Chapter XX.
How contemptible it is to be overcome by
covetousness.
so if we want to strive
lawfully in our spiritual combat, let us expel this dangerous enemy
also from our hearts. For to overcome him does not so much show great
virtue, as to be beaten by him is shameful and disgraceful. For when
you are overpowered by a strong man, though there is grief in being
overthrown, and distress at the loss of victory, yet some consolation
may be derived by the vanquished
from the strength of their opponent. But if the
enemy is a poor creature, and the struggle a feeble one, besides the
grief for defeat there is confusion of a more disgraceful character, and a shame which is worse than loss.