Pagina 725 di 1118

"There is no necessity that you should inconvenience yourself; I

will send for them immediately," insisted the curate, who did not

understand that, by this visit, the cardinal wished to do honour

to misfortune, innocence, hospitality, and to his own ministry.

But the superior repeating his desire, the inferior bowed, and

they proceeded on their way.

When they appeared in the street, a crowd immediately collected

around them. The curate cried, "Come, come, back, keep

off."-"But," said Frederick, "suffer them," and he advanced, now

raising his hands to bless the people, now lowering them to

embrace the children, who obstructed his progress. They reached

the house, and entered it, whilst the crowd remained without. But

amidst the throng was the tailor, who had followed with others;

his eyes fixed, and his mouth open, wondering where the cardinal

was going. When he beheld him entering his own house, he bustled

his way through the crowd, crying out, "Make room for those who

have a right to enter," and followed into the house.