e
liked worst. Hospitality and stocism. The country in those days
still dark with noble wood and umbrage; How the old trees
gradually died out, no man heeding it. Monachism itself, so rich
and fruitful once, now all rotted into _peat._ Devastations of
four-footed cattle and Henry-the-Eighths.

Chap. XII. _The Abbot's Troubles_

The troubles of Abbot Samson more than tongue can tell. Not the
spoil of victory, only the glorious toil of battle, can be theirs
who really govern. An insurrection of the Monks: Behave better,
ye remiss Monks, and thank Heaven for such an Abbot. Worn down
with incessant toil and tribulation: Gleams of hilarity too;
little snatches of encouragement granted even to a Governor. How
my Lord of Clare, coming to claim his _un_due 'debt,' gets a
Roland for his Oliver. A Life of Literature, noble and ignoble.

Chap. XIII. _In Parliament_

Confused days of Lackland's usurpation, while Coeur-de-Lion was
away: Our brave Abbot took helmet himself, excommunicating all
who should favour Lackland. Kind Richard a captive in Germany.
St. Edmund's Shrine not meddled with: A heavenly Awe
overshadowed and encompassed, as it still ought and must, all
earthly Business whatsoever.

Chap. XIV. _Henry of Essex_

How St. Edmund punished terribly, yet with mercy; A Naratice
significant of the time. Henry Earl of Essex, standard-bearer of
England: No right reverence for the Heavenly in Man. A traitor
or coward. Solemn Duel, by the King's appointment. An evil
Conscience doth make cowards of us all.

Chap. XV. _Practical-Devotional_

A Tournament proclaimed and held in the Abbot's domain, in spite
of him. Roystering young dogs brought to reason. The Abbot a
man that generally remains master at last: The importunate
Bishop of Ely outwitted. A man that dare abide King Richard's
anger, with justice on his side. Thou brave Richard, thou brave
Samson! The basis of Abbot Samson's life truly religion. His
zealous interest in the Crusades. The great antique heart, like
a child's in its simplicity, like a man's in its earnest
solemnity and depth. His comparative silence as to his religion
precisely the healthiest sign of him and it. Methodism,
dilettantism, Puseyism.

Chap. XVI. _St. Edmund_

Abbot Samson built many useful, many pious edifices: All
ruinous, incomplete things an eye-sorrow to him. Rebuilding the
great Altar: A glimpse of the glorious Martyr's very Body.