where
he had lain down, and did not drop back. And lightly as if he were
passing over a meadow of blue clover he made a second bound into
space, into the realm of the angels.

He had hardly completed this second leap when he saw the little
spaniel by his side, and joyously he asked her:

"Aren't you really dead, then?"

And skipping toward him she replied:

"I do not understand what you are saying to me. My noonday sleep
to-day was peaceful and bright."

Then Rabbit saw that the other animals were following him into the
void, while Francis was journeying along another heavenly pathway,
indicating to the wolf by means of signs with his hand to put his
trust in Rabbit. And the wolf with docility and peace in his heart
felt Faith come over him again. He continued on his way with his
friends, after a long look toward his master, and knowing that for
those who are chosen there is something divine even in the final
adieu.

* * * * *

They left winter behind them. They were astonished at passing through
these meadows which formerly were so inaccessible and so far above
their heads. But the need of gaining Paradise gave them a firm footing
in the sky.

By the paths of the seraphim, along the trellises of light, over the
milky ways where the comet is like a sheaf of grain, Rabbit guided his
companions. Francis had entrusted them to him, and had given him to
them as guide because he knew Rabbit's prudence. And had he not on
many occasions given his master proofs of this quality of discretion
which is the beginning of wisdom? When Francis met him and begged
him to follow, had he not waited until Francis held out a handful of
flowering grass and let him nibble at it? And when all his companions
let themselves die of hunger for love of one another, had not he with
his down-trodden heels continued to gnaw the bitter bark of the trees?

Therefore it seemed that this prudence would not fail him even in
heaven. If they lost their way he would find the right road again. He
would know how not to get lost, and how not to collide with either the
sun or the moon. He would have the skill to avoid the shooting-stars
which are as dangerous as stones thrown from a sling. He would find
the way by the heavenly sign-posts on which were marked the number of
miles that had been left behind, as well as the names of the celestial
hamlets.

The regions traversed by Rabbit and his companions were ravishing
an