VI.
JANUARY 15. ST. MAUR, ABBOT.
There was a very holy abbot named Maurus;
who from his early youth was confided
to Saint Benedict for instruction, though he was of noble birth.
He throve well in learning, and was very obedient
to Saint Benedict in all his commands,
and served God Almighty in all goodness,
and gave moreover a good example to his brethren
in all holy observances, and therefore was he dear
to his master Benedict, whom he rejoiced by his works.
We have said aforetime in another place,
how this same Maurus, through God's might, walked
upon running water on a wide pool,
when Benedict bade him help the boy,
who had fallen into the stream, as he was fetching water.
On a certain occasion Saint Maurus was going homewards to the monastery with his brethren,
while Benedict was with a pious man,
because his wife was vexed with madness ;
and Maurus met there, before he came to the monastery,
a dumb boy, who was also a cripple,
but the father and mother carried him thither.
Then they both fell with flowing tears
at Maurus' feet, and embraced his knees,
entreating him in God's name to heal their child.
But Maurus did not wish to grant this to the couple ;
and said that the deed was not becoming to him,
until the brethren earnestly besought him
to pray for the healing of the halting boy.
So then Maurus looked up straightway to Heaven, and said,
