m; and his own pleasure is renewed whenever he sees others
enjoying these sights.

When he was of an age for it, he was not averse to love-affairs with
young women, but kept them honourable, preferring the love that was
offered to that which he must chase after, and was more drawn by
spiritual than by physical intercourse.

He had devoured classical literature from his earliest years. As a lad
he applied himself to the study of Greek literature and philosophy; his
father, so far from helping him (although he is otherwise a good and
sensible man), deprived him of all support in this endeavour; and he was
almost regarded as disowned, because he seemed to be deserting his
father's studies--the father's profession is English jurisprudence. This
profession is quite unconnected with true learning, but in Britain those
who have made themselves authorities in it are particularly highly
regarded, and this is there considered the most suitable road to fame,
since most of the nobility of that island owe their origin to this
branch of study. It is said that none can become perfect in it without
many years of hard work. So, although the young man's mind born for
better things not unreasonably revolted from it, nevertheless, after
sampling the scholastic disciplines he worked at the law with such
success that none was more gladly consulted by litigants, and he made a
better living at it than any of those who did nothing else, so quick and
powerful was his intellect.

He also devoted much strenuous attention to studying the ecclesiastical
writers. He lectured publicly to a crowded audience on Augustine's _City
of God_ while still little more than a lad; and priests and elderly men
were neither sorry nor ashamed to learn sacred matters from a youthful
layman. For a time he gave his whole mind to the study of piety,
practising himself for the priesthood in watchings, fastings and prayer,
and other like preliminary exercises; in which matter he was far more
sensible than most of those who rashly hurl themselves into this arduous
calling without having previously made any trial of themselves. The only
obstacle to his devoting himself to this mode of life was his inability
to shake off his longing for a wife. He therefore chose to be a chaste
husband rather than an unchaste priest.

Still, he married a girl,[84] as yet very young, of good family, but
still untrained--she had always lived in the country with her parents
and sisters--so