The Ambassador's witty opening remarks soon broke the silence.

Rest is not a hallowed feeling that comes over us in church; it is the repose of a heart set deep in God. - Drummond.

O rest, in utter quietude of soul

But, above all, he is enjoined gravity and silence.

This rule of silence had had this effect, that throughout the whole convent, speech had been withdrawn from human creatures, and bestowed on inanimate objects.