Page:The golden days of the early English church from the arrival of Theodore to the death of Bede, volume 3.djvu/20

6 that is to say, at Jarrow. Bede says he was in failing health, but he seems to have recovered and eventually become Abbot of Wearmouth, dying in 689.

Bolsil kept Cuthberht near himself and cherished him. A few days later Abbot Eata returned, and he received permission to give the young shepherd the tonsure and to install him as one of the brotherhood, among whom he became conspicuous for his diligence in reading, working, watching, and praying. He was strong and vigorous, and, Bede says, that, like Samson, who was a Nazarite, he abstained from intoxicating drinks, but otherwise he did not exercise exceptional abstinence in his food, as he did not wish to unfit himself for his necessary work.

We have seen how King Oswy's son Alchfrid, for the redemption of his soul, gave Abbot Eata a domain in his kingdom called Inhrypun (i.e. Ripon) where to construct a monastery. Taking some of the brethren with him, of whom Cuthberht was one, Eata founded a monastery there, instituting the same rule as existed at Melrose. There Eata became abbot, continuing to hold the same post at Melrose, while Cuthberht was appointed guest-master or hospitaller. While he held the office he was reported to have entertained an angel. The saga is prettily told, and is worth repeating. One day, going out