1786 Of the Holy Spirit, meagre and barefooted, Taking the food of any hostelry. 1787 Now someone to support them on each side 1788 The modern shepherds need, and some to lead them, So heavy are they, and to hold their trains. They cover up their palfreys with their cloaks, So that two beasts go underneath one skin; O Patience, that dost tolerate so much!” At this voice saw I many little flames From step to step descending and revolving, And every revolution made them fairer. Round about this one came they and stood still, And a cry uttered of so loud a sound, It here could find no parallel, nor I Distinguished it, the thunder so o’ercame me. 1789
St. Benedict—His lamentation over the corruption of the monks—The Eighth Heaven, or that of the Fixed Stars.