cell, and when his disciples asked him to explain more fully what
had befallen, he said, "There is a time to be silent, and a time to
speak." Then going out, and not taking even a morsel of food, he
returned by the way he had come. For he feared--what actually
happened--lest Paul in his absence should render up the soul he owed
to Christ.

And when the second day had shone, and he had retraced his steps for
three hours, he saw amid hosts of angels, amid the choirs of
prophets and apostles, Paul shining white as snow, ascending up on
high; and forthwith falling on his face, he cast sand on his head,
and weeping and wailing, said, "Why dost thou dismiss me, Paul? Why
dost thou depart without a farewell? So late known, dost thou
vanish so soon?" The blessed Antony used to tell afterwards, how he
ran the rest of the way so swiftly that he flew like a bird. Nor
without cause. For entering the cave he saw, with bended knees,
erect neck, and hands spread out on high, a lifeless corpse. And at
first, thinking that it still lived, he prayed in like wise. But
when he heard no sighs (as usual) come from the worshipper's breast,
he fell to a tearful kiss, understanding how the very corpse of the
saint was praying, in seemly attitude, to that God to whom all live.

So, having wrapped up and carried forth the corpse, and chanting
hymns of the Christian tradition, Antony grew sad, because he had no
spade, wherewith to dig the ground; and thinking over many plans in
his mind, said, "If I go back to the monastery, it is a three days'
journey. If I stay here, I shall be of no more use. I will die,
then, as it is fit; and, falling beside thy warrior, Christ, breathe
my last breath."