For Greater Things: The Story of Saint Stanislaus KostkaKane, William T. (William Terence)
Religion
For Greater Things: The Story of Saint Stanislaus Kostka
Kane, William T. (William Terence)
Kostka, Stanislas, Saint, 1550-1568
"I can't carry these with me, friend," he said. "Won't you please
take them? I have no use for them, and perhaps you can sell them in
the city."
And he was gone before the peasant, gaping in wonder at the rich
garments and dagger in his hands, could much more than catch a
glimpse of that bright face and those laughing eyes.
He tramped all day, and made his thirty miles. When he was hungry,
he asked some one he met for food. It is not likely that any one
would refuse the smiling, handsome boy, from whose face innocence
simply shone. But if any one had refused him, it would not have
annoyed Stanislaus. His good humor came from heaven, as well as
from his own cheery soul - and you cannot rebuff that kind of good
humor.
Night came down at last, and he was tired out. He came to an inn
and asked for shelter.
"I have no money," he told the landlord, smiling, "and I have no
claim upon you. Will you take me in?"
The landlord looked at him shrewdly a little, then said with respect:
"But what is your grace doing in such a garb?"
Stanislaus thought for a moment that he was recognized; but he put
on a bold front, and laughed as he said:
"I am not 'your grace. I am what you see me, and I have a long
journey to make."
In those days it was not unusual for even nobles to go, roughly
clad, upon pilgrimages of devotion. That Stanislaus was a noble,
the landlord was quite certain. That he might be engaged on some
such pious business, was possible. But who ever heard of a mere boy
going upon pilgrimage?
The whole affair puzzled the landlord more than a little. However,
the face of the boy reassured him. At least there could be no evil
behind that frank, brave countenance. So he shook his head, saying:
"I do not understand. But come in. You are welcome."
He gave Stanislaus his supper and a bed to sleep in.
"You shall not be the poorer for this," said Stanislaus, as he
thanked him. "You know God makes it up to us for even a cup of cold
water given in His name."
And as the boy spoke, the landlord saw his face glow when he spoke
of God and he was very glad at heart that he had given shelter and
food, to this strange boy.
Stanislaus slept soundly. But he was up with the sun, washed and
dressed quickly, and went to thank his host again before setting
out.
"But you will have something to eat before you go?" cried the man,
as Stanislaus stood before him, staff in hand, ready for the road.
"It is good of you to offer it," the boy answered. "But perhaps I
shall find a church before long, and I must go fasting to Holy
Communion."
Then the landlord marvelled again, for at that period even good
people did not go very often to Holy Communion, especially when they
were traveling hard, as Stanislaus evidently was. And his
admiration and liking grew for this boy with the merry face and the
heart so near heaven.
"At least," he said, "you must take something with you for the way."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account