Meekness: May 6
Since it is impossible for us to go through life without causing annoyance to one another, it is necessary to have a great supply of meekness from which to draw to check sudden bursts of anger and preserve peace of soul.
Philip II, King of Spain, had spent many long hours of the night in writing a letter to the Pope. Finally he finished it and gave it to his secretary to fold and seal. The latter, half asleep, sprinkled ink instead of sand upon the letter. Realizing what he had done, he was horrified. Unperturbed, the king said, "Here, let me have another sheet of paper," and he proceeded to rewrite the letter very calmly. Another day, while getting ready to go hunting, he seated himself to have his riding boots put on. After one had been donned, it was discovered that the other was missing. For a long time the king sat waiting while the misplaced boot was being sought, yet he gave no sign of impatience nor did he utter a word. On the day of his coronation one of the soldiers, in the act of holding back the multitudes with the pole, broke three crystal lamps which were above the throne. As a result, oil fell on the costly robes of the king and queen. King Philip, with serene countenance, said: "This is a sign that during my reign there will be the unction of peace and plenty."
