The Life of St. Charles Borromeo, Cardinal Archbishop of Milan By Giovanni Pietro Giussano, John Peter Giussano

The Life of St. Charles Borromeo, Cardinal Archbishop of Milan By Giovanni Pietro Giussano, John Peter Giussano: "...neither too slow nor too fast and he never made an unnecessary gesture. He received every one with a cheerful countenance, never laughed outright, but used to smile with much grace and sweetness. He was sparing of his words and seemed to labour from some impediment in his speech. Some thought he did so of set purpose in order that he might have time to think before he spoke so as not to offend in word. In giving audience he used to stand for the most part, or supported himself by a table or window sill. He was endowed by God with a bearing which had in it something divine and begot reverence in all who addressed him so that no one could speak to him except seriously and in fitting manner In his latter years he was somewhat bent by continual study and austerity, and consequently looked older than he really was. It may well be said that in labours he had lived a very long life and that in St Charles the words of Holy Scripture were verified "Being made perfect in a short space he fulfilled a long time"