Pagina 157 de 788

Both factions were amazed and even began to laugh. Because of the

respect due to a cleric they did not dare to revile the Monk, and

after such a test no one had any desire to start a quarrel with

him. And Father Robak soon calmed the assembly; it was evident

that he had not sought any triumph; he did not further threaten

the two brawlers or scold them; he only adjusted his cowl, and,

tucking his hands into his belt, quietly left the room.

Meanwhile the Chamberlain and the Judge had taken a stand between

the two factions. The Seneschal, as if aroused from deep thought,

stepped into their midst and ran his fiery eye over the assembly;

wherever he still heard a murmur, there he waved soothingly his

leather flapper, as a priest his sprinkler; finally, raising

impressively the handle of it on high, like a marshal's staff, he

imposed silence.