There was the abbot who, following his holy and rigid rule, never omitted his dawn prayers even when he was at the palace.
Luigi stopped at the door to look at the lean figure kneeling as he concentrated on reciting the psalms, completely still and without failing, despite the uncomfortable position. The folds of his robe seemed carved of white marble, like those of the statues that adorned the cathedral; and his bowed head had a regal appearance in spite of the humble attitude.
The king came forward and knelt beside him.
The abbot gave no sign of having seen him, although this was surely not so as nothing escaped his attention.
After about ten minutes he got up and invited the king to do the same.
“Your majesty can't sleep?” he asked when they were once in the corridor that led them
