There was a time when people doubted whether I had given you all my heart, asking nothing.  But the end shows how I began.  I have denied myself a life which promised at least peace and work in the world, only to obey your hard exactions.  I have kept back nothing for myself, except the comfort of pleasing you.  How hard and cruel are you then, when I ask so little and that little is so easy for you to give!

In the name of God, to whom you are dedicate, send me some lines of consolation.  Help me to learn obedience!  When you wooed me because earthly love was beautiful, you sent me letter after letter.  With your divine singing every street and house echoed my name!  How much more ought you now to persuade to God her whom then you turned from Him!  Heed what I ask; think what you owe.  I have written a long letter, but the ending shall be short.  Farewell, darling!

ABELARD’S ANSWER TO HELOISE

To Heloise, his best beloved Sister in Christ,
Abelard, her Brother in Him:

If, since we resigned the world I have not written to you, it was because of the high opinion I have ever entertained of your wisdom and prudence.  How could I think that she stood in need of help on whom Heaven had showered its best gifts?  You were able, I knew, by example as by word, to instruct the ignorant, to comfort the timid, to kindle the lukewarm.

When prioress of Argenteuil, you practiced all these duties; and if you give the same attention to your daughters that you then gave to your sisters, it is enough.  All my exhortations would be needless.  But if, in your humility, you think otherwise, and if my words can avail you anything, tell me on what subjects you would have me write, and as God shall direct me I will instruct you.  I thank God that the constant dangers to which I am exposed rouse your sympathies.  Thus I may hope, under the divine protection of your prayers, to see Satan bruised under my feet.

Therefore I hasten to send you the form of prayer you beseech of me—­you, my sister, once dear to me in the world, but now far dearer in Christ.  Offer to God a constant sacrifice of prayer.  Urge him to pardon our great and manifold sins, and to avert the dangers which threaten me.  We know how powerful before God and his saints are the prayers of the faithful, but chiefly of faithful women for their friends, and of wives for their husbands.  The Apostle admonishes us to pray without ceasing....  But I will not insist on the supplications of your sisterhood, day and night devoted to the service of their Maker; to you only do I turn.  I well know how powerful your intercession may be.  I pray you, exert it in this my need.  In your prayers, then, ever remember him who, in a special sense, is yours.  Urge your entreaties, for it is just that you should be heard.  An equitable judge cannot refuse it.

In former days, you remember, best beloved, how fervently you recommended me to the care of Providence.  Often in the day you uttered a special petition.  Removed now from the Paraclete, and surrounded by perils, how much greater my need!  Convince me of the sincerity of your regard, I entreat, I implore you.