“‘Among men that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than—’”
“Whom?” interpolated the boy, when Wilfred paused.
“‘John the Baptist.’”
Bertram’s face fell with a most disappointed look.
“Why, what did he? How was he great?”
“He was great in four matters, methinks, in one whereof only thou or I may not have leave to follow him. In that he foreran our Lord, his deed is beyond our reach: but in three other concernments, in no wise. Firstly, he preached Christ.”
“That the priests do,” interjected Bertram.
“Do they so?” asked Wilfred rather drily. “Secondly, he feared not, when need were, to gainsay a master in whose hand lay his life. And lastly, he knew how to deny himself.”
“But, Father Wilfred! all those be easy enough.”
“Be they so, lad? How many times hast tried them?”