The more humble of those whom a character for religion raised high, he made his acquaintance and intimates; and that he might learn from them to hunger and thirst after righteousness, he enjoyed more frequently their secret conversation. Towards such servants and soldiers of Christ this merciful man preferred to be liberal and abundant in food and raiment, he who determined in himself to be moderate and sparing. For what would he deny to Christ, who for Christ was about to shed his blood? He who owed his coat or cloak to one who asked it, desired to add, moreover, his own flesh. For he knew that the man would never freely give his own flesh, who showed himself greedy of any temporal thing. _Lesson Third._ Hitherto the merciful Lord, who maketh poor and enricheth, bringeth low and lifteth up, wished to load his servant with riches, and exalt him with honours; and afterwards he was pleased to try him with adversity. By trying whether he loved Him, He proved it the more certainly; but He supplied grace more abundantly. For with the temptation He made a way to escape, that he might be able to bear it. Therefore, the envious enemy, considering that the new prelate {219} and the new man was flourishing with so manifold a grace of virtues, devised to send a burning blight of temptation, which might suffocate the germ of his merits already put forth. Nor was there any delay. He who severs a man from his God, and one friend from his neighbour, sowed irreconcileable quarrels between the king and the archbishop. Pray for us, O blessed Thomas. _In Lauds._ A grain falls and gives birth to an abundance of corn. The alabaster-box is broken, and the odour of the ointment is powerful. The whole world vies in love to the martyr, Whose wonderful signs strike all with astonishment. The water for Thomas five times changing colour, Once was turned into milk, four times into blood. At the shrine[81] of Thomas four times the light came down, And to the glory of the saint kindled the wax-tapers. DO THOU BY THE BLOOD OF THOMAS, WHICH HE[82] SHED FOR THEE; MAKE US, O CHRIST, ASCEND, Whither Thomas has ascended. Extend[83] succour to us, O Thomas, Guide those who stand, {220} Raise up those who fall, Correct our morals, actions, and life; And guide us into the way of peace. [Footnote 81: Ad Thomæ memoriam.] [Footnote 82: Tu per Thomæ sanguinem quem pro te impendit, Fac nos, Christe, scandere, quo Thomas ascendit.] [Footnote 83: Opem nobis, O Thoma, porrige, Rege stantes, jacentes erige, Mores, actus, et vitam corrige, Et in pacis nos viam dirige. ] _Final Anthem._ Hail, O Thomas, the Rod of Justice;[84] The Brightness of the World; The Strength of the Church; The Love of the People; The Delight of the Clergy. Hail, glorious Guardian of the Flock; Save those who rejoice in thy glory.