The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

106 THE SIX SISTEES OF THE VALLEYS.
both Democritus and Heraclitus might find
plenty now-a-days to set the eyes of the
one and the jaws of the other in motion.
What's the doggrel ? I learnt it when I
was at Bologna. For myself, I am rather
of the gnashing lot, and I suppose you
belong to the grinners. Is it not so ?"
" We're not all alike ; tastes differ.
For myself, when I've done the Church's
work, I like otium cum dignitate, or the
brachia, Lalage, as much as the secular;
for after all, what does my cowl and gown
hide ? The same flesh and blood, the same
nature as in others ;
only we have to go to
work more slyly, and others sin with a high
hand. But what have you got in your hand?
Studying now at this time of night ?"
" I was looking over our rules. I'll read
you out nine, ten, and eleven ; they may give
you a hint. Now don't fall asleep—I'll read
it out, ore rotundo, after the most approved
of Quinctilian's rules. This is Rule IX. as
it stands in the Embrun version :
—