As the Goose-herd spoke the tears rose in the Hermit's eyes and rolled slowly down his cheeks; and when the young man ceased, he said: "O son, now I know why thou art so pleasing in the eyes of God.  Early hast thou learned the love which gives all and asks nothing, which suffereth long and is ever kind, and this I have not learned.  A small thing and too common it seemed to me, but now I see that it is holier than austerities, and availeth more than fasting, and is the prayer of prayers.  Late have I sought thee, thou ancient truth, late have I found thee, thou ancient beauty; yet even in the gloaming of my days may there still be light enough to win my way home.  Farewell, good brother; and be God tender and pitiful to thee as thou hast been tender and pitiful to the little child."