Even as a woman does who is in child-birth; And in continuance: “How poor thou wast Is manifested by that hostelry 904 Where thou didst lay thy sacred burden down.” Thereafterward I heard: “O good Fabricius, 905 Virtue with poverty didst thou prefer To the possession of great wealth with vice.” So pleasurable were these words to me That I drew farther onward to have knowledge Touching that spirit whence they seemed to come. He furthermore was speaking of the largess 906 Which Nicholas unto the maidens gave, 907 In order to conduct their youth to honor. “O soul that dost so excellently speak, Tell me who wast thou,” said I, “and why only Thou dost renew these praises well deserved? Not without recompense shall be thy word, If I return to finish the short journey Of that life which is flying to its end.” And he: “I’ll tell thee, not for any comfort