Chapter XXXV.
A question, why sometimes when we are fasting more
strictly than usual, we are troubled by carnal desires more keenly than
usual.
Germanus
: You have very
clearly explained a most difficult question, and one which, as we
think, is unknown to many. Wherefore we pray you to add this also for
our good, and carefully to expound why sometimes when we are fasting
more strictly than usual, and are exhausted and worn out, severer
bodily struggles are excited. For often on waking from sleep, when we
have discovered that we have been defiled
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we are so dejected in heart that we do
not even venture faithfully to rise even for prayer.
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Cum
deprehenderimus nos sordidi liquoris contagius pertulisse.