What perfume is so sweet as that of the new-turned soil?
And what so profitable to health?
When the Romans of old time began to fall from virtue--such virtue as was permitted to those who knew not God--the first sign of their evil state was the forgotten plough.

And never again can Italy be blessed--if it be the will of the Almighty that peace be granted her--until valley and mountain side and many-watered plain are rich with her children's labour.

I do not bid you live in silence, for silence is not always a good counsellor; but refrain from merely idle speech, and strive, O Basil, strive with all the force that is in you, that your thoughts be turned upward.

Go now, my son.

It shall not be long before I again call you to my tower.' So, with a look of kindness which did not soften to a smile, Benedict dismissed his penitent.