dily in your midst--even in St.
Gereon's Street"--by which he signified the Sisters of the congregation
who dwelt in the said street. But the great ones of the city took the
word very ill, saying that such a thing was never heard, namely, that
heretics should dwell in the fair city of Cologne. But why should I say
more? At length the matter was referred to the bishops and to the
university, and, save that the monk had somewhat speedily sought refuge
by flight, it would have conduced to his own detriment that he ever
preached that word in Cologne.

XIII. _How the Sisters were examined_.

Forthwith Master Henry de Gorinchem was sent to enquire into the charge
of the false preacher aforesaid (for this Master Henry was held in the
highest esteem among theologians at that time), and he did skilfully
perform the task assigned to him, examining the affairs and condition of
those Sisters with all diligence, and when he understood clearly their
sincerity in the Faith; their obedience in all things to Holy Church; how
that they had given up all personal property both in goods and in their
own will; their chastity and how in all things they did imitate the
Mother of Christ; their patience in watching, fasting, and in seeking to
gain their whole sustenance by the labour of their hands, he was
astonished thereat and returning to those who had sent him he spake
openly, saying, "If this life be not that in which every Christian ought
to follow Christ, then have I never read the Scriptures." And from that
time he bore such goodwill toward them, that very often he would help
them in their suits, and likewise by his will he distributed notable
gifts amongst them.

XIV. _Concerning Master Bernard de Reyda_.

Next in order there was the disciple and successor of this doctor,
namely, Master Bernard de Reyda, who may fittingly be reckoned amongst
the most illustrious, and he ruled over the Sisters aforesaid until the
present day, being also their Confessor and Fellow Commoner. But whither
have we come? Verily it was our purpose, according to thy petition to
say somewhat of the first members of our House at Windesem for thy
delectation: but I do confess I have been led further than I thought by
my desire to bring forth into the light the names of the Fathers
aforementioned who were well known to me, fearing lest in process of time
they should be hidden altogether in the darkness of silence, which thing
God forbid. But in the seco