Page:Aelfric's Lives of Saints Vol 2.djvu/343

if perchance he might find some man of God who might assist his desires. Then at last he came to a minster; the father of this minster was very powerful before God. So he paid in a great sum of money, and made much friendship with the abbot and with the brothers; and then after a good while he told his desire to the abbot. So the abbot compassionated him, and prayed God earnestly that He would give the nobleman the fruit of a child. Then God heard the prayer of them both, and gave them a daughter. When Paphnutius had seen the abbot's great service, he seldom left the minster; likewise he brought his wife into the minster, to the intent that she might receive the abbot's blessing, and that of the brethren. When the child was seven years old, then they had her baptized, and named her Euphrosyne; then her parents rejoiced exceedingly on her account, because she was acceptable to God, and fair in countenance; and when she was twelve years old, then her mother died. Then the father instructed the maiden in holy writings and godly readings, and in all worldly wisdom; and she so deeply received the lore that her father greatly wondered thereat. Then sprang her fame and wisdom and learning throughout all the town, because she was adorned with virtues, and many were attracted so that they desired her in honourable marriage, and spake of it to her father; but he always answered, 'God's will be done.' Then at last came to him a noble who was wealthier and worthier than all the others, and desired her for himself. Then the father received his pledge, and promised her to him. Then after a great while, when she was eighteen years old, her father took her with him to the place where he usually went, and paid in there a great sum of money, and said to the abbot; ' I have brought hither the fruit of thy prayers, my daughter, that thou mayest give her thy blessing, because I wish to give her to a husband.' Then the abbot bade take her to the parlour, and spake a long while with her, and taught her purity and patience, and to have the fear of God; and she abode there seven days, and devoutly listened to the brothers' canticles, and beheld their conversation; and greatly wondering at all this said,