The Prior rebuked them for their lack of faith and the coldness of their charity.  "When the beasts and wild creatures suffered we had compassion on them," he said; "what folly is this that we shall have care for them and yet feel no pity for men and women in their misery! Do you fear that you too may be taken off by this pestilence?  Who, then, has told you that you shall not die if only you can escape the pestilence?  Daily you pray, 'Thy kingdom come,' and daily you seek that it shall not come to-day."