Chapter Twenty-Two
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
How the Monks Are to Sleep
LET THE brethren sleep separately, each in a separate bed. Let them receive bedding appropriate to their mode of life, as the Abbot directs. If possible, let all sleep in one chamber; but if the number does not allow this, let them sleep in tens or twenties with the seniors who have charge of them. Let a candle be kept burning constantly in the cell till morning.
Let them sleep clothed and girded with belts or cords so that they may be always ready; but let them not have knives at their sides while they sleep, lest perchance while asleep they are wounded in their dreams. When the sign is given, they must rise without delay. Then let them hasten to outstrip each other going to the Work of God, yet be sure that this is done with all gravity and decorum. Let the younger brethren not have their beds beside each other, but intermingled with the older ones; and rising to the Work of God, let them gently encourage one another and so thwart the typical excuses of the drowsy.