Pabo, the Priest: a Summons
The narrative follows Pabo, a priest who has retreated to a mountain hermitage to escape persecution. Initially burdened by loneliness, he gradually finds solace in nature, experiencing a profound connection with the environment around him. His days are filled with exploration and contemplation, and he begins to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons, particularly autumn. Pabo's isolation is interrupted when he discovers a hidden message beneath his bed, revealing a plan that suggests the existence of a hidden treasure in the Ogofau mine, a site associated with Roman gold extraction. The message, inscribed in a mix of Latin and Welsh, hints at a significant discovery that could aid his people in their time of need. Despite his initial skepticism about the hermit's sanity, Pabo feels compelled to investigate further. As he contemplates the implications of the treasure, he is visited by Morwen, a woman from his past. She brings urgent news of impending executions in their community, including that of Howel, a fellow priest. Morwen's emotional plea reveals the dire situation and the sacrifices being made for the sake of their faith and community. She offers Pabo two pebbles, symbolizing her love and the weight of the decision he must make. Faced with the choice between personal safety and returning to aid his people, Pabo resolves to go back to Caio, driven by a sense of duty and love for Morwen. The story explores themes of sacrifice, faith, and the struggle between individual desires and communal responsibilities, set against a backdrop of natural beauty and historical significance. Pabo's journey reflects the tension between hope and despair, as he grapples with the potential of the treasure and the harsh realities of his world.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Religious Fiction · 2,558 words
First lines
The days spent on the mountain had not been as cheerless as that first night. The fire burned now continually on the hearth, the light peat smoke was dissipated at once by the wind, which was never still at the fall of the year at the altitude where was planted the hovel of the hermit.
The supply of food was better than at first. One night Pabo had found a she-goat attached to a bush near the stone of Cynwyl; and he had taken her to his habitation, where she supplied him with milk. On another night he had found on a rock a rolled-up blanket, and had experienced the comfort at night of this additional covering.
What this Textopian page supports
Pabo, the Priest: a Summons is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Religious Fiction, Nature Writing, Romance
- Length: 2,558 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pabo, the Priest: a Summons by Sabine Baring-Gould
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pabo, the Priest: a Summons?
- How does this short story by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Pabo The Priest Forgotten by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pabo The Priest Careg Cennen by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pabo The Priest Sanctuary by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pabo The Priest A Miracle by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pabo The Priest Gerald by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Priests Heart by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against a historical backdrop, exploring themes of Welsh culture and the Roman occupation.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a quest involving hidden treasure and exploration of ancient mines.
- Religious Fiction — The character of Pabo is a priest, and themes of faith, spirituality, and moral dilemmas are central to the plot.
- Nature Writing — The text vividly describes the natural environment, reflecting on its beauty and impact on the protagonist's psyche.
Tags
priest · religion · faith · spirituality · Christianity · morality · sacrifice · redemption · community · tradition · conflict · identity