which they claim by right of custom, or even in a time of scarcity
or famine recede in the smallest degree from their accustomed good
fare, they would suffer the richest lands and the best buildings of
the monastery to become a prey to usury, and the numerous poor to
perish before their gates.

The first of these Orders, at a time when there was a deficiency in
grain, with a laudable charity, not only gave away their flocks and
herds, but resigned to the poor one of the two dishes with which
they were always contented. But in these our days, in order to
remove this stain, it is ordained by the Cistercians, "That in
future neither farms nor pastures shall be purchased; and that they
shall be satisfied with those alone which have been freely and
unconditionally bestowed upon them." This Order, therefore, being
satisfied more than any other with humble mediocrity, and, if not
wholly, yet in a great degree checking their ambition; and though
placed in a worldly situation, yet avoiding, as much as possible,
its contagion; neither notorious for gluttony or drunkenness, for
luxury or lust; is fearful and ashamed of incurring public scandal,
as will be more fully explained in the book we mean (by the grace of
God) to write concerning the ecclesiastical Orders.

In these temperate regions I have obtained (according to the usual
expression) a place of dignity, but no great omen of future pomp or
riches; and possessing a small residence {64} near the castle of
Brecheinoc, well adapted to literary pursuits, and to the
contemplation of eternity, I envy not the riches of Croesus; happy
and contented with that mediocrity, which I prize far beyond all the
perishable and transitory things of this world. But let us return
to our subject.