Page:Of the Tumbler of Our Lady - tr. Kemp-Welch - 1904.djvu/30

4 more did he wish to return to it. Therefore he entered this holy profession, as has been said, at Clairvaux (2).

And when that this tumbler, who was so graceful, and fair, and comely, and well formed, became a monk, he knew not how to perform any office that fell to be done there. Of a truth, he had lived only to tumble, to turn somersaults, to spring, and to dance. To leap and to jump, this he knew, but naught else, and truly no other learning had he, neither the "Paternoster," nor the "Canticles," nor the "Credo," nor the "Ave Maria," nor aught that could make for his salvation.

And when that he had entered the Order, he saw men high shorn who communicated together by signs, and uttered not a word, and right surely he bethought him that in none other manner were they able to hold discourse. But soon were his doubts ended, for he learnt that speech forsooth was forbidden unto them for penance, wherefore at times