S. Augustine. If we are agreed on these two points, so we ought also to agree on a third.
Petrarch. What is this third point?
S. Augustine. It is this: that just as he who by deep meditation has discovered he is miserable will ardently wish to be so no more; and as he who has formed this wish will seek to have it realised, so he who seeks will be able to reach what he wishes. It is clear that the third step depends on the second as the second on the first. And therefore the first should be, as it were, a root of salvation in man's heart. Now you mortal men, and you yourself with all your power of mind, keep doing your best by all the pleasures of the world to pull up this saving root out of your hearts, which, as I said, fills me with horror and wonder. With justice, therefore, you are punished by the loss of this root of salvation and the consequent loss of all the rest.
Petrarch. I foresee this complaint you bring is likely to be lengthy, and take many words to develop it. Would you mind, therefore, postponing it to another occasion? And that I may travel more surely to your conclusion, may we send a little more time over the premisses?
S. Augustine. I must concede something to, your slowness of mind; so please stop me at any point where you wish.
Petrarch. Well, if I must speak for myself, I do not follow your chain of reasoning.
S. Augustine. What possible obscurity is there in it? What are you in doubt about now?
Petrarch. I believe there is a multitude of things for which we ardently long, which we seek for with all our energy, but which nevertheless, however diligent we are, we never have obtained and never shall.
S. Augustine. That may be true of other desires, but in regard to that we have now under discussion the case is wholly different.
Petrarch. What makes you say that?