Weeping to Him to lend himself to us. Sapient I was not, although I Sapia 770 Was called, and I was at another’s harm 771 More happy far than at my own good fortune. And that thou mayst not think that I deceive thee, Hear if I was as foolish as I tell thee. The arc already of my years descending, 772 My fellow-citizens near unto Colle Were joined in battle with their adversaries, And I was praying God for what he willed. Routed were they, and turned into the bitter Passes of flight; and I, the chase beholding, A joy received unequalled by all others; So that I lifted upward my bold face Crying to God, ‘Henceforth I fear thee not,’ 773 As did the blackbird at the little sunshine. Peace I desired with God at the extreme Of my existence, and as yet would not My debt have been by penitence discharged, Had it not been that in remembrance held me