“There is nothing, then, which, while it follows nature, endeavours to resist good.”

“No; nothing.”

“But if anything should, will it have the least success against Him whom we rightly agreed to be supreme Lord of happiness?”

“It would be utterly impotent.”

“There is nothing, then, which has either the will or the power to oppose this supreme good.”

“No; I think not.”

“So, then,” said she, “it is the supreme good which rules in strength, and graciously disposes all things.”

Then said I: “How delighted am I at thy reasonings, and the conclusion to which thou hast brought them, but most of all at these very words which thou usest! I am now at last ashamed of the folly that so sorely vexed me.”