376 THE STONES OF VENICE

of the month), and the curious mode of their association renders the list well worth quoting:-

§ 54.Primus gradus estFides recta.Unerring faith.

SecundusSpes firma.Firm hope.

Tertius ”Caritas perfecta.Perfect charity.

4. ”Patientia vera.True patience.

5.”Humilitas sancta.Holy humility.

6.”Mansuetudo.Meekness.

7.”Intelligentia.Understanding.

8. ”Compunctio cordis.Contrition of heart.

9. ”Oratio.Prayer.

10. ”Confessio pura.Pure confession.

11. ”Penitentia digna.Fitting penance.*

12. ”Abstinentia.Abstinence (fasting).

13. ”Timor Dei.Fear of God.

14. ”Virginitas.Virginity.

15. ”Justicia.Justice.

16. ”Misericordia.Mercy.

17. ”Elemosina.Almsgiving.

18. ”Hospitalitas.Hospitality.

19. ”Honor parentum.Honouring of parents.

20. ”Silencium.Silence.

21. ”Consilium bonum.Good counsel.

22. ”Judicium rectum.Right judgment.

23. ”Exemplum bonum.Good example.

24. ”Visitatio infirmorum.Visitation of the sick.

25.”Frequentatio sanctorum.Companying with saints.

26. ”Oblatio justa.Just oblations.

27. ”Decimas Deo solvere.Paying tithes to God.

28. ”Sapientia.Wisdom.

29. ”Voluntas bona.Goodwill.

30. ”Perseverantia.Perseverance.

§ 55. The reader will note that the general idea of Christian virtue embodied in this list is true, exalted, and beautiful; the points of weakness being the confusion of duties with virtues, and the vain endeavour to enumerate the various offices of charity as so many separate virtues; more frequently arranged as seven distinct works of mercy. This general

* Or penitence: but I rather think this is understood only in Compunctio cordis.

[Version 0.04: March 2008]