On no account shall a monk be allowed to receive letters

On no account shall a monk be allowed to receive letters, devout tokens, or any small gifts whatsoever, from his parents or other people or his brethren, or to give the same, without the abbot’s permission. But if he have been sent anything, even by his parents, let him not presume to take it before it has been shown to the abbot. If the abbot allow it to be received, it shall be his to decide to whom it is given; and let not the brother, to whom it was sent, be vexed thereat, lest occasion be given to the devil. Should anyone presume to act otherwise, let him undergo the punishment of the Rule.