I do and in all humility.
"Speak louder and for all to hear, and state its nature" he cried.
The wretched woman, her pale face flushing raised her head and looked toward the Lady of the Manor. "I lay with another man, my husband not six months dead, thus forfeting the lands I held in trust for my son. I crave indulgence of my lady and the manor court, and beg for the restoration of my lands, confessing my incontinence. Should I give birth to a base born child my son will take possession of the lands and do with me as he pleases."
"My gracious lady can not condone your fault which is of a nature abhorent to all people. but since you have admitted it in person and before the manor court and all the people of this parish she will in great clemency restore the forfeited land you rent from her."
The woman bowed her head and murmured gratitude, then asked with swimming eyes if there was further penance she must do.
"Aye, Descend from the sheep that has carried you in your shame, proceed to the chapel here, crawling on your knees, and confess your sin before the altar."
The two men who held the sheep pulled the wretched woman from its back, forcing her to her knees, and as she dragged herself painfully along the path towards the chapel, hampered by her skirts a groan arose from the watching crowd, this total degradation yielding a feeling of communal extasy.
The monk waited until she had crawled to his feet and then turned into the chapel, where she struggled to follow him.
