no food himself, while he awaited the return of the people. For this
reason they that loved his holy discourse were unwilling to stay away too
long, but would sit them down in the churchyard or in the Church, and
take beforehand places that were convenient and near the pulpit, so that
at the proper hour they might the more readily hear and understand the
Word of God. And when Gerard had done his faithful preaching, each would
return to his own concerns rejoicing with eager heart, and praising God
for all the things he had heard. And they marvelled above measure at the
humble bearing of the Master, and were edified thereby, that he, a man of
so great fame and knowledge, one that had friends great and famous,
should go about the streets with so meek an aspect, and showing little
care for his attire; for he cared not at all about worldly things, and
sought only to gain a great usury of souls for God. He was well
favoured, kindly in word, and courteous to all, so that any man whatever,
whether a stranger or born in the land, even though poor and unknown,
might speak to him and receive from him some discourse upon the things of
God. The good saw this and rejoiced thereat, but the froward gnashed
with their teeth and spake evil of Gerard. A certain man, therefore, one
of the great ones of the State, came near to him, and rebuked his words
and deeds, for the man himself took more pleasure at that time in
worldliness than in the things of God. "Why," said he, "dost thou
disquiet us, and bring in new customs? Cease from this preaching, and do
not disturb or frighten men." But Gerard made answer with wisdom and
constancy: "I would not willingly suffer you to go to Hell," and the man
said again with indignation: "Let us go thither in peace," but the kindly
and good Master replied: "I will not do so; if thou wilt not hear, there
will be some who will gladly give ear"--but we must return to our
history.

When the most beloved Master was sojourning in Zwolle for the purpose of