significance. The Prior with Twelve Monks, to wait on his
Majesty at Waltham. An 'election' the on important social act:
Given the Man a People choose, the worth and worthlessness of the
People itself is given.

Chap. VIII. _The Election_

Electoral methods and manipulations. Brother Samson ready
oftenest with some question, some suggestion that his wisdom in
it. The Thirteen off to Waltham, to choose their Abott: In the
solitude of the Convent, Destiny thus big and in her birthtime,
what gossiping, babbling, dreaming of dreams! King Henry II in
his high Presence-chamber. Samson chosen Abbot: the King's
royal acceptation. St. Edmundsbury Monks, without express ballot
box or other winnowing machine. In every nation and Community
there is at all times _a fittest,_ wisest, bravest, best. Human
Worth and human Worthlessness.

Chap. IX. _Abbot Samson_

The Lord Abbot's arrival at St. Edmundsbury: The self-same
Samson yesterday a poor mendicant, this day, finds himself a
_Dominus Abbas_ and mitred Peer of Parliament. Depth and
opulence of true social vitality in those old barbarous ages.
True Governors go about under all manner of disguises now as
then. Genius, Poet; what these words mean. George the Third,
head charioteer of England; and Robert Burns, gauger of ale in
Dumfries. How Abbot Samson found a Convert all in dilapidation.
His life-long harsh apprenticeship to governing, namely obeying.
First get your Man; all is got. Danger of blockheads.

Chap. X. _Government_

Beautiful, how the chrysalis governing-soul, shaking off its
dusty slough and prison, starts forth winged, a true royal soul!
One first labour, to institute a strenuous review and radical
reform of his economics. Wheresoever Disorder may stand or lie,
let it have a care; here is a man that has declared war with it.
In less than four years the Convent debts are all liquidated, and
the harpy Jews banished from St. Edmundsbury. New life springs
beneficent everywhere: Spiritual rubbish as little tolerated
as material.

Chap. XI. _The Abbot's Ways_

Reproaches, open and secret, of ingratitude, unsociability;
Except for 'fit men' in all kinds, hard to say for whom Abbot
Samson had much favour. Remembrance of benefits. An eloquent
man, but intent more on substance than on ornament. A just clear
heart the basis of all true talent. One of the justest of
judges; His invaluable 'talent of silence.' Kind of people h