54/57 There were indeed few dry eyes around him; they knelt before him, kissed his ring, and prepared to take their departure out of the cavern. The poor people you allude to are not in a condition to attend to your wants. Allow me, then, to attend and accompany you in your retreat." "My dear friend," said the bishop, clasping his hand, "you are heaping coals of fire upon my head. I trust you will forgive me, for I knew not what I did. I shall be glad of your companionship. |