I did not wish it.

I am ill also, and I know by certain signs that I must soon appear before my Judge.

I feel, my son, that you are moved by the right spirit; but the Lord cannot exact of a poor old man like me the things you have spoken of, things which even a young and vigorous Pontiff could not accomplish! Still, there are some which even I, with His help, may be able to bring about; if not the great things, at least the lesser ones.

Let us pray God to raise up at the right moment one capable of dealing with the weightier matters, and those who may be able to help him in the work.

My son, if I were to begin to-night to transform and rebuild the Vatican, where should I find a Raphael to adorn it with his paintings?
or even a Giovanni?
Still, I do not say I can do nothing." Benedetto was about to reply, but the Pontiff, perhaps not wishing to give any further explanations, afforded him neither time nor opportunity to do so, and at once asked him a very welcome question.
"You know Selva ?" said he.