I did not permit him to be questioned,
and his talk has been only of his own sins.'
Basil wondered at this discretion in a simple rustic; yet, on a
second thought, found it consistent with the character of Deodatus,
as lately revealed to him.
'He has been long your faithful attendant?' inquired the abbot.
'Not so. Only by chance was he chosen from my horsemen to accompany
me hither. My own servant, Felix, being wounded, lay behind at
Aesernia.'
'If he be as honest and God-fearing as this man,' said Benedict,
'whose name, indeed, seems well to become him, then are you
fortunate in those who tend upon you. But of this and other such
things we will converse hereafter. Listen now, son Basil, to my
bidding. You have abstained from the Table of the Lord, and it is
well. Today, and every day until I again summon you, you will read
aloud in privacy the Seven Penitential Psalms, slowly and with
meditation; and may they grave themselves in your heart, to remain
there, a purification and a hope, whilst you live.'
Basil bowed his head, and whispered obedience.
'Moreover, so far as your strength will suffer it, you shall go
daily into the garden or the field, and there work with the
brethren.
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