comes in with a light and a basket of empty flagons.

Friar Claus.

I always enter this sacred place

With a thoughtful, solemn, and reverent pace,

Pausing long enough on each stair

To breathe an ejaculatory prayer,

And a benediction on the vines

That produce these various sorts of wines!

For my part, I am well content

That we have got through with the tedious Lent!