MOLAY. Silence before tho Master nnd the Chanter ! Tho next who doth tho holy silence break Shall this day lose his robe for fourteen days, And on the ground'partake of lenten faro.1 [The COMMANDER, MARSHAL arid KNIG sit down. (To the MARSHAL.) You are quite right, respected Brother Marshal, As you have said it, so tho law decrees. Thus havo wo at our consecration sworn ; And would we Justice unimpaired maintain Wo must not swerve from it by one hair's breadth ! There's no moro shameless use of tyranny Than nullifying law for favour's sake : And law-abiding are free Templar-Brothers j 'Tis only slavery that knows no law. Nevertheless this case is one wherein— As rightly urged our reverend Seneschal— Tho rule's full rigour should not be enforced. For Heredon is young, it is his first, His only fault; his exploits might beseem No simple stripling, but the first of Knights, Ay, even the man who carries Hugo's sword. All this avails—not to exonerate him— But to tho lessening of his punishment. Doth it content you, ancient Knights and Brothers, That from the Order I now banish him For ever, and to the world restore him ? Tho Ancient KNIGHTS (rising from their seats). Ay! MOLAY (promptly standing itp, with raised voice). Be it then known, Sir Robert of Heredon, Knight-Templar, from the Order is dismissed. From sin and frowardness, Lord, deliver us ! (After he and all the Elders have reseated themselves, to ClIARLOT.) Hath he been summoned, as I gave command ? 1 One of ibe minor punishments of tho Order. 194 .TUE TEMI'l.AHS IN CTl'RCS. [ACT