Chapter XVII.
Of those who introduced the plan that the holy Lessons
should be read in the Cœnobia while the brethren are eating, and
of the strict silence which is kept among the Egyptians.
we have been informed
that the plan that, while the brethren are eating, the holy lessons
should be read in the Cœnobia 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.