Here he faced about, as if ready to affirm his world-wide authority.

At that moment there flashed across his mind the thought of Satan offering the kingdoms of the world to Christ.

He fell upon the ground, stretching himself face downward on the rock, groaning in spirit: "Jesus, Jesus, I am not worthy, not worthy to be tempted as Thou wast!" And he pressed his tightly closed lips to the stone, seeking God in the dumb creature.

God! God! the desire, the life, the ardent peace of the soul! A breath of wind blew over him, and moved the grass about him.
"Is it Thou ?" he groaned.

"Is it Thou, is it Thou ?" The wind was silent.
Benedetto pressed his clenched hands to his cheeks, raised his head, and, resting his elbows on the rock, listened, for what he knew not.
Sighing he rose to a sitting posture.