Was it he himself who had spoken?
No, the words had come unsought to his lips, the Spirit had spoken.

He closed his eyes in an effort of silent prayer, his face still raised towards the moon, as a blind man lifts his sightless eyes towards the silver splendour he divines.
A hand touched him gently on the shoulder.

He started and opened his eyes.

It was the Pope, and the expression of his face told him that at last words had matured in his mind which satisfied it.

Benedetto bent his head respectfully, ready to listen.
"My son," His Holiness began, "many of these things the Lord had spoken of in my heart long ago.