Unpunished as for perpetrating crime,

But relegated (not imprisoned, Sirs!)

Sent for three years to clarify his youth

At Civita, a rest by the way to Rome:

There let his life skim off its last of lees

Nor keep this dubious color. Judged the cause:

All parties may retire, content, we hope."

That 's Rome's way, the traditional road of law;

Whither it leads is what remains to tell.

The priest went to his relegation-place,