S. Augustine. I make no such demand on you as that. For though a certain very wise man[5] has laid it down that "Through overmuch contention truth is lost," yet often it happens that a well-ordered discussion leads to truth. It is not then expedient to accept everything advanced, which is the token of a slack and sleepy mind, any more than it is expedient to set oneself to oppose a plain and open truth, which indicates only the mind of one who likes fighting for fighting's sake.
Petrarch. I understand and agree with you and will act on your advice. Now, pray go on.
S. Augustine. You admit, therefore, that the argument is just and the chain of reasoning valid, when we say that a perfect knowledge of one's misery will beget a perfect desire to be rid of it, if only the power to be rid may follow the desire.
Petrarch. I have professed that I will believe you in everything.
S. Augustine. I feel there is still something you would like to urge, even now. Do, please, confess it, no matter what it may be.
Petrarch. Nothing, only that I am much amazed I to think I should never yet have wished what I have believed I always wished.
S. Augustine. You still stick at that point. O well, to put an end to this kind of talk I will agree that you have wished sometimes.
Petrarch. What then?
S. Augustine. Do you not remember the phrase of Ovid—
"To wish for what you want is not enough;
With ardent longing you must strive for it."[6]