But the place proved itself a true Paraclete to them, making all those who dwelt round about feel pity and kindliness for the sisterhood.

So that, methinks, they prospered more through gifts in a single year than I should have done if I had stayed there a hundred.

True it is that the weakness of womankind makes their needs and sufferings appeal strongly to people's feelings, as likewise it makes their virtue all the more pleasing to God and man.

And God granted such favour in the eyes of all to her who was now my sister, and who was in authority over the rest, that the bishops loved her as a daughter, the abbots as a sister, and the laity as a mother.

All alike marvelled at her religious zeal, her good judgment and the sweetness of her incomparable patience in all things.