THE SYMBOL OF THE CROSS. 275

‘And yet,’ continued Louis, ‘albeit everything
turned against me, I return thanks to the Most
High; for, on reflection, I rejoice more in the
patience which God granted me, than if the whole
world were to be made subject to my rule. And
yet, my friend, when I think of all my mishaps,
my heart saddens and my soul is heavy.’

‘Cousin,’ said Henry, kindly, ‘beware of casting
yourself into a life-wearying sorrow; for holy men
will tell you that it is the stepmother of souls, and
that it absorbs spiritual joy, and generates prejudice
to the Holy Spirit. Recall to your mind the patience
of Job, the endurance of Eustace.’ And Henry pro-
ceeded to relate much that he knew, and much that
he did not comprehend, of the history of both, and
how, in the end, God rewarded them.

‘My friend,’ said Louis, ‘if I were the only one
to suffer the trouble and disgrace, and if my sins
did not fall on the church universal, I could bear all
with equanimity; but, woe is me, through me the
whole of Christendom is enveloped in confusion and
shame.’

‘And, cousin,’ said Henry, ‘I perceive that you
still wear the symbol of the cross on your raiment.’

‘I do,’ replied Louis, ‘ because I have not concluded
my pilgrimage; I have only suspended it; therefore
bear I the sacred symbol. And you also, Henry,
you have taken the cross, and vowed to fight for the
~ Holy Sepulchre.’

‘Cousin,’ answered Henry, gravely, but frankly,
‘when I heard that you were a prisoner in the
hands of the Saracens, I did take the cross and vow