Pabo, the Priest: Auri Moles Praegrandis

Name: Pabo, the Priest: Auri Moles Praegrandis
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould

The narrative follows Pabo, a priest who discovers a hidden treasure of gold in a cave, only to find himself trapped in darkness after losing his means to light the way back. As he grapples with his dire situation, he reflects on his life, his wife Morwen, and the political turmoil in Wales. His thoughts drift between reality and hallucinations, conjuring images of saints and a beautiful woman, Nest, who implores him to use the treasure to aid their people against foreign invaders. Pabo's desperation grows as he contemplates the abyss separating him from escape, fearing death by starvation or a fatal leap into the chasm. He experiences a series of vivid visions, including a haunting cry that echoes through the cave, heightening his sense of isolation and dread. Just as he succumbs to despair, he is rescued by Howel and Morwen, who have ventured into the cave to find him. Howel reveals that they had followed Morwen's intuition, which led them to Pabo. Together, they uncover the treasure, realizing its potential to support their cause against oppression. Pabo, now weary of darkness, rekindles his light and prepares to leave the cave, reflecting on the strange events that transpired. The story concludes with a sense of hope and determination, as Pabo and his companions emerge from the cave, ready to confront the challenges ahead, while the fate of Goronwy, who had been following them, remains a mystery.

By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 2,951 words

First lines

Pabo rose to his feet at once. He had seen, he had touched the gold. The wax taper had dropped from his hand as he fell. He groped for it and soon found it. Then he put his hand to his pouch for flint and steel. They were not there. He searched the breast of his tunic. They were not there either. Then he passed his hand over the floor, thinking that he might have dropped them from his pouch when he fell. As yet he was not alarmed, rather concerned, as he was impatient to see the treasure. Kneeling, he groped on all sides of him, but could not find what he sought. His hand touched ingots; that he knew by their shape, and that they were of gold he was assured by the yellow glint when his wax light fell.

What this Textopian page supports

Pabo, the Priest: Auri Moles Praegrandis 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, Fantasy, Mystery, Drama
Length: 2,951 words
Structure: 1 section, 71 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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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

Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, exploring themes of Welsh identity and conflict during a specific period.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a perilous journey in search of treasure, facing physical and psychological challenges.
Fantasy — The story includes supernatural elements, such as visions and phantoms, that blur the line between reality and imagination.
Mystery — The plot involves uncovering secrets related to the treasure and the protagonist's experiences in the cave.