Chap. VII. The Canvassing
A new Abbot to be elected. Even gossip, seven centuries off, has
significance. The Prior with Twelve Monks, to wait on his
Majesty at Waltham. An 'election' the on important social act:
Given the Man a People choose, the worth and worthlessness of the
People itself is given.
Chap. VIII. The Election
Electoral methods and manipulations. Brother Samson ready oftenest with some question, some suggestion that his wisdom in it. The Thirteen off to Waltham, to choose their Abott: In the solitude of the Convent, Destiny thus big and in her birthtime, what gossiping, babbling, dreaming of dreams! King Henry II in his high Presence-chamber. Samson chosen Abbot: the King's royal acceptation. St. Edmundsbury Monks, without express ballot box or other winnowing machine. In every nation and Community there is at all times a fittest, wisest, bravest, best. Human Worth and human Worthlessness.
Chap. IX. Abbot Samson
The Lord Abbot's arrival at St. Edmundsbury: The self-same Samson yesterday a poor mendicant, this day, finds himself a Dominus Abbas and mitred Peer of Parliament. Depth and opulence of true social vitality in those old barbarous ages. True Governors go about under all manner of disguises now as then. Genius, Poet; what these words mean. George the Third, head charioteer of England; and Robert Burns, gauger of ale in Dumfries. How Abbot Samson found a Convert all in dilapidation. His life-long harsh apprenticeship to governing, namely obeying. First get your Man; all is got. Danger of blockheads.
Chap. X. Government
Beautiful, how the chrysalis governing-soul, shaking off its dusty slough and prison, starts forth winged, a true royal soul! One first labour, to institute a strenuous review and radical reform of his economics. Wheresoever Disorder may stand or lie, let it have a care; here is a man that has declared war with it. In less than four years the Convent debts are all liquidated, and the harpy Jews banished from St. Edmundsbury. New life springs beneficent everywhere: Spiritual rubbish as little tolerated as material.
Chap. XI. The Abbot's Ways
Reproaches, open and secret, of ingratitude, unsociability; Except for 'fit men' in all kinds, hard to say for whom Abbot Samson had much favour. Remembrance of benefits. An eloquent man, but intent more on substance than on ornament. A just clear heart the basis of all true talent. One of the justest of judges; His invaluable 'talent of silence.' Kind of people he liked worst. Hospitality and stocism. The country in those days still dark with noble wood and umbrage; How the old trees gradually died out, no man heeding it. Monachism itself, so rich and fruitful once, now all rotted into peat. Devastations of four-footed cattle and Henry-the-Eighths.