And let in Hell, you desolate God’s glad homes
By your brute ministry that knows not love.
Arn. The love of heaven knoweth not carnal love.
Marg. Forgive me Sir! Stern Sir! would woman’s tears
But move you, would woman’s pleaded prayers
But change you to the softest kindly thought,
I would beg of you, read not that curse.
Arn. Silence, Woman!
Gerb. Margaret, by your love for me, be silent.
Arn. (Reads.) In the name of God, amen: Gregory the Seventh by the will of Heaven, Pope, Vicar of Christ, successor of Holy Peter, sendeth greeting to all Christian peoples, and commandeth, that any priest living with a woman in the so-called marriage state, shall be accursed:—that any person who receiveth at his hands any or more offices of Holy Church shall also be accursed.—That furthermore, all offices so exercised by him shall not only be rendered null and void of all good effect, but shall rather be regarded by Holy Church as acts accursed. That this same law be proclaiméd in all parishes throughout Christendom. Know ye that this be my will.