nd place, the savour of these sweet-scented
lilies that were now spread far and wide amid the monasteries and
congregations, did compel me to bear some testimony as to their number
and their most holy conversation, while the breath of life is yet whole
in me. For unworthy though I be, I have conversed with them for these
many years past, visiting and holding colloquies with them, and I have
ever found them firm in the faith, and in deed effectual; wherefore let
any man say what he will of them, but I say with Balaam: "Let me die the
death of the Righteous, and let my last end be like theirs"--but let us
return to the purpose whence we have wandered.

XV. _Of the origin of the House at Windesem_.

So under Florentius and his companions there grew a great company of
devout persons, both Clerks and Laics, who either wished to dwell with
them or at least relied upon their wholesome admonition and counsel.

Amongst these were two men of no mean rank according to worldly dignity,
sagacious in mind and sufficiently learned for their degree, namely Henry
de Wilsen, a citizen of Kampen, and Goswin Tyasen, a citizen of Zwolle.
These two, being prudent men and well skilled in worldly matters, were a
strong stay to Florentius and his companions, and ever present helpers in
all the work that the Lord had ordained should be done through them.

But when they saw how, that after the death of Master Gherard Groet of
holy memory, the heavens continually dropped honey, and how that from the
seed which Gherard had planted and the skies bedewed from above, many
congregations of men and women began to spring up on every side, they
rejoiced with exceeding joy; also they began to hold many colloquies
amongst themselves, as to how this good beginning that had its wholesome
origin from God might continue unshaken for a yet longer space to His
glory, and the salvation of many souls.

They found by God's inspiration that this might be done by the means
following, that is to say, if a monastery of some approved order, but
preferably of the Canons Regular, should be founded, under whose shadow
all the devout turtle-doves might have a secure refuge from the swoop of
the falcon. But where might a place be found, and the other things also
that were needful for the carrying out of such a work? For, as saith the
Apostle of the calling of the primitive Church, so amongst these also
there were not many rich, not many noble--save them that their virt