ( ! g5]als
 ( ! ,olivetan ord]2 & 9 #addd ,eug5ius 
,,iv4 ext5d$ /ill fur!r ! privileges &  
fran*ises ( ! ,oblates4  ,francesca 0   
deeply impress$ ) ! responsibility %e _h
 incurr$ 9 ! e/abli%m5t ( h]            
congregation1 & felt h]self b\nd to     
advance m & m 9 virtue h]self1 z well z 
fur!r ! piety ( h] spiritual daught]s4  
,dur+ h] visits to ! conv5t %e us$ to "w
 indiscrim9ately 9 ! kit*5 or 9 ! p>l\r2
 wait$ at table1 & clean$ ! plates1 z x 
might happ52 & c\ld n be> to be treat$ )
 ! lea/ di/9ction4 ,9 com+ 91 & 9 go+   
away1 %e always rev]5tly kiss$ ! h& (   
,agnese de ,sellis ! sup]ioress1 & ask$ 
= h] bless+4 ,%e sometimes accompani$ ! 
si/]s to h] v9ey>d ne> ,/4 ,paul )\t !  
,walls1 :]e !y ga!r$ wood1 & c>ri$ x    
back to ,rome b\nd 9 faggots = burn+4   
,%e g5tly reprov$ "o ( ! ,oblates :o1 on

 "o ( ^! occasions1 s\ght to scre5 h] f 
obs]vation :5 an illu/ri\s p]sonage 0   
pass+ by4 ,%e took !m ) h] to visit !   
hospitals & ! pov]ty-h\ses 9 ! city3 & !
 miracul\s cures :i* %e p]=m$ 9 _!      
pres5ce confirm$ _! fai?1 & inflam$ !m )
 ! mo/ ard5t desire to imitate h]       
example4  ,at ! "t t ! mis=tunes ( ,rome
 7 at _! height1 ,francesca appe>$ "o   
morn+ at ! mona/]y1 & ga!r+ ar\nd h] h] 
spiritual daught]s1 %e ?us address$ !m3 
,:at %all we d1 my *ildr58 ,! wra? (    
,god is w>r+ fi]ce aga9/ our unhappy    
c\ntry2 ,rome is 9 ! h&s ( cruel &      
lawless m52 ! ,holy ,fa!r 9 exile2 8    
m9i/]s prison1 8 life s\ght aft] z if he
 7 an odi\s oppressor1 & we "k n :5 to  
look = 8 return4 ,immorality is         
increas+1 vice triumphant1 hell yawn+ = 
s\ls :i* ,*ri/'s blood has r$eem$1 & ^? 
:o ought to ext+ui% d b excite ! flame1 
& draw ^u u ! j judgm5t ( ,god4 ,!      
,bless$ ,virg9 requires at our h&s m    
f]v5t pray]s1 m te>s1 m p5ances4 ,we mu/
 supply = ! great de>? ( love4          

,mortifications & pray] are ! weapons we
 are furni%$ )2 our he>ts are ! victims 
:i* mu/ he sla9 = m5's s9s2 our te>s mu/
 qu5* ^? unholy fires2 we %all n be true
 ,oblates until we h made a complete    
sacrifice ( ourselves1 ( our s\ls & (   
our bodies1 to ! ,"l4 ,we are few2 b d n
 d\bt ! /r5g? ( pray]4 ,let u be f]v5t &
 p]sev]e1 & soon we %all reap ! fruit ( 
our int5se supplications1 ( our         
long-cont9u$ plead+s2 & lib]ty1 peace1 &
 all ,god's bless+s1 w be re/or$ to     
,rome4 ,francesca's exhortations _h _!  
effect1 & ! f]v5t pray]s !y drew =? _h  
!irs also2 = 9 ! same ye> ! ,bi%ops (   
,recaunti & ( ,turpia reassum$1 9 !     
,pope's "n1 possession ( ! city2 & !    
,romans1 we>i$ ) an>*y1 gladly welcom$  
_! rule4  ,a m t]rible evil1 a m appall+
 dang] n[ ?reat5$ n only ,rome b ! :ole 
,ca?olic _w4 ,! undutiful conduct ( !   
,c\ncil ( ,basle1 ) ! viol5ce ( _!      
language ) reg>d to ! ,holy ,see1 br\ght
 matt]s to su* a po9t t a deplorable    
s*ism appe>$ inevitable4 ,pope ,eug5ius 

0 divid$ betwe5 ! fe> ( hurry+ x on1 & t
 ( compromis+ by undue concessions !    
legitimate au?ority ( ! ,*air ( ,pet]4  
,x 0 at ?is juncture t ! ,bless$ ,virg9 
appe>$ "o night to ,francesca1 surr\nd$ 
by sa9ts & apo/les1 s]5ely beautiful1 & 
) a compassionate expression 9 h]       
c\nt5ance4 ,aft] "s prelim9>y spiritual 
in/ructions1 %e intimat$ to ! ,sa9t t   
,god 0 wait+ to h m]cy1 & t ,8 wra? _h  
to be s(t5$ by assidu\s pray]s & good   
works4 ,%e nam$ c]ta9 religi\s ex]cises1
 c]ta9 p5it5tial practices2 :i* 7 to be 
obs]v$ on ! pr9cipal fea/s ( ! ensu+    
ye>2 & recomm5d+ to ! fai?ful 9 g5]al1 &
 m p>ticul>ly to ! ,oblates1 a great    
purity ( he>t1 a s9c]e contrition = pa/ 
s91 & a _s ( e>ne/ *>ity1 %e *>g$       
,francesca to see t h] ord]s 7 compli$  
)2 & disappe>$ aft] be/[+ h] bless+4 ,x 
0 9 va91 h[ev]1 t ?is revelation 0      
communicat$ by ,don ,giovanni to ! cl]gy
 ( ,rome4 ,!y reject$ x z ! dream ( a   
pi\s & sickly woman2 & ev5 ! mo/ e>ne/  
among/ !m absolutely decl9$ to atta* to 

x ! slighte/ importance4 ,n s ! ,vic> ( 
,*ri/1 :5 ,francesca's confessor c>ri$  
to him at ,bologna ! message ( ! sa9t2  
he li/5$ to x ) rev]5ce & gratitude1 &  
s5t back by 8 means all ! necess>y      
m&ates = ! execution ( ! ord]s :i* !    
,bless$ ,virg9 _h giv54 ,:5 he arriv$ at
 ,tor di ,spec*i1 ,francesca met him2 & 
be=e he c\ld op5 8 m\?1 %e gave him an  
exact acc\nt ( all t _h tak5 place on 8 
j\rney1 & ( ! v words :i* ! ,holy ,fa!r 
_h us$ dur+ _! int]view4 ,! ,pope's     
directions 7 att5d$ to1 ! appo9t$       
,masses said1 ! processions organis$2 & 
9 a %ort "t x 0 se5 t a fav\rable result
 ensu$4 ,! ,pope 0 happily inspir$ to   
conv5e ! c\ncil t met at ,f]r>a1 &      
subsequ5tly cont9u$ its lab\rs at       
,flor5ce4 ,?is at la/ put an end to !   
pret5sions ( ! illegal assembly at      
,basle1 & ! w\nds ( ! ,*ur* 7 gradually 
heal$4 ,!re 0 b "o op9ion at ! "t z to !
 cause ( ?is fav\rable *ange 9 ! aspect 
( affairs4 ,x 0 unanim\sly ascrib$ to ! 
pray]s ( ,francesca & to ! ,pope's      

compliance ) ! ord]s %e _h receiv$2 & 9 
! process ( h] canonisation ?is po9t is 
treat$ ( at l5g?1 & satisfactorily      
e/abli%$2 & ^? :o are acqua9t$ ) !      
extreme caution obs]v$ on ^! occasions 9
 admitt+ evid5ce on su* a subject1 w he 
impress$ ) ! conviction t %e 0 us$ z an 
in/rum5t ( ,god's m]cy t[>ds ,8 suff]+  
,*ur*4     ,,*apt] ,,xiii4  ,,dea? ,,(  
,,francesca',s ,,husb&--,,%e ,,goes ,,to
 ,,reside ,,) ,,! ,,community ,,( ,,tor 
,,di ,,speccc--,,h] ,,life ,,z          
,,sup]ioress4  ,,francesca _h be5 =ty   
ye>s m>ri$ to ,lor5zo ,ponziano2 & ?r\gh
 h] m>ri$ life1 ! he>t t _h be5         
consecrat$ to ,god f ! fir/ dawn (      
exi/5ce _h be5 fai?ful 9 its love to him
 :om ,god ,himself _h appo9t$ to be h]  
*ief e>?ly c>e3 & bless$ _h be5 ! c\rse 
( t union2 bless$ by ! t5d] affection   
:i* _h reign$ betwe5 ! husb& & ! wife1 &
 by ! ex]cise ( no common virtues1      
multipli$ by ! pursuits ( "o common     
object4 ,francesca _h l$ ! way2 9       
meekness1 9 humility1 9 subjection2 b ) 

a s+le aim & an unwav]+ purpose4 ,_m &  
sev]e trials _h be5 _! portion at       
diff]5t epo*s ( _! lives2 b ! latt] "p (
 ,lor5zo's exi/5ce _h be5 comp>atively  
tranquil4 ,lor5zo 0 ! fir/ to be call$  
away4 ,god sp>$ him ! trial he _h       
probably dread$4 ,we seldom are call$ ^u
 to suff] ! p>ticul> grief t fancy has  
dwelt ^u4 ,8 heal? _h be5 break+ = "s   
ye>s pa/1 & n[ x utt]ly fail$1 & 8      
disease assum$ an al>m+ "*4 ,francesca1 
?\gh app>5tly worn out ) toil1 )        
ab/95ce1 & m5tal & bodily lab\rs1 f\nd  
/r5g? = e duty1 & en]gy = e em]g5cy4    
,dur+ ,lor5zo's prolong$ & pa9ful       
illness1 %e 0 always at 8 side1 nurs+   
him ) indefatigable t5d]ness1 & complet+
 ! "w :i* h] example _h wr\ght4 ,8      
passage f life to et]nity appe>$ b a    
j\rney4 ,! ef=ts ( ,satan to di/urb him 
on 8 dea?-b$1 ?\gh (t5 repeat$1 7 ea* "t
 fru/rat$4 ,lor5zo _h be5 a j man1 & 8  
dea? 0 ! dea? ( ! righte\s4 ,few m5 w\ld
 h %[n !mselves z wor?y z he did ( su* a
 wife z ,francesca4 ,f ! mom5t ( 8      

m>riage he _h appreciat$ h] virtues1    
rejoic$ 9 h] piety1 enc\rag$ h] good    
works1 & to a great ext5t %>$ 9 !m4 ,no 
mean feel+s ( jeal\sy1 no human respect1
 no worldly s5tim5t ( exp$i5cy _h       
influ5c$ him4 ,:5 he saw h] r5\nc+ all !
 pleasures & vanities ( ! _w1 dress+ l a
 poor p]son1 we>+ h]self out 9 ! zeal ( 
h] *>ity1 turn+ ! half ( 8 palace into a
 hospital1 he did n compla91 b r rejoic$
 t %e 0 "o ( ^? :om fools h = a "t 9    
d]ision1 & = a p>able ( reproa*2 ^: life
 is e/eem$ madness1 & _! end )\t hon\r2 
b :o are numb]$ among/ ! *ildr5 ( ,god1 
& ^: lot is among/ ! sa9ts4 ,he _h 8    
rew>d2 he _h x :5 8 sight fail$ him & 8 
brea? grew %ort1 :5 he felt t 8 h\r 0   
come4 ,he _h x :5 9 8 dy+ e>s %e :isp]$ 
words ( peace2 & ,satan1 ) a cry (      
despair1 = ev] fl$ away f 8 c\*2 & :5 ! 
ev]la/+ portals op5$1 & ! s5t5ce 0      
pron\nc$ at ! imm$iate judgm5t t foll[s 
dea?4 ,masses1 pray]s1 f]v5t communions1
 & pi\s suffrages foll[$ him beyond !   
grave2 & :5 ! sa9t1 :o _h be5 ! model ( 

wives1 /ood by t grave a wid[1 h] e>?ly 
task 01 9 "o s5se1 done3 b "w rema9$2 b 
x 0 ( ano!r sort4 ,f h] e>lie/ y\? %e   
bad be5 a nun 9 _s2 & ! he>t :i* _h     
sigh$ = ! cloi/] 9 *ildhood ye>n$ = its 
%elt] 9 ^! h] latt] days4 ,%e mu/ g &   
live 9 ! %ade ( ! tab]nacle2 %e mu/ be  
alone ) h] ,"l dur+ ! few rema9+ ye>s ( 
life4 ,?is mu/ h be5 =ese5 by h] *ildr52
 & yet1 l all trials ( ! k9d1 h[ev] long
 look$ =w>d to1 x came ^u !m at la/ z a 
surprise4 ,:5 %e said1 ,i mu/ g1 !re 0 a
 l\d cry ( sorr[ 9 ! ,ponziano palace4  
,bapti/a1 ! only son ( h] love1 wept    
al\d4 ,mobilia ?rew h]self into h] arms1
 & ) impetu\s grief1 prote/$ aga9/ h]   
leav+ !m4 ,are y n afraid = me8 %e      
exclaim$1 if y ab&on me1 y :o h taught  
me to love ,god & to s]ve ,him ,i ,:at  
am ,i )\t y8 ,too mu*1 too t5d]ly y h   
lov$ me4 ,x _c be t y %\ld =sake me4 ,i 
_c endure exi/5ce )\t y4 ,h] gr&*ildr5  
also1 :om %e 0 t5d]ly atta*$ to1 clung  
to h]1 weep+4 ,mov$ by _! te>s1 b un%ak5
 9 h] resolution1 %e g5tly consol$ !m2  

bade !m recollect t %e 0 /ill to inhabit
 ,rome2 t h] affection = !m w\ld be     
un*ang$1 & t %e w\ld always be at h& to 
advise & to aid !m2 b t h] vocation mu/ 
n[ he fulfill$1 & ! sacrifice complet$4 
,!n turn+ to ,mobilia1 z to a           
de>ly-belov$ *ild1 %e fondly said1 ,d n 
weep1 my daught]2 y w survive me1 & be> 
witness to my memory4 ,?is pr$iction 0  
fulfill$2 = ,mobilia 0 alive at ! "t t !
 process = ,francesca's canonisation 0  
comm5c$1 & ! te/imony %e gave to h]     
virtues & to h] miracles 0 on t occasion
 mo/ important1 & ! mo/ detail$4  ,aft] 
?is1 ,francesca took leave ( h] family1 
& w5t /raight to ! ,tor di ,spec*i4 ,x 0
 on ! #ba/ ( ,m>*1 ! fe/ival ( ,/4      
,b5$ict1 t %e ent]$ its walls1 n z !    
f\ndress b z a humble suppliant =       
admission4 ,at ! foot ( ! /airs1 hav+   
tak5 (f h] black g[n1 h] veil1 & h]     
%oes1 & plac$ a cord ar\nd h] neck1 %e  
knelt d[n1 kiss$ ! gr\nd1 &1 %$d+ an    
abundance ( te>s1 made h] g5]al         
confession al\d 9 ! pres5ce ( all !     

,oblates2 describ$ h]self z a mis]able  
s9n]1 a griev\s (f5d] aga9/ ,god1 & ask$
 p]mission to dwell among/ !m z ! meane/
 ( _! s]vants2 & to le>n f !m to am5d h]
 life1 & ent] ^u a holi] c\rse4 ,!      
spiritual daught]s ( ,francesca ha/5$ to
 raise & to embrace h]2 & clo?+ h] ) _! 
habit1 !y l$ ! way to ! *apel1 :]e !y   
all return$ ?anks to ,god4 ,:ile %e     
rema9$ !re engag$ 9 pray]1 ,agnese de   
,sellis ! sup]ioress1 assembl$ ! si/]s 9
 ! *apt]-room1 & decl>$ to !m1 t n[ t _!
 true "m & f\ndress _h come among/ !m1 x
 w\ld be absurd = h] to rema9 9 h]      
pres5t (fice2 t ,francesca 0 _! guide1  
_! head1 & t into h] h&s %e w\ld        
in/antly resign h] au?ority4 ,!y all    
applaud$ h] decision1 & ga!r+ ar\nd !   
,sa9t1 ann\nc$ to h] _! wi%es4 ,z 0 to  
be expect$1 ,francesca /r5u\sly refus$  
to acc$e to ?is proposal1 & plead$ h]   
inability to ! duties ( a sup]ioress4 ,!
 ,oblates _h rec\rse to ,don ,giovanni1 
:o began by entreat+1 & f9ally comm&$ h]
 acceptance ( ! *>ge4 ,8 ord]s %e nev]  

resi/$2 & accord+ly1 on ! #be? ( ,m>*1  
%e 0 duly elect$ to t (fice4  ,%e 0     
fav\r$ ) a vision :i* /r5g!n$ & enc\rag$
 h] 9 ! new task %e _h be=e h]4 ,! angel
 :o = tw5ty-f\r ye>s _h be5 by h] side1 
def5d+ & assi/+ h] on all occasions1    
took leave ( h] n[ ) a b5ignant smile1 &
 9 8 place ano!r1 m refulg5t /ill1 0    
orda9$ to /&4 ,by day & by night he 0   
cont9ually weav+ a my/]i\s wo(1 ! ?reads
 ( :i* seem$ to gr[ out ( ! my/ical palm
 :i* he c>ri$4 ,/4 ,b5$ict appe>$ to    
,franceses on ! day ( h] election1 &    
expla9$ to h] ! mean+ ( ^? symbols4     
,gold 0 ! type ( ! love & *>ity :i* 0 to
 gov]n h] deal+s ) h] daught]s1 :ile !  
palm impli$ ! triumph %e 0 to obta9 ov] 
human weakness & human respect4 ,!      
unceas+ lab\rs ( ! angel 0 to m>k !     
unwe>i$ ef=ts %e 0 to use = ! "r ord]+ &
 spiritual welf>e ( ! community intru/$ 
to h] c>e2 & truly %e lab\r$ )          
indefatigable zeal 9 h] new vocation4   
,%e _h ev] be=e h] eyes ! words ( ,/4   
,paul to ,timo?y & to ,titus3 ,prea* !  

^w4 ,be pati5t 9 season & out ( season4 
,entreat1 rebuke1 9 all pati5ce &       
doctr9e4 ,9 all ?+s %[ ?yself an example
 ( good works1 9 doctr9e1 9 integrity1 9
 gravity4 ,prea*+ f> m by h] actions ?an
 by h] words1 %e gave an example ( ! mo/
 h]oic virtues4 ,x w\ld be difficult to 
imag9e any ?+ mom p]fect ?an h] life 9 !
 _w2 b ! new duties1 ! new privileges ( 
h] pres5t vocation add$ ea* day new     
spl5d\r to h] virtues4 ,%e appo9t$      
,agnese de ,sellis h] coadjutress1 &    
begg$ h] to %>e h] room1 & wat* ov] h]  
conduct1 entreat+ h] at ! same "t to w>n
 h] ( e fault %e might commit4 ,h]      
/rictness ) h] spiritual *ildr51 ?\gh   
temp]$ by love1 0 extreme4 ,%e nev] left
 a s+le imp]fection unreprov$1 & all[$ (
 no infractions1 h[ev] slight1 ( ! rule4
 ,sometimes1 :5 ?r\gh %yness or false   
%ame1 !y conceal$ "s trifl+ (f5ce :i* !y
 7 b\nd to confess1 %e read _! he>ts1 & 
rem9d$ !m n to give ,satan a hold ^u !m 
by su* res]ve4 ,%e 0 mo/ c>eful ( _!    
heal?1 & s\ght to procure !m z (t5 z %e 

c\ld "s innoc5t recreation4 ,!y us$     
occasionally to g ) h] to "o or o!r ( h]
 v9e-g>d5s )\t ! walls1 to take ex]cise 
9 ! pure op5 air4 ,francesca's g5tle    
gaiety on ^! occasions increas$ _!      
enjoym5t2 & ! lab\r ( ga!r+ wood &      
grass1 ( mak+ up faggots1 & c>ry+ away  
_! spoil on _! heads at night1 0 a "p ( 
_! amusem5t4 ,! conv]sation t 0 c>ri$ on
 betwe5 !m ! :ile 0 z m]ry z x 0        
innoc5t4 ,^! "y p]sons1 born 9 palaces &
 br$ 9 luxury1 work$ l peasants1 ) m ?an
 a peasant's lightness ( he>t4  ,"o f9e 
sunny ,janu>y day--& ^? :o h inhabit$   
,rome well "k h[ f9e a ,janu>y day c    
be--,francesca & sev5 or eight ( h]     
companions _h be5 s9ce e>ly dawn 9 !    
v9e-g>d5s ( ,porta ,portese4 ,!y _h     
work$ h>d = sev]al h\rs1 & !n sudd5ly   
rememb]$ t !y _h br\ght no provision )  
!m4 ,!y soon became fa9t & hungry1 &    
above all v ?ir/y4 ,p]na1 ! y\nge/ ( all
 ! ,oblates1 0 p>ticul>ly heat$ & tir$1 
& approa*+ ! ,"m ,sup]ior1 ) a we>i$    
expression ( c\nt5ance1 %e ask$         

p]mission to g & dr9k "s wat] at a      
f\nta9 "s way (f on ! public road4  ,be 
pati5t1 my *ild1 ,francesca answ]$2 !   
f\nta9 is too di/ant4 ,%e 0 afraid ( ^! 
"y p]sons dr9k+ cold wat]1 heat$ z !y 7 
by toil & exposure to ! sun4 ,!y w5t on 
) _! "w2 & )draw+ aside1 ,francesca     
knelt d[n1 clasp$ h] h&s1 & ) h] eyes   
rais$ to heav51 said1 ,"l ,jesus1 ,i h  
be5 ?\ghtless 9 br++ my si/]s "h1 &     
=gett+ to provide food = !m4 ,help u 9  
our ne$4  ,p]na1 :o _h kept ne> to ! ,"m
 ,sup]ior1 probably ) ! int5tion ( urg+ 
h] reque/1 ov]he>d ?is pray]1 &1 a      
little irritat$ by ! fev]i% ?ir/ %e 0   
endur+1 said to h]self ) "s impati5ce1  
,x w\ld be m to ! purpose to take u home
 at once4  ,francesca read ! inw>d      
?\ght1 & turn+ to ! discont5t$ girl %e  
said1 ,my *ild1 y d n tru/ en\gh 9 ,god4
 ,look up & see4 ,p]na obey$1 & foll[+ !
 direction ( ,francesca's h&1 %e saw a  
v9e entw9$ ar\nd a tree1 f ^: dead &    
leafless bran*es 7 hang+ a numb] ( !    
f9e/ bun*es ( grapes1 ( t purple &      

burni%$ hue :i* ! f]vid sunbeams (      
,augu/ & ,septemb] imp>t to t glori\s   
fruit4  ,a miracle6 a miracle6 exclaim$ 
! enraptur$ ,p]na2 & ! o!r ,oblates     
assembl$ r\nd ! tree 9 spee*less        
a/oni%m5t1 = !y _h se5 all day ! b>e &  
)]$ bran*es4 ,tw5ty times at lea/ !y _h 
pass$ & repass$ be=e x2 & at all ev5ts !
 season = grapes _h long gone by4  ,aft]
 kneel+ to give ?anks to ,god = ?is     
graci\s prodigy1 !y spread a clo? on !  
grass1 & ga!r$ ! preci\s fruit4 ,!re 7  
exactly z _m bundles z p]sons pres5t2 & 
) smil+ faces & joyful he>ts            
,francesca's *ildr5 f$ on ! supply :i*  
h] pray] _h obta9$ = !m4 ,ob$i5ce 0 a   
virtue ( :i* ! ,sa9t h]self gave a mo/  
p]fect example1 & :i* %e unremitt+ly    
requir$ ( o!rs4 ,"o ( ! ,oblates hav+   
refus$ "o day to comply ) an ord] %e _h 
receiv$1 ,francesca fix$ h] eyes ^u h] )
 an expression ( s mu* sev]ity1 t !     
p]son 9 "q sudd5ly fa9t$ away1 & rema9$ 
aft]w>ds spee*less & 9 a /ate (         
ins5sibility4 ,! doctors 7 s5t =1 &     

decl>$ t h] life 0 9 imm95t dang]4 ,?is 
0 a sev]e trial to ! ,sa9t2 %e c\ld n   
reproa* h]self = a sev]ity :i* _h be5 a 
matt] ( duty1 n ( passion1 b at ! same  
"t %e trembl$ = ! s\l ( "o :o _h        
app>5tly lo/ ! use ( reason at ! v mom5t
 %e 0 committ+ a s]i\s fault4 ,aft]     
address+ a f]v5t pray] to ,god1 & invok+
 ! ,bless$ ,virg91 %e w5t /raight to !  
b$-side ( ! si/]1 & tak+ h] by ! h& )   
great solemnity1 address$ to h] ^!      
words3 ,if x be true t our congregation 
is approv$ ( ,god1 & has ,8 ,holy ,"m = 
its f\ndress1 9 ! "n ( ,holy ,ob$i5ce1  
,i comm& y to speak to me4 ,! ,oblate   
seem$ to awake f a long dream1 & op5+ h]
 eyes1 %e di/9ctly said1 ,"m1 :at w\ld y
 h me to d8 ,f t mom5t %e ralli$1 & 0   
soon re/or$ to heal?4  ,ano!r "t1 :5 an 
ag$ memb] ( ! congregation 0 dy+1 & e   
mom5t expect$ to be h] la/1 ,franceses  
pray$ t %e might n be all[$ to dep>t 9 !
 abs5ce ( ,don ,giovanni1 ! director ( !
 h\se4 ,= six days & six nights ! sick  
woman l+]$ betwe5 life & dea?4 ,on !    

arrival ( h] spiritual fa!r %e reviv$1  
w5t to confession1 & receiv$ ! la/      
,sacram5t ,!n1 z %e aga9 sank into      
ins5sibility1 ,francesca b5t ov] h] &   
said1 ,si/] ,ca!r9e1 dep>t 9 peace1 &   
pray = u2 & 9 t in/ant ! ag$ woman      
expir$4  ,! pov]ty ( ! congregration 0  
extreme4 ,! sl5d] means ( ! fir/        
,oblates _h be5 exhau/$ by ! pur*ase ( !
 h\se & ! erection ( a small *apel4     
,francesca _h inde$ made ov] to x h] two
 v9ey>ds ( ,porta ,portese & ( ,/4 ,paul
 )\t ! ,walls2 b ! trifl+ rev5ue !y     
furni%$ 0 :olly inadequate to ! support 
( fifte5 p]sons2 & moreov] ! religions 7
 s endu$ ) ! _s ( _! f\ndress1 t !y nev]
 c\ld br+ !mselves to turn away a begg> 
f _! doors z long z !y _h a slice (     
bread to be/[4 ,!y (t5 w5t a :ole day   
)\t eat+1 r ?an d5y !mselves ! happ9ess 
( fe$+ ! poor4 ,francesca1 happy 9 !    
virtues ( h] *ildr51 b t5d]ly anxi\s =  
_! welf>e1 0 indefatigable 9 h] ef=ts to
 procure !m ! necess>ies ( life4 ,%e us$
 on ^! occasions to beg ( h] relations1 

or ev5 ( /rang]s2 & ,almighty ,god all[$
 h] sometimes to provide = !m 9 a       
miracul\s mann]4  ,"o day t ! si/] ^:   
turn x 0 to att5d to ! victuall+        
dep>tm5t f\nd h]self unable to put ^u ! 
table any ?+ b two or ?ree small        
fragm5ts ( bread1 %e w5t to consult !   
,sa9t1 :o imm$iately propos$ to g out ) 
h] & beg4 ,accord+ to h] inv>iable      
cu/om1 %e ask$ ,agnese de ,sellis1 h]   
coadjutoress1 = p]mission s to d4       
,contr>y to h] habit on su* occasions1  
,agnese refus$1 & said1 t if x 0        
necess>y = any "o to beg1 %e1 ) ano!r ( 
! si/]s1 w\ld und]take x4 ,!n           
,francesca1 aft] a mom5t's ?\ght1       
repli$1 ,i ?9k t ,god w provide = u )\t 
any "o go+ out ( ! h\se2 & call+ !      
,oblates to ! refectory1 %e ask$ a      
bless+ on ! bread1 & di/ribut$ x 9 m9ute
 portions among/ !m4 ,ea* on beg9n+ to  
eat h] %>e saw x multiply apace2 & n    
only 7 _! wants ?us suppli$ at ! mom5t1 
b en\gh rema9$ :5 !y _h done to furni%  
!m ) food = ! next day4  ,! gift (      

prophecy %e also ex]cis$ m frequ5tly ?an
 ev] at ?is p]iod4 ,once1 :5 %e 0 pray+ 
9 h] cell1 ! nuns he>d h] exclaim1 ,o   
,k+ ( ,heav51 support & com=t t poor    
unhappy "m2 & "s h\rs aft]w>ds1 !y he>d 
t at t v mom5t a "y nobleman1 ,jacobo   
,maddal5i1 _h be5 ?r[n f 8 horse & kill$
 on ! spot1 to ! inexpressible grief ( 8
 "m4 ,lor5zo ,alti]i 0 dy+1 & 8 wife    
,palozza ov]:elm$ ) sorr[2 %e _h sev]al 
"y *ildr51 & 0 almo/ 9 despair at ! idea
 ( los+ h] husb&4 ,! physician _h decl>$
 8 case hopeless2 & :5 %e s5t =         
,francesca h] he>t 0 break+4 ,! ,sa9t   
came up to h]1 & said compassionately1  
,de> si/]1 give up ! love & ! vanities (
 ! _w1 & ,god w take pity ^u y4 ,lor5zo 
w yet recov]2 he w be pres5t at my      
burial4 ,! pr$iction 0 fulfill$1 &      
,lor5zo1 re/or$ to heal?1 assi/$1 z %e  
_h said1 at ! fun]al ( ! ,sa9t2 &       
,palozza1 ^: he>t _h be5 entirely       
conv]t$ at t mom5t1 & :o _h v[$ 9 case (
 8 dea? to retire into a conv5t1 :5ev]  
h] *ildr5 c\ld sp>e h]1 l$ h5ce=w>d1 9 e

 respect1 ! life ( a ,*ri/ian wife & "m4
  ,! ,sup]ioress ( ! ,si/]s ( ! ?ird    
ord] ( ,/4 ,francis consult$ h] "o day  
on ! admission ( a "y girl1 :o _h       
reque/$ to be admitt$ among !m4         
,francesca _h n se5 or kn[n any ?+ ( !  
c&idate1 b unhesitat+ly answ]$1 t !     
vocation 0 n a real "o1 & %e recomm5d$ t
 %e %\ld be refus$4 ,%e w ent] ano!r    
mona/]y1 %e add$1 & aft] rema9+ 9 x a   
%ort "t1 w return to ! _w1 & soon aft]  
%e w die4 ,x happ5$ exactly z ! ,sa9t _h
 =etold3 ,francesca da ,fabrica w5t into
 ! conv5t ( ,casa di ,c5to ,f9e/re1 on !
 %ores ( ! ,tib]1 gave up ! habit be=e !
 end ( ! ye>1 & a %>p fev] c>ri$ h] (f  
soon aft] h] return4 ,gregorio &        
,g5tilesca ,selli _h a little girl ( f\r
 ye>s old1 :o 0 p>alys$1 & up to h] wai/
 h] frame appe>$ completely )]$4 ,!y _h 
(t5 be5 urg$ to h rec\rse to ! spells or
 *>ms !n s mu* 9 vogue1 b _h always     
refus$ to seek a bless+ ?r\gh su* means4
 ,!y 7 c>ry+ ! little *ild to           
,francesca1 full ( fai? 9 h] pray]s1 :i*

 !y 7 com+ to ask1 :5 %e exclaim$ at !  
fir/ sight ( !m3 ,happy are y :o h n    
s\ght y\r *ild's recov]y 9 unlawful     
ways4 ,9 ?ree days1 my fri5ds1 %e w be  
re/or$ to heal?2 & ! pr$iction 0        
fulfill$ to ! lett]4  ,x w\ld be useless
 to multiply su* recitals z ^!4 ,z %e   
advances 9 ye>s1 especially s9ce h]     
retirem5t at ,tor di ,spec*i1 m & m     
frequ5t become ! ex]cise ( ^?           
sup]natural gifts ) :i* ,god _h end[$ ! 
g5tle ,sa9t ( ,rome4 ,no day elapses t  
"s new prodigy does n call =? ! grateful
 en?usiasm ( ! w>m-he>t$ & dev\t        
,tra/ev]9i4 ,if a *ild is trodd5 "u foot
 by a runaway horse1 ,francesca is s5t  
=1 & at ! sight ( ! ,sa9t he revives4   
,if a "y boatman1 9 ! prime ( y\?1 is   
?r[n into ! ,tib]1 & curri$ away by !   
/ream "u ! ar*es ( ! ,ponte ,rotto1 f   
:5ce 8 afflict$ "m receives him into h] 
arms )\t a symptom ( life1 %e calls out 
to h] fri5ds1 ,run1 ran to ! s]vant (   
,god3 g to ,francesca dei ,ponziano1 &  
bid h] pray = ! boy4 ,& :5 !y return1 ! 

"m is weep+ /ill ov] h] app>5tly        
lifeless *ild2 b !y %\t f a di/ance1 ,! 
s]vant ( ,god says he w n die2 & 9 a few
 in/ants1 ,paul ,guidol9i op5s 8 eyes1 &
 smiles on 8 "m1 :o "s ye>s lat] becomes
 "o ( ! ,oblates ( ,tor di ,spec*i4 ,if 
,francesca sits d[n = a mom5t to re/ on 
! /eps ( a *ur*1 z %e did "o ,good      
,friday1 aft] ! s]vice at ,/4 ,pet]'s1 a
 p>alytic woman kneels at h] feet1 &    
obta9s t %e %\ld lay h] h& on h] )]$    
limbs1 :i* are in/antly re/or$4 ,!re is 
no illness on record :i* h] pray]s1 or !
 t\* ( h] h&1 does n dispel & subdue4   
,%e re/ores sight to ! bl9d1 ! dumb     
speak1 ! deaf he>1 ! lame walk at h]    
bidd+2 pe/il5ce & madness & fits & w\nds
 & possession itself disappe> be=e ! p[]
 ) :i* ,almighty ,god has endu$ h]2 & %e
 walks ?is e>? ( ours disp5s+ bless+s1 z
 ! fai?ful h&maid ( ,him :o w5t ab\t do+
 good4  ,at ! same "t1 m & m ec/atic    
grew h] pray]s1 m visible to all eyes ! 
indwell+ ( ! ,holy ,_s 9 h] s\l1 m      
remov$ f ! natural conditions ( exi/5ce 

! t5\r ( h] life4 ,at ! h\rs ( meals1   
:i* %e obs]v$ 9 ob$i5ce to ! rule1 h]   
companions notice t %e h>dly ev] eats1 b
 t h] face is turn$ to ! w9d[1 & h] eyes
 fix$ on ! sky1 :ile rays ( light seem  
to play ar\nd h]1 & h] c\nt5ance gr[s   
dazzl+ f ! cele/ial brightness :i*      
ov]spreads x4 ,long] & long] became h]  
orisons2 (t5 9 visit+ a *ur* %e falls   
into an ec/asy1 :i* la/s till night4 ,! 
sublimity ( h] vision1 ! glimpses (     
heav5 :i* %e enjoys1 ! sight ( angels1 &
 ( ! ,"l ( angels1 is occasionally      
ex*ang$ = ! t]rific app>itions1 ! r5ew$ 
assaults ( ,satan1 :o attack h] at times
 ) r$\bl$ viol5ce1 n[ t h] ultimate     
triumph is at h&1 & ! cr[n ab\t to      
desc5d on a br[ :i* already %9es ) !    
my/ic radiance ( sanctity4 ,! old       
frescoes ( ! orig9al *apel ( ,tor di    
,spec*i repres5t "s ( ^! my/]i\s        
/ruggles betwe5 ,francesca & ! ,evil    
,"o2 & h] cell be>s ! impress ( t /range
 viol5ce :i* ,satan is p]mitt$ to       
ex]cise at c]ta9 mom5ts1 & :i* is ! type

 ( ! w>f>e :i* is ev] wag$ betwe5 him & 
,god's ,*ur*4 ,he c %ake x at times by !
 /orms he raises2 b va9 are 8 attempts  
to ov]?r[ x4 ,! m>k ( ,satan's fury is  
/amp$ on ! ro( ( ,franceses's l[ly cell2
 b ! relics ( ! canonis$ ,sa9t n[ fill !
 *amb] :i*1 9 8 impot5t rage1 ! tempt]  
once s\ght to de/roy4 ,b ?is life (     
wond]s1 ( trials1 & ( miracles1 0 draw+ 
to a close4 ,%e :o _h be5 ! holie/ (    
maid5s1 ( wives1 & ( wid[s1 _h all b    
f9i%$ h] c\rse1 & _m 7 ! intimations %e 
receiv$ ( h] approa*+ end4  ,on "o ( ^! 
occasions %e select$ "o ( ! *apels 9    
,santa ,m>ia ,nuova z a place (         
sepulture = ! ,oblates1 & obta9$ f !    
,olivetan ,monks t x %\ld be res]v$ = t 
purpose4 ,%e (t5 spoke ( h] dea? to !   
si/]s1 & told ,rita1 "o ( ! companions (
 h] y\?1 t %e w\ld succe$ h] 9 !        
gov]nm5t ( ! congregation4 ,don         
,ippolito1 "o ( h] coadjutors 9 !       
f\ndation ( ! ord]1 _h (t5 implor$ two  
fav\rs ( h]1 t %e w\ld look ^u him z h] 
spiritual son1 & t %e w\ld summon him to

 h] dea?-b$4 ,%e assur$ him t ! pray]s (
 su* a wor?less s9n] z h]self 7 n des]v+
 ( a ?\ght2 b1 mov$ by 8 importunities1 
%e promis$ 9 ! end to comply ) 8 reque/4
 ,accord+ly1 t[>ds ! end ( ! ye> #adci1 
:5 he 0 9 ,si5na on bus9ess1 he receiv$ 
a lett] f ,francesca1 9 :i* %e rem9d$   
him ( 8 desire to be pres5t at h] la/   
mom5ts1 & 9 consequ5ce exhort$ him to   
conclude 8 affairs1 & return to ,rome z 
soon z possible1 :i* he accord+ly did4  
,on ,*ri/mas-day & on ! ,fea/ ( ,/4     
,/eph5 %e _h visions ( ! ,bless$ ,virg9 
& ( ! infant ,jesus1 :i* %e communicat$ 
to ,don ,ippolito 9 ! *ur* ( ,santa     
,m>ia ,nuova1 :]e %e _h gone on h] way  
back f ,san ,lor5zo )\t ! ,walls & ,/4  
,john ( ,lat]an1 :i* %e _h successively 
visit$4 ,! religi\s said to h] )        
emotion3 ,"m1 y w n[ grant me ! fav\r ,i
 h s (t5 ask$ ( y4  ,yes1 repli$ !      
,sa9t1 :o _h be5 all day 9 a k9d (      
ec/asy1 ?\gh %e mov$ f "o place to      
ano!r2 yes2 ,i look ^u y n[ z my fa!r1 z
 my bro!r1 & z my son4 ,& s say+ %e left

 him1 & return$ to ,tor di ,spec*i1 /ill
 absorb$ 9 contemplation4  ,don         
,ippolito foll[$ h] ) 8 eyes till %e _h 
disappe>$ f 8 sight1 & joy & sorr[ 7    
/ruggl+ 9 8 he>t2 = he felt t ! "t 0    
come = h] great ga9 & h] *ildr5's       
unspeakable loss4     ,,*apt] ,,xiv4    
,,francesca',s ,,la/ ,,illness ,,&      
,,dea?4  ,,francesca 0 fifty-six ye>s   
old4 ,h] frame1 worn out ) lab\r1 )     
fa/+s1 & au/]ities1 0 enfeebl$ also by  
frequ5t illnesses2 b h] activity1 h]    
indomitable en]gy1 0 /ill ! same4 ,%e   
nev] flagg$1 nev] we>i$1 nev] gave way  
"u ! pressure ( physical or moral       
suff]+s4 ,x 0 probably a trial ( ! latt]
 description1 "o :i* %e _h always be5   
ke5ly alive to1 t hurri$ h] end4  ,a    
fre% s*ism broke out 9 ! ,*ur*1 to !    
sc&al & grief ( all ! fai?ful4 ,!       
refractory bi%ops assembl$ at ,basle1   
v5tur$ to decree ! deposition ( ,pope   
,eug5ius1 & to elect z anti-pope ! ag$  
,amadeus1 ,duke ( ,tuscany1 :o _h       
abdicat$ 9 fav\r ( 8 son1 & 0 liv+ z a  

h]mit on ! %ores ( ! ,lake ( ,g5eva4 ,! 
usurp] took ! "n ( ,felix ,v41 & ?is    
unhappy s*ism la/$ t5 ye>s4 ,francesca  
turn$ to heav5 h] we>y eyes--%e bes\ght 
h] ,"l to take h] away f ?is sc5e (     
trial3 too ke5ly did %e feel ! woes ( ! 
,*ur*2 too deeply did %e sorr[ ov] ^!   
r5ew$ conflicts1 & ! consequ5t dang]s to
 :i* ! s\ls ( ,*ri/ians 7 expos$4       
,p]haps x 0 giv5 to h] 9 t h\r to =esee 
! fe>ful /orm t 0 l[]+ ov] ! ,*ur*1--!  
mon/] h]esy t1 9 less ?an a c5tury1 0 to
 rise aga9/ ! ,my/ical ,bride ( ,*ri/1 &
 rob h] ( h] *ildr54  ,on ! #c;d ( ,m>*1
 #addj1 ,francesca 0 s5t = by h] son    
,bapti/a1 :o 0 laid up ) a %>p attack ( 
fev]4 ,%e in/antly obey$ ! summons2 &1  
on arriv+ at ! ,ponziano palace1 f\nd   
him already mu* bett]1 & able to leave 8
 b$2 b1 at ! e>ne/ reque/ ( ! :ole      
family1 %e agre$ to sp5d ! :ole day )   
!m1 ! ,oblate ,augu/9a1 :o _h accompani$
 h]1 also rema9+ to return ) h] at      
night4 ,t[>ds ev5+ %e grew s weak t %e  
c\ld h>dly /&2 & ,bapti/a & ,mobilia    

implor$ h] to /ay at ! palace1 or else  
to let h]self be c>ri$ 9 a litt] to !   
conv5t2 b %e p]si/$ 9 sett+ out on foot4
 ,/opp+ on h] way at ! *ur* ( ,santa    
,m>ia 9 ,tra/ev]e1 %e w5t 9 to ask1 = ! 
la/ "t1 h] spiritual fa!r's bless+1 &   
f\nd ,don ,giovanni 9 ! ,*apel ( !      
,angels--t spot :]e %e _h s (t5 be5     
fav\r$ ) div9e revelations4 ,z he 0     
inquir+ aft] ,bapti/a1 he 0 /ruck ) ! m 
?an habitual pal5ess ( h] face1 & !     
evid5t exhau/ion %e 0 lab\r+ "u1 &      
comm&$ h]1 z a matt] ( ob$i5ce1 in/antly
 to return to ! ,ponziano ,palace1 & to 
sp5d ! night !re1 ,?is ord] 0 a sev]e   
trial to ,francesca1 = %e felt at once t
 if %e 0 n n[ to return to ,tor di      
,spec*i1 %e w\ld nev] aga9 ent] ^?      
hall[$ walls2 b1 fai?ful to ! _s (      
p]fect ob$i5ce1 %e meekly b[$ h] head 9 
tok5 ( submission1 & w5t back to h]     
son's h\se4  ,9 ! c\rse ( ! night a     
virul5t fev] came on1 & 9 ! morn+ %e 0 z
 ill z possible4 ,francesca's fir/ c>e 0
 to s5d = h] director1 & to reque/ him  

to apprise h] spiritual daught]s ( h]   
illness4 ,f\r ( !m 7,agnese1 ,rita1     
,ca!r9a1 & ,ana/asia17 hurri$ to h]     
side2 & :5 !y he>d h] entreat ,don      
,giovanni n to omit any ( ! necess>y    
precautions = h] s\l's welf>e1 !y all   
bur/ into te>s1 & seem$ at once to      
und]/& t _! belov$ "m 0 ab\t to leave   
!m4 ,francesca g5tly consol$ !m1 &      
dismiss$ !m t[>ds ! ev5+1 only keep+ )  
h] ,augu/9a1 :o wat*$ h] dur+ ! night1 &
 witness$ ! ec/asy dur+ :i* ! foll[+    
vision 0 v\*saf$ to ! suff]]3--,our ,"l 
appe>$1 surr\nd$ ) angels & ) sa9ts1 &  
ann\nc$ to h] t 9 sev5 days %e w\ld die1
 & receive ! cr[n :i* 0 prep>$ = h] 9   
heav54 ,si/] ,augu/9a saw h] face %9+ ) 
sup]natural brightness2 a radiant smile 
play+ on h] lips1 & he>d h] say )       
ineffable unction3 ,be ,?\ et]nally     
prais$ & bless$1 ,o my de> ,"l ,jesus   
,*ri/6 ,?anks be to ,!e = ! unm]it$     
fav\rs ,i h receiv$ at ,?y h&s4 ,to ,!e1
 to ,!e alone1 d ,i owe all ! bless+s ,i
 h1 & h yet to receive4 ,:5 ,don        

,giovanni saw h] aft]w>ds1 he imag9$ %e 
0 rally+2 b %e relat$ to him h] vision1 
& bade him tell h] daught]s t h] end 0  
approa*+4 ,_! te>s & _! sobs *ok$ _!    
utt]ance2 & ! ,sa9t g5tly reprov$ t     
excess ( sorr[1 & bade !m rejoice ) h]1 
& bless ! ,div9e goodness = ! great m]cy
 t 0 %[n to h]4 ,dur+ ! next two days %e
 suff]$ mu*2 b no ^w or s\nd ( compla9t 
escap$ h]4 ,h] face 0 z s]5e z if h]    
body _h be5 p]fectly free f pa92 & to ^?
 :o express$ a hope t %e w\ld yet       
recov]1 %e only answ]$ ) a sweet smile1 
,god be prais$1 my pilgrimage w end f   
,w$nesday to ,?ursday next4 ,%e ask$ = !
 ,sacram5ts1 confess$1 w5t to communion1
 & receiv$ ,extreme ,unction4 ,ard5t    
ejaculatory pray]s1 dev\t aspirations1  
burn+ expressions ( love1 7 ev] ris+ f  
h] he>t to h] lips4 ,ea* day %e repeat$1
 z if %e _h be5 9 p]fect heal?1 ! ,(fice
 ( ! ,bless$ ,virg91 ! ,ros>y1 & all h] 
usual pray]s4 ,! ,oblates wat*$ by h] 9 
turns1 & ,mobilia h>dly ev] left h]     
side2 s t ! smalle/ p>ticul>s ( t       

wond]ful dea?-b$ 7 c>efully record$4    
,francesca all[$ all ^? :o wi%$ to see  
h] to come 94 ,%e _h words ( advice1 (  
w>n+1 & ( consolation = all4  ,:5 ! news
 ( h] illness 0 spread 9 ,rome1 ! he>t (
 ! great city 0 /irr$ to its v dep?s1 & 
a m\rnful1 anxi\s1 lov+ multitude beset 
! palace & ! v b$ ( ! dy+ ,sa9t4 ,n[ise 
di/urb$ or annoy$ at ?is oppressive     
te/imony ( _! affection1 %e _h a smile1 
or a look1 or a k9d ^w = ea*4 ,no cl\d  
obscur$ h] und]/&+2 no irritability     
affect$ h] temp]4 ,peace 0 )9 & ar\nd   
h]1 & heav5's own calm on h] br[ & 9 h] 
he>t4 ,! evil spirits1 ! ar*-enemy      
himself--:o1 = h] sanctification & !    
glory ( ,god1 _h be5 p]mitt$ s (t5 to   
haunt h] pa? & assault h] dur+ life--are
 bani%$ n[1 & /& at bay1 gaz+1 no d\bt1 
f af>1 ) envi\s rage1 on t peace :i* !y 
may no long] m>4 ,don ,giovanni1 :o _h  
kn[n s well h] =m] trials1 (t5 inquir$1 
dur+ h] la/ illness1 if ,satan's m9i/]s 
7 mole/+ h]4 ,no1 %e w\ldd answ]1 ) a   
smile2 ,i see !m no m4 ,god has conqu]$2

 ,8 foes h fl$4 ,b ! bright ar*angel1 ^:
 task is ne>ly at an end1 is /ill at 8  
po/2 he weaves ! la/ ?reads ( ! my/ic   
wo(1 & seems to make ha/e to f9i% 8 "w4 
,! halo ( light :i* surr\nds him gr[s   
bright] & bright]1 & ,francesca's dy+ =m
 reflects t spl5d\r4  ,on ! ,monday     
morn+ %e is /ill 9 ! same /ate4 ,glori\s
 visions pass be=e h]2 div9e =ms b5d ov]
 h]1 & :isp] words ( welcome4 ,dur+     
,mass1 :i* h] confessor says 9 h] room1 
! ,"l ,himself appe>s to h] aga92 & f ! 
consecrat$ ,ho/ ,he speaks to h]        
entranc$ s\l4 ,! ,bless$ ,virg9 & !     
angels surr\nd h]1 & ! voices ( ! ble/  
make sweet music 9 h] e>s4 ,late on t   
day1 :5 h] ec/asy 0 ov]1 ! weep+        
,oblates surr\nd h] b$1 & ) suppliant   
acc5ts implore h] to ask ( ,god yet to  
leave h] ^u e>?1 = ! sake ( ! s\ls      
intru/$ to h] c>e4 ,x 0 a h>d reque/3 to
 h _h a glimpse ( heav51 & to turn back2
 to h ta/$ ! cup ( cele/ial bliss1 & to 
draw back f its sweetness6 ,full ( love1
 ( pity1 ( resignation1 ( holy          

indiff]5ce1 %e exclaims3 ,god's w is my 
w2 ,8 good pleasure m9e4 ,if ,he ,*ooses
 me to t>ry yet on e>?1 s be x !n4 ,i am
 ready to rema9 9 ?is mis]able _w1 if   
,he comm&s x4  ,b x 0 n orda9$4 ,! next 
day %e grew rapidly worse1 & f t "t     
slept n aga94 ,i %all soon re/ 9 ,god1  
%e repli$ to ^? :o 7 urg+ h] to repose4 
,! ,oblates once m kneel ar\nd h] to    
receive h] la/ in/ructions3 "o ( !m     
alone1 ,francesca del ,v]uli1 is kept   
away by a sev]e illness1 :i* conf9es h] 
to h] b$4 ,t\*+ 7 ! la/ words ( ! dy+ "m
 to h] spiritual *ildr52 sweet ! words (
 bless+ %e pron\nc$ on _! heads4 ,love1 
love1 0 ! burd5 ( h] tea*+1 z x _h be5 t
 ( ! belov$ disciple4 ,love "o ano!r 7%e
 said71 & be fai?ful unto dea?4 ,satan w
 assault y1 z he has assault$ me2 b be n
 afraid4 ,y w ov]come him ?r\gh pati5ce 
& ob$i5ce2 & no trial w be too griev\s1 
if y are unit$ to ,jesus2 if y walk 9 ,8
 ways1 ,he w be ) y4 ,!n ) e>ne/ acc5ts 
%e ?ank$ ,don ,giovanni1 9 h] own "n & 9
 t ( ! ord]1 = all he _h done to !m2 &  

comm5d$ ! ,oblates to 8 fa!rly c>e4  ,at
 t mom5t h] son ,bapti/a ent]$ ! room4  
,8 "m sat up 9 ! b$1 & gaz+ ^u him ) an 
expression ( anxi\s scrut9y1 %e said3 ,&
 c x be t y qu>rel ) poor %eph]ds8 ,& d 
y rob ,god ( ,8 glory by unlawful deal+s
 ) hell8 ,! p]sons :o 7 /&+ ar\nd ! b$  
look$ at ea* o!r 9 surprise1 & imag9$ t 
,francesca 0 deliri\s2 b ,bapti/a's     
c\nt5ance & actions soon undeceiv$ !m4  
,te>s ru%$ into 8 eyes1 & ) great       
emotion he publicly ackn[l$g$ t he _h   
be5 guilty ( /rik+1 9 8 ang]1 "s        
peasants :o _h injur$ 8 fields1 & _h    
gone to consult 9 secret "o ( ! p]sons  
:o dealt 9 occult sci5ces1 z to !       
possibility ( 8 "m's recov]y4 ,no "o b  
himself knew ( 8 tw(old s92 & ! rebuke (
 ! dy+ ,sa9t came ^u him z a direct     
repro( f ,god1 & an awful w>n+ = ! re/ (
 8 life4 ,z ! day advanc$1 ,francesca   
grew weak] & weak]2 b ! flame ( love 0  
burn+ m brightly1 z t ( life 0 wan+4    
,:at are y say+8 ask$ ,don ,giovanni at 
"o mom5t1 on see+ h] lips move4 ,!      

,vesp]s ( ! ,bless$ ,virg91 %e answ]$ 9 
a sc>cely audible voice4 ,z an infant   
almo/ %e _h begun t practice2 & on ! eve
 ( h] dea? %e _h n yet omitt$ x4 ,on !  
sev5? day ( h] illness1 z %e _h h]self  
ann\nc$1 h] life came to a close4 ,a    
sublime expression animat$ h] face2 a m 
e!real beauty clo!d h] e>?ly =m4 ,h]    
confessor = ! la/ "t inquires :at x is  
h] enraptur$ eyes behold1 & %e :isp]s1  
,! heav5s op56 ,! angels desc5d6 ,!     
ar*angel has f9i%$ 8 task4 ,he /&s be=e 
me4 ,he beckons to me to foll[ him4 ,^! 
are ! la/ words t ,francesca utt]s2 a   
smile ( indescribable brightness beams f
 h] face4 ,! eyes t h s long be5 clos$  
to ! vanities ( life are n[ clos$ 9     
dea?1 & h] _s has tak5 its f9al leave ( 
e>?4     ,,*apt] ,,xv4  ,,francesca',s  
,,fun]al1 ,,& ,,h] ,,subsequ5t          
,,canonization4  ,,! body ( ! ,sa9t     
rema9$ dur+ a night & a day at !        
,ponziano palace1 ! ,oblates wat*+ by   
turns ov] ! belov$ rema9s4 ,_! grief 0  
temp]$ ) joy1 = !y felt %e 0 9 heav52   

?\gh ! pang ( sep>ation 0 ke51 & _! home
 on e>? desolate4 ,don ,giovanni1 ,don  
,ippolito1 & ,don ,francesco dello      
,s*iano recit$ ! pray]s ( ! ,*ur* ov] ! 
corpse2 & ?\gh deeply affect$ !mselves1 
/rove to console ! b]eav$ si/]hood1     
*iefly by extoll+ ! r>e m]its & ! h]oic 
virtues ( _! dep>t$ "m4 ,almighty ,god  
v\*saf$1 ev5 dur+ ! fir/ night ( _! lov+
 wat*1 to give !m a pro( ( t sanctity   
:i* 0 s soon to be triumphantly         
demon/rat$4 ,si/] ,m>g>et1 ( ! ?ird ord]
 ( ,/4 ,frances1 _h be5 pres5t at       
,francesca's dea?1 & rema9$ by h] side  
dur+ ! night t foll[$4 ,h] arm _h be5   
p>alys$ = six mon?s1 & to all appe>ance 
)]$4 ,inspir$ ) a lively fai?1 %e t\*$ !
 body ( ! ,sa9t1 & 0 in/antane\sly cur$4
 ,! ,oblates all fell on _! knees at !  
sight ( ?is miracle1 & bless$ ,god = !  
e>ne/ ,he ?us gave ( ! wond]s :i*       
,francesca's int]cession 0 to accompli%4
 ,ea* mom5t !y 7 confirm$ 9 ! bless$    
assurance ( h] imm$iate admission into  
heav52 ea* mom5t br\ght ) x a new       

occasion = joyful exultation4 ,! sweet  
p]fume1 ! od\r ( sanctity1 :i*          
expression is s (t5 suppos$ to be simply
 metaphorical1 :]eas x (t5 indicates an 
actual physical & miracul\s fact1 soon  
p]vad$ ! room & fill$ x ) fragrance4    
,francesca's face1 :i* _h rec5tly borne 
! traces ( age & ( suff]+1 became z     
beautiful aga9 z 9 ! days ( y\? &       
prosp]ity2 & ! a/oni%$ by/&]s gaz$ )    
wond] & awe at t une>?ly lovel9ess4 ,_m 
( !m c>ri$ away p>ticles f h] clo!s1 &  
employ$ !m = ! cure ( sev]al p]sons :o  
_h be5 consid]$ beyond ! possibility (  
recov]y4 ,9 ! c\rse ( ! day1 ! cr[d     
augm5t$ to a degree :i* al>m$ !         
inhabitants ( ! palace1 & ,bapti/a took 
measures to h ! body remov$ at once to !
 *ur* & a procession ( ! regul> & secul>
 cl]gy escort$ ! v5]at$ rema9s to ,santa
 ,m>ia ,nuova1 :]e !y 7 to be int]r$4   
,! popul> feel+ bur/ =? on ! occasion2 x
 0 no long] to be re/ra9$3 a sort ( pi\s
 insurrection1 :i* ! ,*ur* smiles ^u1   
ev5 ?\gh x refuses to sanction x2 z a "m

 c sc>cely rebuke a some:at irregul>    
action 9 "o ( h] *ildr5 :5 x spr+s f a  
g5]\s feel+1 ev5 ?\gh %e feels h]self   
b\nd to *eck x4 ,francesca 0 a          
sa9t--,francesca 0 9 heav54 ,francesca 0
 invok$ by ! cr[d1 & h] belov$ "n 0 he>d
 9 e /reet1 9 e piazza1 9 e corn] ( !   
,et]nal ,city4 ,x flew f m\? to m\?2 x  
seem$ to float 9 ! air1 to be borne al(t
 by ! grateful en?usiasm ( a :ole p1 :o 
_h se5 h] walk to t *ur* by h] "m's side
 9 h] holy *ildhood2 :o _h se5 h] kneel 
at t alt> 9 ! grave beauty ( womanhood1 
9 ! h\r ( b]eavem5t1 & n[ 9 dea?2 c>ri$ 
?i!r 9 /ate1 %e ! g5tle1 ! humble ,sa9t 
( ,rome1 ! poor woman ( ! ,tra/ev]e1 z  
%e 0 sometimes call$ at h] own desire4  
,francesca del ,v]uli1 ! ,oblate :om    
illness _h deta9$ f ! dea?-b$ ( h]      
belov$ "m1 he>s f h] sick-room ! confus$
 hum ( voices1 ! s\nd ( hurry+ feet1 :i*
 indicate ! approa* ( ! procession4     
,full ( fai?1 %e />ts up1 & ) clasp$ h&s
 exclaims1 ,oh1 my "m6 oh1 ,francesca6  
,i h n se5 y die2 ,i h n receiv$ y\r la/

 bless+2 obta9 = me n[ t ,i may visit   
y\r rema9s4 ,) a viol5t ef=t1 & lean+ on
 "o ( h] si/]s1 %e contrives to rise &  
to make h] way to ! bi]4 ,! v in/ant %e 
has t\*$ x1 h] heal? & /r5g? return4    
,mean:ile ! cr[d augm5ts1 & hurries into
 ! *ur*4 ,!y press r\nd ! preci\s body2 
!y refuse to let x be buri$4 ,z a fav\r1
 z a boon ( ! greate/ price1 !y obta9 t 
! obsequies be put (t to ! ,saturday2 & 
9 ! meantime1 day & night1 !re is no    
limit to ! conc\rse ( p t assemble 9 !  
*apel4 ,/ill ! sa9tly body exhales its  
p]fume2 /ill ! sweet features reta9 _!  
beauty2 & to t spot1 9 an app>5tly      
nev]-end+ succession1 come ! bl9d1 & !  
lame1 & ! halt1 & ! sick1 & ! suff]+2 & 
ea* ( ^? :o t\* ! bi]1 or to :om is     
c>ri$ some?+ t has belong$ to           
,francesca1 is in/antane\sly cur$4      
,truly ,god 0 wond]ful 9 ?is ,8 ,sa9t1 &
 wond]ful are ! details ( ! miracles    
wr\ght dur+ ^? days2 & n only 7 ! ills (
 ! body reliev$ by contact ) ! holy     
corpse1 b grace rea*es ! s\ls ( _m :o h 

be5 hi!rto /eel$ aga9/ its entrance4    
,among/ o!rs1 two "y m5 ( dissolute     
lives & irreligi\s spirits1 on he>+ ( ! 
miracles at ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 beg9 to
 je] & laugh on ! subject1 &1 mov$ only 
by curiosity1 g to ! *ur*1 approa* ! bi]
 ) mock demon/rations ( respect4 ,b no  
soon] h !y knelt be=e x1 ?an _! he>ts   
are simultane\sly t\*$2 a sudd5 *ange   
comes ov] !m4 ,hav+ come to sc(f1 !y    
rema9 to pray1--!y rise f _! knees only 
to seek a confessor2 & return home t    
night conv]t$ to ,god1 & ev] aft] lead !
 lives ( pi\s ,*ri/ians4 ,! miracles    
wr\ght be=e & aft] ,francesca's burial  
are s multif>i\s1 t x might be t$i\s 7a 
/range ^w to use on su* an occasion1 b  
nev]!less correct7 to attempt to relate 
!m all4 ,great 0 ! moral effect ( ?is   
s+ul> outp\r+ ( ,god's p[]s ?r\gh ,8    
s]vant4 ,fai? grew m timid1 & hope m    
/rong2 *>ity burn$ 9 ! he>ts ( _m ) an  
ev]-increas+ f]v\r2 & ! examples :i* !  
,sa9t _h giv51 & :i* 7 n[ dwelt ^u )    
affectionate v5]ation1 induc$ _m to walk

 9 ! same pa?1 & look to ! same end4 ,x 
0 9 ,l5t t %e _h di$2 & f e pulpit 9    
,rome h] praises 7 he>d4 ,! mo/ em95t   
ecclesia/ics ( ! "t all =etold h]       
canonisation2 & ! public voice & !      
public devotion ratifi$ ! bur/ ( popul> 
en?usiasm t _h hail$ h] z a ,sa9t on ! v
 day ( h] dea?1 & long prec$$ ! =mal    
recognition ( h] sanctity by ! au?ority 
( ! ,*ur*4  ,a few mon?s aft] h] dea?1  
h] tomb 0 op5$ 9 ord] to remove ! corpse
 into a monum5t :i* ,bapti/a1 ,mobilia1 
& sev]al ,roman noblem5 _h erect$ 9 h]  
hon\r4 ,x 0 f\nd 9 a /ate ( p]fect      
pres]vation1 & /ill exhal+ ! same       
fragrance z be=e4 ,! mo/ exact & detail$
 exam9ations 7 tak5 9 ! ye> ( h] dea?1  
bo? z to all ! p>ticul>s ( h] life1 & z 
to ! sup]natural & miracul\s ev5ts :i*  
_h m>k$ its c\rse1 z well z ^? :i* _h   
succe$$ h] dea?4  ,f "t to "t e>ne/     
endeav\rs 7 made to ha/5 h] =mal        
canonisation4 ,! mat]ials 7 ample1 & !  
evid5ce complete2 b a v>iety (          
circum/ances int]f]$ ) ! conclusion ( ! 

process2 & ?\gh sev]al ,popes1 namely1  
,eug5ius ,,iv41 ,ni*olas ,v41 ,pius     
,,ii41 ,innoc5t ,,viii41 & ,julius      
,,ii41 promot$ ! "q1 x 0 n mu* advanc$  
till ! accession ( ,clem5t ,,viii41 :o  
_h a great devotion to ! ,sa9t1 & br\ght
 ! matt] ne>ly to a close2 b 8 dea?     
occurr+ 9 ! meantime1 & 8 successor1    
,leo ,,xi1 only outliv+ him tw5ty-sev5  
days1 x 0 ,paul ,v4 7,borghese7 :o      
decre$ ! canonisation ( ,francesca1 to !
 joy ( ! ,oblates ( ,tor di ,spec*i1 ( !
 monks ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 & ( ! :ole
 p ( ,rome4 ,h] fe/ival 0 appo9t$ to be 
kept on ! #i? ( ,m>*2 & ^? :o h be5 9   
,rome on t day c tell h[ vivid is !     
devotion t /ill exi/s1--! wor%ip t is   
yet paid to ! holy ,francesca1 ! belov$ 
,sa9t ( ! ,tra/ev]e1 ! model ( ,*ri/ian 
matrons2 & 9 ! *ur* ( ,santa ,francesca 
,romana1 z ! old ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova is 
n[ call$1 & 9 ! ,casa dei ,es]cizii ,pii
 7! old ,ponziano ,palace71 & 9 !       
"t-hon\r$ walls ( ,tor di ,spec*i1 a    
tribute ( love & ( devotion is yield$1  

:i* t\*es ! he>t1 & c>ries ! m9d back to
 ! days :51 amid/ ! /rife ( w> & !      
mis]ies or an>*y1 fai?1 fre%1 /rong1 &  
pure1 ass]t$ its p[]1 & wr\ght wond]s   
?r\gh su* feeble in/rum5ts z a woman's  
he>t & a woman's works4  ,on ! #bi? (   
,may1 #afjh1 9 ! *ur* ( ,/4 ,pet]1 !n   
lately erect$1 & adorn$ = ! occasion ) !
 utmo/ magnific5ce1 aft] a pontifical   
,high ,mass1 9 ! pres5ce ( ! ,sacr$     
,college1 & ( an imm5se afflu5ce (      
/rang]s z well z ( ,romans1 ! decree 0  
proclaim$ :i* plac$ ,francesca among/ ! 
canonis$ sa9ts1 & sanction$ ! wor%ip :i*
 a dev\t p _h paid h]1 ) b few          
int]ruptions1 s9ce ! day ( h] dea?4     
,rome 0 illum9at$ t night2 ! fi]y cupola
 ( ,/4 ,pet]1 & ! s\nd ( innum]able     
bells1 told ! neighb\r+ pla9s & hills t 
,god _h reg>d$ ! l[l9ess ( ,8 h&maid51 &
 t1 9 h] measure1 all g5]ations 7 to    
call h] ,bless$4  ,9 #afcc1 ! tomb (    
,francesca1 :i*1 9 consequ5ce ( "s      
alt]ations 9 ! *ur*1 _h rema9$ out (    
sight = a great numb] ( ye>s1 01 ?r\gh !

 pi\s ex]tions ( ! ,oblates1 assi/$ by !
 abbot ( ,santa ,m>ia ,nuova1 & !       
,c>d9als ,borghese1 ,b>b]9i1 & ,alti]e1 
discov]$ 9 ! spot :]e x _h be5 plac$ two
 c5turies be=e4 ,h] bones 7 expos$ to ! 
v5]ation ( ! fai?ful1 & a numb] (       
religi\s processions & s]vices took     
place on ! occasion4 ,v>i\s miracles    
aga9 gave te/imony to ! virtues ( ^?    
holy relics1 & a magnific5t monum5t 0   
erect$ b5ea? t alt> :]e ! ,sa9t _h s (t5
 pray$4 ,,bless$ ,,lucy ,,( ,,n>ni4     
,,bless$ ,,lucy ,,( ,,n>ni4  ,,x 0 t[>ds
 ! latt] end ( ! #ae? c5tury t ,lucia   
,broccoletti 0 horn 9 ! anci5t city (   
,n>ni1 9 ,umbria1 :]e h] fa!r's h\se _h 
long held a noble & di/+ui%$ rank4 ,ev5 
z a baby 9 ! cradle1 !re 7 n want+ signs
 :i* m>k$ h] z no ord9>y *ild2 & if we  
may cr$it ! acc\nt giv5 u by h] old     
biograph]s1 bo? h] nurses & "m 7        
accu/om$ to see h] daily visit$ by an   
unkn[n religi\s dress$ 9 ! ,dom9ican    
habit1 ^: maje/ic appe>ance seem$ some?+
 m ?an human1 & :o1 tak+ h] f h] cradle1

 embrac$ h] t5d]ly1 & gave h] h] bless+4
 ,!y wat*$ closely1 to see :5ce ?is     
my/]i\s visitor came & :i!r %e w5t1 b 7 
nev] able to foll[ h]2 & ! "m becom+ at 
l5g? al>m$ at ! daily recurr5ce ( ?is   
circum/ance1 x 0 reveal$ to h] t h]     
*ild's unkn[n visitor 0 no o!r ?an ,/4  
,ca!r9e ( ,si5na1 to :om %e 0 giv5 z an 
adopt$ daught]4  ,! acc\nts t h be5     
pres]v$ ( ,lucia's *ildhood h a peculi> 
int]e/ ( _! own4 ,:il/ ! e>ly           
biographies ( _m sa9ts pres5t u )       
in/ances ( extraord9>y graces & fav\rs  
grant$ to !m 9 infancy1 q z num]\s &    
rem>kable z ^? be/[$ on ,bless$ ,lucy1  
yet 9 h] case we f9d !m mix$ ) ! details
 ( a *>act]i/ic vivacity ( temp]am5t1   
:i* give !m a lifelike reality1 & %[ h] 
to u1 9 ! mid/ ( h] sup]natural         
visitations1 ) all ! impetuosity ( an   
imag9ative *ild4 ,:5 %e 0 only f\r ye>s 
old1 h] "m's bro!r1 ,don ,simon1 came on
 a visit to 8 si/]'s h\se1 & br\ght )   
him f ,rome v>i\s toys & pres5ts = !    
*ildr54 ,lucy 0 giv5 h] *oice2 & :il/ ! 

o!rs 7 l\dly clam\r+ = ! dolls &        
puppets1 %e select$ a little ros>y ) an 
image ( ! ,*ild ,jesus2 & ?is be+ giv5  
to h]1 %e took x 9 h] arms1 be/[+ e "n (
 *ildi% ende>m5t on x1 kiss+ its h&s &  
feet1 & call+ x h] de> ,*ri/>ello1 a "n 
:i* cont9u$ to be giv5 to x ev]         
aft]w>ds4 ,! re/ ( ! day %e sp5t 9 h]   
own little room1 :]e %e arrang$ a corn] 
= ! reception ( ! ,*ri/>ello1 & 0 nev]  
tir$ ( see+ & c>ess+ h] new treasure4   
,h5ce=? x 0 "h t %e sp5t ! happie/      
mom5ts ( ! day4 ,if ev] %e got into any 
tr\ble 9 ! h\se1 x 0 "h %e came to p\r  
out all h] sorr[2 & ! innoc5t simplicity
 ( h] devotion 0 s pleas+ to ,god1 t m  
?an once ,he p]mitt$ t ! ,*ri/>ello %\ld
 wipe away ! te>s :i* %e %$ on ^!       
occasions ) ,8 little h&1 z 0 sev]al    
times witness$ by h] "m1 :o wat*$ h]    
?r\gh ! half-op5 door4 ,z %e grew a     
little old]1 %e began to accompany h] "m
 to *ur*2 & !y frequ5tly w5t to visit ! 
great *ur* ( ,/4 ,augu/9e1 :i* 0 close  
to ! h\se :]e !y liv$4 ,n[ x happ5$ t 9 

?is *ur*1 among o!r dev\t images1 !re 0 
a small has-relief ( ! ,bless$ ,virg9   
hold+ h] ,div9e ,son 9 h] arms1 :i* took
 ! *ild's fancy ! fir/ "t !y ent]$1 s t 
%e /opp$ to look at x4 ,h] "m obs]v$ h] 
z %e l+]$ beh9d3 ,lucy1 %e said1 d y "k 
:o t beautiful lady is :om y see !re8   
,%e is ! ,"m ( y\r ,*ri/>ello2 & !      
little ,*ild :om %e c>ries 9 h] arms is 
! ,*ri/>ello also4 ,if y l1 we w come "h
 sometimes2 & y %all br+ ! ros>y y are s
 fond (1 & say x be=e h] image4 ,lucy 0 
delight$ at ! idea2 & :5ev] %e c\ld     
escape f h] nurse's h&1 %e f\nd h] way  
to ! *ur*1 to admire ?is new object ( h]
 devotion4 ,"o day1 be+ ?us occupi$1 !  
?\ght came into h] head1 h[ mu* %e w\ld 
l to hold ! ,*ri/>ello = once 9 h] own  
arms1 z %e _h le>nt to hold h] little   
baby bro!r4 ,%e !re=e pray$ to ! ,bless$
 ,virg9 ) great e>ne/ness t h] reque/   
might be grant$1 & imm$iately ! m>ble   
figure ( ! little ,jesus 0 ext5d$ to h] 
by ,8 ,"m1 & plac$ 9 h] arms4 ,nor 0 ?is
 all3 no soon] _h %e receiv$ h] preci\s 

burd51 ?an %e felt ! cold m>ble become a
 liv+ ,*ild2 &1 full ( delight1 %e ran  
home /ill c>ry+ ,him2 & ?\gh %e met _m p
 on ! way1 :o /opp$ h] z %e hurri$      
along1 & tri$ to take ,him f h]1 %e     
succe$$ 9 gett+ safe to h] own room at  
home1 :]e %e %ut h]self up ) h]         
treasure1 & rema9$ ) ,him = ?ree days & 
nights )\t food or sleep1 ins5sible to  
all ! entreaties & remon/rances ( h]    
a/oni%$ "m4 ,conqu]$ at l5g? by fatigue1
 on ! ?ird day %e fell asleep2 & :5 %e  
woke %e became s5sible ( ! tru? t ,god  
abides only ) ^? :o wat* ) ,him2 =1 on  
op5+ h] eyes1 ! fir/ ?+ %e p]ceiv$ 0 t !
 ,*ri/>ello 0 gone4 ,h] cries ( di/ress 
7 he>d by h] "m1 :o1 to console h]1     
c>ri$ h] once m to ! *ur*2 & !re !y f\nd
 ! m>ble *ild re/or$ to ! image z be=e1 
al?\gh = ! ?ree previ\s days its place 9
 ! arms ( ! ,virg9's figure _h be5      
empty4  ,%e 0 accu/om$ f "t to "t to pay
 a visit to ! uncle be=e m5tion$1 & :5  
ab\t sev5 ye>s old %e w5t z usual to    
sp5d "s "t ) him at 8 c\ntry h\se4 ,%e  

rememb]$1 on ! occasion ( a =m] visit1  
to h se5 a room 9 "s "p ( ! h\se :]e !re
 7 "s little angels pa9t$ on ! walls1 z 
x seem$ to h]1 hold+ _! h&s & danc+2 & !
 fir/ morn+ aft] h] arrival1 %e det]m9$ 
to set out on a dilig5t se>* aft] !     
danc+ angels4 ,! room 9 :i* !y 7 pa9t$ 0
 9 a w+ ( ! h\se :i* _h fall5 out (     
repair1 & 0 no long] us$ by ! family2 a 
/aircase _h l$ to ! upp] /ory1 b ?is 0  
n[ fall5 & 9 ru9s2 & ?\gh ,lucy1 z %e   
/ood at ! bottom1 c\ld see ! little     
angels on ! wall above h] head1 all h]  
ef=ts 7 unavail+ to climb ! brok5       
/aircase & rea* ! object ( h] se>*4 ,%e 
_h rec\rse to h] usual exp$i5t1 pray] to
 ! ,*ri/>ello1 & in/antly f\nd h]self 9 
! empty room1 )\t well kn[+ h[ %e came  
!re4 ,b h] ?\ghts 7 soon busy ) !       
angels4 ,!re !y 72 little w+$ *ildr51 _!
 heads g>l&$ ) fl[]s1 _! mantles float+ 
z x seem$ 9 ! air2 & !y danc$ ) su* an  
air ( enjoym5t & sup]human grace1 t     
,lucy sat on ! gr\nd be=e !m1 absorb$ 9 
admiration4 ,z %e sat ?us1 %e he>d h]   

own "n call$ f ! w9d[4 ,%e turn$ r\nd1  
expect+ to see h] uncle or "s ( !       
s]vants ( ! h\se2 b a v diff]5t         
spectacle met h] eye4 ,a glori\s company
 ( sa9ts & angels /ood r\nd ! ,p]son (  
,jesus ,himself4 ,on ,8 "r 0 ,8 ,virg9  
,"m2 on ,8 left1 ,/4 ,ca!r9e & ! great  
,patri>* ,/4 ,dom9ic1 ) _m o!rs4 ,!n ^? 
my/ic esp\sals 7 celebrat$ :i* we read (
 9 s _m o!r tales ( ! ,sa9ts ( ,god3 !  
,div9e ,sp\se receiv+ ! h& ( ! delight$ 
*ild f ,8 ,bless$ ,"m1 plac$ a r+ on h] 
f+]1 :i* %e pres]v$ to ! h\r ( h] dea?2 
aft] :i* ,he assign$ h] to ! special    
gu>dian%ip ( ,/4 ,dom9ic & ,/4 ,ca!r9e1 
:om f t day %e always 0 us$ to call h]  
fa!r & "m4 ,& h y no?+ to give ,me8 ,he 
!n ask$ ( ,8 little ,sp\se2 w y n give  
,me t silk mantle & pretty necklace8    
,lucy 0 dress$ 9 ! ri* fa%ion ( ! day1 )
 a crimson damask mantle ov] h] o!r     
g>m5ts1 & a necklace ( gold & coral     
beads ab\t h] neck2 b at ^! words ( h]  
,sp\se1 %e ha/ily /ripp$ !m (f1 & lay !m
 at ,8 feet4 ,he did n fail1 h[ev]1 to  

give h] a ri*] dress 9 _! place2 = %e _h
 no soon] tak5 (f ! silk mantle1 ?an ,/4
 ,dom9ic clo!d h] ) ! scapul> ( 8 ord]1 
:i* %e cont9u$ to we> dur+ ! re/ ( h]   
life "u h] o!r clo!s4 ,:5 ! vision _h   
disappe>$1 ,lucy f\nd h]self full ( a   
new & inexpressible joy4 ,%e turn$ to ! 
little angels on ! wall1 ! only         
companions left h] aft] ! la/ ( !       
heav5ly tra9 _h fad$ f h] eyes1 & ) !   
simplicity ( h] *ildi% glee1 %e spoke to
 !m z ?\gh !y 7 alive4 ,y de> little    
angels1 %e said1 are y n glad at :at our
 ,"l has done8 ,!n ! angels seem$ to    
move f ! wall1 & to become1 inde$1 full 
( life2 & !y spoke to h] 9 reply1 & said
 !y 7 v glad to h h] = _! que5 & lady1 z
 ! ,sp\se ( _! de> ,"l4 ,& !y invit$ h] 
to jo9 9 _! dance ( joy1 & sang s sweet 
& h>moni\s a music1 & held out _! h&s s 
k9dly & graci\sly1 t ,lucy w\ld h be5   
well cont5t nev] to h left h] happy     
place ( retreat2 nor w\ld %e h done s1  
if %e _h n be5 f\nd by h] uncle1 & c>ri$
 aga9/ h] w back to ! h\se4  ,! dea? (  

h] fa!r1 left h] :il/ /ill "y1 to !     
gu>dian%ip ( h] uncle4 ,all h] own wi%es
 7 fix$ on a life ( religion1 b h] uncle
 _h diff]5t views = h]2 & aft] long     
resi/ance on h] "p1 he succe$$ 9 induc+ 
h] to accept z h] husb& ,c\nt ,pietro ( 
,milan1 a "y nobleman ( consid]able wor?
 & abilities4 ,! m>riage 0 accord+ly    
celebrat$2 b n until1 9 answ] to e>ne/  
pray]s1 ,lucy _h receiv$ a div9e        
revelation t a life s contr>y to all h] 
own wi%es & int5tions 0 inde$ ,god's w  
reg>d+ h]4  ,d\btless x is "o ( ^? cases
 9 :i* x is n easy = u to foll[ ! ways (
 ,div9e ,provid5ce4 ,! m>riage 0 foll[$ 
by mu* suff]+ to bo? p>ties2 yet1 if we 
be will+ to take ! ,sa9ts' lives z !y   
are giv5 u1 )\t seek+ to r$uce !        
sup]natural elem5ts we f9d 9 !m to !    
level ( our own und]/&+1 we %all n he   
dispos$ to d\bt ! tru? ( ! revelation   
:i* comm&$ x1 or to fancy ?+s w\ld h be5
 mu* bett] if ,bless$ ,lucy _h nev] be5 
plac$ 9 a position s little 9 h>mony )  
h] own wi%es4 ,on ! contr>y1 we mu/     

admire ! grace ( ,god1 :i* w\ld p]haps  
nev] h be5 s amply manife/$ 9 ,8 s]vant1
 _h %e be5 call$ to a m cong5ial way (  
life4 ,we are accu/om$ to admire !      
wond]ful v>iety ( examples :i* are      
pres5t$ to u 9 ! lives ( ! ,sa9ts3 t (  
,bless$ ,lucy (f]s u "o ( a s\l ) all h]
 sympa?ies & desires fix$ on ! high]    
life ( religion1 yet fulfill+ ) p]fect  
exactitude ! m9ute/ duties ( a diff]5t  
vocation4 ,%e sanctifi$ h]self 9 ! w (  
,god1 ?\gh t w 0 manife/$ to h] 9 a     
position :i* ! _w is us$ to call ! h>de/
 ( all to be>--an ill-assort$ m>riage4  
,%e f\nd means to practise ! humiliation
 ( ! cloi/]1 )\t lay+ aside ! duties1 or
 ev5 ! becom+ dignity1 ( h] /ation4  ,h]
 fir/ c>e1 on f9d+ h]self ! "y mi/ress (
 a h\se full ( s]vants1 0 ) !m1 :om %e  
ev] look$ on less z m5ials ?an z a *]i%$
 portion ( h] family4 ,& 9 ! beautiful  
acc\nt giv5 u ( h] int]c\rse ) !m1 we   
mu/ rememb] t at ! p]iod 9 :i* %e liv$1 
x 0 consid]$ no?+ uncommon or unbecom+ =
 ladies ( ! highe/ rank to jo9 9 !      

h\sehold occupations1 & take _! "p 9 !  
day's employm5t1 work+ ) _! s]vants1 &  
presid+ among/ !m ) an affectionate     
famili>ity1 :i*1 )\t r5d]+ !m less a    
mi/ress1 gave !m at ! same "t almo/ !   
position ( a "m4 ,bless$ ,lucy delight$ 
9 ! opportunities1 :i* ! simple mann]s (
 ! day ?us af=d$ h]1 ( lay+ aside h] ri*
 dress & ornam5ts1 & assi/+ 9 h] own    
kit*51 :]e %e always *ose ! meane/ & mo/
 tiresome (fices4 ,:at 0 ) o!rs only    
done 9 compliance ) ! ord9>y habit ( !  
day1 0 ) h] made ! occasion ( secret    
humiliations4 ,"o ( h] s]vants1 a woman 
( v holy life & disposition1 %e took    
into h] confid5ce1 submitt+ h]self to h]
 direction1 & obey+ h] z a religi\s     
sup]ior4 ,on ,holy ,?ursday1 %e wa%$ !  
feet ( all h] dome/ics2 & t ) s t\*+ a  
devotion z to draw te>s f ! eyes ( !    
rude/ & mo/ indiff]5t among !m4 ,s      
p]fect 0 ! discipl9e %e succe$$ 9       
introduc+ among !m1 t1 f> f pres5t+ !   
spectacle ( disord] s common 9 h\seholds
 fill$ ) a cr[d ( feudal reta9]s ( all  

k9ds1 h] palace _h ! quietude & s]5ity (
 a mona/]y4 ,nev] 0 an oa? or lic5ti\s  
^w he>d among !m2 ! "n ( ,god 0 hon\r$2 
& habits ( devotion became *]i%$ &      
famili>1 :]e be=e !y _h be5 too (t5 an  
occasion ( mock]y4 ,all ! family d9$ at 
! same table2 & dur+ ! repa/ ! ,lives ( 
! ,sa9ts1 or ! ,holy ,scriptures1 7 read
 al\d4 ,if any fault 7 committ$ by any (
 ! h\sehold1 ,bless$ ,lucy knew h[ to   
puni% x s rigor\sly z to prev5t a       
repetition ( ! (f5ce2 & 9 ?is %e 0 (t5  
assi/$ by ! gift ( prophecy1 :i* %e     
enjoy$ 9 a rem>kable degree4 ,we read an
 amus+ acc\nt ( two ( h] maid5s1 :o took
 ! opportunity ( _! mi/ress's abs5ce at 
*ur* to kill two f9e capons1 :i* !y     
resolv$ to dress privately = _! own     
eat+4 ,! birds 7 already on ! spit1 :5  
_! mi/ress 0 he>d ent]+ ! h\se4 ,fe>ful 
( discov]y1 !y took ! half-roa/$ capons 
f ! fire1 & hid !m "u a b$4 ,bless$     
,lucy1 h[ev]1 knew all t _h happ5$4 ,:]e
 are ! capons1 %e said1 t 7 9 ! c\rt ?is
 morn+8 ,!y h fl[n away1 said ! two     

wom51 9 great confusion3 we h be5 look+ 
= !m e :]e4 ,d n try to deceive ,god1 my
 *ildr51 repli$ ,bless$ ,lucy3 !y are   
bo? "u y\r b$2 if y w foll[ me1 ,i w %[ 
!m to y4 ,! s]vants foll[$ h] 9 sil5t   
dismay2 b _! a/oni%m5t 0 /ill m         
increas$1 :5 n only did %e lead !m to ! 
v place :]e !y _h hidd5 _! spoils1 hut  
call+ ! birds to come out1 !y flew out  
alive1 & began to cr[ lu/ily4  ,9 ano!r 
/ory ( h] life1 we f9d h] repres5t$ ) h]
 wom5 wa%+ ! l95 ( ! h\se by ! side ( a 
riv] t fl[$ by ! ca/le4 ,:il/ s engag$1 
"o ( !m fell into ! riv] & sank to !    
bottom2 b ,bless$ ,lucy made ! sign ( ! 
cross ov] ! wat]1 & imm$iately ! dr[n+  
woman appe>$ on ! surface safe & s\nd1  
close to ! riv]'s bank4  ,& 9 ! mid/ (  
^! simple & homely occupations1 !       
sup]natural life ( pray]1 & ec/acy1 &   
communion ) ,god1 0 nev] = a mom5t      
int]rupt$4 ,/range & beautiful sights 7 
se5 by _m ( ^? :o 7 pres5t 9 ! *ur* :5  
%e communicat$3 sometimes a column (    
fire re/$ on h] head2 sometimes h] face 

itself %one & sp>kl$ l ! sun4 ,once two 
little *ildr51 :om %e _h adopt$ z h]    
own1 saw1 z !y knelt beh9d h]1 two      
angels come & cr[n _! "m ) a g>l&1 (    
exquisite roses4 ,b ! *ildr5 began to   
weep2 = !y said "o to ano!r1 ,c]ta9ly   
our "m _c h long to live1 = ! angels are
 ev5 n[ cr[n+ h] ) fl[]s4  ,! beauty (  
h] face1 & its extraord9>y brilliancy at
 ^! times1 _h a s+ul> p[] 9 controll+ ^?
 :o beheld x4 ,ev5 ,c\nt ,pietro himself
 0 tam$ & conqu]$ by a glance f h] eye1 
:5 x %one ) ?is m ?an human spl5d\r4    
,?is m5tion ( ,c\nt ,pietro's "n rem9ds 
u t x is tune we %\ld say some?+ ( him1 
& ( 8 %>e 9 a /ory :i* has 9 "s p>ts1 z 
we read x1 ! "* ( a romance4 ,he 0 n a  
bad man2 he seems inde$ to h _h _m good 
qualities1 & to h be5 possess$ 9 "s     
respects ( a degree ( ref9em5t beyond   
:at 0 common at ! "t4 ,he 0 s9c]ely     
atta*$ to 8 sa9tly wife2 b he c\ld n    
und]/& h]4 ,!y 7 be+s ( diff]5t worlds2 
& ! v qualities :i* extort$ 8 respect & 
admiration (t5 sadly p]plex$ & worri$   

him4 ,h] v affection = himself 0 above 8
 compreh5sion2 8 own feel+s 7 too mu*   
made up ( ! ord9>y selfi%ness ( ! _w1 = 
him to "k h[ to measure ! love ( "o ^:  
love 0 9 ,god4 ,he felt h] p[] ov]      
himself2 & :il/ he yield$ to x1 x       
irritat$ him1 & n ! less because !re 0  
no?+ ( :i* he c\ld compla94 ,?is        
irritation %[$ itself 9 a morose        
jeal\sy1 sometimes v>i$ by fits (       
passionate viol5ce2 9 :i* he w5t s f> z 
to conf9e 8 wife to h] room1 & once ev5 
to ?reat5 h] life4  ,all ?is1 & ! yet m 
we>+ trial ( _! daily int]c\rse1 0 borne
 by ,bless$ ,lucy ) unv>y+ sweetness &  
g5tl5ess4 ,b ?\gh %e accommodat$ h]self 
9 e ?+ to 8 sull5 temp]1 & ev5 %[$ him a
 true & loyal ob$i5ce1 ! desire aft] ^? 
heav5ly esp\sals to :i* %e _h be5       
promis$ :il/ /ill a *ild nev] left h]   
he>t2 & z "t w5t on1 %e began to look   
ab\t = "s opportunity ( c>ry+ h] wi%es  
into effect4 ,9 ^? days x 0 no uncommon 
spectacle to see a wife or a husb&1 9   
ob$i5ce to ! int]ior call ( heav51 ab&on

 e tie ( fle% & blood = ! retirem5t ( ! 
cloi/]2 nor 0 ! propriety ( su* a /ep   
ev] que/ion$4 ,society1 z a body1 9 !   
ages ( fai?1 ackn[l$g$ ! pr9ciple1 t "o 
:om ,*ri/ calls %\ld leave all & foll[  
,him4 ,:51 !re=e1 we he> t ,bless$ ,lucy
 at l5g? resolv$ to leave h] husb&'s    
h\se1 & take ! habit ( religion 9 !     
,ord] ( ,/4 ,dom9ic1 we mu/ rememb] t %e
 0 no m act+ contr>y to ! cu/om ( ! age1
 ?an :5 %e work$ ) h] s]vants 9 ! kit*54
 ,x is n an easy matt] at any "t = u to 
judge ( ! vocation or consci5ce ( ano!r2
 b :5 we h to c>ry back our inve/igation
 f\r hundr$ ye>s1 we c h>dly hope t !   
:ole hi/ory ( a resolution ( ?is        
nature1--:y x 0 c>ri$ out n[1 & :y x 0 n
 c>ri$ out be=e h] m>riage1--%\ld be    
laid op5 be=e u l ! pages ( a book4 ,(  
"o ?+ only we _c d\bt1--,god's w _h be5 
v cle>ly & suffici5tly decl>$2 bo? at   
fir/1 :5 %e cons5t$ to give up h] own   
wi%es1 & n[1 :5 ! "t 0 come = !m to be  
grant$4 ,%e cont5t$ h]self at fir/ )    
receiv+ ! habit ( ! ?ird ord]1 & rema9+ 

9 h] "m's h\se = a ye>2 dur+ :i* "t %e  
_h to endure mu* f ! indignation ( h]   
husb&1 :o express$ 8 own disapproval (  
h] /ep 9 a v summ>y way1 by burn+ d[n ! 
mona/]y ( ! prior :o _h giv5 h] ! habit4
 ,b h] uncles at l5g? took ! case into  
_! own h&s2 & aft] consid]+ ! v         
extraord9>y signs ( a div9e call :i* _h 
be5 made manife/ 9 h] life1 !y decid$ t 
%e %\ld be suff]$ to foll[ x )\t fur!r  
mole/ation1 & plac$ h] 9 ! mona/]y ( ,/4
 ,ca!r9e ( ,si5na at ,rome4  ,)9 a ye> f
 h] entrance !re1 ! fame ( h] sanctity  
_h become s univ]sal1 t ,fa!r ,joa*im   
,turriano1 ! ,g5]al ( ! ,ord]1 be+ ab\t 
to f\nd a new conv5t ( nuns at ,vit]bo1 
select$ h] z ! prioress ( ! new         
f\ndation2 on :i* (fice %e accord+ly    
ent]$ 9 ! ye> #adif1 be+ !n exactly     
tw5ty ye>s ( age4 ,s great 0 !          
reputation %e enjoy$1 t ?\gh ! numb] (  
religi\s s5t ) h] to ,vit]bo by ! g5]al 
0 only five1 ! cr[ds t appli$ =         
admission z soon z h] pres5ce 0 kn[n 0 s
 great t ! conv5t _h to be enl>g$2 & %e 

soon saw h]self at ! head ( a num]\s &  
fl\ri%+ community4  ,mean:ile1 h]       
unhappy husb& _h n ab&on$ all hopes (   
induc+ h] ev5 yet to return to ! _w4 ,he
 _h foll[$ h] to ,rome1 & made va9 ef=ts
 to see & speak ) h]3 he n[ foll[$ h]   
also to ,vit]bo2 & ?\gh unsuccessful 9 8
 attempts to obta9 ! slighte/ answ] to 8
 cont9ual applications & appeals1 he    
cont9u$ to l+] ab\t ! conv5t1 9 !       
re/less mood ( "o :o w\ld n give up 8   
design z hopeless4 ,e tongue ar\nd him 0
 busy ) ! fame ( ,lucy's sa9tl9ess2 f "o
 he he>d ( h] almo/ cont9ual pray]1 f   
ano!r1 ( ! glory :i* 0 se5 to hov] ov]  
h] face 9 ! pres5ce ( ! ,bless$         
,sacram5t3 b soon1 9 ! ,febru>y foll[+  
h] removal to ,vit]bo1 ! int]e/ ( all 0 
absorb$ 9 a new report1--t %e _h receiv$
 ! sacr$ /igmata2 & t 9 s rem>kable a   
mann] z to put all d\bt on ! subject out
 ( ! "q4 ,= x 0 hi ! *oir1 ) ! o!r      
religi\s1 t1 be+ engag$ 9 pr(\nd        
m$itation on ! ,passion1 %e 0 obs]v$ by 
"o ( ! si/]s to look pale & z if suff]+ 

acute pa94 ,! si/] w5t up to h] to      
support h]1 & 0 /ruck ) ! appe>ance ( h]
 h&s1 ! bones ( :i* seem$ dislocat$1 & !
 n]ves torn4 ,"m ( ,god6 %e exclaim$1   
:at is ! matt] ) y\r h&s8 ,no?+1 0 !    
fa9t reply2 !y are only gone to sleep4  
,b )9 a few mom5ts ! agony %e 0 endur+ &
 endeav\r+ to conceal ov]p[]$ h]1 & %e  
became p]fectly s5seless4 ,!y c>ri$ h] f
 ! *oir & re/or$ h] to consci\sness1 s t
 %e 0 able to return )9 an h\r & receive
 ,holy ,communion2 b ! same si/] :o _h  
fir/ obs]v$ h]1 be+ conv9c$ some?+ v    
extraord9>y _h happ5$1 cont9u$ to wat*  
h]1 & foll[$ h] to h] cell4 ,%e !n      
rem>k$ t h] h&s 7 livid1 & ! sk9 rais$ &
 mu* inflam$2 & by ! end ( ! week !     
w\nds became l>ge & op51 & %$ s great an
 abundance ( blood t x c\ld no long] be 
conceal$4 ,! excitem5t :i* foll[$1 :5 ^!
 circum/ances became g5]ally kn[n1 c    
h>dly be describ$4 ,a m9ute inve/igation
 0 fir/ made by ! ,bi%op ( ,vit]bo2 aft]
 :i* ?ree successive commissions (      
inquiry 7 appo9t$ by ! comm& ( ! ,pope  

to exam9e ! affair1 & ea* ( ^! inquiries
 t]m9at$ 9 ! decl>ation t ! tru? ( !    
miracle 0 beyond all dispute4           
,multitudes flock$ to ! conv5t to see & 
t\* ! sacr$ w\nds1 & came back full ( ! 
wond]s :i* _! own eyes _h witness$4     
,duke ,h]cules ( ,e/e1 ! ,pope's nephew1
 made e>ne/ applications to 8 uncle to  
suff] h] to be remov$ to 8 own city (   
,f]r>a2 & :il/ all ^! ?+s 7 go+ on1     
,c\nt ,pietro /ill rema9$ 9 ,vit]bo4  ,!
 _w ab\t him 0 e*o+ ) 8 wife's r5[n1 b  
none knew 8 own connection ) h]4 ,ea*   
m>vel t he he>d did b seem to wid5 !    
gulf betwe5 !m2 yet /ill he /ay$ & l+]$ 
)9 sight ( ! walls t %ut h] f him = ev]3
 n[ bitt]ly accus+ himself = ! bl9dness 
( 8 own conduct t[>ds h]2 n[ /riv+ to   
keep alive a k9d ( despair+ hope t1 c\ld
 he b once ga9 admittance to h] pres5ce1
 he might ev5 yet rega9 possession ( a  
treasure :i*1 :5 x 0 81 he knew n h[ to 
value4 ,at l5g? 8 desires 7 grant$4 ,a  
sudd5 inspiration induc$ ,lucy to cons5t
 to an int]view3 x 0 ! fir/ t _h tak5   

place s9ce %e _h fl$ f 8 h\se1 & x 0 !  
la/ !y ev] _h 9 ?is life4  ,x mu/ h be5 
a s+ul> meet+3 ! two ye>s ( _! sep>ation
 _h alt]$ bo?4 ,z to ! ,c\nt1 8 re/less 
despair _h worn him to an old man4 ,he  
_h nev] se5 ,n>ni s9ce ! day ( h]       
dep>ture = ,rome1 :i!r he _h foll[$ h]2 
& _h sp5t ! long days ( ^? two ye>s     
hang+ ab\t ! conv5t-gates l "s mis]able 
begg>4 ,& ! same two ye>s _h plac$ ,lucy
 f> beyond 8 rea*1 z x 7 9 a sup]natural
 _w above him4 ,:5 %e /ood be=e him at !
 grate1 & he beheld h] m>k$ ) ^? sacr$ &
 my/]i\s w\nds1 & be>+ 9 h] :ole        
appe>ance ! air ( "o ^: sympa?ies 7 =   
ev] remov$ f ! affections ( humanity1 8 
he>t fail$ him4 ,he _h ?\ght to speak to
 h] ( h] home1 & ! claims :i* %\ld      
recall h] to ! _w2 he saw be=e him      
some?+ a little l[] ?an ! angels2 &     
fall+ on 8 knees1 he b5t 8 eyes to !    
gr\nd1 & rema9$ sil5t4 ,!n %e spoke2 &  
heav5 seem$ to speak to him by h] voice4
 ,! mi/s ( e>?ly passion roll$ away f 8 
he>t z he li/5$2 ! _w & its hopes di$ 9 

him at t mom5t2 an extraord9>y /ruggle  
tore 8 v s\l1 !n pass$ away1 & left x 9 
a pr(\nd calm4 ,= ! fir/ "t he caught a 
glimpse ( t reality :i* till n[ he _h   
treat$ z a dream2 ! _w & its unquiet    
joys 7 n[ !mselves ! dream1 & heav5 op5$
 on him z ! reality4 ,all life fell away
 f him 9 t h\r2 & :5 8 wife ceas$       
speak+1 %e _h won 8 s\l to ,god4 ,he    
dragg$ himself to h] feet1 & ba!d !m 9 8
 te>s2 he conjur$ h] p>don = all !      
p]secutions & viol5ce ( ! pa/1 & r5\nc$ 
e "r or claim ov] h] ob$i5ce = ev]4 ,!n1
 leav+ h] )\t ano!r ^w1 he obey$ ! voice
 :i* _h s p[]fully spok5 to 8 he>t2 = )9
 a few weeks he took ! habit ( ! ,fri>s 
,m9or ( ! /rict obs]vance2 & p]sev]+ 9 x
 = _m ye>s1 di$ a little be=e 8 wife1 ) 
! reputation ( sanctity4  ,7 ?is a      
rom&e1 ! /ory ( ,bless$ ,lucy might well
 end "h4 ,b h] life 0 yet sc>cely begun4
 ,%ortly aft] ! int]view ) h] husb& j   
spok5 (1 ,duke ,h]cules obta9$ ! ,pope's
 ord]s = h] removal to ,f]r>a4 ,?is 0   
only done by /eal?2 = ! p ( ,vit]bo hav+

 got intellig5ce ( ! design1 gu>d$ !    
city night & day2 s t1 9 ord] to ga9    
possession ( ! ,sa9t1 ! duke 0 r$uc$ to 
! exp$i5t ( load+ sev]al mules ) l>ge   
baskets1 z if full ( goods2 & 9 "o ( ^! 
,bless$ ,lucy 0 conceal$ & c>ri$ (f1 "u 
! gu>dian%ip ( a /rong body ( arm$ m54  
,be+ arriv$ at ,f]r>a1 ! duke receiv$ h]
 ) extraord9>y hon\rs1 & built a        
magnific5t conv5t = h] reception1 to :i*
 ,pope ,alex&] ,,vi4 grant$ s+ul>       
privileges1 by a brief :]e9 he decl>$ h]
 to h foll[$ ! foot/eps ( ,/4 ,ca!r9e ( 
,si5na 9 all ?+s4 ,9 ?is conv5t %e gave 
! habit to h] own "m1 z well z to _m    
noble ladies ( ,f]r>a4  ,x 7 too long to
 tell ( all ! signs ( ,div9e fav\r :i* 7
 grant$ to h] dur+ ! fir/ ye>s ( h] new 
gov]nm5t2 ( ! miracles wr\ght by h] h&s1
 ! visions ( m>vell\s beauty t 7 giv5 to
 h] gaze2 & ! famili>ity ) :i* %e seem$ 
to live among ! sa9ts & angels4 ,?us "o 
day1 pass+ into ! dormitory1 %e 0 met by
 ! figure ( a religi\s1 :om %e knew to  
be ,/4 ,ca!r9e ( ,si5na4 ,pro/rat+      

h]self at h] feet1 %e pray$ h] to bless 
! new mona/]y1 :i* 0 d$icat$ 9 h] "n4 ,!
 sa9t will+ly compli$1 & !y w5t ?r\gh ! 
h\se toge!r2 ,bless$ ,lucy c>ry+ ! holy 
wat]1 :il/ ,/4 ,ca!r9e spr9kl$ ! cells1 
z ! mann] is 9 bless+ a h\se4 ,:il/ !y  
w5t along1 !y sang toge!r ! hymn ,ace   
,m>is ,/ella2 & hav+ f9i%$1 ,/4 ,ca!r9e 
left h] /aff ) ,bless$ ,lucy1 & took h] 
leave4 ,& ano!r "t !y saw 9 ! same      
dormitory a great company ( angels1 & ! 
=m ( "o ( surpass+ beauty1 & clad 9 an  
azure robe 9 ! mid/ ( !m1 /&+ among !m z
 _! que54 ,!n %e s5t !m hi!r & ?i!r1 l  
soldi]s to _! po/s1 & bid !m gu>d !     
v>i\s (fices ( ! mona/]y2 =1 %e said1 we
 mu/ take possession ( ?is h\se4  ,"o   
l+]s ov] ?is p]iod ( h] /ory1 unwill+ to
 pass on to ! sorr[ful conclusion4 ,god1
 :o _h elevat$ h] s highly 9 ! sight ( !
 _w1 0 ab\t to set ^u h] life ! seal ( a
 pr(\nd humiliation4 ,hi!rto %e _h be5  
plac$ be=e ! eyes ( man z an object (   
en?usia/ic v5]ation3 h] conv5t gates 7  
cr[d$ by peisons ( all ranks1 :o ?rong$ 

only to see h] = a mom5t4 ,duke ,h]cules
 ( ,e/e appli$ to h] = c\nsel 9 all     
difficulties ( /ate4 ,! ,pope _h issu$  
extraord9>y briefs to enable ! religi\s 
( o!r conv5ts & ord]s to pass "u h]     
gov]nm5t1 & ev5 to leave ! second ord]  
to jo9 h] community1 :i* belong$ to !   
?ird1--a privilege we %all sc>cely f9d  
grant$ 9 any o!r case4 ,b n[ ^! triumphs
 & di/9ctions 7 ab\t to h an end4       
,bless$ ,lucy 0 ab\t tw5ty-n9e ye>s (   
age4 ,! hon\r 9 :i* %e 0 held1 & !      
public celebrity %e enjoy$1 7 a cont9ual
 s\rce ( sorr[ & humiliation to h]2 & ) 
! desire to escape f some?+ ( ! popul>  
applause :i* foll[$ h]1 %e ceas$ n      
e>ne/ly to implore h] ,div9e ,sp\se to  
remove f h] ! visible m>ks ( ! sacr$    
/igmata1 :i* 7 ! *ief cause ( ! v5]ation
 :i* 0 paid h] by ! _w4 ,h] reque/ 0 9  
"p grant$1 ! w\nds 9 h] h&s & feet      
clos$2 b t ( ! side1 :i* 0 conceal$ f ! 
eyes ( o!rs1 rema9$ op5 to ! h\r ( h]   
dea?4 ,:e!r ! )drawal ( ^! visible tok5s
 ( ! ,div9e fav\r 0 ! cause ( ! *ange 9 

! s5tim5ts ( h] subjects1 we are n told2
 b we f9d %ortly aft]1 t "s among !m1   
disgu/$ at h] refusal to all[ !         
community to become incorporat$ ) !     
second ord]1 rose 9 rebellion1 & ev5    
attempt$ h] life4 ,! sc&al ( ?is crime 0
 conceal$ ?r\gh ! ex]tions ( ,lucy      
h]self2 b on ! dea? ( h] great          
protector1 ,duke ,h]cules1 9 #aeje1 !   
discont5t$ memb]s ( ! community         
recomm5c$ _! plots aga9/ h] au?ority &  
reputation4 ,!n--designs 7 laid )       
consummate art2 & at l5g? !y publicly   
accus$ h] ( hav+ be5 se5 9 h] cell      
endeav\r+ to re-op5 ! w\nds ( h] h&s &  
feet ) a knife1 9 ord] to impose on !   
public4 ,_! evid5ce 0 s ably concoct$1 t
 !y succe$$ 9 ga9+ ov] ! heads ( ! ord] 
to _! side4 ,ha/y & viol5t measures 7 at
 once adopt$2 e apo/olic privilege      
grant$ by ,pope ,alex&] 0 revok$2 %e 0  
degrad$ f h] (fice ( prioress1 depriv$ (
 e "r & voice 9 ! community1 & plac$    
bel[ ! y\nge/ novice 9 ! h\se4 ,%e 01   
moreov]1 =bidd5 to speak to any "o      

except ! confessor1 kept 9 a /rict      
imprisonm5t1 & treat$ 9 e way z if prov$
 guilty ( an infam\s impo/ure4 ,nor 0   
?is disgrace conf9$ )9 ! enclosure ( h] 
own mona/]y2 x spread z f> z h]         
reputation _h ext5d$4 ,all ,italy 0 mov$
 ) a transport ( indignation aga9/ h]2 !
 /orm ( invective :i* 0 rais$ rea*$ h]  
ev5 9 h] prison2 h] "n became a prov]b (
 reproa* ?r\gh ,europe2 & ! nuns :onad  
be5 pr(ess$ at h] h&s made _! pr(essions
 ov] aga9 to ! new prioress1 z if _! v[s
 =m]ly made to h] _h be5 invalid4  ,"o c
 h>dly picture a /ate ( desolation equal
 to t 9 :i* ,bless$ ,lucy n[ f\nd       
h]self4 ,x 0 z if ?is tok5 ( deep       
abjection & humiliation 7 requir$ z a   
confirmation ( h] sa9tl9ess4 ,if any su*
 pro( 7 inde$ ne$$1 x 0 furni%$ by !    
conduct :i* %e exhibit$ "u ?is          
extraord9>y trial4 ,dur+ ! :ole rema9+  
p]iod ( h] life1 a space ( eight-&-?irty
 ye>s1 %e bore h] heavy cross )\t a     
murmur4 ,p]haps its h>de/ suff]+ 01 to  
live ?us among ^? :om %e _h ga!r$1      

toge!r ) h] own h&s1 & _h s\ght to lead 
to ! highe/ pa?s ( religion1 compell$ n[
 to be a sil5t witness ( _! wick$ness4  
,h] life 0 a long pray] = h] p]secutors1
 & we are assur$ t no sorr[ or regret   
ev] seem$ to %ad[ ! deep tranquillity ( 
h] s\l4 ,s f> z x t\*$ h]self1 %e took x
 z a m preci\s tok5 ( h] ,sp\se's love  
?an all ! graces & fav\rs ,he _h ev]    
heap$ on h] be=e4 ,b x is no "p (       
sa9tl9ess to be indiff]5t to ! s9s (    
o!rs2 & we c sc>cely fa?om ! angui% :i* 
mu/ h\rly h pi]c$ h] he>t1 at !         
+ratitude & malignity ( h] unwor?y      
*ildr54  ,& s clos$ ! life :i* _h op5$ 9
 su* a joy\s & beautiful *ildhood4 ,god 
inde$ knew h[ to com=t "o :om ! _w _h   
utt]ly ca/ out2 & ?\gh cut (f f ! lea/  
communication ) any human be+1 %e c\ld  
sc>cely be piti$ :il/ h] neglect$ &     
solit>y cell 0 ! resort ( cele/ial      
visitants & fri5ds4 ,! read] is possibly
 a little tir$ ( su* tales2 yet we ask 8
 indulg5ce :il/ ref]r+ to "o ( ^! la/   
incid5ts 9 ! life ( ,bless$ ,lucy1 :i*  

we c sc>cely omit4 ,!re liv$ at ! same  
"t1 at ,c>amagna 9 ,savoy1 ano!r        
beatifi$ sa9t ( ! same illu/ri\s ord]1  
,bless$ ,ca!r9e ( ,raconigi4 ,%e _h nev]
 se5 ,bless$ ,lucy2 b _h he>d ( h]      
sa9tly fame1 & ! lu/re ( h] life &      
miracles1 & !n also ( h] suff]+s &      
disgrace4 ,b ! sa9ts ( ,god judge n z ! 
_w judges2 & ,ca!r9e knew by ! light (  
div9e illum9ation ! falsehood ( ! *>ges 
br\ght aga9/ h] si/]4 ,%e _h ev] long$  
to see & speak ) h]2 & n[ m ?an ev]1 :5 
! glitt] ( ! _w's applause 0 ex*ang$ =  
its contumely & p]secution4 ,! ?\ght (  
h] si/]1 nev] se5 ) mortal eye1 yet s   
de>ly lov$ 9 ,god1 nev] left h] m9d2 &  
%e pray$ e>ne/ly to _! common ,"l &     
,sp\se1 t ,he w\ld com=t & support h]1  
&1 if su* 7 ,8 bless$ w1 satisfy 9 "s   
way h] own int5se desire to hold "s k9d 
( int]c\rse ) h] ev5 9 ?is life4 ,"o    
night1 z %e 0 ?us pray+ 9 h] cell at    
,c>amagna1 h] desires 7 he>d & grant$4  
,! same ev5+ ,lucy 0 also alone & 9     
pray]2 & to h] 9 l mann] ,god _h reveal$

 ! sanctity ( ,ca!r9e1 k9dl+ 9 h] he>t a
 lov+ sympa?y ) "o :o1 ?\gh a /rang] 9 !
 _w's language1 _h be5 br\ght v ne> to  
h] he>t 9 ! my/]ies ( ! ,he>t ( ,jesus4 
,we _c say h[ & 9 :at way x 01 b !y sp5t
 t night toge!r2 b :5 morn+ came1 & f\nd
 h] aga9 alone z be=e1 ,lucy _h receiv$ 
su* /r5g? & consolation f h] si/]'s     
visit1 t1 z h] biograph] says1 %e desir$
 new affronts & p]secutions = ! glory ( 
t ,"l :o knew s well h[ to com=t &      
suppoit h] 9 !m4  ,h] la/ illness came  
on h] 9 h] sixty-eigh? ye>3 =           
eight-&-?irty ye>s %e _h liv$ /ripp$ (  
all human consolation2 & ! malice ( h]  
enemies cont9u$ unabat$ to ! la/4 ,none 
came ne> h]1 z %e lay weak & dy+ on h]  
mis]able b$4 ,l h] ,"l & ,ma/]1 !y hid  
_! faces f h]1 c\nt+ h] z a lep]4 ,!    
ord9>y (fices ( *>ity1 :i* !y w\ld h    
done to ! poore/ begg> 9 ! /reets1 !y   
d5i$ to h]2 %e 0 left to die z %e _h    
liv$1 alone4 ,b if ! _w ab&on$ h]1 ,god 
did n4 ,h] pill[ 0 smoo!d & t5d$ by m   
?an a "m's c>e4 ,sa9t ,ca!r9e did n     

neglect h] *>ge4 ,x is said %e 0 m ?an  
once se5 by ! sick-b$1 hav+ 9 h] company
 "o ( ! si/]s ( ! community1 :o _h      
dep>t$ a %ort "t be=e1 ) ! reputation ( 
sanctity2 & toge!r !y did ! (fice (     
infirm>ians to ! dy+ ,sa9t4 ,:5 ! la/   
h\r drew nigh1 %e call$ ! si/]s ar\nd h]
 b$1 & humbly ask$ _! p>don = any sc&al 
%e _h giv5 !m 9 life4 ,we d n f9d "o ^w 
( ju/ification1 or remon/rance1 or ev5 (
 regret2 only "s brok5 words (          
exhortation1 n to be (f5d$ at h]        
imp]fection1 b to love ,god & be deta*$ 
f creatures1 & abide /eadfa/ly by _!    
rule4 ,at midnight1 on ! #ae? (         
,novemb]1 #aedd1 %e felt ! mom5t (      
release 0 at h&2 & )\t any dea?-/ruggle 
or sign ( suff]+1 %e rais$ h] h&s &     
cri$1 ,up to heav51 up to heav56 & s    
expir$1 ) a smile t rema9$ on ! dead    
face ) s extraord9>y a beauty1 t none   
c\ld look on x )\t a s5tim5t ( awe1 = !y
 knew x 0 ! beauty ( "o ( ,god's ,sa9ts4
  ,! tru? c\ld n long] be conceal$2 "o  
sup]natural tok5 aft] ano!r 0 giv5 to   

decl>e ! bless$ness ( ! dep>t$ s\l4     
,angelic voices 7 he>d s++ above ! cell 
by all ! si/]s2 an extraord9>y p]fume   
fill$ ! cell & ! :ole h\se2 & !         
community1 :o _h probably = ! mo/ "p be5
 deceiv$ by "o or two 9 au?ority1 )\t   
any malice on _! own "p1 n[ l\dly insi/$
 on ju/ice be+ done to ! deceas$4 ,x 0  
done1 s f> z fun]al hon\rs c make am5ds 
= a life ( cruelty & calumniation4 ,!   
body 0 expos$ 9 ! *ur*2 & ! fickle cr[ds
 :o _h call$ h] an impo/or :ile liv+1   
cr[d$ n[ to see & t\* ! sacr$ rema9s4 ,!
 w\nd 9 h] side 0 exam9$1 & f\nd dripp+ 
) fre% wet blood2 ! sick 7 cur$1 & evil 
spirits ca/ out1 by clo?s :i* _h be5    
plac$ on ! relics4  ,f\r ye>s aft] !    
body 0 tak5 f its grave1 & f\nd fre% &  
beautiful z 9 life4 ,!n x 0 aga9 expos$ 
9 ! *ur* to ! v5]ation ( ! fai?ful1 :o  
cr[d$ once m to pay x hon\r1 & 7        
wond]-/ruck at ! p]fume1 z ( sweet      
violets1 :i* issu$ f x1 & atta*$ to e ?+
 :i* x t\*$4 ,& x 0 aga9 dis9t]r$1      
little m ?an a c5tury ago1 9 #agaj1 :5 x

 pres5t$ ! same appe>ance z be=e1 & !   
sacr$ /igmata 7 obs]v$ di/9ct & visible 
to all4 ,on ?is occasion a "p ( ! body 0
 translat$ to ,n>ni1 :]e x n[ reposes 9 
a magnific5t %r9e1 & receives           
extraord9>y hon\rs1 amid ! sc5e ( h]    
*ildi% devotion to ! ,*ri/>ello4        
,p]haps1 z we read ( ^! hon\rs to !     
dead1 we may feel !y 7 b poor rep>ation 
= ! calumnies & injuries heap$ on h]    
:ile liv+3 or1 if we seek to measure ^! 
?+s 9 ! balance ( ! sanctu>y1 we c      
believe t to h] bless$ _s n[1 ^? long   
ye>s ( ab&onm5t & desolation1 :i* cut h]
 (f f all communion ) ?is e>? = m ?an   
half h] mortal life1 7 a f> m preci\s   
gift ?an all ! %r9es1 & fun]al hon\rs1 &
 popul> v5]ation1 :i* ! _w 9 its t>dy   
rep5tance 0 mov$ to give h]4  ,%e 0     
f9ally beatifi$ by ,b5$ict ,,xiii4 t[>ds
 ! middle ( ! la/ c5tury4      ,,dom9ica
 ,,( ,,p>adiso ,,dom9ica ,,( ,,p>adiso4 
,ab\t f\r hundr$ ye>s ago !re liv$ at a 
small c\ntry village ne> ,flor5ce1 call$
 ,p>adiso1 a poor g>d5] & 8 wife1 ^:    

names 7 ,francis & ,co/anza4 ,!y _h     
sev]al *ildr51 ( :om ! y\nge/ 0 nam$    
,dom9ica1 :o 0 br\ght up to ! life (    
lab\r & h>d%ip ord9>y among ! poor]     
peasantry ( ,italy1 & ^: daily task x 0 
to help 9 ! cultivation ( ! g>d5 on :i* 
! :ole family dep5d$ = support4 ,beyond 
! fir/ rudim5ts ( ! ,*ri/ian fai?1      
,dom9ica receiv$ no education2 = h]     
p>5ts 7 9 no way sup]ior 9 intellig5ce  
to o!rs ( _! class 9 life4 ,nev]!less1 f
 h] v infancy %e %[$ signs t ! few      
in/ructions :i* !y 7 able to give h] _h 
made a wond]ful impression on h] he>t2 &
 z h] s\l receiv$ ea* new religi\s idea1
 x 0 *]i%$ & m$itat$ on2 s t %e ga!r$   
mat]ials en\gh out ( ^! simple elem5ts  
to build up a life ( ! highe/           
contemplative pray]4 ,among all !       
biographies ( ! sa9ts :i* h be5 pres]v$ 
to u1 !re are few :i* s vividly         
illu/rate ! gr[? ( a pr(\nd &           
sup]natural devotion 9 ! he>t ( an      
un$ucat$ *ild z t be=e u4 ,nor w x be   
?\ght t ! extreme simplicity :i* m+les )

 "s ( ! passages ( h] life :i* are "h   
select$1 less5s ! beauty ( a n>rative ^:
 incid5ts *>m u l a poem4  ,dom9ica 0   
m>k$ 9 a special way z ! *ild ( ,m>y1   
ev5 f h] cradle4 ,! fir/ occasion :5 we 
read ( ! ,bless$ ,virg9 appe>+ to h] 0  
"o day :5 %e 0 ly+ on h] poor little b$1
 be+ !n only f\r ye>s old4 ,! pres5ce ( 
! ,div9e ,"m ) a tra9 ( %9+ angels !n   
fir/ awoke 9 h] little he>t a long+ aft]
 ,god & heav52 & %e began to pray-?\gh  
sc>cely kn[+ ! mean+ ( ! words %e       
utt]$-t %e might be taught ! way to rea*
 t glory1 ! vision ( :i* _h captivat$ h]
 imag9ation4 ,!n %e came to und]/& t    
fidelity to ,god's precepts1 &          
contrition = s91 0 ! pa? ( sa9tl9ess2 & 
s 7 trac$ out on h] s\l ! fir/ l9eam5ts 
( p]fection4 ,n[ %e _h le>nt t          
contrition 0 a sorr[ = s92 & ! simple   
sort ( cate*ism :i* h] "m 0 accu/om$ to 
tea* h] spoke also ( ! he>t be+ full (  
s91 & h[ te>s ( p5it5ce 7 necess>y to   
wa% x f its corrupt /e9s4 ,a metaphor ( 
any k9d 0 f> beyond ! rea* ( ,dom9ica's 

compreh5sion2 %e !re=e took ^!          
expressions 9 a v /raight=w>d way1 &    
wept he>tily to ?9k h] he>t %\ld be s   
defil$ & dang]\s a ?+4 ,& ! h&k]*ief :i*
 0 wet ) h] *ildi% te>s %e laid ov] h]  
brea/1 ?9k+ t ?is mu/ be ! way to wa%   
away ! /a9s !y talk$ (4  ,all day long  
%e revolv$ 9 h] m9d ! "o idea :i* _h be5
 reveal$ to h] s\l1--p]fection1 z ! road
 to ,god's pres5ce2 & ?9k+ incessantly (
 ^! ?+s amid ! v>i\s occupations 9 :i*  
%e 0 engag$1 %e came to make e "p ( h]  
day's "w associat$ ) ! subjects ( h]    
m$itation4 ,to h] eye1 all untaught by  
man1 b enlight5$ by ! ,div9e light1 !   
invisible ?+s ( ,god 7 cle>ly se5 by !  
?+s t 7 visible4 ,once %e 0 help+ an    
eld] si/] to make "s cakes mix$ )       
poppy-se$s1 to give to h] bro!r :o 0 ill
 & suff]+ f want ( sleep4 ,z %e bak$ !  
cakes1 h] ?\ghts 71 z usual1 busy f9d+  
div9e mean+s 9 ! ?+s be=e h]4 ,! int]ior
 voice1 ^: :isp]s %e z yet sc>cely      
und]/ood1 seem$ to speak to h] ( ano!r  
k9d ( food :i* %\ld satisfy ! s\l1 s t x

 %\ld slumb] & repose 9 ! sleep ( ,div9e
 love4 ,!n %e pray$ v e>ne/ly to be giv5
 ?is wond]ful food2 & ! voice spoke 9   
answ]1 & said1 ,daught]1 ! food ( :i* ,i
 spake is none o!r ?an ,my love1 ) :i*  
:5 ! sa9ts 9 heav5 are fill$ & satisfi$1
 !y sleep s sweetly1 t !y =get all      
creat$ ?+s1 & wat* only unto ,me4 ,&    
,dom9ica wond]$ h[ ! sa9ts took ?is     
m>vell\s slumb]1 & :e!r x 7 on b$s made 
l h] own /raw mattress1 or 9 ! bosom (  
,god1 ev5 z h] "m 0 wont to rock !      
little baby to sleep4 ,:5 %e 0 at "w1 9 
! g>d51 %e w\ld raise h] eyes to heav51 
& ?9k h[ %e c\ld make h] he>t a g>d5 (  
fl[]s = ! delight ( ,god4 ,& once1 z %e 
s mus$1 ,he :o _h und]tak5 ! (fice (    
tea*] & director to h] s\l appe>$ to h]1
 & taught h] t pray] w\ld keep t s\l ev]
 fre% & gre5 be=e ,him2 & t ,he w\ld op5
 9 t g>d5 five limpid & cry/al f\nta9s  
to refre% x1 ev5 ! five w\nds ( ,8      
,sacr$ ,passion2 & t %e1 on h] "p1 mu/  
keep x free f we$s1 daily pluck+ up evil
 passions1 & ! idle ?\ghts ( vanity & ! 

_w2 t s x might be beautiful to ! eye1 &
 abundant 9 all-pleasant fruits4 ,if %e 
ran up/airs1 h] ?\ghts asc5d$ to heav52 
if %e came d[n1 %e abas$ h]self 9 !     
dep?s ( l[l9ess & humility4 ,! ox5      
pl\gh+ 9 ! field rem9d$ h] to be> meekly
 ! yoke ( ob$i5ce2 & z %e /ood 9 h]     
fa!r's w9e-press %e taught h]self to    
tread "u h] own w & nature1 if %e w\ld  
ta/e ( ! sweetness ( div9e consolations4
 ,once ! sight ( a h5 ) h] brood (      
*ick5s s vividly br\ght be=e h] ! my/]y 
( ! ,inc>nation1 & t wond]ful love :i*  
gave its life to cov] our s9s & %ield u 
f ! wra? ( ,god1 t %e 0 rapt 9 a /ate ( 
ec/asy1 & s rema9$ 9 ! g>d5 all t day & 
! foll[+ night4 ,& aga91 z %e ga!r$ !   
ripe apples :i* h] "m 0 ho>d+ = ! w9t]1 
%e became absorb$ 9 contemplat+ ! beauty
 ( t s\l :]e9 ! fruits ( virtue are     
br\ght =?1 mak+ x pleasant 9 ! eye (    
,god4 ,& %e sigh$ deeply1 & said1 ,oh1 t
 ,i knew h[ to /ore my s\l ) ^! preci\s 
fruits6 h[ happy %\ld ,i !n be6 ,& !    
,sp\se ( h] he>t came swiftly to h]1 &  

%[$ h] h[ = e apple %e ga!r$ = ! love ( 
,him1 !re 0 br\ght =? a glori\s fruit )9
 h] s\l1 m graci\s & beautiful 9 ,8     
sight ?an ! faire/ apples ( h] g>d54    
,all ?is 0 go+ on 9 h] m9d :il/ yet n   
six ye>s old2 & s h] life divid$ itself 
betwe5 ! homely ext]ior lab\r & r\gh    
discipl9e ( a peasant life1 & an int]ior
 ( spiritual contemplation1 :]e9 7      
reveal$ to h] _m ( ! pr(\nde/ secrets ( 
my/ic !ology4 ,! _w became to h] a book 
writt5 )9 & )\t ) ! "n ( ,god2 all      
creatures talk$ to h] ( ,him4 ,& ?is 0  
sometimes p]mitt$ to be manife/$ 9      
extraord9>y ways2 z once1 :5 walk+ by ! 
side ( a lake ne> _! cottage1 ! ?\ght   
sugge/$ itself t ! fi%1 be+ creatures ( 
,god1 mu/ be ob$i5t to ,him1 & ready to 
d ,him s]vice4 ,!re=e %e /ood by !      
wat]-side1 & call$ !m to come & help h] 
:il/ %e sang ,8 praises2 & ! fi%1 swimm+
 to ! %ore1 did s aft] _! k9d1 leap+ &  
jump+ ab\t out ( ! wat]2 :ile %e sat on 
! grass1 & sang a little song :i* %e _h 
le>nt1 & 0 fond ( repeat+ to h]self ov] 

h] "w 9 ! g>d54  ,"o day %e 0 ill1 & h] 
"m desir$ h] to eat "s meat1 :i* %e did1
 al?\gh x 0 ,friday2 & aft]w>ds felt    
great scruples1 fe>+ %e _h committ$ a   
great s94 ,%e _h nev] yet be5 to        
confession1 be+ "u ! age :5 x is usual =
 *ildr5 to confess4 ,b %e n[ felt v     
anxi\s to relieve h] consci5ce ( ?is    
weight2 only1 be+ conf9$ to h] b$1 %e   
c\ld n get to ! *ur*2 nor did %e d>e to 
ask h] "m to s5d = ! prie/4 ,%e !re=e   
consid]$ )9 h]self :at %e %\ld d2 & %e  
rememb]$ to h se5 ! p 9 ! *ur* n only   
kneel+ 9 ! confessionals1 b also be=e ! 
crucifixes & dev\t images on ! alt>s2 & 
9 h] simplicity1 %e ?\ght t !y 7        
likewise confess+ _! s9s to !m4 ,n[ !re 
0 a little picture ( ! ,madonna hold+ ! 
,holy ,*ild 9 h] arms1 :i* hung 9 h]    
room1 & ,dom9ica ?\ght %e c\ld confess  
to ?is2 !re=e1 gett+ out ( b$1 %e knelt 
d[n dev\tly be=e x1 & confess$ h] fault 
9 eat+ ! meat ) _m te>s1 pray+ ! little 
,jesus to give h] absolution = h] fault1
 :i* %e ?\ght ,he w\ld d by plac+ ,8 h& 

on h] head1 z %e _h se5 ! old prie/ d to
 ! little *ildr5 ( ! village4 ,b :5 %e  
_h knelt a long "t1 & saw t ! image did 
n move1 %e became v unhappy1 & pray$ all
 ! h>d] t ,he w\ld n d5y h] absolution1 
b w\ld give h] ! sign %e ask$ =4 ,!n x  
pleas$ our ,"l to grant h] ! answ] :i*  
h] simple confid5ce extort$ f ,him2 & ! 
figures ( ! ,"m & ! ,son rais$ _! h&s1 &
 plac$ !m on ! *ild's head1 :o rema9$   
fill$ ) delight at ! ?\ght t h] s9s 7 n[
 =giv5 h]1 & h] consci5ce at re/4  ,aft]
 ?is h] "m took h] once a ye> to        
confession 9 ! *ur*4 ,x griev$ h] mu* n 
to be able to g (t5]2 b h] angel-gu>dian
 taught h] to submit 9 ?is matt] to h]  
"m's pleasure1 & to supply ! place ( m  
frequ5t confession by e ev5+ exam9+ h]  
consci5ce1 & confess+ h] daily faults   
be=e ! same picture z be=e4 ,nor 0 ?is !
 only tea*+ :i* %e receiv$ f him2 he    
taught h] t ! pa? to ,p>adise 0 a way ( 
suff]+2 & t !y :o aspir$ to ! my/ic     
nuptials ( ,*ri/ 7 c>eful to clo!       
!mselves ) ! liv]y ( ! cross4 ,&        

,dom9ica1 9 ob$i5ce to ^! in/ructions1  
began to afflict h] body ) fa/s & o!r   
au/]ities1 & gave ! food :i* %e sav$ f  
h] own d9n] to ! poor4 ,%e ev] %[$ great
 devotion to ! ,bless$ ,virg91          
especially aft] ! circum/ances n>rat$   
above2 & made x h] p>ticul> duty to     
light ! lamp be=e h] picture e          
,saturday1 & to g>l& x ) fl[]s on t day1
 z be+ specially d$icat$ to h]4 ,on "o (
 ^! occasions1 ,m>y appe>$ to h] ) h]   
,div9e ,*ild 9 h] arms1 & promis$ h] t 9
 rew>d = h] devotion %e %\ld "o day     
become ,8 sp\se1 b n until %e _h gr[n   
fur!r 9 p]fection & 9 ,8 love4 ,?is     
promise became !nce=? ! absorb+ subject 
( h] ?\ghts2 & at sev5 ye>s ( age %e    
consecrat$ h]self to ,him1 :om f t h\r  
%e consid]$ h] ,sp\se1 by a solemn v[1  
cutt+ (f h] beautiful gold5 hair1 z %e  
und]/ood ! cu/om 01 & (f]+ x to h] ,"l4 
,:5 h] "m saw h] hair cut (f1 %e 0      
greatly displeas$1 & comm&$ h] to suff] 
x to gr[ aga91 & n to attempt to cut x a
 second "t4 ,dom9ica obey$2 b %e        

secretly pray$ t ,god w\ld s5d h] "s    
infirmity ( ! head1 :i* might prev5t !  
gr[? ( ! hair4 ,& ?is inde$ happ5$2 s t 
! head rema9$ closely cut until h]      
fifte5? ye>1 :5 x 0 cur$1 & miracul\sly 
cr[n$1 z we %all see1 by ,god4  ,our    
,bless$ ,lady v (t5 fav\r$ h] ) h]      
visible pres5ce2 b on ^! occasions %e   
appe>$ alone1 & )\t h] ,son4 ,dom9ica 0 
greatly griev$ at ! abs5ce ( h] ,"l1 &  
at l5g? "o day resolv$ to ask ! ,bless$ 
,virg9 ! reason :y ,he nev] came4 ,o    
,div9e ,lady1 %e said1 y come v (t5 to  
see me & talk to me2 b y nev] br+ ,him  
:o is to be my ,sp\se2 :y is ?is1 = x   
grieves me t ,i nev] see ,him8 ,!n our  
,lady1 smil+ on h]1 %[$ h] ! ,holy      
,infant sleep+ 9 h] bosom4 ,dom9ica 0   
delight$ at ! sight4 ,b h[ v small ,he  
is6 %e exclaim$ ,he w gr[1 repli$ ,m>y1 
:5 y w1 & z mu* z y w2 & z %e spoke1    
,dom9ica p]ceiv$ t ,he 0 already mu*    
l>g]4 ,ah6 ,he is already gr[+1 %e      
exclaim$2 n[ ,he is twice ! size ,he    
06--h[ is t8 ,he gr[s ) y\r gr[?1 aga9  

repli$ ,m>y2 & y\r gr[? mu/ be n 9 !    
fle%1 b 9 ! _s3 :5 y h atta9$ to y\r    
full gr[? 9 hol9ess1 ,he w come &       
celebrate ^? esp\sals :i* y desire s    
mu*4 ,!n ! ,*ild ext5d$ ,8 h& to        
,dom9ica z a tok5 ( ,8 r5ew$ promise2 & 
! vision disappe>$4 ,%e rema9$ v sad &  
disconsolate2 & h] grief1 :5 %e ?\ght ( 
! lovel9ess ( ,jesus1 & ! long "t t 0   
yet to elapse be=e ,8 promise c\ld be   
fulfill$1 became s poignant1 t %e fell  
ill1 & sp5t eight days 9 cont9ual te>s &
 sorr[ ( he>t4 ,?is ab&onm5t ( h] s\l to
 grief 0 by no means pleas+ to ! ,bless$
 ,virg91 :o appe>$ aga9 at ! end ( !    
eight days1 & gave h] a %>p repro( = h] 
want ( resignation4 ,daught]1 %e said1 y
 grieve = ! loss ( s5sible consolations2
 b "k ?is1 t to ^? :o atta* !mselves to 
su* ?+s1 visions1 & revelations1 & !    
s5sible pres5ce ( ! ,belov$1 are n      
bless+s b evils3 :]e=e put away y\r     
sorr[1 & s]ve ,god ) a joyful & cont5t$ 
he>t4 ,b h[ c ,i be joyful1 said ! weep+
 *ild1 :il/ ,i am s f> f my ,sp\se & ,8 

palace1 & /ill kept a prison] 9 ?is vale
 ( te>s8 ,!n ! m]ciful he>t ( ,m>y 0    
mov$ ) pity1 & %e said1 ,foll[ me ) y\r 
eyes1 & y %all see a glimpse ( ! c\ntry 
:]e ,he dwells2 & s say+1 %e rose t[>ds 
heav5 be=e h] eyes4 ,dom9ica wat*$ h] z 
%e _h said1 & %e saw h[ ! heav5s op5$ to
 receive _! que52 & caught ?r\gh ! p>t$ 
doors ( ^? cele/ial regions some?+ ( !  
glory ( ! ,new ,j]usalem4 ,%e saw h]    
pass on ?r\gh ! c\ntless *oirs ( !      
angels1 till %e came close to ! ?rone ( 
,god2 & 9 ! mid/ ( ! unapproa*able light
 %e saw ! ,*ild ,jesus1 m beautiful &   
glori\s ?an %e _h ev] se5 ,him be=e2 &  
!n1 ev5 z %e gaz$ on ,him1 =gett+ all   
beside1 ! gold5 gates clos$ on ! sc5e1 &
 %ut x f h] eyes4 ,n[ :5 ,dom9ica look$ 
r\nd1 & saw t x _h all pass$ away1 %e   
rema9$ full ( an unspeakable long+ to   
rea* t glori\s c\ntry1 or at lea/ to see
 x once aga94 ,%e kept h] eyes con/antly
 fix$ on ! sky1 = %e ?\ght p]haps x     
might once m op52 & 9 h] simplicity %e  
?\ght %e %\ld be ne>] to h] ,"l1 & to ! 

beauty amid :i* ,he dwelt1 on high      
places3 !re=e1 at night1 :5 all ! family
 7 asleep1 %e rose s(tly1 & tak+ a      
ladd]1 m\nt$ to ! ro(1 :]e %e sp5t !    
night 9 pray]1 look+ wi/fully at ! />s1 
:i* %e ?\ght 7 at lea/ little sp>ks ( t 
great glory :i* _h be5 reveal$ to h]4 ,&
 hav+ repeat$ ?is sev]al times1 x pleas$
 ,god m ?an once to op5 ! vision ( heav5
 to h] aga92 s t %e came to h a         
famili>ity ) t bless$ place1 & to "k !  
*oirs ( angels "o f ano!r1 & to tell !  
diff]5t degrees ( ! bless$ by ! cr[ns !y
 wore1 & _m e!r my/]ies :i*1 :il/ %e    
beheld1 %e z yet did n fully compreh5d4 
,:5 ,ea/] came1 h] "m took h] to *ur*1 &
 %e saw all ! p go+ to ,communion1 &    
griev$ mu* to ?9k %e 0 too "y to be     
suff]$ to approa* ) !m4 ,x seem$ also v 
/range to h] t !y %\ld come to s        
wond]ful a banquet1 & g away aga91 j z  
if no?+ _h happ5$ to !m2 & %e ?\ght x   
w\ld n be s ) h]3 =1 inde$1 :5ev] %e 0  
pres5t at ,mass1 & ! prie/ elevat$ !    
,sacr$ ,ho/ be=e h] eyes1 %e saw !      

visible p]son ( h] div9e ,sp\se1 adorn$ 
) s wond]ful a beauty t x seem$ m>vell\s
 to h] t no "o else seem$ mov$ by !     
sight2 & %e ?\ght t all saw :at %e saw1 
& nev] dreamt t x 0 a revelation grant$ 
to h] eyes alone4 ,& once1 z %e ?us     
reason$ )9 h]self1 & look$ sorr[fully on
 ! cr[ds :o 7 go+ to receive a happ9ess 
:i* 0 d5i$ to h]1 ! ,"l ( h] s\l        
,himself drew ne> to com=t h] ) a =eta/e
 ( ,8 pres5ce1 & ,dom9ica felt on h]    
tongue a drop ( ,8 preci\s ,blood4      
,autumn br\ght ! h>ve/1 & ) x h>d "w 9 !
 fields = ,dom9ica1 ^: pray]s & visions 
nev] int]rupt$ h] life ( daily lab\r4   
,%e 0 "o day 9 ! fields wat*+ !m burn ! 
/ubble1 & help+ to heap ! loads ( /raw &
 rubbi% on to ! fire4 ,) *ildlike glee1 
%e danc$ & clapp$ h] h&s to see ! flames
 leap+ high into ! air2 & %e ?\ght to   
h]self t ! fire 0 l ,div9e love1 & long$
 t h] own he>t c\ld be consum$ 9 its    
flames l ! wor?less /raw4 ,!n ! voice ( 
h] ,sp\se spoke )9 h] & said1 ,:at w\ld 
y d1 ,dom9ica1 if y saw y\r ,sp\se 9 !  

mid/ ( ^? flames8 ,& %e answ]$1 ,i w\ld 
run to ,him & embrace ,him4 ,b1 repli$ !
 voice1 w\ld y n fe> ! fire8 d y n      
rememb] h[ t]rible 0 ! pa9 :5 y\r si/]  
burnt h] h&8 ,& ev5 at t mom5t ,dom9ica 
saw ?r\gh ! flames1 h[ a beautiful lady 
ent]$ ! field on ! o!r side ( ! fire1   
lead+ a *ild ( surpass+ lovel9ess by !  
h&4 ,z %e look$ at !m ! lady spoke to   
h]3 ,dom9ica1 %e said1 :y are y "h1 &   
:at d y seek8 ,& ,dom9ica repli$1 ,i am 
look+ at ! flames1 & ,i am seek+ = ,god 
9 !m6 ,god4 answ]$ ! lady1 is v ne> y1 &
 yet y d n "k ,him4 ,!n h] eyes op5$1 & 
%e knew t %e _h be5 speak+ to no o!r ?an
 ,jesus & ,m>y2 & =gett+ ! fire & h] own
 dang]1 & all b ! pres5ce ( h] ,belov$1 
%e ran ?r\gh ! flames to ! o!r side1 &  
ca/ h]self at ,8 feet4 ,9 do+ ?is %e 0  
sev]ely burnt1 = h] legs & arms 7 b>e l 
o!r peasant *ildr52 b ,dom9ica did n    
feel ! pa91 = %e 0 gaz+ on h] ,"l4 ,& ! 
glori\s ,*ild took h] lov+ly by ! h&1 & 
said1 ,o ,dom9ica1 ?\ has conqu]$ flames
 = ! love ( ,me2 !re=e %all ?\ ev] abide

 9 ,my grace1 & %alt dwell ) ,me = ev]4 
,!n he bless$ h]2 & disappe>+ f sight1  
,dom9ica 0 aga9 alone4 ,on look+ r\nd   
h]1 %e f\nd t x 0 q d>k1 & ! />s 7 %9+  
brightly2 = ! mom5ts t _h seem$ to h] to
 fly s quickly _h inde$ be5 h\rs1 & x 0 
n[ night4 ,%e began to be v fright5$2   
kn[+ t h] abs5ce w\ld cause great al>m2 
b we are assur$ t1 on return+ 9 ! morn+1
 %e f\nd %e _h n be5 miss$1 h]          
angel-gu>dian hav+ tak5 h] =m1 & dis*>g$
 all ! h\sehold (fices :i* x 0 h] duty  
to p]=m4  ,on ano!r occasion1 %e 0 z    
usual at "w 9 ! g>d51 :il/ h] bro!rs 7  
br++ 9 a load ( manure :i* smelt v      
(f5sive4 ,! habit ( draw+ spiritual     
mean+s f all ext]nal objects _h become s
 completely second nature to ,dom9ica1 t
 h] ?\ghts seem to h %ap$ !mselves into 
^! analogies on all occasions4 ,! bad   
smell !re=e sugge/$ to h] m9d an image (
 mortal s91 & %e pray$ t %e might be    
taught 9 "s way h[ x appe>$ 9 ! eyes-(  
,god4 ,at t mom5t a soldi] ent]$ ! g>d5 
= ! purpose ( pur*as+ "s vegetables1 &  

,dom9ica p]ceiv$ t 8 s\l 0 v (f5sive 9 !
 sight ( ,god4 ,%e look$ 9 8 face1 & x  
seem$ to h] s disfigur$ by f\l & mon/r\s
 de=mity1 t %e 0 mov$ ) a deep          
compassion = him2 %e pray$ !re=e v      
e>ne/ly1 t ,god w\ld give him ! grace ( 
conv]sion1 & save him f 8 mis]able /ate4
 ,%e long$ to say some?+ to him2 b n d>+
 to address him1 %e rema9$ be=e him1    
/ill look+ up 9 8 face1 & weep+ bitt]ly4
 ,h] mann] at l5g? drew 8 att5tion1 & he
 ask$ h] :at 0 ! matt]1 & :y %e kept ?us
 look+ at him & weep+4 ,i weep1 %e      
answ]$1 because y\r s\l is s ugly2 y mu/
 c]ta9ly be v unhappy4 ,h[ is x y d n   
rememb] ! ,preci\s ,blood :i* r$eem$ y f
 ! p[] ( ! devil8 ,d y n see ! b[ b5t1 &
 ! arr[ ready to fly8 ,:at b[1 & :at    
arr[1 are y talk+ (8 said ! a/oni%$ man4
 ,! b[1 repli$ ! *ild1 is div9e ju/ice1 
& ! arr[ is dea? & ! judgm5t1 :i* w     
c]ta9ly ov]take y if y d n *ange y\r    
wick$ life & become a good man4 ,z %e   
spoke1 ! simplicity ( h] words fairly   
conqu]$ ! obdurate he>t to :i* !y 7     

address$4 ,) te>s roll+ d[n 8 *eeks1 he 
knelt be=e h]1 & confess$ he 0 inde$ an 
enorm\s s9n]1 :o des]v$ no?+ b hell2 b t
 if %e w\ld help him ) h] pray]s1 he    
w\ld g t v day to confession1 & beg9 a  
new life2 & ) ?is promise he left h]4 ,=
 eight days ,dom9ica cont9u$ 9 v e>ne/  
pray] = him1 9 spite ( unhe>d-( tr\bles 
& p]secutions ( ! devils2 b on ! eigh?  
%e knew t h] pray]s _h be5 he>d1 = %e   
saw 8 s\l :ite & clean l t ( a          
newly-baptis$ *ild2 & he himself came to
 ?ank h] = ! grace %e _h obta9$ = him1 &
 by means ( :i* he _h be5 enabl$ to make
 a good & contrite confession4 ,he told 
h]1 moreov]1 t he 0 resolv$ to leave !  
_w & retire to a h]mitage1 to sp5d !    
rema9d] ( 8 life 9 p5ance2 b pray$ h]1  
be=e he w5t1 at lea/ to give him h]     
bless+4 ,?is reque/ puzzl$ ,dom9ica2 &  
%e repli$ %e w\ld readily oblige him1 b 
%e did n "k h[4 ,!n h] angel rais$ h]   
little h&1 & guid$ x to sign ! sign ( ! 
,cross above 8 head2 & a voice :i* 0 n  
h]s said = h]1 ,may ,god bless !e 9 ?is 

_w & 9 ! _w to come4 ,f\rte5 ye>s aft]1 
?is man di$ 9 8 h]mitage1 ) ! reputation
 ( sanctity4  ,?is fir/ conv]sion awoke 
9 h] s\l an ard5t ?ir/ = ! salvation (  
s9n]s4 ,x 0 a new feel+1 & to h] quick &
 s5sitive s\l "o :i* soon became :olly  
absorb+4 ,happ5+ ab\t ?is "t to see a   
little picture repres5t+ ! suff]+s ( !  
s\ls 9 hell1 %e 0 greatly t\*$ )        
compassion1 & innoc5tly pray$ ,god to   
relieve !m & set !m free4 ,!n h] fai?ful
 gu>dian in/ruct$ h] on ?is matt]1 &    
taught h] t ! only way to save s\ls f   
hell 01 to prev5t s9 & conv]t s9n]s by  
h] pray]s4 ,& to increase h] zeal he %[$
 h]1 n a picture1 b ! real suff]+s ( !  
lo/ s\ls2 & ! s5tim5ts ( pity :i* ^!    
excit$ 7 s lively1 t a desire awoke )9  
h] to suff] some?+ 9 h] own body1 9 ord]
 to save o!r s\ls f ^! t]rible flames4  
,& ) ! idea ( exp]i5c+ some?+ ( a l k9d 
( suff]+1 %e took a light$ tor*1 &      
c\rage\sly held x to h] %\ld] till !    
fle% 0 burnt1 :i* caus$ h] agonies ( pa9
 = _m days4 ,^!1 h[ev]1 %e _h self-comm&

 en\gh to conceal1 9 spite ( "s emotions
 ( v natural al>m1 :i* det]m9$ h] to f9d
 out if possible "s o!r less dang]\s    
me?od ( afflict+ h] body4 ,%e ev5 pray$ 
,god to tea* h] 9 :at way %e %\ld d ?is2
 & "o day see+ a picture 9 ! *ur* ( ,/4 
,john ,bapti/ clo!d 9 8 g>m5t ( camel's 
hair1 ! ?\ght 0 sugge/$ to h] m9d ( =m+ 
"s su* g>m5t = h]self out ( horsehair2  
:i* %e accord+ly did1 & wore x = n9e    
ye>s4 ,& "h "o c h>dly fail to admire ! 
means by :i*1 /ep by /ep1 %e 0 l$ on 9 !
 pa? ( a sa9tly life4 ,human tea*+ %e _h
 none2 %e _h probably nev] se5 a book3 b
 yet we see h[ ! commone/ incid5ts &    
accid5ts1 be+ accompani$ by ,god's      
grace1 7 en\gh to reveal ! secrets ( ,8 
c\nsels to h] s\l4 ,a picture1 or a     
*ance ^w1 or ! ?\ght :i* rose           
spontane\sly out ( "s image ( ! visible 
?+s ar\nd h]1 7 food en\gh = a s\l :i*  
lit]ally wait$ cont9ually ^u ,god2 x    
drew su/5ance & life out ( :at seem$ ! v
 b>r5e/ des]t4  ,f ?is "t comm5c$ a new 
life ( au/]ity1 s rigor\s & cont9ual1 t 

extraord9>y /r5g? mu/ h be5 suppli$ to h
 enabl$ h] to live "u ! p]petual        
tortures %e inflict$ on h] innoc5t fle%4
 ,& ?\gh 9 ! details ( ^! au/]ities we  
f9d _m ?+s precisely simil> to ^? relat$
 ( o!r sa9ts1 yet x is c]ta9 t _! lives 
& examples 7 :olly unkn[n to h]1 & !re=e
 t 9 ?is matt] %e mu/ h foll[$ ! in/9ct 
( h] own devotion1 guid$ by ! ,_s (     
,god4 ,b1 aga91 we obs]ve h[ %e 0       
direct$ by t quick & wat*ful eye ( ! s\l
 :i* let no?+ escape its vigilance2--a  
co>se & common pr9t ( ! ,sc\rg+ ( our   
,div9e ,"l1 once se51 0 en\gh to tea*   
,dom9ica ^? %>p discipl9es to blood 9   
:i* %e p]sev]$ dur+ ! rema9d] ( h] life4
  ,we pass ov] ! acc\nt ( _m temptations
 & app>itions ( evil spirits1 to give ! 
/ory ( "o vision ) :i* %e 0 fav\r$1 ^:  
beauty c p]haps sc>cely be equall$ by   
any simil> incid5t to be met ) 9 !      
,lives ( ! ,sa9ts4 ,x has be5 said t %e 
0 accu/om$ to obs]ve ,saturday z a day (
 special devotion 9 hon\r ( ! ,madonna1 
^: image on t day _h its g>l& ( fre%    

fl[]s hung up1 & its little lamp        
brightly burn+ 9 ! mid/4 ,n[ x happ5$ t 
"o ,saturday ,dom9ica _h tak5 unusual   
c>e 9 ! decoration ( h] little image2 %e
 _h pick$ h] *oice/ fl[]s1 & hung !m 9  
wrea?s & bun*es :i* took h] "s little "t
 to arrange4 ,b h] tr\ble 0 well rew>d$2
 = ! ,bless$ ,virg9 rea*$ out h] h& &   
took "s ( ! fl[]s1 & smelt !m1 & !n gave
 !m to h] ,son1 t ,he might smell !m    
likewise4 ,dom9ica1 full ( delight1     
bes\ght !m ev] ?us to smell h] fl[]s1 & 
to =get ! unwor?9ess ( h] :o (f]$ !m4 ,&
 !n %e rememb]$ t %e c\ld n /& !re look+
 at h] belov$ ,madonna any long]2 = x 0 
! h\r :5 %e 0 accu/om$ to g to !        
cottage-door ) ! scraps %e _h sav$ f h] 
d9n]1 t %e might give alms to any poor  
begg> :o %\ld be pass+ by4 ,accord+ly1  
%e ran to ! door ) h] basket ( brok5    
bread1 & wait$ pati5tly till "s object (
 *>ity %\ld pass t way4 ,at l5g? %e     
p]ceiv$ a woman approa*+1 lead+ a *ild  
by ! h&4 ,by _! dress %e saw t !y 7 v   
poor2 yet !re 0 an air ( dignity1 almo/ 

( maje/y1 9 ! mann] & appe>ance ( bo?4  
,!y came up to ! spot :]e %e /ood2 & !  
*ild1 address+ himself to h] ) a c]ta9  
graci\s sweetness1 held out 8 h&s1 z if 
begg+1 & said1 ,y w c]ta9ly give me     
some?+1 my good little peasant girl8 ,& 
z he did s1 %e p]ceiv$ t 9 ei!r h& !re 0
 a l>ge op5 w\nd2 & t 8 dress 0 likewise
 cov]$ ) blood1 z f a fre% w\nd 9 8     
side4 ,t\*$ ) compassion1 %e bade !m    
wait :il/ %e ent]$ ! h\se = some?+ to   
give !m2 b %e _h sc>cely done s1 :5 %e  
p]ceiv$ t !y 7 by h] side4 ,ah6 said    
,dom9ica1 :at h y done6 if my "m kn[s ,i
 h let any "o 91 %e w nev] =give me4    
,fe> no?+1 said ! woman2 we %all d no   
h>m1 & no "o w see u4 ,!n ,dom9ica saw t
 ! *ild's feet 7 likewise ble$+2 & pity+
 him v mu*1 %e said1 ,h[ c y\r son walk 
on ! r\gh roads ) ^? w\nd$ feet ( 88 ,& 
8 "m repli$1 ,! *ild's love is s great1 
he nev] compla9s ( himself4 ,n[ z !y 7  
?us talk+1 ! *ild 0 look+ at ! image    
g>l&$ ) ! lovely fre% roses2 & ) a w9n+ 
& innoc5t grace he held up 8 little h&s 

& ask$ = "s ( ! fl[]s3 & ,dom9ica c\ld n
 refuse to give !m to him2 = spite ( _! 
poor rags1 !re 0 some?+ ab\t h] /range  
visitors :i* captivat$ h] he>t4 ,& ! "m 
took ! roses1 & smelt !m1 & gave !m to  
h] son2 & turn+ to ,dom9ica1 %e said1   
,:y d y g>l& t image ) fl[]s8 x w\ld    
seem z if y c>$ = x v mu*4 ,x is !      
,madonna & ! ,holy ,*ild ,jesus1 answ]$ 
,dom9ica2 & ,i give !m my fl[]s because 
,i love !m de>ly4 ,& h[ mu* d y love !m8
 cont9u$ ! woman4 ,z mu* z ,i c1 said   
,dom9ica4 ,& h[ mu* is t8 said ! woman  
aga94 ,ah6 repli$ ,dom9ica1 x is z mu* z
 !y help me too4 ,b /ill z %e spoke %e  
c\ld n take h] eyes (f ! *ild2 = 8      
extraord9>y grace & beauty fill$ h] ) an
 emotion %e c\ld n compreh5d4 ,:y d y /&
 ?us gaz+ at my son8 said ! woman2 :at d
 y see 9 him8 ,he is su* a beautiful    
*ild1 said ,dom9ica2 & %e leant ov] him 
to c>ess him4 ,b %e />t$ back )         
surprise1 = ^? w\nds gave =? a wond]ful 
od\r1 z ( ,p>adise2 & turn+1 to ! woman1
 %e exclaim$1 ,"m ( ,god6 :at is ?is8 ) 

:at d y ano9t y\r son's w\nds1 = ! od\r 
( !m is sweet] ?an my sweete/ fl[]s8 ,x 
is ! o9tm5t ( *>ity1 said ! "m2 b       
,dom9ica sc>cely he>d ! reply3 %e 0 /ill
 gaz+ at ! *ild1 & try+ to attract 8    
notice1 z ! mann] is ) *ildr54 ,come to 
me1 my *ild1 %e said1 & ,i w give y ?is 
piece ( bread4 ,x is ( no use1 said !   
"m2 tell him ( ,jesus1 & h[ y love ,him1
 & ! *ild w come readily en\gh4 ,& at ! 
words he did inde$ come2 & look+ up     
sweetly into ,dom9ica's face1 he ask$1  
,& d y really love ,jesus8 ,& t sweet   
od\r became s m>vell\sly p[]ful1 t %e 0 
yet m fill$ ) surprise2 & %e said1 ,o   
beautiful *ild1 :at wond] is ?is8 if y\r
 w\nds give =? ?is delici\s p]fume1 :at 
w ! p]fume ( ,p>adise be l8 ,d n wond]1 
said ! "m1 t ! p]fume ( ,p>adise %\ld be
 :]e ,god is2 & !n ! bl9dness fell f h] 
eyes1 & %e knew t %e 0 talk+ to none o!r
 ?an to ,jesus & ,m>y4 ,& ev5 at t mom5t
 ! poor rags fell (f !m1 & %e saw !m    
dress$ 9 royal robes ( surpass+ spl5d\r2
 & ! ,*ild ,jesus grew to ! /ature ( a  

man1 :il/ ov] ! w\nd ( ,8 side !re      
gleam$ ! radiance ( a brilliant />4     
,dom9ica fell pro/rate at _! feet z !y  
rose into ! air2 & tak+ ! roses f ,8    
"m's bosom1 ! ,div9e ,sp\se scatt]$ !m  
ov] ! head & g>m5ts ( ,8 belov$1 & said1
 ,o ,my sp\se6 ?\ ha/ adorn$ ,my image )
 g>l&s & roses1 & !re=e d ,i spr9kle !e 
) ^! fl[]s1 z an e>ne/ ( ! ev]la/+ g>l& 
) :i* ,i w cr[n ^! 9 ,p>adise2 & s say+1
 !y bo? disappe>$4 ,dom9ica /rove 9 va9 
to foll[ !m ) h] eyes2 b = eight days   
aft] !re rema9$ ! p]fume ( ! w\nds1 & h]
 head & dress 7 se5 cov]$ ) fl[]s4  ,at 
l5g? %e arriv$ at ! age :5 x is cu/om>y 
= *ildr5 to make _! fir/ ,communion2 &  
h] "m1 !re=e1 took h] dur+ ,l5t to !    
prie/1 t he might exam9e & prep>e h] = t
 purpose4 ,a v few words satisfi$ him t 
%e 0 full ( ,div9e grace1 & he accord+ly
 desir$ h] to g to communion at !       
approa*+ ,ea/]1 :i* 0 consid]ably soon] 
?an h] "m _h int5d$4 ,h[ c ,i d s8 said 
,dom9ica2 ,i am only elev5 ye>s old1 &  
my "m is us$ to say1 ',*ildr5 %\ld n g  

to ,communion till !y are twelve4'      
,moreov]1 !re are b ?ree weeks to ,ea/]1
 & 9 t %ort "t ,i c nev] prep>e fitly to
 receive our ,"l2 & s say+1 %e began to 
weep4 ,nev]!less1 ! prie/ laid h] "u    
ob$i5ce to d z he _h said1 & s5t h]     
away2 & ,dom9ica return$ home ) h]      
?\ghts full ( ?is weighty matt] ( ! ?ree
 weeks ( prep>ation4 ,n[ ! dignity ( !  
,holy ,sacram5t appe>$ to h] s v great1 
t %e ?\ght a ye> w\ld be too little to  
make ready ! *amb] ( h] he>t2 & ?9k+ h[ 
%e c\ld make ! mo/ ( ! %ort "t all[$ h]1
 %e det]m9$ n to g to b$ = t "t b to    
rema9 9 pray] & m$itation all night1 t  
%e might make ! weeks long]2 = inde$1 %e
 0 s simply impress$ ) ! conviction ( h]
 own vil5ess1 t %e dread$ le/ ! ,sacr$  
,ho/ %\ld disappe>1 or "s o!r tok5 (    
,div9e displeasure %\ld be ev9c$1 if %e 
approa*$ )\t mu* prep>ation & exam9ation
 ( he>t4 ,s1 z we h said1 %e nev] w5t to
 b$2 b rema9$ kneel+ & pray+ all night1 
exam9+ h] innoc5t consci5ce1 & go+ ov] a
 _w ( resolutions & =ms ( prep>ation1   

:i* %e believ$ 7 necess>y to be got     
?r\gh 9 ! "t4 ,x 0 a *ild's simple      
?\ght2--we love ,dom9ica all ! bett] = !
 *ildi%ness t =got t its excell5t       
resolve 0 an impossible "o = fle% &     
blood to keep2--= v (t5 ! poor little   
girl 0 conqu]$ by we>9ess1 & fell asleep
 9 ! mid/ ( h] long pray]s1 & 9 spite ( 
h] manful ef=ts to keep awake2 & !n %e  
w\ld try to r\se h]self ) ! ?\ght ( h]  
prep>ation = ,communion1 & beg9 all ov] 
aga91 ) a k9d ( n]v\s t]ror t ! "t w\ld 
be too %ort aft] all4  ,at l5g? ,holy   
,week came1 & h] "m took h] to ,flor5ce 
to he> ! prea*+ ( ! ,passion at ! great 
*ur* ( ,/4 ,rep>ata4 ,x 0 a new life to 
,dom9ica3 seat$ by h] "m's side1 %e     
drank 9 e ^w ( ! impassion$ eloqu5ce ( !
 prea*]2 & ) h] usual innoc5ce1 believ$ 
t ,*ri/ w\ld really visibly appe>1 &    
suff] be=e ! eyes ( ! p z ,he did on    
,calv>y4 ,& :5 ! prea*] said1 ye/]day   
,he 0 betray$1 & to-day ,he is l$ to    
dea?1 %e believ$ he spoke lit]ally2 = %e
 _h n le>nt to und]/& metaphors bett]   

?an :51 a *ild ( f\r ye>s old1 %e _h    
desir$ to "k ! k9d ( b$ t ! angels slept
 on4 ,&1 inde$1 ! spectacle 0 giv5 to h]
 eyes1 & %e saw ! sc5e ( ! ,crucifixion1
 & h[ ,m>y /ood b5ea? ! ,cross1 & h[    
,nicodemus took d[n ! ,sacr$ ,body &    
laid x 9 h] arms4 ,%e saw x1 z x 71 9 ! 
mid/ ( ! cr[d ( p :o /ood r\nd h]1 &    
wond]$ h[ !y look$ s unconc]n$2 & %e    
h]self long$ to pu% h] way ?r\gh !m to  
get ne>] to h] dy+ ,"l2 b ! cr[d kept h]
 back4 ,!n1 :5 %e got back to h] own    
room at home1 %e knelt d[n to ?9k ( :at 
%e _h witness$2 & ! ,bless$ ,virg9      
appe>$ to h]1 & taught h] t x _h be5 b a
 vision1 & "o reveal$ to h] alone1 & n  
to ! p4 ,dom9ica !n told h] all h] fe>s 
t h] prep>ation _h be5 too %ort2 t our  
,"l w\ld c]ta9ly nev] all[ h] to come to
 ,him2 & t %e 0 s unwor?y & unfit to    
communicate1 %e %\ld drive ,him out ( ! 
*ur*4 ,b ,m>y com=t$ h]1 & assur$ h] t !
 te>s ( contrition %e _h %$ 7 all !     
prep>ation ,he requir$4  ,:5 ,dom9ica   
he>d ?is %e 0 a little consol$2 yet h]  

fe> le/ ! ,sacr$ ,ho/ %\ld inde$ fly f  
h] z unwor?y 0 s great1 t %e sp5t ,holy 
,saturday 9 incessant pray]1 promis+    
pilgrimages1 fa/s on bread & wat]1 & e  
devotion %e c\ld rememb]1 if only our   
,"l w\ld deign to rema9 ) h] on ! foll[+
 day4 ,?us ! :ole night pass$1 & 9 !    
morn+ %e w5t1 pale & trembl+ to ! *ur*  
to receive ,holy ,communion ) h] "m4    
,h] agitation increas$ e mom5t2 b at    
l5g? x 0 h] turn to g up to ! alt] /eps4
 ,%e did s1 & ! prie/ came to h] &      
pron\nc$ ! cu/om>y words2 b %e did n    
seem to he> him3 he b5t d[n ov] h] to   
r\se h] f h] /upor2 & x 0 n till he _h  
%ak5 h] by h] dress t %e 0 suffici5tly  
recov]$ to receive4 ,yet ?is 0 n an     
emotion ( t]ror1 b an ec/asy ( joy2 = at
 t mom5t h] fe>s & scruples _h be5      
remov$ by ! sight ( ! ,sacr$ ,ho/1 n    
fly+ f h] z %e _h fe>$1 b %9+ l a       
glori\s sun1 ^: brilliant rays ov]p[]$  
h] by _! excessive lu/re4  ,x w\ld be   
t$i\s to give 9 detail any ?+ l a       
fai?ful n>ration ( ! ec/asies ) :i* f   

?is "t %e 0 fav\r$ e "t %e communicat$4 
,!y 7 s wond]ful & s num]\s1 t we are   
assur$ %e made a v[ by :i* %e oblig$    
h]self nev] to move f ! spot :]e %e     
knelt2 & t %e did ?is 9 ord] to control 
! impulse :i* urg$ h] to ca/ h]self at !
 feet ( h] ,"l1 :om %e saw 9 s glori\s a
 %ape :5ev] ! ,sacr$ ,ho/ 0 elevat$ be=e
 h] eyes4  ,"t w5t on1 & ,dom9ica 0 no  
long] a *ild4 ,) womanhood came ! c>es &
 *>ge ( ! entire family2 = h] "m1 see+  
h] grave1 dilig5t1 & prud5t1 left e ?+ 9
 h] h&s1 & tr\bl$ h]self ) none ( !     
h\sehold duties4 ,) unmurmur+ ob$i5ce   
,dom9ica accept$ e ?+ t 0 laid on h]2 %e
 swept & wa%$ ! h\se1 cook$ ! food1 wa%$
 ! clo!s1 look$ aft] ! g>d5 & ! horses1 
& saw to e ?+ :i* 0 s5t to ! m>ket4     
,long be=e break ( day %e _h to be up to
 load ! mules1 & give !m 9 *>ge to h]   
bro!r ,leon>d4 ,:5 !y came home late 9 !
 ev5+1 x 0 %e1 tir$ ) h] innum]able     
lab\rs1 :o _h to take !m to ! /able &   
make up _! /alls4 ,n a mom5t ( h] "t b 0
 fill$ up ) h>d bodily "w & fatigue2    

yet1 ?anks to ! habits ( h] *ildhood1 %e
 knew h[ to infuse into all ^! ! _s (   
pray]2 & h] incessant occupations nev]  
put a /op to ! devotions & au/]ities :i*
 %e _h accu/om$ h]self to practise2 nay1
 %e f\nd means to make !m assi/ h] 9 h] 
mortification4 ,%e contriv$ two crosses 
( wood g>ni%$ ) %>p nails1 :i* %e       
con/antly wore 9 su* a way1 t at e      
movem5t ( ! body1 9 wa%+1 sweep+1 &     
work+ 9 ! g>d51 ! nails press$ into !   
fle%2 & s con/antly rem9d$ h] ( !       
suff]+s ( h] ,"l1 ev5 :5 ext]nally      
engag$ 9 ! commone/ employm5ts ( h]     
peasant life4  ,b 9 spite ( ! way 9 :i* 
%e /rove to d all 9 & = ,god1 %e        
secretly sigh$ aft] ! retirem5t ( !     
des]t or ! cloi/]1 & = space & "t to p\r
 out h] s\l 9 t fulness ( contemplation 
& love :i* swell$ l a deep ocean )9 x4  
,:5 %e 0 fifte51 %e accid5tally he>d !  
hi/ory ( ,/4 ,m>y ,magdal5 = ! fir/ "t2 
& ! acc\nt ( h] retirem5t & long p5ance 
9 ! des]t ( ,m>seilles made an          
impression on h] m9d :i* 0 nev] effac$4 

,%e long$ to imitate h]1 & to f9d "s    
secret place :]e %e might comm5ce a     
simil> life4 ,believ+ ?is desire to be !
 vocation ( ,god1 %e accord+ly det]m9$  
on ! exp]im5t2 & secretly leav+ h] "m's 
h\se "o night1 %e w5t on foot to a      
neighb\r+ m\nta91 & ent]$ a ?ick wood1  
:]e %e hop$ to f9d "s cav]n :]e %e might
 take up h] abode4 ,h] fir/ adv5ture 0 !
 meet+ ) a wolf2 b ,dom9ica knelt d[n on
 ! e>?1 n )\t "s secret emotions (      
t]ror1 & recomm5d$ h]self to ,god2 aft] 
:i* %e rose1 & comm&$ ! animal 9 ,god's 
"n to dep>t )\t hurt+ h]1 :i* he did1 & 
%e pursu$ h] wav )\t fur!r al>m4 ,at    
l5g?1 ne> ! ,valle del ,monte1 %e f\nd  
su* a spot z %e 0 9 se>* (4 ,!re 0 a    
grotto sunk 9 ! rocky side ( ! m\nta91 &
 ne> its m\? ran a /ream ( cry/al wat]4 
,x 0 ! v picture ( a h]mitage2 &        
,dom9ica's happ9ess 0 complete4 ,%e     
imm$iately prep>$ to take up h] night's 
lodg+ 9 h] grotto4 ,b alas6 picturesque 
& invit+ z x seem$1 x 0 v small2 s      
small1 t :5 ! f]v5t little devotee _h   

crawl$ into x1 & knelt d[n to give v5t  
to h] joy & ?ankfulness1 %e f\nd x      
impossible to get h] :ole body into its 
%elt]2 b h] feet rema9$ outside1 & :at 0
 worse1 dipp+ into ! cold wat] ( !      
/ream4 ,^! inconv5i5ces1 h[ev]1 7 nei!r 
c>$ = nor ev5 notic$ by ,dom9ica4 ,%e 0 
alone ) ,god1 & t 0 en\gh = h]4 ,?ree   
days & nights %e sp5t 9 h] little cav]n1
 absorb$ 9 ec/atic contemplation1 & )\t 
food ( any k9d2 b on ! ?ird day a voice 
spoke to h]1 & r\s$ h] f h] long trance 
( sil5t happ9ess4 ,dom9ica1 x said1 rise
 & come =?2 ,i h already =giv5 !e ?y    
s9s4 ,at ^! words %e rose & left h]     
cav]n1 & beheld a beautiful sight4 ,!   
,valle del ,monte 0 be=e h]1 at %e _h   
se5 x ! ev5+ ( h] arrival2 !re 0 n a    
human habitation to be se51 no?+ b !    
gre5 woods :i* clo!d ! m\nta9 side1 & ! 
cle> wat]s ( ! little /ream1 & ! rocky  
summits ( ! hills :i* rose above !      
trees4 ,b all ^! objects 7 n[ lit up by 
a wond]ful light1 bright] ?an t ( ! sun 
:i* fell on !m f heav54 ,x grew e mom5t 

m & m dazzl+1 & !n %e saw 9 ! mid/ ! =m 
( h] ,div9e ,"l1 att5d$ by 8 ,bless$ ,"m
 & a va/ company ( angels4 ,he spoke    
aga91 ,dom9ica1 :at seeke/ ?\ "h1 amid  
^! rocks & woods8 ,i h be5 seek+ ,!e1 ,o
 ,"l1 %e repli$1 & x seems to me t ,i h 
f\nd ,!e4 ,b1 return$ h] ,sp\se1 :5 ,i  
*ose !e = my div9e esp\sal1 x 0 n to d  
?9e own w1 nor to enjoy aught else ?an  
,my good pleasure1 9 do+ :i* ?\ %alt    
alone f9d peace4 ,i h n call$ !e to !   
quietude ( ! des]t1 b t ?\ %\ld/ help me
 to be> ,my cross 9 ! great city        
yond]1--! heavy cross :i* s9n]s make =  
,me by _! s9s4 ,h]eaft] %alt ?\ see ,my 
face 9 heav5 & contemplate ,me !re =    
ev]2 b = ! pres5t mom5t1 return to ?y   
"m's h\se1 & wait = ! manife/ation ( ,my
 w4 ,i g1 said ,dom9ica2 yet ,i "k n :at
 ,i c d = ,!e 9 ! _w2 ,i am no?+ b a    
poor peasant girl1 :o h be5 br\ght up   
among bea/s & ox54 ,moreov]1 if ,i g    
back1 my "m w c]ta9ly beat me1 = ,i h   
be5 away ?ree days4 ,fe> no?+1 0 !      
answ]2 = an angel has tak5 ?y =m1 & !y d

 n "k ( ?9e abs5ce4  ,!n ,dom9ica f\nd  
h]self transport$1 %e knew n h[1 back to
 h] own little room 9 h] "m's h\se2 &   
:il/ %e /ill wond]$1 %e he>d h] bro!r's 
voice call+ ha/ily to h] f bel[ to come 
& help unload ! mules4 ,dom9ica obey$2 b
 %e 0 n a little confus$1 :5 on com+ d[n
 he began to ask h] ab\t "s money :i* he
 _h giv5 h] ! ev5+ be=e4 ,%e knew ( no  
money1--=1 inde$1 x _h be5 giv5 n to h]1
 b to ! angel 9 h] lik5ess2 & %e w\ld h 
be5 sorely puzzl$ h[ to satisfy 8 dem&s1
 if ! angel _h n discov]$ to h] ! place 
:]e ! money 0 plac$4 ,& s h] abs5ce     
rema9$ a secret to ! family2 nor 7 !    
circum/ances ev] reveal$1 until _m ye>s 
aft]1 :51 a %ort "t be=e h] dea?1 h]    
confessor oblig$ h] "u ob$i5ce to reveal
 all ! graces ) :i* ,god _h fav\r$ h]4  
,at l5g?1 9 h] tw5tie? ye>1 ,dom9ica    
resolv$ to leave ! _w altoge!r & ent]   
religion4 ,h] wi% 0 n oppos$ by h] "m1 &
 %e ent]$ z lay-si/] 9 ! ,augu/9ian     
conv5t at ,flor5ce4 ,! si/]s receiv$ h] 
v w>mly1 = h] "* = hol9ess & h]         

discretion & indu/ry 7 well kn[n to !m2 
& !y imm$iately employ$ h]1 mu* to _!   
own satisfaction1 9 ! g>d5 & kit*52 &   
kept h] s con/antly & labori\sly        
occupi$1 t poor ,dom9ica f\nd t %e _h   
ev5 less "t = h] ex]cises ( pray] ?an :5
 at home4 ,%e endeav\r$ to make up = !  
loss by secretly ris+ at night2 b :5 ?is
 0 discov]$1 ! ,sup]ior1 ) a mi/ak5     
*>ity1 w\ld s5d h] to b$ aga91 say+ t   
aft] all h] h>d day's "w %e ne$$ re/2 n 
p]ceiv+ t ! real re/ %e requir$ 0 "t =  
h] s\l to commune ) ,god4 ,dom9ica1     
!re=e1 became v unhappy2 & "o day z %e 0
 digg+ 9 ! g>d5 %e he>d a m\rnful voice 
speak pla9ly & articulately by h] side1 
say+1 ,ah1 ,my sp\se6 :y ha/ ?\ left ,me
 ?us8 ,& x seem$ to h] t x 0 ! voice (  
h] ,"l1 :o t5d]ly expo/ulat$ ) h] =     
suff]+ ! int]c\rse :i* _h s closely b\nd
 !m toge!r to be brok5 & int]rupt$ by s 
_m occupations4 ,%e ?rew ! spade on !   
gr\nd1 & sitt+ d[n1 cov]$ h] face ) h]  
h&s & wept bitt]ly4 ,0 x nev] to end1   
?is life ( _m c>es8 ,x seem$ z ?\gh h]  

s\l1 :i* 0 /ruggl+ to rise into ! s]5e &
 quiet atmosph]e ( contemplation1 0 ev] 
de/9$ to be kept d[n amid c>es & lab\rs 
f :i* %e c\ld n escape1 & :i* yet seem$1
 z x 71 to sep>ate h] f h] ,"l4 ,s long 
z x _h be5 ,8 w1 %e _h nev] resi/$ nor  
compla9$2 b n[ x 0 n ,8 w4 ,he _h said  
s2 & ! sweet sorr[ful tone pi]c$ h] v   
he>t1 z %e dwelt on ! words1 & ! acc5t 9
 :i* !y 7 utt]$1--,ah6 :y ha/ ?\ left   
,me ?us8 ,& z %e wept & pray$ & sorr[$1 
yet saw no way ( escape1 ! same voice   
spoke aga92 b n[ !y 7 words ( com=t &   
enc\ragem5t3 ,be at peace1 ,dom9ica2    
,god w foll[ ,8 own w1 & y %all be      
com=t$4 ,&1 inde$1 a %ort "t aft] %e 0  
attack$ by a sickness1 :i* compell$ !   
si/]s to s5d h] back to h] "m's h\se2 & 
?\gh on recov]+ %e return$ to !m1 yet %e
 0 aga9 tak5 ill1 & aga9 =c$ to leave4  
,a ?ird "t h] "m took h] back to !      
conv5t2 b ,dom9ica knew t x 0 n ,god's  
wi% t %e %\ld receive ! ,augu/9ian      
habit3 & ! nuns !mselves seem$ to feel t
 ?is 0 ! case2 ?\gh1 z !y well knew h]  

wor? & sanctity1 x co/ !m _m regrets    
be=e !y c\ld cons5t to h] f9ally leav+  
_! community4 ,%e return$ home1 !re=e2 &
 n[1 ) ! advice ( h] confessor1 ent]$ on
 a life ( /rict religi\s retirem5t 9 h] 
"m's h\se1 until ! designs ( ,god reg>d+
 h] %\ld be m pla9ly manife/$4  ,! mann]
 ( ?is new life 0 n a little rem>kable4 
,next to ! room :]e h] "m slept 0 a     
little rubbi%-closet1 sc>cely l>ge en\gh
 to /& 92 ?is %e cle>$ f its rubbi%1 &  
*ose = h] cell4 ,! con/ant sickness &   
infirmities :i* %e suff]$ aft] h]       
illnesses at ! conv5t prev5t$ h] f go+  
out at night & contemplat+ ! heav5s1 z  
_h be5 h] cu/om :5 a *ild4 ,b %e reta9$ 
h] old love = !m1 & contriv$ to make a  
little heav5 ( blue pap] on ! ro( ( h]  
closet1 & to cov] x ) gold />s2 :i*1    
?\gh b a poor sub/itute = an ,italian   
sky--t sea ( deep liquid sapphire1 :]e9 
float ! bright />s1 look+ d[n l ! eyes (
 ! s]aphim1--yet d\btless _h its *>m to 
! simple ta/e ( its design]2 & at any   
rate x rem9d$ h]1 dur+ ! h\rs ( h]      

pray]1 ( ! beautiful days ( h] *ildhood1
 :5 ! heav5s op5$ to h] wond]+ eyes1 &  
%e became famili> ) its inhabitants1 &  
?\ght to get ne>] to !m & to h] ,"l by  
climb+ on ! ro( ( ! h\se4 ,!n at "o end 
( ! closet 0 a small alt>1 & on x a     
crib1 & a repres5tation ( ,m>y1 & !     
,div9e ,*ild ly+ on ! /raw1--mu* aft] ! 
fa%ion ( ^? /ill 9 common use among !   
peasants ( ,italy2 = %e always bore a   
special devotion to ! my/]y ( !         
,infancy4 ,a /ool be=e ! alt>1 a wood5  
b5*1 & two boxes1 complet$ ! furniture (
 h] cell4 ,!re 0 no b$3 %e all[$ h]self 
b two h\rs' sleep2 & ?is refre%m5t1 su* 
z x 01 0 tak5 on ! floor1 ) h] head     
lean+ on ! /ool1--:5 %e lay d[n 9 ?is   
way1 ! /raightness ( ! closet prev5t+ h]
 f tak+ any position t 0 n pa9ful or    
con/ra9$4  ,yet ?is /range prison1 :i*  
%e nev] left save to g to ! neighb\r+   
,*ur* ( ! ,bridget9es to he> ,mass1 0 a 
p>adise 9 ,dom9ica's eyes2 = "h1 at     
lea/1 %e 0 left at peace & ) ,god4 ,%e  
kept a cont9ual sil5ce1 & divid$ h] "t  

betwe5 pray] & "w ) h] ne$le2 & s p]fect
 a mi/ress 0 %e 9 all k9ds ( embroid]y1 
t %e obta9$ l>ge sums ( money by h]     
lab\r4 ,?is %e left 9 h] "m's h&s1 :o 0 
?us well satisfi$ to leave h] undi/urb$ 
9 ! possession ( h] little closet1 :il/ 
! pr(its ( h] daily lab\rs kept ! h\se4 
,! au/]ity %e practis$ ext5d$ to e k9d (
 bodily d5ial4 ,h] food 0 bread & wat]1 
tak5 s sp>+ly1 t we are assur$ %e       
sometimes sp5t a week )\t dr9k+ at all3 
:5 %e ate any ?+1 x 0 on h] knees1 z %e 
b\nd h]self ev] to accompany ! necess>y 
refre%m5t ( ! body ) int]ior m$itation  
on ! ,passion4 ,aft] "s little "t1 %e 0 
mov$ to give ! proce$s ( h] lab\r no    
long] to h] "m1 b to di/ribute !m 9 alms
 to ! poor2 & feel+ ?is inspiration to  
be ! w ( ,god1 %e imm$iately execut$ x1 
greatly to h] "m's dissatisfaction & h] 
own discom=t2 = all ! indulg5ce &       
tol]ation %e _h receiv$ at h] h&s s long
 z ! pr(its ( h] "w 7 at ! disposal ( ! 
family1 7 n[ turn$ into %>p reproa*es4  
,dom9ica1 h[ev]1 c>$ v little = !       

suff]+s :i* h] resolution br\ght on h]2 
= ,god did n fail to ev9ce ,8 pleasure 9
 _m ways4  ,%e 0 accu/om$ to we> !      
,bridget9e habit1 ) ! cons5t ( ! nuns2 n
 z belong+ to _! community1 b because x 
0 deem$ advisable t %e %\ld h !         
protection & sanction ( "s outw>d       
religi\s habit 9 h] pres5t mode ( life4 
,z %e return$ "o morn+ f *ur*1 a        
mis]able begg> met h] & ask$ an alms ,%e
 _h no?+ to give him2 yet1 r ?an s5d him
 away )\t any relief1 %e took ! veil f  
h] head1 & giv+ x to him1 cont9u$ h]    
way4 ,b pres5tly %e felt a great scruple
 at :at %e _h done2 ! veil 0 "p ( h]    
religi\s habit2 & %e accus$ h]self ( a  
great fault 9 appe>+ 9 ! public roads   
)\t x1 s z possibly to sc&alise ! pass]s
 by1 & be tak5 = "o :o mock$ ! holy g>b 
( religion4 ,b z ^! ?\ghts pass$ 9 h]   
m9d1 !re met h] a man1 ! surpass+ beauty
 & nobl5ess ( ^: c\nt5ance reveal$ him  
to be h] ,"l4 ,he c>ri$ 9 8 h& ! veil %e
 _h j giv5 away2 & ?r[+ x ov] h] head1--
 ,h5ce=?1 ,he said1 ,my sp\se1 %alt ?\ h

 ! pov]ty ?\ desire/1 & %alt live = ev] 
on alms1 & z a pilgrim 9 ! _w1 z ,i did4
 ,f ?is "t %e r$\bl$ h] lab\rs 9 ord] to
 obta9 l>ge means = ! purpose ( *>ity1 &
 besides ?is1 sp5t mu* ( h] "t 9 nurs+ &
 t5d+ ! sick1 z well z reliev+ !m by h] 
alms2 & :5ev] %e did ?is1 h] own        
sicknesses & pa9s 7 = a "t susp5d$1 & %e
 f\nd h]self end[$ ) /r5g? suffici5t = !
 mo/ extraord9>y fatigues & ex]tions4   
,x 0 dur+ h] resid5ce at home1 9 h]     
tw5ty-f\r? ye>1 t %e receiv$ ! sacr$    
/igmata4 ,^! 7 n bloody1 z 9 s _m cases2
 b ! exact =m ( ! nails appe>$ 9 ! fle% 
( ! h&s & feet2 ! head protrud+ on !    
upp] "p1 & ! po9t com+ out 9 ! palms &  
soles4 ,! cr[n ( ?orns 0 n visible 9 l  
mann]1 ?\gh ! pa9 ( h] head 9 ! "p :i*  
correspond$ to its position 0 excessive2
 b v (t51 9 aft] ye>s1 h] spiritual     
*ildr5 9 ! mona/]y ( h] f\ndation saw1 z
 %e pray$1 h[ ! cr[n appe>$ r\nd h] head
 9 light1 & bright rays came out f x &  
=m$ its po9ts4 ,dom9ica /rove to conceal
 ! fav\r %e _h receiv$1 by we>+ long    

sleeves to hide h] h&s2 b ! nails 7 s   
l>ge & di/9ct1 t x 0 impossible to      
prev5t ! fact f be+ kn[n & obs]v$ by _m4
 ,aft] a :ile1 9 answ] to h] e>ne/      
pray]1 ?is extraord9>y =mation ( ! nails
 9 ! fle% disappe>$1 & ! sc>s ( ! w\nds 
alone rema9$1 caus+ h] excessive agony1 
:i* r$\bl$ e ,friday & dur+             
,passion-tide4 ,at l5g?1 9 h] =ty-f\r?  
ye>1 ! w\nds became invisible2 b ! pa9 (
 !m cont9u$ dur+ h] :ole life4  ,%e     
rema9$ at home = ?ree ye>s aft] !       
reception ( ! sacr$ /igmata4 ,!y 7 ye>s 
( cont9ual suff]+ & p]secution4 ,!      
viol5ce & co>se selfi%ness ( h] "m's    
nature 0 v5t$ on h] 9 e way & on all    
occasions4 ,%e 0 made ! object ( ! mo/  
bitt] revil+1 & _h to li/5 to a torr5t (
 abuse1 & :at 0 worse1 ( blasphem\s     
curs+1 :5ev] %e appe>$ 9 h] pres5ce4    
,once h] "m ?rew h] s viol5tly aga9/ !  
wall z to cause h] to rupture a blood   
vessel2 yet %e bore all meekly &        
uncompla9+1 until at l5g? "s fri5ds :o  
liv$ at ,flor5ce1 hav+ ask$ h] to take  

up h] abode ) !m1 x 0 reveal$ to h] t %e
 %\ld remove ?i!r1 :i* %e accord+ly did4
 ,! *ange ( resid5ce1 h[ev]1 br\ght h]  
little or no relief f p]secution2 = aft]
 a few mon?s1 ! wom5 ) :om %e 0 /ay+1   
mov$ by "s jeal\sy1 or disgu/$ at !     
retir$ mann] 9 :i* %e liv$1 & refus$ to 
g ab\t ) !m or jo9 9 _! way ( life1     
accus$ h] ( e crime !y c\ld imag9e1 &   
ev5 attempt$ to poison h]4 ,h] "m1 he>+ 
( ! suff]+s to :i* %e 0 expos$1 0 mov$ )
 a v natural contrition = h] own cruelty
 to h]1 & set out = ,flor5ce to see h]1 
& if possible remove h] f ! h\se4       
,unable to obta9 admission1 %e _h       
rec\rse to "o ( ! canons ( ! city1 &    
implor$ him to take h] daught] "u 8     
protection1 & def5d h] aga9/ ! cruel    
re/ra9t & p]secution to :i* %e 0 expos$ 
9 h] pres5t resid5ce4 ,by 8 int]f]5ce %e
 0 all[$ to leave2 & a *>itable g5tleman
 ( ,flor5ce1 nam$ ,giovanni1 to :om !   
circum/ances ( ! case 7 kn[n1 receiv$ h]
 into 8 own home1 :]e %e--liv$ v        
peaceably = "s "t4 ,9 all ^! mo/ pa9ful 

& di/urb+ *anges 9 h] life1 ,dom9ica's  
tranquillity & resignation rema9$       
unmov$4 ,%e knew t ! w ( ,god _h its own
 designs reg>d+ h]1 & t ^! 7 n yet      
manife/$2 b until !y 71 %e 0 cont5t )   
:atev] 0 assign$ h]1 & receiv$ ill      
treatm5t1 ab&onm5t1 & ! desolate de/9y (
 pass+ f "o /range home to ano!r1 ) an  
a/oni%+ calmness & indiff]5ce4 ,h]      
position 9 ,giovanni's h\se 0 a v s+ul> 
"o4 ,8 wife 0 a weak & indol5t woman1 & 
) little religi\s "* ab\t h]2 %e 0 !    
fir/ ( ! family1 h[ev]1 ov] :om         
,dom9ica's influ5ce 0 felt4 ,9 a %ort "t
 h] habits ( vanity & self-indulg5ce 7  
laid aside2 & %e began to pray night &  
morn+1 & to att5d ,mass1 :i* till !n %e 
_h neglect$4 ,!n "o ( ! sons1 :o 0 to   
all outw>d seem+ giv5 up to ! ?\ghtless 
dissipation ( 8 age1 & _h always        
neglect$ 8 religi\s duties1 0 won ov] by
 h]1 & began a new life4 ,giovanni      
himself soon saw :at sort ( a p]son he  
_h br\ght into 8 h\se1 & t he 0 9 fact  
ent]ta9+ an angel unaw>es4 ,he !re=e    

insi/$ on h] tak+ ! entire gov]nm5t ( ! 
family2 & ,dom9ica cons5t$1 ) !         
*>act]i/ic simplicity :i* w\ld h made h]
 und]take ! gov]nm5t ( a k+dom1 if h]   
gu>dian-angel _h assur$ h] x 0 ! wi% (  
,god4 ,:il/ %e rul$ & direct$ !m1 h[ev]1
 9 ?+s spiritual1 %e h]self did ! s]vile
 "w ( ! h\se1 & wait$ on !m 9 ! humble/ 
& mo/ submissive mann]4 ,%e nev] affect$
 any o!r position ?an t o a simple      
peasant girl2 b e "o :o came )9 h]      
influ5ce felt its p[] ov] !m1 & own$ h] 
z _! mi/ress & "m4  ,x 0 :il/ liv+ 9 ?is
 way t ,god reveal$ to h] t %e 0 no     
long] to rema9 conceal$ & retir$ f ! _w2
 b t ,he 0 ab\t to make h] ! spiritual  
"m ( _m daught]s1 & to d great ?+s = ,8 
own glory ?r\gh h] means4 ,n[ ,dom9ica 0
 naturally ( a v timid & ba%ful         
disposition2 & :5 %e he>d ( be+ br\ght  
be=e ! eyes ( ! _w1 & call$ on to tea* &
 guide o!rs1 %e knew n :at to ?9k4 ,h]  
diffid5ce1 & :at we %\ld call %yness1 0 
naturally s great1 t %e w\ld turn pale  
if %e _h to speak to any "o %e did n "k 

famili>ly1 & always at su* times suff]$ 
f viol5t beat+s ( ! he>t4 ,!re=e1 :5 %e 
consid]$ ! great ?+s laid be=e h]1 %e   
felt sad & a little fright5$1 & spoke to
 ,god ) h] usual simple frankness1 say+1
 ,o my ,"l1 h[ c ?is be8 ,i am no?+ b a 
vile peasant2 ! he>t 9 my brea/ is a    
poor contemptible ?+1 t has no c\rage 9 
x2 my blood is peasant's blood2 ,i am n 
fit = ^! great ?+s unless y *ange x4 ,!n
 ,god answ]$1 say+1 ,& ,i w *ange x1 & w
 give y a noble & magnanim\s he>t2 :]e=e
 prep>e = ke5 & t]rible suff]+s2 = x is 
by !m t y\r he>t & blood is to be purg$ 
& r5ovat$1 & fitt$ = ,my s]vice 9 ! eyes
 ( m54  ,sc>cely _h ! vision end$1 :5   
,dom9ica felt ! approa* ( ! suff]+s :i* 
_h be5 promis$2 pa9 9 e "p ( h] body1 a 
cont9ual hemorrhage ( blood1 :i* seem$  
to dra9 e ve91 & deadly fa9t+s &        
weakness1 r$uc$ h] almo/ to extremity4  
,!n1 aft] %e _h langui%$ 9 ?is /ate = _m
 weeks1 a vision appe>$ to h] ( ! same  
my/]i\s & significant k9d z t relat$ 9 !
 life ( ,/4 ,ca!r9e ( ,si5na4 ,our ,"l  

took h] he>t f h] brea/1 & suppli$ its  
place ) "o ( burn+ fire4 ,%e rose f h]  
sick-b$1 & felt h] :ole nature r5ew$2 e 
s5se 0 quick5$1 & ! p[]s ( h] m9d enl>g$
 & ennobl$2--nay1 h] v body seem$       
already to %>e 9 ! glory ( !            
resurrection4 ,x gave out a wond]ful    
od\r1 :i* communicat$ itself to e ?+ :i*
 x t\*$4 ,h] sight 0 s miracul\sly ke5 t
 %e c\ld see to embroid] 9 ! d>ke/      
night1 & _m new s5ses seem$ giv5 h]2    
:il/ ^? ( smell & t\* & he>+ 7 also     
r5ew$ 9 an equally extraord9>y degree4  
,b1 at ! same "t1 %e lo/ ! bodily vig\r 
:i* _h be=e enabl$ h] to g ?r\gh s _m   
h>d days' lab\r2 & ) h] new he>t %e     
seem$ also to h acquir$ a new & delicate
 bodily temp]am5t :i* utt]ly            
incapacitat$ h] = "w1 :il/ %e seem$ to  
be :olly imm]s$ 9 div9e & int]ior       
contemplation4 ,a /range eloqu5ce 0 n[  
he>d to fl[ f h] lips1 ! infus$ wisdom &
 sci5ce ( ! sa9ts 0 9 h] words2 nay1 %e 
w\ld (t5 quote & expla9 s5t5ces ( ! holy
 ,fa!rs1 or ( ! ,scriptures1 :i* x is   

c]ta9 %e _h nev] read or he>d read4 ,9  
%ort1 ,god _h be/[$ on h] ! gift :i* ,he
 deem$ necess>y to fit h] = ! design ,he
 _h reg>d+ h]2 & /ill1 ) all ! m>vell\s 
spiritual ri*es :i* %e _h acquir$1 %e   
reta9$ 9 h] ways & ?\ghts & habits ! old
 simplicity ( ! peasant *ild4  ,! fir/ (
 ! spiritual daught]s giv5 h] by ,god 0 
,giovanni's elde/ *ild1 :o at h]        
p]suasion embrac$ ! life ( religion1 &  
plac$ h]self "u h] ob$i5ce4 ,! second   
soon foll[$ h] example2 & soon aft] a   
?ird4 ,ano!r daught]1 ,ca!r9e1 /ill     
rema9$2 l h] "m1 %e 0 ( a ?\ghtless &   
indol5t "*1 mu* giv5 to ! vanities ( h] 
age1 & ! fooli% pleasures ( ! _w ab\t   
h]4 ,%e 0 accu/om$ to ridicule & mock at
 ! conv]sion ( h] ?ree si/]s1 & to h9d] 
& di/urb !m 9 _! religi\s practices2 9  
%ort1 %e 0 ab\t z hopeless a subject =  
,dom9ica to ex]cise h] influ5ce ^u z    
might well be imag9$4 ,b "o ,*ri/mas-day
 ,dom9ica call$ h] into h] little       
oratory1 & fir/ turn+ to ! crucifix1 &  
sp5d+ a mom5t 9 sil5t pray]1 %e laid h] 

h& on h] brea/1 & said1 ,o h>d & evil   
he>t1 be s(t5$ & yield to ?y ,god2 & b5d
 to my w1 :i* is1 t ?\ be ! he>t ( a    
sa9t6 ,?ree days aft] ?is ,ca!r9e       
pres5t$ h]self ) h] si/]s1 & implor$    
,dom9ica to take h] also "u h] tea*+ to 
conv]t ! bro!rs2 b by degrees %e succe$$
 9 p]suad+ all to devote !mselves to a  
holy & religi\s life2 & ! elde/1 tak+ ! 
habit ( ,/4 ,dom9ic1 liv$ & di$ 9 ! ord]
 ) ! reputation ( sanctity4  ,h]        
confessor ab\t ?is "t c\nsell$ h] h]self
 to take ! habit ( ! ?ird ord]2 & !     
matt] hav+ be5 agre$ ^u1 he provid$ a   
tunic & mantle ( ! usual k9d = h] clo?+1
 & appo9t$ a c]ta9 day = h] to come to !
 ,conv5t ( ,/4 ,m>k & receive x ) !     
cu/om>y c]emonies4 ,! circum/ances :i*  
foll[$ h a v m>vell\s "*1 yet !re seems 
no reason to d\bt ! accuracy & reality (
 :at is n>rat$4 ,we are told t1 on !    
morn+ ( ! day appo9t$1 %e be+ 9 pray]1 0
 rapt 9 ec/asy2 & 9 ?is /ate %e saw ,/4 
,ca!r9e & ,/4 ,dom9ic ent] h] room ) !  
:ite tunic 9 _! h&s4 ,/4 ,dom9ic himself

 gave x to h]1 pron\nc+ ! words & pray] 
accord+ to ! rite ( 8 ord]1--! responses
 be+ giv5 by ,/4 ,ca!r9e & ! angels2 &  
h] gu>dian- angel gave ! asp]sion ( holy
 wat]1 fir/ to ! habit1 & !n to h]2 &   
,/4 ,ca!r9e receiv$ h] z h] daught]1 &  
gave h] ! kiss ( welcome4 ,:5 %e recov]$
 f h] ec/asy1 %e f\nd h]self really     
clo!d 9 ! sacr$ habit :i* _h be5 ?us    
wond]fully giv5 h]2 &1 full ( joy1 %e   
appe>$ ) x 9 public 9 ! aft]noon ( !    
same day4 ,?is 0 a cause ( great        
displeasure to ! au?orities ( ! ord]1 :o
 compla9$ t %e _h assum$ _! habit )\t   
be+ regul>ly admitt$ into _! society4 ,!
 affair 0 br\ght be=e ! ,ma/]-,g5]al1 at
 t "t ,vio di ,cajetan2 & ! compla9t    
appe>+ j1 he call$ on h] ei!r to lay x  
aside1 or to expla9 ! au?ority by :i* %e
 wore x4 ,! acc\nt %e gave ( ! :ole     
matt] s satisfi$ ! ,ar*bi%op ( ,flor5ce 
( h] s9c]ity & hol9ess1 t he und]took to
 m$iate 9 h] behalf2 & x 0 at l5g? agre$
 t %e %\ld keep ! habit1 provid$ t %e & 
h] companions wore a r$ cross on ! left 

%\ld]1 to d5ote t %e _h be5 clo!d )\t ! 
sanction ( ! ord9>y au?orities ( ! ord]1
 & 0 n subject to its jurisdiction2 &1 9
 fact1 !y did s we> x = six ye>s1 :51 ! 
,conv5t ( ! ,holy ,cross be+ e/abli%$1  
!y 7 aft]w>ds fully admitt$ to ! rights 
& privileges ( ! ord]4  ,aft] ?is po9t 0
 settl$1 ,dom9ica's next /ep 0 to retire
 ) h] little b& ( foll[]s 7:i* n[       
includ$ sev]al o!rs besides ! daught]s (
 ,giovanni7 to a small h\se1 :]e !y liv$
 a regul> life1 support+ !mselves by !  
lab\r ( _! h&s4 ,9 "t _! ga9s increas$  
to s wond]ful a degree1 t !y f\nd       
!mselves enabl$ to pur*ase a m conv5i5t 
resid5ce1 & !n to enl>ge x1 & f9ally to 
rebuild x 9 ! =m ( a cross4 ,9 %ort1 9 !
 c\rse ( a few ye>s %e saw h]self at !  
head ( a l>ge community1 possess$ ( a   
regul> & ext5sive h\se1 ) a *ur* atta*$ 
to x1 )\t any o!r means hav+ be5 employ$
 9 its erection ?an ! money :i* %e & h] 
si/]s _h e>n$ by _! own ne$lework4 ,!   
,ar*bi%op ( ,flor5ce 7! celebrat$       
,julius de ,m$ici1 aft]w>ds ,pope7 0 s  

/ruck ) ! manife/ expression ( ,god's w 
9 ! :ole matt]1 t he obta9$ p]mission f 
,leo ,x4 = ! regul> f\ndation ( ! conv5t
 "u ! rule ( ,/4 ,dom9ic4 ,!y 7 all     
solemnly clo!d on ! #ah? ( ,novemb]1    
#aeae1 & proce$$ to ! election ( _!     
prioress4 ,_! *oice ( c\rse fell on     
,dom9ica1 b %e absolutely refus$ to     
accept ! (fice2 & us$ a p[] giv5 h] by !
 papal brief to nom9ate ano!r si/] 9 h] 
place1 :il/ %e det]m9$ to reta9 = h]self
 ! rank & duties ( a lay-si/]4  ,!      
c]emony ( ! clo?+ & election be+ !re=e  
ov]1 %e made a solemn r5unciation ( !   
h\se & all x conta9$ into ! h&s ( !     
,ar*bi%op-,vic>4 ,!n %e left ! si/]s1 & 
w5t to ! kit*52 & com+ !re1 %e s5t all !
 o!r lay-si/]s away1 say+1 x belong$ to 
h] to d :at _h to be done = ! community 
= ! fir/ week ( _! settlem5t4 ,%e cook$ 
! d9n]1 & s5t x to ! refectory2 & :il/ !
 si/]s 7 sitt+ at table1 %e ent]$ ! room
 ) a numb] ( brok5 pieces ( e>!nw>e ti$ 
r\nd h] neck1 & knelt humbly 9 ! middle 
( !m all1 z "o do+ p5ance4 ,! feel+s (  

h] *ildr5 at ?is sight may be imag9$2   
!re 0 a univ]sal /ir2 ?ree or f\r rose f
 table1 & w\ld h plac$ !mselves by h]   
side4 ,! prioress endeav\r$ to re/ore   
ord]2 b ! meal 0 brok5 by ! sobs & sighs
 ( ! :ole community4 ,:5 d9n] 0 ov]1 %e 
tri$ to return to h] "w 9 ! kit*52 b !  
feel+s ( ! si/]s c\ld no long] be       
re/ra9$2 !y ran aft] h]1 & ?rew !mselves
 at h] feet4 ,"m1 "m1 !y cri$1 x is a "m
 we want1 n a sa9t2 a guide1 & n a      
s]vant1--?is _c be suff]$4 ,b ,dom9ica  
tri$ to quell !m1 & to p]suade !m to let
 x be ev5 z %e desir$2 h] entreaties1   
h[ev]1 7 9 va94 ,!y left h]1 & ) !      
,prioress met toge!r to consid] :at %\ld
 be done2 & x 0 det]m9$ t ! ,vic> %\ld  
be call$ on to use 8 au?ority )         
,dom9ica1 & br+ h] "u ob$i5ce to take ! 
(fice ( ,sup]ior1--:i*1 9 %ort1 %e 0    
compell$ to d1 ) ! title ( ,vic>ess2 =  
%e p]sev]$ 9 refus+ to be in/itut$      
,prioress4  ,:5 ! "t came = ! pr(ession 
( ! new community1 ,dom9ica obta9$      
p]mission f ! ,pope to def] h] own      

pr(ession2 only to b9d h]self by a      
simple v[ to we> ! habit ( ! ?ird ord]1 
& keep ! rule ( ,/4 ,dom9ic4 ,does !    
read] wi% to "k ! motive %e _h =        
solicit+ ?is s+ul> privilege8 ,he mu/ g 
back "s tw5ty ye>s1 & recall ! "t :5 !  
/ory ( ,/4 ,m>y ,magdal5's retirem5t to 
! des]ts ( ,m>seilles _h s5t ! little   
peasant *ild into ! woods1 to sp5d ?ree 
happy days & nights 9 a h]mit's cave too
 small to conta9 h]1 b :i* %e consid]$ z
 a ,p>adise2 & :]e %e w\ld h be5 well   
cont5t to h rema9$ all h] life1 if su*  
_h be5 ! wi% ( ,god4 ,at ?irty ye>s (   
age1 ,dom9ica 0 /ill ! same4 ,h]        
simplicity _h a t\* ( :at "o might call 
romance ab\t x1 & %e _h nev] =gott5 h]  
great project ( a h]mitage4 ,%e w\ld n  
be b\nd to ! ,conv5t ( ! ,holy ,cross   
!re=e1 because %e /ill hop$ ! "t might  
come :5 %e might f9d out ! des]t (      
,m>seilles1 & realise ! life ( p5ance & 
retirem5t1 ! acc\nt ( :i* _h made s deep
 an impression on h] imag9ation4 ,:5 %e 
saw h]self ?reat5$ ) a p]petual         

appo9tm5t z ,vic>ess1 %e accord+ly      
resolv$ to fly at once1 & did actually  
escape by "o ( ! w9d[s1 & set out t[>ds 
,m>seilles 9 ! habit ( a pilgrim4 ,!    
community aga9 _h rec\rse to ! ,vic>1 :o
 s5t a p]emptory ord] = h] return "u pa9
 ( excommunication2 & ! mess5g] :o c>ri$
 x f\nd h] laid up 9 a little village ) 
a swell+ ( bo? feet1 :i* _h put a spe$y 
/op to h] pilgrimage1 & :i* %e h]self   
ackn[l$g$ to be ! decl>ation t x 0 n    
,god's w %e %\ld proce$ 9 h] design4 ,%e
 0 !re=e compell$ to return & reassume !
 gov]nm5t ( h] conv5t1 9 :i* (fice %e   
cont9u$ until %e di$ 9 #aeec4  ,) !     
circum/ances :i* att5d$ h] dea? we mu/  
conclude4 ,= mon?s %e _h la9 on a       
mis]able pallet1 unable to move or rise1
 & ) ! appe>ance ( a liv+ skeleton4 ,b  
:5 ,ea/] ,day came1 %e felt x 0 ! la/ %e
 %\ld sp5d ) h] ,si/]s1 & det]m9$ to    
keep ! fe/ival ) !m all 9 community4 ,%e
 !re=e caus$ h]self to be c>ri$ to !    
*air1 :]e %e communicat$ ) !m4 ,%e took 
h] d9n] 9 ! refectory1 & aft]w>ds held a

 *apt]1 :]e1 aft] briefly & t\*+ly      
exhort+ !m to fidelity to _! ,sp\se1 %e 
gave !m h] la/ bless+4 ,!n1 9 ord] to   
assure !m 9 ! peaceable possession ( _! 
conv5t1 %e det]m9$ to make h] solemn    
pr(ession1 :i* _h nev] yet be5 done1--9 
con=mity1 we are assur$1 to ! express   
reveal$ p]mission ( ,god4 ,%e l+]$ on   
until ! foll[+ ,augu/1 & on ! #e? ( t   
mon? fell into h] agony4 ,:5 ! la/ mom5t
 came1 %e rais$ h]self on ! pallet1 &   
ext5d$ h] arms 9 ! =m ( ! cross4 ,h]    
face %one ) a bright & ruddy col\r1 & h]
 eyes 7 dazzl+ ) a sup]natural light2 & 
s1 )\t any o!r dea?-/ruggle ?an a g5tle 
sigh1 %e expir$1 at ! age ( eighty ye>s4
 ,h] life has be5 writt5 at l5g? by ,f4 
,ignatius ,n5te2 b ! pr9cipal facts 7   
drawn up by ! ,abbess ( ,flor5ce v      
%ortly aft] h] decease1 at ! in/ance ( !
 ,gr& ,du*ess ( ,lorra9e1 & =w>d$ to    
,rome1 to =m ! process = h]             
beatification4       ,,anne ,,de        
,,montmor5cy4   ,,anne ,,de             
,,montmor5cy1 ,,! ,,solit>y ,,( ,,!     

,,pyr5ees4  ,,ab\t ! ye> #afff1 a "y    
lady ( ! family ( ,montmor5cy1 "o ( !   
mo/ anci5t & illu/ri\s 9 ,france1       
disappe>$ at ! age ( fifte5 f h] fa!r's 
h\se1 because projects 7 be+ =m$ = h]   
e/abli%m5t1 & %e believ$ h]self call$ to
 a diff]5t /ate ( life4 ,aft] hav+ 9 va9
 endeav\r$ to alt] ! views ( h] family  
respect+ h]1 %e entreat$ p]mission "o   
day to make a pilgrimage to ,m\nt       
,val]ian1 ne> ,p>is1 :]e 7 ! /ations (  
our ,"l's ,passion4 ,:5 %e rea*$ t :i*  
repres5ts our ,"l on ! cross1 %e implor$
 ,him :om %e _h *os5 = h] sp\se1 ) _m   
te>s1 to save h] f ! dang] ( be+ ev]    
unfai?ful to ,him1 & to tea* h] h[ to   
live f !nce=? z ,8 own bride1 unkn[n1 & 
crucifi$ ) ,him1 ) h] body & s\l giv5 up
 entirely to ,8 *>ge1 & h] :ole be+     
ab&on$ to ! c>e ( ,provid5ce4  ,) h] m9d
 full ( ^! holy ?\ghts1 %e came d[n f ! 
m\nta91 & )\t well kn[+ :at %e 0 go+ to 
d1 %e turn$ h] /eps t[>ds ! ,bois de    
,b\logne2 & :5 %e rea*$ ! ,abbey (      
,long*amp1 feel+ a /rong impulse to ent]

 ! *ur*1 %e dismiss$ = "s h\rs !        
confid5tial att5dants by :om %e 0       
accompani$1 say+ t %e _h /ill _m pray]s 
to recite2 & accord+ly !y left h] )\t   
suspicion to f9i% h] devotions4 ,no     
soon] 7 !y out ( sight ?an %e left !    
*ur*2 & committ+ h]self to our ,bless$  
,"l & ,8 ,holy ,"m1 plung$ into !       
recesses ( ! wood4 ,%e 0 foll[+ by m]e  
*ance an unfrequ5t$ pa?1 :5 %e met a    
poor woman1 :o ask$ alms ( h]4 ,?is     
enc\nt] appe>$ to h] an indication ( ! w
 ( ,heav53 %e =m$ h] plan 9 an in/ant1 &
 began to put x into execution1 by tak+ 
! clo!s ( ! poor begg>1 & giv+ h] own 9 
ex*ange2 & to complete ! disguise1 %e   
/a9$ h] h&s & face ) clay1 & tri$ to    
disfigure h]self z mu* z possible4 ,%e  
!n turn$ 9 ! direction contr>y to t 9   
:i* %e ?\ght pursuit w\ld fir/ be made2 
walk$ all ! re/ ( ! day1 & f\nd h]self 9
 ! ev5+ 9 a village situate on ! ,se9e1 
"s leagues f ,p>is4 ,!re %e 0 met by "s 
*>itable ecclesia/ics1 :o1 t\*$ by h]   
y\?1 & ! dang]s to :i* x expos$ h]1 took

 an int]e/ 9 h] situation1 & f\nd h]    
fir/ a tempor>y asylum1 & aft]w>ds a    
situation ) a lady 9 ! neighb\rhood1 :o 
0 v ri*1 & ^: s]vice 0 safe &           
respectable1 z %e 0 dev\t & regul> 9 h] 
conduct2 b %e 0 a difficult p]son to    
live )1 be+ ( a %>p & worry+ temp]1 s t 
%e _h nev] be5 able to keep long ei!r a 
man or maid-s]vant4 ,into ?is h\se1     
h[ev]1 ,jane ,m>g>et1 by :i* "n only %e 
0 kn[n1 ent]$ z lady's-maid2 b z no     
s]vant b h]self c\ld rema91 %e f\nd     
h]self at ! age ( sixte5 oblig$ to be   
cook & h\semaid & port]ess all at once4 
,:at consol$ & ev5 rejoic$ h] 9 ?is     
situation 0 ! opportunity x af=d$ h] (  
satisfy+ h] ?ir/ = crosses &            
humiliations1 & also h] fre$om f all    
intrusion ( idle curiosity1 s t %e felt 
h] secret safe4 ,%e endur$ all !        
fatigues ( s labori\s a situation1 & all
 ! caprices ( a h>%ness 9 temp]1 )      
unalt]able pati5ce & sweetness until h] 
mi/ress's dea?2 t is to say1 = ! space (
 t5 ye>s4 ,& s faultless 0 h]1 conduct  

dur+ all ?is "t1 t h] mi/ress1 on h]    
dea? b$1 publicly begg$ h] p>don = all  
%e _h made h] suff]1 & insi/$ on leav+  
h] ! sum ( f\r ?\s& francs 9 addition to
 h] wages1 ( :i* %e _h z yet sc>cely    
receiv$ any ?+4 ,jane ,m>g>et 0 )       
difficulty p]suad$ to accept ?is pres5t1
 & :5 x 0 =c$ ^u h]1 %e di/ribut$ x     
among ! poor1 ) ! exception ( a v small 
sum :i* %e kept = h] imm$iate wants4    
,feel+1 h[ev]1 t su* extraord9>y        
lib]ality on ! "p ( a m]e maid-s]vant   
w\ld excite suspicion & endang] h]      
secret1 %e resolv$ to escape ! p]il z   
soon z possible4  ,accord+ly1 on h]     
return f ! fun]al ( h] mi/ress1 see+ !  
boat = ,aux]re1 %e ?rew h]self into x1  
)\t a mom5t's delay2 & soon aft] h]     
arrival 9 t t[n succe$$ 9 f9d+ ano!r    
situation :i* %e consid]$ suitable4 ,x 0
 9 ! h\se ( a ma/] jo9]1 :o 0 greatly   
e/eem$ bo? = skill 9 8 pr(ession & =    
g5]al probity1 & :o 0 also clev] 9 c>v+4
  ,! e>ly education ( ,jane ,m>g>et made
 h] v useful to h] new ma/]1 :o1 9      

return1 taught h] h[ to h&le ! *isel1 & 
%e v soon became suffici5tly exp]t to   
make wood5 clocks4 ,9 ?is t[n1 too1 %e 0
 happy en\gh to f9d a director exp]i5c$ 
9 ! ways ( ,god1 :o confirm$ h] 9 !     
resolution %e _h tak54 ,9 ab\t a ye>'s  
"t1 h[ev]1 %e lo/ him2 & despair+ ( f9d+
 ano!r to :om %e c\ld give h] entire    
confid5ce1 %e det]m9$ to return to      
,p>is1 9 ! hope ( f9d+ !re a guide su* z
 %e requir$1 believ+ h]self suffici5tly 
=gott5 at ?is di/ance ( "t to run no    
risk ( be+ recognis$4 ,%e set =?1 !re=e1
 on ! road to ! capital on foot1 & ask+ 
alms2 = %e _h tak5 c>e be=e leav+       
,aux]re to give to ! poor all t %e _h   
e>n$4  ,on h] arrival 9 ,p>is %e plac$  
h]self among ! poor :o ask ! *>ity ( !  
fai?ful at ! *ur*-doors2 & begg$ e morn+
 en\gh to ma9ta9 h] = ! day1 = :i*      
purpose v little suffic$4 ,all ! re/ (  
h] "t %e pass$ 9 pray] 9 ! *ur*es1 :i*  
%e nev] left except at ! approa* (      
night4 ,"o day z %e 0 ask+ alms1 accord+
 to h] cu/om1 at ! door ( a *ur*1 x     

pleas$ ,provid5ce t %e %\ld address     
h]self to a v pi\s & *>itable lady1 :o  
kept a s*ool at ,*teau-,=t1 & :o 0 "u ! 
direction ( a holy religi\s nam$ ! ,fa!r
 de ,bray4 ,at ! fir/ sight ( ! "y &    
mode/ begg>1 ! virtu\s s*oolmi/ress felt
 mov$1 & disc]n+ 9 h] some?+ :i* did n  
accord ) h] app>5t /ate ( life1 v5tur$  
to ask h] :e!r x 0 f sickness t %e 0    
r$uc$ to t condition4 ,jane ,m>g>et only
 repli$ t %e believ$ h]self to be       
fulfill+ ! w ( ,god2 :i* answ] increas$ 
! int]e/ %e _h already excit$ 9 ! m9d ( 
! pi\s lady1 :o told h] t 9 h] /ate (   
weakness ! air ( ! c\ntry w\ld d h]     
good1 & (f]$ to take h] to ,*teau-,=t4  
,at ! same "t %e spoke to h] ( ,fa!r de 
,bray1 ^: "n & m]it 7 well kn[n 9 ,p>is4
 ,?is la/ consid]ation 0 suffici5t to   
det]m9e ,jane ,m>g>et to foll[ a p]son  
^: s5tim5ts 7 s cong5ial ) h] own4  ,z  
soon z ,fa!r de ,bray became acqua9t$ ) 
h]1 he discov]$ 9 h] "o ( ^? wond]s :i* 
are wr\ght f "t to "t by grace = !      
confusion ( ! _w1 & set himself to      

second ! designs ( ,heav5 conc]n+ ?is   
privileg$ s\l4 ,%e too1 on h] side1     
conv9c$ t %e _h at la/ f\nd a guide su* 
z %e _h be5 long seek+1 be/[$ on him h] 
confid5ce )\t res]ve1 & cont9u$ to      
correspond ) him z long z he liv$4  ,9  
process ( "t1 drawn m ?an ev] by ! ,_s (
 ,god1 %e left ,*teau-,=t to g & seek a 
solitude hidd5 f all m52 b x 0 almo/ two
 ye>s be=e %e c\ld f9d :at %e desir$4   
,%e trav]s$ sev]al prov9ces seek+ = an  
asylum out ( ! rea* ( e human eye1 until
 at la/ %e arriv$ at ! ,pyr5ees1 :]e %e 
e/abli%$ h]self 9 a wild recess1 :i* %e 
names 9 h] lett]s ! solitude ( ! rocks4 
,x 0 a little space ( a p5tagonal %ape1 
%ut 9 by five rocks1 :i* =m$ a k9d (    
cross1 & r5d]$ ! little spot ( gr\nd :i*
 !y enclos$ n q inaccessible1 b altoge!r
 invisible f )\t4 ,f ! foot ( ! highe/ (
 ^! rocks !re gu%$ a spr+ ( excell5t    
wat]1 & its summit 0 a k9d ( obs]vatory1
 f :5ce %e c\ld espy any intrud]s :o    
might v5ture to approa* h] abode4 ,!re 7
 ?ree grottoes at ! base ( ! rocks1 "o (

 :i* 0 a deep & w9d+ cav]n2 ?is %e made 
h] cell1 & ! two o!rs h] oratories4 ,?is
 solitude 0 at lea/ half a league f any 
road1 & surr\nd$ by a ?ick =e/1 or r by 
a brake1 s tangl$ t1 to get ?r\gh x1 !  
travell] mu/ =ce 8 way among ?i/les &   
bri]s1 by a pa? :i* seem$ impracticable 
to any b wild bea/s4 ,our solit>y1      
h[ev]1 met ) none ( ^!1 except a be>1 :o
 0 m afraid ?an %e1 & ran away4 ,%e f\nd
 9 h] retreat %rubs :i* bore a fruit mu*
 l damsons2 & ! rocks 7 cov]$ )         
m$l>-trees1 ! fruit ( :i* 0 excell5t4 ,!
 cold 0 n int5se ev5 9 ! he>t ( w9t]1   
:ile ! heat ( summ] 0 temp]$ by ! %ade (
 ! rocks1 & ( ! woods :i* surr\nd$ x4   
,all ^! details are giv5 9 ! lett]s ( ! 
solit>y h]self to h] director1 ,fa!r de 
,bray4  ,9 ?is retirem5t %e began to    
lead a life angelic r ?an human2 look+  
^u ?is e>? z ! bless$ d f ! heights (   
heav51 & consecrat+ e pulsation ( h]    
he>t to ,god4 ,= "s "t %e us$ to g twice
 a week to ! village to ask alms2 b by  
degrees %e wean$ h]self f ! use ( bread1

 & at la/ liv$ entirely on ! vegetables 
& wild fruits :i* grew 9 ! neighb\rhood 
( h] abode4  ,h] spiritual necessities 7
 m difficult to supply4 ,n wi%+ to risk 
be+ recognis$1 %e 0 oblig$ to use _m    
precautions :5ev] %e all[$ h]self !     
consolation ( p>ticipat+ 9 ! div9e      
my/]ies2 b ,provid5ce _h prep>$ = h] a  
res\rce4 ,at a little di/ance f ! =e/ 7 
two religi\s h\ses1 "o ( m51 ! o!r (    
wom54 ,!re %e w5t to he> ,mass & receive
 holy communion2 &1 9 ord] to escape    
rem>k1 %e w5t sometimes to ! *ur* ( !   
conv5t1 sometimes to t ( ! mona/]y2 & = 
h] confessor %e select$ a good curate ( 
! neighb\rhood1 :o simply he>d :at %e _h
 to say1 & ask$ h] no que/ions4 ,%e _h  
fix$ = h]self a rule ( life1 :i* %e     
foll[$ exactly3 at five 9 ! morn+ %e    
rose1 w9t] & summ]2 cont9u$ 9 pray] till
 six1 :5 %e recit$ prime1 & ei!r w5t to 
,mass or he>d x 9 _s2 & !n read "s      
*apt]s ( ,holy ,scripture4 ,^! ex]cises 
la/$ till eight2 aft] :i* %e devot$ two 
h\rs to manual lab\r1 ei!r m5d+ h]      

clo!s1 or practis+ sculpture1 or        
cultivat+ a little g>d5 :i* %e _h made  
r\nd h] habitation4 ,at t5 %e recit$    
ti]ce1 sext1 & none2 & !n1 pro/rate at !
 foot ( h] crucifix1 %e exam9$ h]       
consci5ce1 & impos$ on h]self p5ances 9 
proportion to ! numb] & griev\sness ( h]
 faults4 ,all ?is la/$ till ab\t noon1  
:5 %e took ! only meal ( ! day1 & aft] x
 h] recreation1 :i* consi/$1 9 f9e      
wea!r1 ( a walk to ! summit ( ! rocks1  
:]e %e contemplat$ ! greatness ( ,god 9 
,8 works1 & prais$ & bless$ ,8 inf9ite  
p]fections 9 pi\s songs :i* %e knew by  
he>t1 or ) :i* ,div9e love inspir$ h] at
 ! mom5t4  ,on h] return home %e made h]
 spiritual read+1 usually f !           
,imitation1 foll[$ by an affectionate   
pray]1 9 :i* %e p\r$ out be=e ,god all !
 necessities ( h] s\l2 b ask$ ( ,him    
no?+ b ! accompli%m5t ( ,8 own good     
pleasure4 ,!n %e resum$ h] manual lab\r 
until f\r 9 ! aft]noon1 aft] :i* %e     
recit$ ,vesp]s & ! entire ,ros>y1       
accompani$ or foll[$ by pi\s            

consid]ations4 ,?is ex]cise br\ght h] on
 to eight o'clock1 :5 %e w5t ?r\gh !    
devotion ( ! ,/ations 9 a ,calv>y :i* %e
 _h built h]self1 & p]=m$ ! p5ances &   
mortifications :i* %e _h impos$ ^u      
h]self4 ,at n9e %e retir$ to h] cell1 &1
 aft] a %ort exam9ation ( consci5ce1 &  
"s vocal pray]s1 slept till elev51 :5 %e
 rose to recite mat9s1 :i* %e knew by   
he>t1 & to pray till two1 :5 %e retir$  
aga9 to re/ till five4 ,9 ord] to       
regulate ?is di/ribution ( h] "t1 %e _h 
made h]self a wood5 clock4 ,%e made also
 sev]al o!r pieces ( workman%ip1 :i* 7  
admir$ by connoisseurs1 m especially a  
,crucifix made out ( a s+le piece (     
corneil wood1 :i* %e pres5t$ to ,fa!r de
 ,bray1 & :i* aft]w>ds fell into ! h&s (
 ,mada9e de ,ma9t5on1 :o valu$ x z a    
preci\s relic4 ,%e wr\ght also ?ree o!r 
crucifixes1 "o v small1 :i* %e wore r\nd
 h] neck2 ano!r1 ?ree feet high1 :i*1 %e
 plac$ 9 h] cell2 & a ?ird1 six feet    
high1 :i* %e c>v$ out ( ! wood ( a      
fir-tree1 :i* _h be5 /ruck d[n by       

lightn+ 9 ! =e/1 & :i* %e plac$ 9 !     
,calv>y %e _h arrang$ on ! summit ( "o (
 ! highe/ ( ! rocks :i* enclos$ h]      
habitation4  ,= h] communications )     
,fa!r de ,bray %e made use ( a wagon]1  
:o1 f "t to "t1 j\rney$ to & f ,p>is1 & 
:o fai?fully c>ri$ h] lett]s1 & br\ght  
back to h] ! answ]s to !m1 toge!r ) !   
small sums ( money :i* h] director s5t  
h] f "t to "t1 & :i* %e us$ to procure  
su* ?+s z 7 indisp5sably necess>y to h]1
 su* z tools = h] c>v+1 ne$les1 ?read1  
wor/$1 & "s pieces ( calico & /uff to   
repair h] g>m5ts1 :i* 7 v simple1 b     
always neat1 especially :5 %e appe>$ at 
*ur*4  ,x may n be un9t]e/+ to see an   
inv5tory ( h] few possessions :i* %e s5t
 to h] spiritual director4 ,a ,roman    
,brevi>y1 :i* %e recit$ daily1 & :i* %e 
und]/ood1 hav+ le>nt ,lat9 9 h]         
*ildhood2 an ,imitation2 an abridgm5t ( 
! ,sa9ts' ,lives2 a little book cull$   
,horloge du ,coeur1 & ano!r ( ,devotions
 to ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t4 ,su* 0 h]      
libr>y4 ,h] work%op conta9$ a supply (  

ord9>y c>p5t]s' tools1 & a few m        
delicate implem5ts = c>v+2 :ile = h]    
p]sonal use %e _h a few hundr$s ( p9s1  
"s ne$les1 "s grey & :ite ?read1 a pair 
( scissors1 & a copp] ?imble2 two b[ls &
 a cup1 all 9 wood2 a hair %irt1 & a    
discipl9e4 ,h] w>drobe1 z may be        
suppos$1 0 ( ! mo/ simple description1 b
 suffici5t = dec5cy & neatness4  ,our   
solit>y _h b "o fe> 9 ?is peaceful      
retirem5t1 t ( be+ discov]$2 & x 0 long 
be=e h] evid5t sanctity drew ! att5tion 
( ! p ( ! village1 & excit$ ! curiosity 
( s _m p1 t1 9 spite ( all h]           
precautions1 !y succe$$1 by d9t (       
con/ant wat*+1 9 f9d+ out1 if n         
absolutely h] abode1 at lea/ ! rocks :i*
 surr\nd$ x4 ,?is 0 q en\gh to =ce h] to
 seek a m di/ant solitude4  ,impell$1 z 
%e said 9 "o ( h] lett]s1 by an         
irresi/ible =ce1 %e transport$ h]self to
 a di/ance ( tw5ty leagues1 /ill fur!r  
among ! ,pyr5ees1 9 ! direction ( ,spa94
 ,%e _h dwelt = f\r ye>s 9 ! solitude ( 
! rocks1 & = ?ree ye>s m %e abode 9 t   

:i* %e call$ ! ,grot ( ! ,rivulets4 ,x 0
 a place full ( rocks & cav]ns1 !       
retreat ( wild bea/s1 enorm\s s]p5ts1 & 
mon/r\s liz>ds1 :i* 7 ! t]ror ( !       
neighb\rhood1 s t none d>$ approa* !    
spot4 ,b :5 ?is b>ri] ( rocks 0 once    
pass$1 :i* requir$ good climb+1 !re 0 a 
little smil+ valley enamell$ ) fl[]s1 & 
int]sect$ ) rivulets f sev]al spr+s (   
liv+ wat] gu%+ out f ! m\nta9s2 !re1    
too1 7 sev]al sorts ( fruit ( v good    
ta/e1 & a quantity ( wild honey1 :i* !  
solit>y pron\nc$ to be excell5t2 s t    
altoge!r ?is abode w\ld h be5 pref]able 
to h] =m] "o ( ! rocks1 if x _h n be5 = 
! pres5ce ( ! wild bea/s4 ,b ( ^! ,jane 
,m>g>et _h no fe>1 dep5d+ on ! help ( ! 
,"l1 :o has promis$ to give ,8 s]vants !
 p[] ( tread+ on s]p5ts & scorpions1 & (
 *a9+ ! m\?s ( lions2 & 9 tru? ^!       
animals nev] di/urb$ h]1 ?\gh %e pass$  
_! d5s aga9 & aga92 x seem$ z ?\gh !y   
respect$ h] & all t belong$ to h]1 = !y 
nev] approa*$ h] dwell+1 & ev5 sp>$ a   
little squirrel :i* %e _h f\nd 9 ?is    

wild]ness1 & tak5 home ) h] = company4  
,"h1 too1 z 9 ! neighb\rhood ( h] fir/  
solitude1 %e f\nd a conv5t ( monks2 b   
?is 0 at a m consid]able di/ance1 = %e  
_h ?ree leagues & a half to walk be=e %e
 c\ld rea* x1 & t ?r\gh tangl$ ?ickets2 
b 9 ?is conv5t %e s\ght a confessor2 !  
,sup]ior receiv$ h] ) great k9dness1    
believ+ h] to be a poor c\ntry girl1 &  
ask+ h] no que/ions b su* z 7 suitable  
to ! rural life he suppos$ h] to be     
lead+4 ,= ! holy sacrifice %e w5t to !  
h]mitage ( ,/4 ,antony1 a league & a    
half on ! o!r side ( ! =e/4  ,:5 once   
fix$ 9 ?is new abode1 our solit>y       
peaceably resum$ ! c\rse ( h] accu/om$  
ex]cises4 ,%e arrang$ = h]self two cells
 9 ! holl[ ( two rocks v ne> to ea* o!r1
 & 9 ! space betwe5 ! two %e =m$ a      
little *apel1 :i* %e delight$ 9 adorn+ )
 v]dure & wild fl[]s4 ,%e divid$ h] "t1 
z be=e1 betwe5 lab\r & pray]1 & h]      
trances & ec/asies became m frequ5t & m 
sublime ?an ev]2 b h] great humility    
made h] di/ru/ ^! extraord9>y fav\rs (  

,heav51 & %e requir$ to be set at re/   
conc]n+ !m by h] director1 ) :om %e     
cont9u$ to correspond1 & to :om %e      
cont9u$1 ev5 to ! end1 to p\r =? all !  
secrets ( h] s\l ) ! simplicity ( a     
*ild4 ,h] la/ lett] is dat$ ! #ag? (    
,sept4 #afii1 & 9 x %e expresses a great
 desire to g to ,rome 9 ! c\rse ( !     
foll[+ ye>1 9 ord] to ga9 ! indulg5ce ( 
! jubilee1 b at ! same "t submits h] own
 judgm5t entirely to t ( him :om %e     
reg>d$ z ! int]pret] ( ! w ( ,heav5 9 h]
 reg>d4 ,receiv+ no answ]1 %e suspect$ t
 ,fa!r de ,bray 0 no m2 & 9 fact he _h  
di$ t v ye>4 ,%e ?\ght h]self free to   
move1 & set (f = ! ,holy ,city1 s9ce :i*
 p]iod x has be5 impossible to ga!r any 
trace ( h]4 ,:e!r %e accompli%$ h]      
pilgrimage1 :e!r %e di$ 9 ,rome or 9 "s 
solitude1 has nev] be5 discov]$2 z ?\gh 
x pleas$ ,provid5ce to second1 ev5 aft] 
h] dea?1 ! e>ne/ desire ( ,8 s]vant to  
be hidd5 f ! sight & k ( m52 = ! tomb1  
:i* (t5 becomes ! glory ( ! fri5ds (    
,god1 only set ! seal to h] obscurity4  

,at ! la/ day1 :5 ! secrets ( all he>ts 
%all be made kn[n1 ?is treasure w /&    
reveal$ 9 ! face ( ! univ]se4