“Every one has not lost her husband like you, and the loss of servants
need not bring despair, since others may readily be found. Nevertheless,
I too am of opinion that we should have some pleasant exercise with
which to while away the time, for otherwise we shall be dead by
to-morrow.”
All the gentlemen agreed with what these ladies said, and begged Oisille
to tell them what they should do.
“My children,” she replied, “you ask me for something which I find very
difficult to teach you, namely, a pastime that may deliver you from your
weariness. I have sought for such a remedy all my life and have never
found but one, which is the reading of the Holy Scriptures. In them the
mind may find that true and perfect joy from which repose and bodily
health proceed. If you would know by what means I continue so blithe and
healthy in my old age, it is because on rising I immediately take up the
Holy Scriptures (10) and read therein, and so perceive and contemplate
the goodness of God, who sent His Son into the world to proclaim to us
the Sacred Word and glad tidings by which He promises the remission of
all sins and the satisfaction of all debts by the gift that He has made
us of His love, passion, and merits.
10 Margaret read a portion of the Scriptures every day,
saying that the perusal preserved one “from all sorts of
evils and diabolical temptations” (_Histoire de Foix, Béarn,
et Navarre_, by P. Olhagaray, Paris, 1609, p. 502).--L.
“The thought of this gives me such joy that I take my Psalter and in all
humility sing with my heart and utter with my lips the sweet psalms and
canticles which the Holy Spirit put into the heart of David and of other
writers. And so acceptable is the contentment that this brings to
me, that any evils which may befall me during the day I look upon as
blessings, seeing that I have in my heart, through faith, Him who has
borne them all for me. In the same way before supper I retire to feed my
soul by reading, and then in the evening I call to mind all I have done
during the past day, in order that I may ask forgiveness for my sins,
thank Him for His mercies, and, feeling safe from all harm, take my rest
in His love, fear, and peace. This, my children, is the pastime I have
long practised, after making trial of all others and finding in none
contentment of spirit. I believe that if you give an hour every morning
to reading and then offer up devout prayers during mass, you will find
in this lonely place all the beauty that any town could afford. One who
knows God sees all things fair in Him, and without Him everything seems
uncomely; wherefore, I pray you, accept my advice, if you would live in
gladness.”