Si munimentum quaeris, circumspice

The abbot was still preaching in the church: ‘…Here, in the church, where we are sitting, where we pray, where we praise God, is your safety. So if you seek protection, look around you. See the roof! Look at the great walls! Here in the church we have looked after you, we look after you now, and we always shall look after you after your death. The monastery, built with stones, has stood here for a hundred years, and will stand here for a thousand years! Here all things are safe. What can guard your souls can guard your belongings. Again I say to you: in the church not only souls but also material things are safe. Do you know why I say this? We have heard some rumours, not indeed substantiated but nonetheless to be reported. We have seen nothing. Were strangers present in the woods? Did Theodore see strangers in the wood? Who now can say? Poor Theodore! At least Theodore is resting in heaven with the angels. Tomorrow, then, if you want to feel secure, your oxen, sheep, horses and mules should be brought into the fields of the monastery. If you wish, you may also leave your possessions in the monastery. Or, if you prefer, you may keep your things - but watch out.’
 

Da mi basia mille

‘Now my friends is the time to choose,’ the abbot was still preaching. ‘We monks, who live in the monastery, we are the guardians of knowledge, of the arts, of lives, of souls. God willing, we shall be watchful and look after your property and goods successfully. So now, if you want to sleep free from anxiety, bring your goods and property into the monastery today.’ The abbot’s voice woke Augustine from his sleep.
   ‘Sleep?’ said Augustine. ‘To be sure, I want to sleep free from anxiety.’
   ‘Ssh,’ whispered Paul. ‘Danes were seen near the monastery.’
   ‘I don’t believe it! said Augustine. ‘Whose story is it?’
   ‘Stephen’s.’
   ‘Stephen’s? If an elephant sat next to Stephen, our master wouldn't recognise it.’
   ‘No. Before he died Theodore himself saw Danes in the woods and told Stephen.’
Augustine did not hear Paul but was looking at Lucia in the first pew: ‘Give me some kisses,’ murmured Augustine.
   ‘What?’
   ‘Give me a thousand kisses.’
   ‘Ssh, be quiet.’
   ‘And then another thousand.’
   I’m certainly not giving you any kisses,’ laughed Paul.
   ‘Oh no!’ Augustine groaned, ‘She is looking exclusively at you, she fancies only you. He seems to me to be equal to a god. No, forgive me, he surpasses the gods.’
   ‘Who is he?’ asked Paul.
   ‘You.’
   ‘Me?’
   ‘Indeed so,’ said Augustine. ‘Cupid is cruel. I’m done for. That boy had unerring arrows.’
   ‘Enough of your poems!’ exclaimed Paul.
   ‘Spring rose, you are lovelier than a lily,’ murmured Augustine. Suddenly Father Stephen appeared:
   ‘Today you will both come with me to Father Richard,’ said the master. ‘He will wallop you most severely.’
   ‘Us? Why?’ asked Augustine.
   ‘You are always chattering in the church. I have warned you before. Now you will pay the penalty.’
   ‘Forgive us. I beg you, Master, don’t take us to Richard. If it pleases you, I shall write out the rule of the monks again.’
   ‘O Blessed Mary!’
   ‘We beg you.’
   ‘You troublesome boys … all right. But if I see you whispering once more in the church, you will both be beaten. The whole book must be copied out, today.’
   ‘As you wish, Master.’
   ‘Ssh, it’s time to sing with the rest of the students.’

At last the abbot stopped preaching. ‘Thanks be to God,’ responded everyone and they started to sing.