Chapter 6 Summary

Severo and Beneditx, who are good friends, debate the issue of Palinor's lack of belief in God. Severo says that Palinor appears to have learned about the Gospels but has concluded without a doubt that God does not exist. Beneditx replies that knowledge of God is inborn, and men like Palinor refuse to be enlightened. Severo questions whether knowledge of God really is innate. Beneditx asks for a few hours to prove to Severo that he is right.

Beneditx returns with a dirty, bedraggled woman and her baby. He brings her right into the cloister, though women are not allowed there. Beneditx tells disapproving clergy that "nothing is forbidden to the pure in heart." He drags the woman into Severo's cell and places the newborn baby on the table. Severo looks into the baby's eyes and says he sees infinity. Beneditx replies that...