ds not to hear us, just to prove our
mettle. Doubtless he knows that it belongs to that perfection which we
profess to fulfil, that lesson of our Lord which tells us, 'In your
patience ye shall possess your souls,' and that too of most blessed
Paul, 'In all things let us shew forth ourselves as the ministers of
God, in much patience.' But much patience is assured in this, if much
longsuffering bears with much gentleness much that opposes and thwarts.
For patience without longsuffering will not be much, but short; and
without gentleness will merely not exist." So said, Hugh Gerard and old
Ainard (a man of immense age and curious story) set out to the king.
They were all received like angels, with honour, polite speeches,
excuses, instant promises, but neither cash nor certain credit. Then
Gerard fumed and forgot the advice of his superior, and broke out into a
furious declaration that he was off and quit of England, and would go
back to his Alpine rocks, and not conflict with a man who thought it
lost labour to be saved. "Let him keep the riches he loves so well. He
will soon lose them, and leave them to some ungrateful heir or other.
Christ ought not to share in them; no, nor any good Christian." These,
and harsher words, too, were Gerard's coaxes. Poor Hugh used often, in
after life, to remember them with horror. He got red and confused. He
told his brother to speak gentlier, to eschew such terms, or even to
hold his tongue: but Gerard (of holy life, grey head, and gentle blood)
scolded on without bridle. Henry listened in a brown study. Neither by
look, nor word, did he appear hit. He let the monk rate, kept silence
and self control, and when the man had talked himself out, and an
awkward silence reigned, he glanced at Hugh's confused and downcast
face. "Well, good man," he said, "and what are you thinking about within
yourself? You are not preparing to go off too, and leave our kingdom to
us, are you?" The answer came humbly and gently, but with perfect
manliness. "I do not despair of you so far, my lord. I am rather sorry
for all your hindrances and business, which block the salutary studies
of your soul. You are busy, and when God helps, we shall get on well
with these health-giving projects." Henry felt the spell at once; flung
his arms round Hugh, and said with an oath, "By my soul's salvation,
while I live and breathe, thou shalt never depart from my kingdom. With
thee I will share my life's plans, and the needful