Temoins d’une commune et secrete souffrance,
  Ces freres de douleur, martyrs de l’esperance,
  D’une lente torture epuisant les degres,
  Constamment reunis, constamment separes,
  L’un a l’autre etrangers, a cote l’un de l’autre,
  Joignent tout ce malheur encore a tout le notre,
  Jamais, dans ses pareils cherchant un tendre appui,
  Un coeur ne s’ouvre aux coeurs qui souffrent comme lui.

The following morning the matin bell summoned me to the Convent, and Frere Charle attended me to the burial ground; here have been deposited the remains of two of the brothers, deceased since the restoration of their order in 1814.  Another grave was ready prepared; as soon as an interment takes place, one being always opened for the next that may die.  The two graves were marked with simple wooden crosses, bearing the following inscriptions: 

F. Nicolas.  Frere donne
Decede. le 24 Fevrier 1816.

* * * * *

On the other: 

F. AUGUSTINUS.  NOVITIUS die 26 mensis novembris Anno. 1816 DECESSIT.  Requiescat in pace Amen.

* * * * *

In the centre of the cemetery is the grave of M. De Rance.  His monument, with his figure carved at full length in a recumbent posture, was removed when the destruction of the old church took place; it is now a complete ruin, and a few stones alone mark the spot of its ancient founder’s grave, which is kept free from weeds with pious reverence and care.  The revolution, which like a torrent swept all before it, did not even spare the dead.

[Illustration:  Ruins of the ancient church of la Trappe.]

While I was contemplating the ruins around me, and watching the motions of a venerable figure in silent prayer at one of the angles, the bell tolled, when both Frere Charle and the Monk dropped instantly on their knees.  How forcibly were the following lines of Pope recalled to my mind!

  Lo, the struck deer, in some sequester’d part,
  Lies down to die, (the arrow in his heart;)
  There, hid in shades, and wasting day by day,
  Inly he bleeds, and pants his soul away.

The number of Monks who have taken the vow are not in proportion to the others, who are lay brothers, and Freres Donnes; in all there are about one hundred, besides novices, who are principally composed of boys, and who do not wear the same habit.  The Trappistes, who compose the first order, are clothed in dark brown, with brown mantle and hood; the others are in white, with brown mantle and hood.  I occasionally caught a glimpse of their faces, but it was only momentarily; and I can easily believe, with their perpetual silence, that two people well known to each other, might inhabit the same spot, without ever being aware of it, so completely are their faces hidden by their large cowl.  The Trappistes, or first order, are distinguished by the appellation of Freres Convers, the others by that of Religieux de Coeur.