OF A LITTLE BOY, THAT WAS DEDICATE TO THE DEVIL AT THE HOUR OF HIS BIRTH; AND HOW THE VIRGIN MARY SAVED HIM
THERE lived on a time in the land of France a certain noble lady, that was joined in marriage to a very valiant knight: and they dwelt long together in much harmony, being greatly beloved by all, for they were most prudent and charitable folk. And this lady, having borne her husband many fair children, both sons and daughters, the which she bred in God's love, did very ardently desire to give herself to Our Lady Saint Mary, 'living to her life's end in honourable chastity for her sake. There- fore she made a vow to the intent that no more children would she have, for she wished to devote herself altogether to matters of religion; and she held that the rearing of babes but hindered the advancement of the soul.
Nevertheless, a while after, this gentlewoman found that she must have a child. Then she was greatly vexed, for she did not desire it, deeming that it would keep her from Our Lady's service; and she complained right bitterly to her husband and also to the women of her
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household. Yea, so angry she was, that when her time came and she gave birth to a fair son, in her wrath that the Devil might take this baby if he would, for nought did she care what became of it. But the child flourished exceedingly and increased in beauty ; wherefore in a little while his mother hated him not as she had thought to do, but loved him well, as a mother should love her child. And he grew and prospered, being a very gentle boy, so full of grace and prudence that all were astonished at it. He went early to school, and learned to read right quickly ; never was seen a child so industrious and so meek.
But his mother, remembering how that she had given him to the Devil when he was born, wept often to see her little son; for now she loved him with all her heart, and greatly she feared that the Enemy would take him from her. But she hid this matter in her heart and revealed it to none, save to the glorious Virgin, whom she entreated in her prayers. Nevertheless, Sathan, that forgets no sin, remembered the promise that she had made to him; and when the child was near twelve years old, he appeared before that poor mother, more ugly and terrible than mind can conceive. And he said:
"Have a care, madame, of the child that I have left in your keeping, for within three years of this day you must deliver him up to me body and soul, as you did promise and give at the hour of his birth. Therefore forget it not, but
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keep him for me safely, for he is my chattel, the which, if you give it not willingly, I shall take by force; nor will anything that you can do save him out of my hand."
Then the Devil returned to Hell, and that poor gentlewoman had such grief of his words that she could scarcely bear it; but from this day forth wept and made her moan without ceasing. And when her little boy came each evening from his school she received him with tears, and the more she looked at him the more sorrow she had; nor could she hear any speak of him without torment. And at this the child was greatly astonished, for he could not understand the cause of it, and he asked her, saying:
"Fair mother, why do you weep so much? Is there nought I can do to ease you? Verily, my heart is very sad because of this grief of yours. My father has much joy of me and plays with me exceeding gladly, and so do all the people; but you, mother, sigh so piteously when you see me that I go heavily for it. Do you see aught in me that displeases you, or is there any devoir I have left undone? Tell me, sweet mother, what ails you, for I will do anything for your comfort that I can."
But the lady would tell him nothing, for she wished not that he should live three years in misery, knowing that which must be. But at last, because the time drew very near when he must leave her, so great was her grief that she could hide it no more; and at the instance of her son, that was now a fair youth well grown,
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she told him all the truth how she had given vowed to the him to the Devil at the hour of his birth, and the day was near when he must be delivered into Sathan's hand, and be carried to Hell, body and soul.
When the child knew this, he had great dread, as well he might, for it was grievous news; and he wept and moaned right bitterly, and implored the Blessed Virgin Mary with all his heart, that she would give him counsel in his need. And having considered with himself what were the best thing to do to save his soul that was so nearly lost, he, being advised by that Lady, and knowing that in his father's house he could find no shelter from the Fiend that sought him, rose up one night and adventured forth alone and full of grief, quitting his father and mother and all the joys of his home that he loved. Then he wandered through the land, as a palmer might do, ceasing not to ask counsel of the wisest clerks he could find, for he hoped that he might discover a remedy for his misfortune ; but none could he find that had the wit to advise him to his satisfaction.
At last, when he had journeyed a long while, he came to Rome, and there did see our Holy Father the Pope: to him he told his grief without concealment. And the Pope, when he heard it, knew not what to say, for this matter was too hard for him; nevertheless, being filled with compassion for this innocent boy that stood in such peril for his mother's fault, he wrote a letter which he gave to the young man, saying
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"Fair son, no help can I give you but this parchment, wherewith you must pass oversea, and go to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, for he is the wisest man in all the world. To him you shall tell all this matter, doubting nothing; and, if he cannot bring you from it safely, then have you no hope save in God."
The child took the parchment and went his way greatly sorrowing, for small hope did he have of this journey, and now but a little while was left before the Fiend must take him. And entering into a ship, he set out for the Holy Land; and he had great torment upon the sea, so that often he cried to God that He would take away his life and end his pain. But he came at last to land, and to Jerusalem; and there he sought out the Patriarch and gave to him the letter of the Pope.
When this holy man was acquainted with the matter, he was much amazed; and being greatly pitiful of this poor child he called together many wise men of the city that he might have their counsel. These, when they were come and had heard the adventure, wept for compassion, gazing on the fair boy that so soon must go to Hell. And each said:
"Verily God will be but neglectful if He let this child be lost for his mother's sin; for it were exceeding grievous that so sweet and good a boy be given into Sathan's hand. Shall none be found that can intercede for him with Our Lady the Merciful Mother, that she may save him from this fate?"
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Then the Patriarch pondered the matter a vowed to the long while; and so doing there came at last into his mind a certain hermit, a very holy man, that lived in such a state of perfectness that the blessed angels were accustomed to visit him and speak with him face to face. Yea, and each day an angel brought him from Paradise a loaf of bread, white as snow, wherewith he was nourished; for no other food did he have in the wilderness where he dwelt. And the Patriarch, because he was very familiar with this holy hermit, called the child to him and gave him certain letters, saying:
"Fair and sweet son, you shall go to this hermit, with whom the Holy Ghost most surely is, and you shall tell him all your grief; for so holy is he, that if he pray God for you, very certainly you shall be saved. But the way that you must traverse to come to his cell is long harsh and difficult, for he lives in the midst of the desert that is two days' journey from hence."
Then the boy departed and went alone into the desert, weeping sore and full of dread ; for now but one day remained before the Fiend should claim him, and he feared he might not come to the hermit in time, but must encounter his Enemy in the wilderness alone. And as he went, he cried to Our Lord Jesu Christ and to His Mother, Madame Saint Mary, that they would be with him to keep his body from Hell.
Then God, Who had care of the child, as He hath of all poor pilgrims in the world, helped him; and so well he sped, that he came straight
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to the place where that holy hermit was before the day was done. And it happened on this day, that the angel brought the holy man two loaves of bread instead of one, by the which he knew that he should have a guest; wherefore he was exceeding joyous, giving praise and thanks to God.
And a little after the angel had departed came the young man, and gave the hermit those letters which the Patriarch of Jerusalem had sent. When he had read them, that good man was so greatly amazed that no words could he say; but weeping full piteously for the grief of it he led the child into his little chapel, and there did exhort and advise him that he should set himself to prayer forthwith. And greatly he marvelled that Sathan should have power over one so simple sweet and fair.
"Sir," said the child, "for Christ's sake pray for me; for I am so full of fear and dread that I tremble in every limb, and cannot make my orisons as I should."
Replied the hermit: "That will I surely do, but you also must call on God as best you can. Remember also to entreat the glorious Virgin, for verily she is Lady over Heaven and Hell, and there is no door so strong that she cannot open it. So great is the power of her might that where she is the Enemy can never come; therefore call on her with all your heart and doubt nothing, for she is a Mother right full of mercy and love."
Then when he had so exhorted him they supped together on the angels' bread, that is
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sweeter than honey and whiter than snow, and the hermit comforted the child as well as he could. And after this they betook them again to the chapel, and there said Matins and Lauds with great devotion. Then the hermit, meekly kneeling on the earth, did pray heartily for the child till day came, with tears and sighs recom- mending him to God and Our Lady. And it was Easter Eve, wherefore, so soon as dawn was near, he vested himself that he might say Mass right early, in honour of Jesu Christ our Lord, Who did this day conquer Sathan and rise triumphant from the dead. And the young man desired greatly that he might be commemorated in this blessed Sacrifice, and also make his communion that he might have his Saviour with him; for he was in much fear lest the Devil should surprise him unprotected and fetch him suddenly away.
Then the hermit, for greater safety, took and placed the child between himself and the altar, for there, he thought, the Fiend could no wise come; and holding him thus securely, he began the saying of the Mass. But the Enemy, that hateth all innocent children, had long desired this day, for he was exceeding impatient to have possession of the boy; and when he saw that the holy hermit would give the Body of Christ to the child, he was greatly vexed, in that he can in no wise touch them that are made partakers of God's Passion. Therefore, so soon as the Paternoster was said, he came quickly and seized the boy from before the altar, despite all the
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hermit could do to preserve him. And he carried him through the air incontinent to Hell.
Then was the holy man altogether beside himself, seeing his endeavour put to nought ; and he cried to the Virgin Mary with tears, saying:
"Ah, Mother of God! awake! awake! for it seemeth you have slept too long this morn. Shall one that was in your guardianship be thus destroyed? This child, that was committed to your keeping, hath been taken from before your Son's altar by the Enemy, and verily he shall be lost both body and soul if you succour him not as quickly as you can."
"Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum," the boy replied to him, "Et cum spiritu tuo."
And the hermit, hearing it, cried and said Deo gratias! and also Ave, Regina Coelorum ! for he was altogether filled with joy; and he gave very sweetly to the child the Holy Communion of the Body of Our Lord, the which he received with great devotion. Then, when Mass
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was done, and he had made his humble thanksgiving, that young man told the hermit all the adventure, how that the Devil had borne him to Hell, and there he had seen much folk in great torment, more than he could count.
"But," said he, "before I could pass the gateway, that was very dark and foul, Our Blessed Lady came from Paradise right swiftly, and she drew me out from between the hands of Sathan, and carried me in her arms through the air, and set me again in safety before this altar where I am."
Then said the hermit: "Fair son, this day the Holy Spirit of God hath been with you. Have a care, therefore, that henceforth you serve Him and His Mother Saint Mary with all your heart, for it is by their grace alone that you have been saved out of Sathan's power."
" Sir," said the child, "Our Lady has put into my heart so great and loving ardour, that more I could not desire to be her servant. Therefore I pray you tell me those things that she would have me do, for in this henceforth is all my joy."
Then the holy man did teach him very gently the knowledge of which he had need, and so greatly was the child filled with burning love toward God that he would have stayed all his days in that desert to serve Him in the solitary life. But it might not be, for his parents had need of him, and moreover he was very young.
Therefore he presently took leave of the hermit, and went his way to Jerusalem ; and there he rendered thanks to the Patriarch,
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telling him the mercy that he had had. And after these things, taking ship, he came to his home, and to his friends, that long had mourned him for lost. And when his mother saw her child all safe and sound, she had exceeding great joy, and did sing, laugh, and make feast, giving thanks to God and the Blessed Virgin in that he was not destroyed because of her sin.
And being greatly desirous to serve God and Saint Mary all his life, the child was made clerk, and presently was hallowed priest. And he had much joy of Our Lady's friendship, for she filled his heart with so pure and fervent a love that compared with it all earthly pleasures seemed but bitterness; and he daily increased in wisdom and in understanding, as her lovers ever do. Long did he live in this joy, and did great things for her worship; and at last she took him to the blessedness of Heaven, where all her children have their place.
Now this should be an ensample to all parents, by the which they may know how greatly perilous it is to dedicate their children to the Devil; for he who so doeth, giveth the Fiend in Hell power over these innocents, the which is greatly displeasing to God and to His Saints. And further we may know by this history how that it is a great thing and sure to call on Madame Saint Mary in our need; for she hath truly great power to deliver her friends from Death and Sathan, and her mercy and lovingkindness knows no end.
