Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/174

 you with so much freedom what I concealed from others. Do not torment me further on the subject." I would insist, and he refused to hear me, when God permitted that Catherine should become the instrument of reconciliation. Her arrival was as disagreeable to Nanni, as agreeable to me. As soon as she perceived us, she saluted this man of the world with angelic charity; she seated herself and then inquired the motive of his visit. Nanni repeated to her what he had just told me and declared also that he would make no concession. Catherine represented to him with as much force as sweetness, the danger to which he exposed his soul; but the unhappy man would hear nothing and closed his heart to her moving solicitations. Then, the holy woman went alone to pray and implore God's assistance; I hoped that she would be heard, and began to discuss with Nanni so as to gain time. Only a few moments had expired before the obstinate man said to us; "Through politeness I will not refuse you totally, I have four enmities; I consent to sacrifice the one which will afford you the greatest pleasure." And he arose to withdraw, when on a sudden he exclaimed "O my God, what consolation my heart feels for this sole word of peace that I have pronounced," then added: " my Lord and my God ! what power retains and triumphs over me; I cannot go away and I have not the force to refuse. What can it be that exerts such an influence over me ? Yes, I confess that I am vanquished — I cannot draw my breath" — then falling on his knees, he said, sobbing "Holy Virgin behold me ready to do whatever you command relative to peace, and all else. I see now that Satan held me in chains; henceforth I resign myself to thy counsels; in