"By the light that is given him
must each man choose his path."
"If," said Fra Francesco, speaking sorrowfully, "the blessed law of
silence were added to our vow, how would it save a man perplexity and
trouble! For that which one believeth must color his speech, though he
would fain speak little. Thy light is larger than mine own--I know it to
be so--and yet to me it bringeth no vision. I would it had been given us
to see and teach alike!"
"In this matter of the confessional," said Fra Paolo, returning and
speaking low, "if but thou didst believe with me that, _as a sacrament_,
it is oftenest unwise and best left unpractised, thy difficulties might
be fewer."
"Nay, Paolo mio, tempt me not. I would I might believe it, but my
conscience agreeth to my vow."
"As thou believest, so do; 'for whatsoever is not of faith is sin,'"
said Fra Paolo solemnly. "That was a strong word spoken of doctrine to
guard the conscience. I would I might scatter all the noble words of
that noble Apostle Paul among the people and the priests, in our own
tongue!"
"Sometimes thou seemest so like a rebel I know not why I come to thee in
trouble"--Fra Francesco looked at him with grieving eyes--"except that
in thine heart thou art indeed true.
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