12. Of the illusion of satan who cast her father into a ditch

And when this devout Peter was so weak from old age, that he could scarcely walk without falling frequently from any slight cause and returning home injured, nevertheless he did not refrain from visiting the church on account of his bruises and falls, but as if still possessed of youth, drawn by fervent devotion visited the temple of God, even against the wish of his daughter. For the holy child was anxious for her father's safety, more ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM grieving and fearing for his danger than for the scourge of her own disease.

On one occasion, going out on the vigil of Pentecost to hear Vespers, he met the devil, who appeared to him in the likeness of one he knew, as it seemed outwardly. Who, wishing to deceive the simple man, suggested that they should go for a stroll outside the city, alleging that they would return in good time for the hour of Vespers. And he, not knowing that it was Satan, agreed, and they went together beyond the city gate to the place called Damlaen. Then the devil showing the wickedness of his deceit, suddenly rushed upon Peter, and before he saw or knew, cast him into a ditch and disappeared. And as he was there beginning to drown and there was no one at hand to aid, by divine providence a certain carter, an acquaintance of his, contrary to his wont came by the same way from the country with his waggon, wishing to enter the city, and he saw Peter lying in the ditch, and quite un able to help himself. And being moved with compassion he at once drew him out of the mud ; and setting the injured man upon his cart, brought him back ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM safe to the town. And immediately a false report unexpectedly assailed the ears of all ; as if Peter had been drowned and was dead. And this news so afflicted the ears of his daughter, that she could never afterwards recall that vigil without deep anguish because of the suffering of her father. For the crafty enemy reckoned to cause a great catastrophe to the virgin, if he added her father's distress to the pain of her own wounds. But God, the helper in afflictions and the comforter of the sorrowful, in a short while turned the father's weariness into rest, his grief into joy, his poverty into heavenly riches. For, consoled by the blessed virgin, he was snatched by a speedy and blissful end from the troubles of this world and the guiles of the devil.