[126] "Counts, kings, bishops," says F.D. Maurice, "in the fulness of their wealth and barbaric splendour, may be bowing before a monk, who writes them letters from a cell in which he is living upon vegetables and water." (_Moral and Metaphysical Philosophy_ (Edition 1873), vol. i., Mediæval Philosophy, chap. iv. p. 534.)--ED. [127] _e.g._ Anselm (1033-1109); Albertus Magnus (1193-1280); Thomas Aquinas (1226-1274); Duns Scotus (1265-1308).--ED. VI OTHER BENEFITS And, not in vain embodied to the sight, Religion finds even in the stern retreat Of feudal sway her own appropriate seat;[128] From the collegiate pomps on Windsor's height Down to the humbler[129] altar, which the Knight 5 And his Retainers of the embattled hall Seek in domestic oratory small, For prayer in stillness, or the chanted rite; Then chiefly dear, when foes are planted round, Who teach the intrepid guardians of the place-- 10 Hourly exposed to death, with famine worn, And suffering under many a perilous wound--[130] How sad would be their durance, if forlorn Of offices dispensing heavenly grace! FOOTNOTES: [128] St. George's Chapel, Windsor, begun by Henry III. and finished by Edward III., rebuilt by Henry VII., and enlarged by Cardinal Wolsey.--ED. [129] 1837. ... humble ... 1822. [130] 1827. ... doubtful wound, 1822. VII CONTINUED And what melodious sounds at times prevail! And, ever and anon, how bright a gleam Pours on the surface of the turbid Stream! What heartfelt fragrance mingles with the gale That swells the bosom of our passing sail! 5 For where, but on _this_ River's margin, blow Those flowers of chivalry, to bind the brow Of hardihood with wreaths that shall not fail?-- Fair Court of Edward! wonder of the world![131] I see a matchless blazonry unfurled 10 Of wisdom, magnanimity, and love; And meekness tempering honourable pride; The lamb is couching by the lion's side, And near the flame-eyed eagle sits the dove. FOOTNOTES: [131] Edward the Third (1336-1360). See _The Wonderful Deeds of Edward_ _the Third_, by Robert of Avesbury; and Longman's _History of Edward the Third_.--ED. VIII CRUSADERS