Page:The Mediaeval Mind Vol 1.djvu/535

CHAP XXI Brother Peter replied: "Indeed I am."

Then said Brother Hugo: "Hast thou ever read Joachim?"

Replied Brother Peter: "I have read and well read."

To whom Hugo: "I believe thou hast read as a woman reads the Psalter, who does not remember at the end what she read at the beginning. Thus many read and do not understand, either because they despise what they read, or because their foolish heart is darkened. Now, therefore, tell me what thou wouldst hear as to Joachim, so that we may better know thy doubts."

Thereupon there is question back and forth regarding the Scripture proofs of Joachim's prophecies, for instance, those relating to Frederick's reign. Brother Hugo dilates on Joachim's holiness; explains the dark Scripture references, and brings in the prophecies of Merlin, anglicus vates, and talks of the allegorical, anagogical, tropological, moral and mystical, senses of Scripture. The discussion waxes hot. Peter begins to beat about the bush (discurrere per ambages), and declares it to be heretical to quote an infidel like Merlin. At which Hugo answers: "Thou liest, as I will prove multipliciter; for the writings of Balaam, Caiaphas, Merlin, and the Sybil are not spurned by the Church: 'The rose gives forth no thorn, although the thorn's daughter.'" Peter then turns to the sayings of the saints and the philosophers. But as Hugo was doctissimus in these, he at once twists him up and finishes him (statim involvit eum et conclusit et). Hereupon Peter's brother Preacher, an old priest and a good, sought to come to his aid. But Peter said, "Peace, be still." For Peter knew himself vanquished, and began to praise Brother Hugo for his manifold wisdom.

"At this moment came a messenger from the ship's captain, bidding the brothers Preachers hurry, and go aboard. When they had left, Brother Hugo said to the learned men remaining, who had heard the debate: 'Take it not for evil, if we have said some things which ought not to have been said; for disputants often roam the fields of licence. Those good men glory in their knowledge, and speak what is found in their Order's fount of wisdom, which is the