OF SIX MEDIEVAL WOMEN 



great prototype, or even with that of such an 

 one as St. Hildegarde, still she had read with 

 unflagging diligence a vast number of profane 

 and ecclesiastical writers, and seems to have been 

 well versed in the varied knowledge of her time, 

 especially history. But whilst it is possible to 

 criticise her learning, tempered as this was by 

 her character and the needs of her day, it is 

 at the same time possible to acknowledge that 

 in spite of flaws and an often over-elaborated 

 setting, moral truth sparkles gemlike throughout 

 her writings. One of her biographers speaks 

 of her thus : " Her morale is so pure and so 

 universally human that not only does it remain 

 true to-day, but it will retain imperishable value 

 as long as ever human society is based on a pure 

 and healthy moral foundation." 



In her poem Le Chemin de long Estude a 

 title taken from Dante's appeal to Virgil at the 

 opening of the Inferno Christine begins by 

 acknowledging her debt to the immortal poet, 

 saying that much that she has to tell has already 

 been told by " Dante of Florence in his book." 

 Virgil as guide is replaced by the Cumean Sibyl, 

 who appears to Christine in a dream, and offers 

 to conduct her to another and a more perfect 

 world, one where there is no pain and misery. 

 To this Christine consents on condition that 

 " sad Hades, whither ^Eneas once was taken," is 

 not included in the journey. The Sibyl there- 

 fore promises to reveal to her, instead, in what 

 manner misfortune came upon earth, whilst at 



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