Anselm sat down by the bedside, and putting a gentle hand on his head, first calmed him with a soothing word or two.
He then (for he had learned how Gerard came there) spoke to him kindly but solemnly, and made him feel his crime, and urged him to repentance, and gratitude to that Divine Power which had thwarted his will to save his soul.
“Come, my son,” said he, “first purge thy bosom of its load.”
“Ah, father,” said Gerard, “in Juliers I could; then I was innocent but now, impious monster that I am, I dare not confess to you.”
“Why not, my son? Thinkest thou I have not sinned against Heaven in my time, and deeply? oh, how deeply! Come, poor laden soul, pour forth thy grief, pour forth thy faults, hold back nought! Lie not oppressed and crushed by hidden sins.”
And soon Gerard was at Father Anselm's knees confessing his every sin with sighs and groans of penitence.
“Thy sins are great,” said Anselm. “Thy temptation also was great, terribly great. I must consult our good prior.”
The good Anselm kissed his brow, and left him, to consult the superior as to his penance.
And lo! Gerard could pray now.
And he prayed with all his heart.