Letters421 Letter CDXXI. To a certain abbot.

He excuses himself for the shortness of his letter, and sends back to him a young man whom he was quite unable to admit among his monks.

Health and best wishes.

I am not unmindful that the brevity and dryness of the letters I send to you has been disagreeable to you. But much occupation obliges me to be curt in writing, and too little devotion makes me cold and dry. Grant me indulgence for this: and still more that the urgency of present calls obliges me to make proof again of your consideration. I have only space to add what it is needful to say: that this young man from your neighbourhood who comes, desiring to join us for his soul’s sake (passing over you, for what reason I know not), I cannot receive, as you are aware, and therefore have persuaded him to return to you. He will, unless I mistake, be serviceable to you in the future, if you are willing to receive him: which I earnestly beg that you would do.