Moreover, they said that their vows obliged them to certain duties of prayer.

And this I thought was honest of them, for many a lay brother would, when he found that I noted not their state, have broken out of bounds gladly, for the time.
So I sent for the steward, and asked him where they might be bestowed, and after a little thought, he said that the abbot, who had a following of honest housecarles, would take them in; and that he managed for us, and afterwards told me that Ealhstan's men had gained great praise, both for themselves and the bishop, by their ways in the abbey.
This is a little thing: but I tell it because it shows what sort of man Bishop Ealhstan was.

For even over these rough warriors he had gained such a power for good that he had made of them all he wished--sturdy champions of the faith, both bodily and spiritually.
So when those three were gone elsewhere our only serving man was my collier, and well was he treated in Ceorle's house.
We bided quietly there all the rest of that day and that night, and then in the morning were bidden to speak with the king, Ceorle taking us four himself and sending one to find the lay brethren and Dudda.
The king sat with Alfred the Atheling in a private chamber, no other but Ceorle being beside him while we were there.

And I was a little frightened about my putting aside the young prince now, for I knew who he was from Ceorle.

But he had a pleasant look and greeting for us as we came in.