Although a tardy repentance has already paid penalty enough, yet I have not deserved to be present, even by a vicarious service, at the feast-day to be honoured by us before others. I who did not show my devotion, at least took care to render satisfaction. To which, as I truly trust, I was admonished, blessed and most reverend lord, by that very Spirit visiting me. For on that very holy night, in a vision, I know not what had clung to my hands, which, sitting beside me, a most resplendent dove, but of an unwonted colour, ruddy, was plucking away.
And when, being awakened, I recognized the daily horror of my hands, but nonetheless remembered that I was being cleansed without merit, while sad and anxious I turned that very ambiguity over within me, suddenly, as if struck by a goad, I was straightway reminded of the remaining debt. Now what confusion, or what bitterness, has pressed me hence, holy piety weighs it. Yet I have been somewhat consoled by this hope, that she may forgive who deigned to admonish, so that, having pity on me, not all opportunity of holy homage was defrauded me. One thing only does supplication, mingled with the due offices of her commemoration, demand: that you would inspire this part also of her indulgence into the senses of your imputation, which is already more than just against me.