madest me; when I went far astray from Thee, Thou broughtest me back again, that I might serve Thee; and that Thou hast commanded me to love Thee.
2. O fountain of love unceasing, what shall I say concerning Thee?
How can I forget Thee, Who hast vouchsafed to remember me, even after I had wasted away and perished?
Thou hast shewed mercy to Thy servant beyond all expectation: and hast exhibited favour and loving-kindness beyond all desert.
What return shall I make to Thee for this grace? For it is not granted to all to forsake all, to renounce the world, and to undertake a life of religious seclusion.
Is it any great thing that I should serve Thee, Whom the whole creation is bound to serve?
It ought not to seem much to me, to serve Thee; but rather this doth appear much wonderful to me; that Thou vouchsafest to receive into Thy service one so poor and unworthy, and to make him one with Thy beloved servants.
3. Behold, all things are Thine which I have, and whereby I serve Thee.
And yet contrariwise, Thou rather servest me than I Thee.
Behold, heaven and earth which Thou hast created for the service of man, are ready at hand, and do daily perform all that Thou hast commanded.
And this is little: Thou hast moreover also appointed angels to minister to man.
But that which excelleth this all is, that Thou
