In the Monastry

There was this order of Monks that were not allowed to speak but they could chant at prayer times. Each morning they gathered for prayers and the Abbot intoned 'Good morning Monks' and they all chanted in reply 'Good morning Abbot'. Unfortunately, Brother Bernard was a bit of a rebel and got a bit fed up with this so the next morning, when it was time to reply to the Abbot, he, instead, intoned 'Good Evening Abbot' (He was, indeed, a rebel). The Abbot heard this, looked round and chanted 'Someone chanted evening'.
-
Another monastry was also the home to a silent order. However, every 5 years they were allowed to discuss their progress with the Abbot. After Brother John had been with the order for 5 years he went to see the abbot who asked him how he was settling in. 'Fine' said Brother John but my bed is very hard. Can I have a softer one?' Reluctantly, the Abbot agrees. After another 5 Years Brother John once again sees the Abbot and asks if he can have a rug on the cold stone floor of his cell. Again, reluctantly, the Abbot agrees. After 15 years he goes to see the Abbot and says that he does not think he is cut out for this life. 'Thank goodness for that' says the Abbot - 'you have done nothing but complain since you got here'.