Page:Goldenlegendlive00jaco.djvu/231



, of the order of the friars preachers, was a right sovereign doctor, high and of noble lineage, which was born in the realm of Sicily.

He had the world and the vanity thereof in despite, and for to live in the more holy and clean life he entered into the order of the friars preachers. And after, he was drawn out thereof by his brethren and was closed up in a chamber in a tower two years. And because that by menaces ne fair words his brethren might not change his good purpose ne revoke it in no manner, they put in to his chamber a young damsel to the innocent child, for to subvert his good courage, and anon he took a brand of fire, and drove the damsel out of the chamber, which was come for to deceive him. And after that, he put him in humble prayers, devoutly beseeching our Lord that by his benign grace he would always maintain his chastity. Anon as he had made his prayers two angels in marvellous habit appeared to him, saying that his prayer was heard of God, and they distrained him by the reins, saying: 'Thomas, we be sent to thee by the commandment of God, and in his name we gird thee with the girdle of chastity, which shall never depart from thee, ne shall be broken.' The which gift was given to him of special grace, and so

217