The Rule of Saint Benedict

The hours at which the Brethren are to take their Meals 188

From the holy feast of Easter until Whitsuntide the brethren shall have their first meal at the sixth hour and their supper at night. But from Whitsuntide, throughout the summer, if the monks have not to work in the fields, nor are oppressed by any great heat, let them fast on Wednesdays and Fridays till None ; on the other days they may dine at the sixth hour. Dinner at the sixth hour shall be the rule at the discretion of the abbot, if they have work in the fields, or the heat of the summer be great. Let the abbot so temper and arránge everything that souls

76 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

may be saved, and that what the brethren do may be done without just complaint.

From September the thirteenth till the beginning of Lent the brethren shall always take their meal at the ninth hour. During Lent, however, until Easter their meal shall be at eventide ; but this evening meal shall be so arranged that whilst eating they shall not need lamps, and all things be finished in daylight. Indeed, at all times of the year let the hour of meals, whether of dinner or supper, be so arranged that all

things be done by daylight.