Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1891-01-03
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That is a sweet oId tale the books
tell about the origin of Vailom5ro.a.
1t Is both sweet and largely true.
a man OF arms, about to take life in
revenge for the murder Of his own
brother, suddenly filed with divine
compassion for his enemy, forgave
him. This man Giovanni Gualberto,
to commemorate his salvation from
a damning deei, built the monas-
terry of Vallombrosa, nearly 900
years ago. Milton, in the three lines,
Thick as auiumnal leaves that sirew the
brooks
In vallomLrosa, where IN Etrurian shades
Nigh overarch'd embower-"
made vallombrosa endlessly live in
the minds Of men. Ii to the mon
astery's suppression had been added
its material destruction, II would
still forever arise against its emerald
mountain-side, as millions, reading
Millions words, see the vision he
saw in his swift longing to again
dwell with its monks, and yearn as
he yearned TO know the cool depths
ofits restful shade.
About 1000 feet from Vallom-
brosa's gates is fountain Of the
purest water, leaping from an ever
living spring. On q summers DAY
in l0)S Giovanni paused at this
fountain In search Of hermitage.
His family was one Of the noblest OF
Tuscany, from the royal race Of The
Carlovinyians. He was reared IT,
the fortune ofarms and received the
educatinn OF n .nobleman Of his
time. In his early life his career
was reckless and fiery. One of his
bestowed friends, VisdOmini,
quarreling with his idolized brother
Hugo, plunged a dagger into his
heart and killed him. Giovanni
swere vengeance upon VisSiomini,
pursuing him in vain for years. AT
last one morning Of Good Friday In
1908, when on his way TO Florence
accompanied by his body guard, he
suddenly met his enemy in n mar
row, rock-bordercd fJrest-path. Wis
dominl was at Giovanni's mercy.
The avengins brother drew his
sword and called upon the murderer
to prepare for instant death. With
out attempting defense, he fell upon
his knees, and with hands Outspread
in the form OF n cross, sued for
mercy. The mode Of prayer, touch
Ell the heart Of Giovanni. Spring
ing from his steel he lifted his
enemy to his feet. forgave him, and
dismissed him with his blessing.
This much is true; act IS heroic
and God like as ever imprisoned
rhymer sung. Then perhaI legend
comes; II legend, still tender, fitting
sequel to glorious self-conguering.
Filled with holy awe at what he
had himself escaped, Giovanni
straiSltway sought the neighboring
monastery Of San Miniato. He
Frustrated himself before n cuicifix
in prayer. Long AMI earnestly he
gazed upon the figure of Christ
above him. Lo, the image bent its
head rs IL with blessing ut his act OF
mercy. Thereafter follows historic
truth. Giovanni related the miracle
to the abbott; abjured his wayward
career; sought To enter the brother
hood; but was for time dissuaied
on account OF his noble fathers OPP
position; but finally took the religi-
Gus VOWS Of the orler in April, 1904.
His piety soon became renowned.
On the death Of the abbott Of San
Miniato in los, he was chosen to
succeed him, but refused the office
under a desire TO seek a still more
solitary retreat; and 1t was at the
fountain nesr the peak Of
the Pratomagno mountain, where
he had halted in his sol
itary wanderings. Near the spot,
which was then called Ac-
quabella, he found two hermits,
Pablo and Guntelmo, who were
living in huts. These Joined him,
aud there soon was gathered a little
community Of monks and hermiis.
Their sufferings, privations and self