And now he found his own thoughts, aspirations, and yearnings repeated in the mind of his favourite pupil, and he was confronted by a problem more difficult to solve than any that had met him before.  In his own case he felt he had a compass to steer by—­the restraint and guidance of his vows and his habit to help him.  But how would it be with this ardent and imaginative boy?  His mind was struggling to free itself from artificial trammels.  To what goal might not that wish lead?

Earnestly he looked upon the bowed form at his feet, and in his eyes there was a great compassion.  But his lips pronounced, with sternness and decision, the words of the heavy penance imposed, and at the end of the prescribed formulas he raised the boy and looked searchingly into his face.

“My son,” he said, very gently yet very impressively, “remember that the first sin that entered into the world was the sin of disobedience.  Remember that Satan’s most powerful weapon is the one which he employed towards our first mother when he bid her eat of the tree of knowledge, because that knowledge is good—­a God-given thing—­when he persuaded her that God was wrong in keeping anything hidden from her that in itself was good.  The same sin by which death entered the world has abounded there ever since.  God and the Son of God and the Church have always taught that there be certain things hidden, only to be revealed to man by God or through the ordinances of the Church, not to be sought after through curiosity by unlettered men themselves.  Yet for as much as Satan is never at rest, and can transform himself on occasion into an angel of light, he is ever present with men urging them on to pry into these hidden mysteries and to make light of the ordinances of God.  He puts into their mouth words similar to those by which he tempted the woman to her fall, and men listen greedily as our first mother did, and are led into destruction when they think they are walking forth into the light of day.

“My son, beware of this sin; beware of this temptation.  Remember the many solemn warnings against disobedience contained in the Word of God; remember how obedience is insisted on throughout that holy volume.  Thou mayest not always see the reason—­thou mayest not always recognize the authority; but remember that there is a blessing upon those who obey, and be not in haste to break the bond under which thou wast born, remembering who has placed thee where thou art, and who has bidden us give all dutiful obedience to the powers that be.”

Edred made a deep reverence, crossed himself silently in token of submission, and prostrated himself upon the step of the altar, to lie there fasting till set of sun as one part of his penance.  With a murmured prayer and blessing the monk left him, hoping that he had spoken a word of seasonable warning to one whose heart was enkindled with ardent devotion, whilst his active mind and vivid imagination were in danger of leading him into perilous paths.