Save to what the speakers said.

Long and sad was their debating,

Voices low and faces grave,

While, the gloomy tale relating,

Each in turn his judgment gave.

"Send him from you!" one was saying

Calmly, as of reason sure;

"All are tainted by his staying,

Let men know your hands are pure!

"For the shame and sorrow brought you,

Let him be to all as dead!

Harm sufficient has he wrought you!"

But the abbot shook his head.

For the sin which had undone him,

For much evil brought about,

He would lay a burden on him,

But he could not cast him out!

All night long the distant howling,

While he waked, of beasts of prey,

Made him think of demons prowling,

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