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BUT we have been informed that the plan that, while the brethren are
eating, the holy lessons should be read in the Coenobia did not originate
in the Egyptian system but in the Cappadocian. And there is no doubt that
they meant to establish it not so much for the sake of the spiritual
exercise as for the sake of putting a stop to unnecessary and idle
conversation, and especially discussions, which so often arise at meals;
since they saw that these could not be prevented among them in any other
way. For among the Egyptians and especially those of Tabenna so strict a
silence is observed by all that when so large a number of the brethren has
sat down together to a meal, no one ventures to talk even in a low tone
except the dean, who however if he sees that anything is wanted to be put
on or taken off the table, signifies it by a sign rather than a word. And
while they are eating, the rule of this silence is so strictly kept that
with their hoods drawn down over their eyelids (to prevent their roving
looks having the opportunity of wandering inquisitively) they can see
nothing except the table, and the food that is put on it, and which they
take from it; so that no one notices what another is eating.
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