They look'd about, they gravely spoke to all,
And not one Richard answer'd to the call.
Next they inquired the day, when, passing by,
Th' unlucky peasant heard the stranger's cry:
This known, how food and raiment they might give,
Was next debated—for the rogue would live;
}
At last, with all their words and work content,
}
Back to their homes the prudent vestry went,