In one of the groups very near the Cross, Hilarius set a grey-eyed
girl, a woman with a babe at the breast, and clinging to her
skirts, a little flaxen-headed maid. None but the Prior knew the
meaning of these three, and their names, with that of a poor light-
o'-love, were ever on his lips when he offered the Holy Sacrifice.
Gentle Brother Hilarius painted and loved, and was beloved of all
his world. The years sped, and he became in turn Almoner, Novice-
master, and Sub-Prior: and no man envied him, for he reckoned
himself ever as least of all and servant of all.
Prior Stephen attained his fourscore years, ruling the Convent
wisely and well to the very end: ay, and never ailed aught, his
call coming as it might be straight from the mouth of the Lord.
On the Feast of Blessed Stephen he went into the chapter and said
as always: "The souls of the deceased brethren and believers rest
in peace!" to which the Convent replied, "Amen." Then with his
hands raised to bless he cried, "Benedicite," and again with loud
and joyful voice "Domine," and again, "Domine!" as of one who
answers to his name--and so passed to his place in the Kingdom of
Christ.
Pages:
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126