These rites performed, behind an iron grate
890Appearèd breathing cowls and walking copes,
Whose writhèd looks their births did antedate
And change the ciphers girdled in with ropes.
Their hair had purchas'd wings and flew away.
So did their brains, as some did whisp'ring say.
Unto this monast'ry in gloomy shades,
From Crostfull Priory these shavelings pace,
Distant from hence not two Italian stades.
Earth's bloodless womb was wimbled all the space.