respect to the reasons why he wrote and why he wrote as he did. His ability to play with words and to rephrase his arguments in such a way that they did not appear repetitious not only convinced his contemporary readers, but continues to be felt in later interpretations of his writings. As a result, intentions were at times ascribed to him that to some extent place him outside his own time. A study of the last chapters of the Apology, written by Bernard in 1125 about the situation in Cluny, is a