The frightful malady had always inspired in him an invincible repulsion.

He could not control a movement of horror, and by instinct he turned his horse in another direction.
If the shock had been severe, the defeat was complete.

He reproached himself bitterly.

To cherish such fine projects and show himself so cowardly! Was the knight of Christ then going to give up his arms?
He retraced his steps and springing from his horse he gave to the astounded sufferer all the money that he had; then kissed his hand as he would have done to a priest.[14] This new victory, as he himself saw, marked an era in his spiritual life.[15] It is far indeed from hatred of evil to love of good.

Those are more numerous than we think who, after severe experience, have renounced what the ancient liturgies call the world, with its pomps and lusts; but the greater number of them have not at the bottom of their hearts the smallest grain of pure love.