But now a meagre skeleton was seen

The shadow only of what late he'd been:

Said she, good father, I have much desire

To be a saint: thither my hopes aspire;

I fain would merit reverence and prayer,

A festival have kept with anxious care;

What pleasure, ev'ry year, the palm in hand,

And, beaming round the head, a holy band,

Nice presents, flow'rs, and off'rings to receive

Your practice difficult must I believe?