That No One Speak After Compline
Mar. 21—July 21—Nov. 20
Monks ought to be zealous for silence at all times, but especially
during the hours of the night. For every season, therefore, whether
there be fasting or two meals, let the program be as follows:
If it be a season when there are two meals, then as soon as they have
risen from supper they shall all sit together, and one of them shall
read the Conferences or the Lives of the Fathers or something else that
may edify the hearers; not the Heptateuch or the Books of Kings,
however, because it will not be expedient for weak minds to hear those
parts of Scripture at that hour; but they shall be read at other times.
If it be a day of fast, then having allowed a short interval after
Vespers they shall proceed at once to the reading of the Conferences, as
prescribed above; four or five pages being read, or as much as time
permits, so that during the delay provided by this reading all may come
together, including those who may have been occupied in some work
assigned them.
When all, therefore, are gathered together, let them say Compline; and
when they come out from Compline, no one shall be allowed to say
anything from that time on. And if anyone should be found evading this
rule of silence, let him undergo severe punishment. An exception shall
be made if the need of speaking to guests should arise or if the Abbot
should give someone an order. But even this should be done with the
utmost gravity and the most becoming restraint.