He would not, therefore, return immediately to St.
Damian.

Leaving the city by the nearest gate, he plunged into the deserted paths which climb the sides of Mount Subasio.
It was the early spring.

Here and there were still great drifts of snow, but under the ardor of the March sun winter seemed to own itself vanquished.

In the midst of this mysterious and bewildering harmony the heart of Francis felt a delicious thrill, all his being was calmed and uplifted, the soul of things caressed him gently and shed upon him peace.

An unwonted happiness swept over him; he made the forest to resound with his hymns of praise.
Men utter in song emotions too sweet or too deep to be expressed in ordinary language, but unworded music is in this respect superior to song, it is above all things the language of the ineffable.