15. After such a
fashion did Liberius of holy memory address you, in words beyond the
reality of practice in most cases, but coming short of your
performance, who have not only attained to the whole of discipline by
your virtue, but have surpassed it in your zeal. For we are
bidden to practise fasting, but only for single days; but you,
multiplying nights and days, pass untold periods without food, and if
ever requested to partake of some, and to lay aside your book a little
while, you at once answer: “Man doth not live by bread
alone, but by every word of God.” S. Matt. iv. 4. Your very meals consisted but of
what food came to hand, so that fasting is to be preferred to eating
what was repugnant; your drink is from the spring, your weeping and
prayer combine, your sleep is on your book.