It was instantaneous; like a flash!"
Benedetto's chest heaved, so violent was this revulsion of memory.
"It may have been a delusion," he said; "but it was not the work of
malign spirits."
"The evil spirits," the Pontiff said, "do sometimes masquerade as angels
of light. Perhaps, at that time, they were striving against the spirit
of goodness which was within you. Did you take pride in this vision,
later on?"
Benedetto bowed his head, and reflected for some time.
"Perhaps--on one occasion," said he, "for one moment, at Santa
Scolastica, when my master, in the Abbot's name, offered me the habit of
a lay-brother, that habit which was afterwards taken from me at Jenne.
Then I thought for a moment that this unexpected offer confirmed the
last part of my vision, and I felt a wave of satisfaction, deeming
myself the object of divine favour. I immediately entreated God to
pardon me, as I now entreat Your Holiness to pardon me."
The Pontiff did not speak, but he raised his hand with wide-spread
fingers, and lowered it again, in an act of absolution.
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