good grace restored to her both honour and repose.

"There, ladies, you have a story which clearly proves the words of the
Gospel, that 'God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound
the things which are mighty, and things which are despised of men hath
God chosen to bring to nought the glory of those who think themselves
something but are in truth nothing.' (10) And remember, ladies, that
without the grace of God there is no good at all in man, just as there
is no temptation that with His assistance may not be overcome. This
is shown by the abasement of the man who was accounted just, and the
exaltation of her whom men were willing to deem a wicked sinner. Thus
are verified Our Lord's words, 'Whosoever exalteth himself shall be
abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.'" (11)

10 I Corinthians i. 27, 28, slightly modified.

11 St. Luke xiv. 11 and xviii. 14.

"Alas," said Oisille, "how many virtuous persons did that Prior deceive!
For I saw people put more trust in him than even in God."

"_I_ should not have done so," said Nomerfide, "for such is my horror of
monks that I could not confess to one. I believe they are worse than
all other men, and never frequent a house without leaving disgrace or
dissension behind them."

"There are good ones among them," said Oisille, "and they ought not
to be judged by the bad alone; but the best are those that least often
visit laymen's houses and women."