THESE two appointed to go together to the court, each hoping at their coming thither to find some means that he might be made abbot of that house. Being thus agreed, to the court they come, and there offer very largely to the king to obtain their suit: who perceiving their greedy desires, and casting his eyes about the chamber, espied by chance another monk (that came to bear them company, being a more sober man, and simple after his outward appearance) whom he called unto him, and asked what he would give him to be made abbot of the foresaid abbey.

The monk after a little pause, made answer, that he would give nothing at all for any such purpose, since he entered into that profession of mere zeal to despise riches and all worldly pomp, to the end he might the more quietly serve God in holiness and purity of conversation. ‘Sayest thou so,’ quoth the king, ‘then art thou even he that art worthy to govern this house’:* and straightway he bestowed the house upon him, justly refusing the other two, to their open infamy and reproach.