common to the grace of God. And after the holy kiss, Paul sitting
down with Antony thus began--

"Behold him, whom thou hast sought with such labour; with limbs
decayed by age, and covered with unkempt white hair. Behold, thou
seest but a mortal, soon to become dust. But, because charity bears
all things, tell me, I pray thee, how fares the human race? whether
new houses are rising in the ancient cities? by what emperor is the
world governed? whether there are any left who are led captive by
the deceits of the devil?" As they spoke thus, they saw a raven
settle on a bough; who, flying gently down, laid, to their wonder, a
whole loaf before them. When he was gone, "Ah," said Paul, "the
Lord, truly loving, truly merciful, hath sent us a meal. For sixty
years past I have received daily half a loaf, but at thy coming
Christ hath doubled his soldiers' allowance." Then, having thanked
God, they sat down on the brink of the glassy spring.

But here a contention arising as to which of them should break the
loaf, occupied the day till well-nigh evening. Paul insisted, as
the host; Antony declined, as the younger man. At last it was
agreed that they should take hold of the loaf at opposite ends, and
each pull towards himself, and keep what was left in his hand. Next
they stooped down, and drank a little water from the spring; then,
immolating to God the sacrifice of praise, passed the night
watching.

And when day dawned again, the blessed Paul said to Antony, "I knew
long since, brother, that thou wert dwelling in these lands; long
since God had promised thee to me as a fellow servant: but because
the time of my falling asleep is now come, and (because I always