She may remember the
crimson trappings of her palfrey, and yet have forgotten how to sit
him. It is for us to make sure that the Knight's brave plans for the
safe capture of his lady, do not fail for lack of any help which we may
lawfully give."
The Bishop stretched out his hand and took up his biretta.
"When did the nuns last have a Play Day?" he asked.
"Not a month ago," replied the Prioress. "They made the hay in the
river meadow, and carried it themselves. They thought it rare sport."
The Bishop put on his biretta.
"Give them a Play Day, dear Prioress, in honour of my visit. Tell them
I asked that they should have it the day after to-morrow. I will then
send you my white palfrey, suitably caparisoned. Brother Philip, who
attends me when I ride, and who has the palfrey well controlled, shall
lead him in. The nuns can then ride in turns, in the river meadow; and
our little foolish bird can try her wings, before she attempts the long
flight from Worcester to Warwick."
The Bishop rose, crossed the cell, and knelt long, in prayer, before
the crucifix.
When he turned toward the door, the Prioress said: "I pray you, give me
your blessing, Reverend Father, before you go."
She knelt, and the Bishop extended his hand over her bowed head.
Expecting a Latin formula, she was almost startled when tender words,
in the English tongue, fell softly from the Bishop's lips.
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; and grant unto thee grace and
strength to choose and to do the harder part, when the harder part is
His will for thee.
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