Page:Walter Scott - The Monastery (Henry Frowde, 1912).djvu/437

RV 369 (Rh) every sheep whom thou shalt here lead astray from the fold, will be demanded in time and through eternity of him who hath left thee the liberty of doing such evil. I ask no engagement of thee, save that thou remain a prisoner on thy word at this tower, and wilt appear when summoned.'

'Thou hast found an invention to bind my hands,' replied the preacher, 'more sure than would have been the heaviest shackles in the prison of thy convent. I will not rashly do what may endanger thee with thy unhappy superiors, and I will be the more cautious, because, if we had further opportunity of conference, I trust thine own soul may yet be rescued as a brand from the burning, and that, casting from thee the livery of Anti-Christ, that trader in human sins and human souls, I may yet assist thee to lay hold on the Rock of Ages.'

The sub-prior heard the sentiment, so similar to that which had occurred to himself, with the same kindly feelings with which the gamecock hears and replies to the challenge of his rival.

'I bless God and Our Lady,' said he, drawing himself up, 'that my faith is already anchored on that Rock on which Saint Peter founded his Church.'

'It is a perversion of the text,' said the eager Henry Warden, 'grounded on a vain play upon words—a most idle paronomasia.'

The controversy would have been rekindled, and in all probability—for what can ensure the good temper and moderation of polemics?—might have ended in the preacher's being transported a captive to the monastery, had not Christie of the Clinthill observed that it was growing late, and that he, having to descend the glen, which had no good reputation, cared not greatly for travelling there after sunset. The sub-prior, therefore, stifled his desire of argument, and again telling the preacher that he trusted to his gratitude and generosity, he bade him farewell.

'Be assured, my old friend,' replied Warden, 'that no willing act of mine shall be to thy prejudice. But if my Master shall place work before me, I must obey God rather than man.'

These two men, both excellent from natural disposition