Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/35

Rh Accordingly, the bishop of the diocese, on which the island was dependent, had lately sent a militant pastor, a man right full of craft, a sectary unhealthy and bilious, named Balthus Bomberg, who was burning to distinguish himself, and who came to Smaragdis somewhat in the spirit of a crusader against a new set of Albigenses.

His christianising efforts were, without doubt, pre-destined to prove quite useless. In spite of orthodox pressure, the island preserved its original fund of licence and paganism. The heresies of the Antwerp men Tanchelin and Pierre l'Ardoisier, that five centuries earlier had agitated the neighbouring countries of Flanders and Brabant, had struck their roots deep down into Smaragdian soil and strengthened the primitive character of the people.

All sorts of traditions and customs, abhorred in the other provinces, continued here notwithstanding ecclesiastical anathemas and priestly admonitions. The annual Fair used to prove the occasion for the outbreaking of sensual riots more savage and unbridled than in Friesland, or in Zealand, well renowned for the frenzy of their festivals; and every year at this epoch it seemed that