The clerical dilemma: Peter of Blois and literate culture in the twelfth century

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Copyright © 2009 The Catholic University of America Press All rights reserved The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards for Information Science—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1984. ∞ Library of Congress Cataloging-inPublication Data Cotts, John D. The clerical dilemma : Peter of Blois and literate culture in the twelfth century / John D. Cotts. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-8132-1676-8 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Peter, of Blois, ca. 1135–ca. 1212. 2. Catholic Church—Europe—Clergy—History. 3. Europe—Intellectual life. 4. Twelfth century. I. Title. BX4705.P43475C68 2009 282'.409022—dc22 2009006909 Oh, to vex me, contraries meet in one: Inconstancy unnaturally hath begot A constant habit; that when I would not I change in vows, and in devotion. As humorous is my contrition As my profane love, and as soon forgot: As riddlingly distempered, cold and hot, As praying, as mute; as infinite, as none. I durst not view heaven yesterday; and today In prayers and flattering speeches I court God: Tomorrow I quake with true fear of his rod. So my devout fits come and go away Like a fantastic ague; save that here Those are my best days, when I shake with fear. —John Donne ...