accord; but when he was long in prayer, and astonished in himself,
those who were with him questioned him and urged him; and he was
forced to tell; unable, as a father, to hide anything from his
children; and considering, too, that his own conscience was clear,
and the story would be profitable for them, when they learned that
the life of training bore good fruit, and that visions often came as
a solace of their toils.

But how tolerant was his temper, and how humble his spirit; for
though he was so great, he both honoured exceedingly the canon of
the Church, and wished to put every ecclesiastic before himself in
honour. For to the bishops and presbyters he was not ashamed to bow
his head; and if a deacon ever came to him for the sake of profit,
he discoursed with him on what was profitable, but in prayer he gave
place to him, not being ashamed even himself to learn from him. {65}
For he often asked questions, and deigned to listen to all present,
confessing that he was profited if any one said aught that was
useful. Moreover, his countenance had great and wonderful grace;
and this gift too he had from the Saviour. For if he was present
among the multitude of monks, and any one who did not previously
know him wished to see him, as soon as he came he passed by all the
rest, and ran to Antony himself, as if attracted by his eyes. He
did not differ from the rest in stature or in stoutness, but in the
steadiness of his temper, and purity of his soul; for as his soul
was undisturbed, his outward senses were undisturbed likewise, so
that the cheerfulness of his soul made his face cheerful, and from
the movements of his body the stedfastness of his soul could be
perceived, according to the Scripture, "When the heart is cheerful
the countenance is glad; but when sorrow comes it scowleth." . . .
And he was altogether wonderful in faith, and pious, for he never