Page:Aelfric's Lives of Saints Vol 1.djvu/373

 but deal  them  with  discretion,  even  as  it  may  please  to  the  Lord;

and if  we  do  almsdeeds,  do  them  without  boasting;

thus may  we  destroy  the  fiendlike  Coveteousuess.

The fourth  virtue  is  Patientia,  that  is  called  Patience  and  Forbearance,

which is,  that  a  man  be  patient  and  forbearing  for  [the  love  of]  God,

and ever  let  his  reason  be  more  powerful  than  his  anger;

because the  Saviour  saith  thus  in  His  gospel,

In 'patientia  vestra  possidebitis  animas  vestras; '

that is  in  the  English  speech,  '  In  your  patience

ye shall  verily  have  your  souls  in  keeping.'

The Heavenly  Wisdom  saith,  that  Anger  dwelleth

in the  bosom  of  a  fool,  that  is,  when  he  is  too  hasty;

for the  All-ruling  Judge  judgeth  ever  with  mildness,

and we  ought  by  patience  to  overcome  Anger.

The fifth  virtue  is  Spiritualis  laetitla, 

that is. Spiritual Joy,  which  is,  that  a  man  rejoice  in  God

amidst the  sorrows  of  this  hard  world,

so that  we  may  not  be  despairing  in  misfortunes,

nor again  rejoice  overmuch  in  prosperity;

and if  we  lose  the  transitory  things  of  this  world,

then should  we  know  that  our  dwelling  is  not  here,

but is  in  heaven,  if  we  hope  in  God.

Thither we  should  hasten  from  this  distress

with Spiritual  Joy;    thus  shall  the  Sorrow  be

utterly overcome  by  our  patience.

The sixth  virtue  is  Instantia  boni  operis,

that is,  Perseverance  in  a  good  work.

If we  be  persevering  in  our  good  works,