83. Both are resisted by holy fervour and by care for advancement. — Against the steed the blare of the trumpet sounds, when some fault set close at hand terribly tempts the mind of the elect in that very thing which he does bravely. But fervent and snorting he swallows up the earth, because with exceeding ardour he shakes himself, and whatever earthly thing he finds in himself, he daily consumes by advancing. And he does not reckon the blare of the trumpet to be sounding, because with strong consideration he anxiously wears away every vice that is born from the glory of virtue. For he would reckon the trumpet's blare to be sounding, if perhaps, on account of another thing that wickedly arises, he feared to do the right things.
Because, therefore, he does not tremble before the temptations that sound forth against the doing of brave deeds, being set in his fervour he by no means fears the blare of the trumpet. But often, while he beholds himself prospering in virtues, lest that very prosperity of virtues lift him up, he rejoices to be beaten by temptations. Whence it is aptly added: