Arnold. But hath he come?
Ward. Not yet;
He's late, but, whether here or elsewhere,
He's always doing good.
Bronson. A kindly man!
His feet do tread th' o'ergrown path that leads
Unto the poor man's door.
Langdon. Aye, that they do!
And, in the darkened hour of mortal grief,
His presence like a lamp gives light and hope.
Arnold. His charity exceeds all human bounds,
And, though he's blameless in himself, knows how
To pardon others.
Ward. Aye, that he doth! Didst note
His plea for Hester Prynne upon her trial?
Langdon. Aye, that I did!
Ward. But know the goodness of it!
He was her constant friend up to the time
Her wantonness declared itself, and then
He left her lonely, as though that punishment
Were all a man of mercy could inflict.
Arnold. He takes it much to heart that wanton vice
Hath found a nest within his congregation.
Langdon. That grief is truly great with him; but yet
He will not hear a word against her.—Look!
For here she comes.
How bravely doth she wear her scarlet letter!