Occupied with the hopes of seeing Rome in five days, I reflected on the changes in our modes of thinking which are made by the course of years.

Fourteen years ago I repaired to the great city from sheer curiosity to see its wonders.

The second time I came was to receive the laurel.

My third and fourth journey had no object but to render services to my persecuted friends.
My present visit ought to be more happy, since its only object is my eternal salvation." It appears, however, that the horses of the travellers had no such devotional feelings; "for," he continues, "whilst my mind was full of these thoughts, the horse of the old abbot, which was walking upon my left, kicking at my horse, struck me upon the leg, just below the knee.

The blow was so violent that it sounded as if a bone was broken.