OF THE PERILS OF HIS ABBEY AND OF THE REASONS FOR THE WRITING OF THIS HIS LETTER Reflecting often upon all these things, I determined to make provision for those sisters and to undertake their care in every way I could.

Furthermore, in order that they might have the greater reverence for me, I arranged to watch over them in person.

And since now the persecution carried on by my sons was greater and more incessant than that which I formerly suffered at the hands of my brethren, I returned frequently to the nuns, fleeing the rage of the tempest as to a haven of peace.

There, indeed, could I draw breath for a little in quiet, and among them my labours were fruitful, as they never were among the monks.

All this was of the utmost benefit to me in body and soul, and it was equally essential for them by reason of their weakness.
But now has Satan beset me to such an extent that I no longer know where I may find rest, or even so much as live.