journey, when he was taken with extreme pains. He bore them as well as he
was able; and dissembled them, till his strength failed him. His motion
had swelled his thighs, and indented the cords so deep into his flesh,
that they were hardly visible; insomuch that the chirurgeons, to whom his
fellows discovered them, plainly said, that any incisions which could be
made, would serve only to increase his pains, and that the ill was
incurable.

In this dangerous conjuncture, Le Fevre, Laynez, and the rest, had
recourse to Almighty God, and not in vain. Xavier waking the next
morning, found the cords fallen down, the swelling wholly taken away from
his thighs, and the marks of the cords only remaining on his flesh. They
joined in actions of thanksgiving to the Almighty, for his providential
care already shewn in their behalf; and though the ways were very rugged,
in the inclemency of that season, yet they cheerfully pursued their
journey.

Xavier was serviceable to his companions on all occasions, and was always
beforehand with them in the duties of charity; whether it were, that,
being naturally officious, and of a warm temper, he was more eager to
employ himself for them; or that his health, miraculously restored,
rendered him more obliging and charitable towards those by whose prayers
it was recovered.

When they were arrived at Venice, their breathings were only after the
holy places. Ignatius, whom they were ravished to see again, and whom
they acknowledged for their common father, was of opinion, that while
they were waiting the opportunity of going to receive the Pope's blessing
for their voyage to Jerusalem, each of them should employ himself on
works of charity, in the hospitals of the town.