The Little Bedesman of Christ 193

plaint, but considering within ourselves,
humbly and in charity, that the porter
knows well who we are, and that God sets
him up to speak against us—O Brother
Leo, write down that therein is perfect joy.”

And perfect joy, he added, if, knocking a
second time, they brought the porter out
upon them, fuming, and bidding them betake
themselves to the alms-house, for knaves
and thieves, and nevertheless they bore all
with patience and with gladness and love.
And yet again, he continued, if a third time
they knocked and shouted to him, for pity
of their hunger and cold and the misery of
the night, to let them in, and he came, fierce
with rage, crying, “Ah, bold and sturdy
vagabonds, now I will pay you,” and caught
them by the hood, and hurled them into the
snow, and belaboured them with a knotty
cudgel; and if still, in despite of all pain and
contumely, they endured with gladness,
thinking of the pains of the blessed Lord
Christ, which for love of Him they too
should be willing to bear—then might it
be truly written down that therein was perfect

Joye

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