THE PEARL AMONG THE VIRTUES
15
scribably heavenly, which wonderfully elevates it, in contrast to its opposite degrading vice.
Wonder not, therefore, if I undertake to place even this virtue before you, and, as it were, unroll there its splendor. Oh! that it might so charm you, that, in order to obtain this treasure, you would be willing to engage in every combat, and to make every sacrifice.
Are you chaste, then you possess all things; as long as you are not chaste—then all is yet to be accomplished, then the most important, the most eminent virtue is certainly wanting. Are you chaste—have you preserved your chastity, or have you by a great and continual struggle
