"Alas, for poor humanity!" sighed Beltane.
"Forsooth, alas indeed, messire, and likewise woe!" nodded the
Pardoner, "for thou, my lord, thou art but human, after all."
"Indeed at times, 'twould almost seem so!" nodded Beltane gravely.
"And therefore," quoth the Pardoner, "and therefore, most noble, gentle lord, art thou most assuredly and inevitably—" The Pardoner sighed.
"Damned?" said Beltane.
"Damned!" sighed the Pardoner.
"Along with the rest of humanity!" nodded Beltane.
"All men be more prone to sin when youth doth riot in their veins," quoth the Pardoner, "and alas, thou art very young, messire, so do I tremble for thee."
"Yet with each hour do I grow older!"
"And behold in this hour come I, declaring to thee there is no sin so vile but that through me, Holy Church shall grant thee remission—at a price!"