ty; what servile priesthood, dreading lordly power, so long has
suffer'd to lie dormant--the edict of our mighty founder, the edict of
immortal Charlemagne! [_Pointing to the tablet._

_Bern._ He, our new abbot! he restore our abbey's ancient and peculiar
charter! (_pointing to the tablet._) St. Clair, he dare not, for guilt
and courage ne'er had joint abode.

_St. Clair._ Guilt!

_Bern._ Ay; why ever, else, on naming the return of our brave warriors
from the holy land, does he betray such latent anger? And, when, last
night, 'twas thought their presence would increase the glory of his
installation, why such avowed and rancorous opposition? He bears about
him hidden discontent, and I will fathom to the lowest depth this most
mysterious being! Mark! he comes! observe! observe! [_They retire
up the stage._

_Enter_ Abbot, _through the avenue._

_Abbot._ Oh thou! who know'st my undivulged thoughts! who know'st how
long and fervently I've prayed to root from memory all suffering past,
and dwell with gratitude on present blessings, let me but practise what
I daily preach, thy brightest attribute forgiveness, and wrong'd
Bellarmin shall convince the world, that though their censure stung him
to the heart, he feels their kindness with redoubled warmth! He does!
the gnawing viper is, at last, extinct! and this auspicious day is
herald of his future calm repose!

_St. Clair._ Now, now, Bernardo, where's the discontent? (_advancing
towards the abbot._) My lord, well met! and whilst all bless the hour
the emperor ratified our choice, we much rejoice your honours cease not
with your late election--Today installs you in your envied seat;
tomorrow shall behold you still more grac'd; for the free knights shall
then elect you to the highest rank in their exalted council!

_Bern._ Ay; in that sacred council which our holy brotherhood so
reverence, and so dread.

_Abbot._ 'Tis well--'tis well--thus chosen abbot of your own free will,
not by my seeking, as ye all can witness; for this, and greater favours
past, I'm bound forever to obey, and serve ye! Today, I'll welcome
these, our sacred rites; tomorrow, far more awful ceremony! I will
descend to the mysterious knights, and prove to those, who vest me with
authority, no selfish passion lurks within my breast! 'Tis past! it is
subdued! and whilst life lasts, I will devote that life to ever crushing
my own narrowed wishes, and courting the superior joy of aiding and