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HERE begin we a little Prologue concerning the miracles of our sweet Lady, that is the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. For whereas to the glory of God Almighty, pious men have ofttimes told and set in writing many fair miracles of the glorious Saints that are in Paradise, the which miracles the Divine Majesty has done through them; how much more ought we to tell the wonders and mercies that are done by the Blessed Virgin that is the Mother of God, since these are sweeter than honey!
And I would have you to know, dilectissimi, that these miracles
of hers, and all the holy gestes and devout adventures herein
writ, tell not of any greater marvel than that of her unfailing
love. For truly it is a matter for great wonder and thankfulness,
that she has this desire toward us, that are her poor children,
for that we were made the brethren of her Son. Moreover we
likewise rehearse that love which her loyal servants had for her; by the which love they were enabled to look upon her face, and hear her voice, as is testified in the histories of
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the Saint Bon and Saint Thomas of Canterbury.
And by these acts of hers we may further learn after what fashion she would have us love her: as that we should worship her queenly, and serve her with sacrifice and with purity, and call upon her as on a friend. And also you may read of that most piteous charity which the Queen of Angels hath us-ward, whereby she is constrained to show mercy to the poor and simple, and to succour the wicked in their extremity, and to defend her servitors : for truly doth she show courtesy to all
that reverently entreat her Name. Therefore for all these causes
is it befitting that these her miracles should now be written, to
confirm in her love the thoughts of all faithful Christians, and to stir the hearts of slothful men.
And furthermore, carissimi, let it not be to you an occasion of contempt that of these tales ensuing many tell of them that took on the habit of religion; and of the graces and adventures that to them befell. For know that to those that dwell in quietness in the convent, having their minds set on Heaven and keeping their souls in peace, holy visitations often come. Yea! as in sheltered gardens flowers do prosper, so in the cloister pious histories flourish: these are little chalices of honeyed sweetness very often, and ever matters meet for thankfulness, for they be harbingers of a spiritual fruit. Come therefore to this garden, where I, that am but a pilgrim and a sojourner therein, have sought out certain flowers, to
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wit lilies, for the better honouring of Our Lady's beauty,
and that all her faithful children may be glad.
AND HERE FOLLOW THE MIRACLES OF OUR LADY.
