Page:The religious life of King Henry VI.djvu/132

106 spontaneously turned to the holy King Henry for help before the throne of God, in all manner of circumstances and difficulties and dangers. They evidently did this quite naturally, as if, indeed, there was a practically common belief in the efficacy of his intercession in heaven. The translator in his introduction likens the great extension of this popular devotion to the King, to a vine which sends its suckers out to take widespread roots; or to a palm tree planted by the running waters, which spreads its branches abroad on every side. "We have," he writes, "to admire rather than to explain this gracious goodness of God; the excellence of His power is proved more by His works than taught by any sermons." Now at Windsor everyone can see for himself the extraordinary reputation for sanctity and the wonderful power exercised by the holy man, Henry, late King of England. His life in this world was remarkable for humility, piety, patience, etc., and indeed for the exercise of all the virtues. His death also was precious in God's sight, as is shown by numberless great miracles.... Who does not recognize this in every part of England, and even in foreign