earthly love was beautiful, you sent me letter after letter. With your
divine singing every street and house echoed my name! How much more
ought you now to persuade to God her whom then you turned from Him! Heed
what I ask; think what you owe. I have written a long letter, but the
ending shall be short. Farewell, darling!


ABÉLARD'S ANSWER TO HÉLOÏSE

_To Héloïse, his best beloved Sister in Christ,
Abélard, her Brother in Him:_

If, since we resigned the world I have not written to you, it was
because of the high opinion I have ever entertained of your wisdom and
prudence. How could I think that she stood in need of help on whom
Heaven had showered its best gifts? You were able, I knew, by example as
by word, to instruct the ignorant, to comfort the timid, to kindle
the lukewarm.

When prioress of Argenteuil, you practiced all these duties; and if you
give the same attention to your daughters that you then gave to your
sisters, it is enough. All my exhortations would be needless. But if, in
your humility, you think otherwise, and if my words can avail you
anything, tell me on what subjects you would have me write, and as God
shall direct me I will instruct you. I thank God that the constant
dangers to which I am exposed rouse your sympathies. Thus I may hope,
under the divine protection of your prayers, to see Satan bruised
under my feet.

Therefore I hasten to send you the form of prayer you beseech of