'So long? Are we so much nearer to the Day of Judgment? What were you when you came?'
'A thing to mock at.'
'Ay, indeed, a thing to mock at; a thing to make the angels weep. And, like many another, you desired to beat your head against the Cross, hoping by a little agony to atone for a life of sin. And have you raised yourself a little from the ditch?'
'Else were I a wretch indeed.'
'That are we all--miserable wretches! It has been my constant grief, in your particular case, that it was written that the first-fruits of your mother's womb should be unstable as water; that he should not excel. May my grief be turned to joy! So you have been beneath this holy roof five years? And now--what now?'
'I seek to leave you.'
'To leave us? You propose to join a fraternity in which the ordinance is more severe?'
'I wish to go back into the world again.'
The Prior raised his hands with a show of surprise which was possibly more feigned than real.
'To go back into the world again? You poor fool, you know not what you say. My son, in reading what is on this piece of paper you were guilty of offence. Punishment has followed fast. Already your eyes have been shut out from the contemplation of heavenly things. Return to your cell. Meditate. In a month, if you wish it, I will speak to you again.'