The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16Dryden, John
History
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16
Dryden, John
English literature
He had one night a vision, whether awake or sleeping has not been decided
by the juridical informations of the Father's life. It seemed to him,
that he was in a fair temple, where he beheld the Blessed Virgin, on a
throne all glittering with precious stones. Her countenance appeared
severe; and he, making his approaches to her, was rejected with
indignation, as unworthy to be of the company of her son. After which she
arose from the throne, and then all things disappeared. Deyro being
recalled from his solitude some time after, said nothing of his vision to
Father Xavier, to whom God had revealed it. He even denied boldly to have
seen any, though the Father repeated it to him, with all the
circumstances. Xavier, more scandalised than ever with this procedure of
Deyro, refused all farther communication with a man, who was interested,
and insincere. He rid his hands of him, but withal foretold him, "That
God would be so gracious to him, as to change his evil inclinations, and
that hereafter he should take the habit of St Francis." Which was so
fully accomplished, that when the informations were taken in the Indies,
concerning the holiness and miracles of Xavier, Deyro then wore the habit
of St Francis, and lived a most religious life.
After the three missioners were gone for the Moluccas, Xavier alone bore
the whole burden of the work. The knowledge which the Portuguese and
Indians had of his holiness, made all men desirous of treating with him,
concerning the business of their conscience. Not being able to give
audience to all, many of them were ill satisfied, and murmured against
him: but since their discontent and murmurs proceeded from a good
principle, he comforted himself, and rather rejoiced than was offended,
as he says himself expressly in his letters. His ordinary employment was
preaching to the Christians and Gentiles, instructing and baptising the
catechumens, teaching children the Christian doctrine, visiting the
prisoners and the sick, reconciling enemies, and doing other works of
charity.
While the saint was thus employed, there happened an affair, which much
increased his reputation in all the Indies. For the understanding of the
whole business, it will be necessary to trace it from its original.
Since the conquest of Malacca by the Portuguese, the neighbouring princes
grew jealous of their power, and made many attempts to drive that nation
out of the Indies, which came to brave them at their own doors.
Thereupon, they set on foot many great armies, at divers times, but
always unsuccessfully; and learning, by dear-bought experience, that
multitudes can hardly prevail against true valour.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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