Author’s Preface

Most Holy Father Eugenius, I have a mind to compose something which may edify thee, or please thee, or give thee consolation. But — how it is I know not — my pen appears to be at one and the same time both willing and unwilling, eager and reluctant, to give expression to my thoughts, as if it were urged in opposite ways by the love I feel for thy person and the awe which thy majesty inspires, the latter forbidding what the former enjoins. However, thy condescension interposes with a request for that which it were more in keeping with thy dignity to demand. And when majesty shows itself so graciously yielding, should not modesty likewise give way ? What matters it that thou hast ascended the papal throne ? Even if thou wert to " walk upon the wings of the winds " (Ps. xvii. n) thou shalt not withdraw thyself from my affection. Parental love knows nothing of lordship ; it recognises not a master but a child even in him who wears the tiara. It is of itself perfectly submissive ; it renders voluntary service, free obedience, willing reverence. " Not so the wicked, not so " (Ps. i. 4), who to the discharge of such duties have either to be compelled by fear or drawn by cupidity. These are they that bless thee in thy presence, " but evils are in their hearts " (Ps. xxvii. 3) ; they will flatter thee to thy face, but in thy hour of need they will fail thee. tBut " charity never falleth away " (i Cor. xiii. 8). As for me, I acknowledge that I have been relieved of a mother's office in thy regard, yet I have not lost a mother's affection. Having dwelt so long in my heart, thou shalt not now without difficulty be able to tear thyself thence. Though thou shouldst mount up to heaven, though thou shouldst descend into the abyss, thou canst not escape from me : I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. I have loved thee poor and I will love thee now that thou art become the father both of rich and poor. For unless I am grievously mistaken in thee, even as the father of the poor thou wilt not cease to be poor in spirit. It is my hope and confidence that this change of rank has not been accompanied by any change of sentiment : that the old disposition has not yielded place but only a support to the new dignity. Therefore shall I admonish thee now, not as a master, but as a mother, yea, as a most loving mother. Some, as I perceive, will think me beside myself, but only such as know not what it is to love, only such as have never experienced in themselves the violence of a mother's affection.