But nerved as he was, his firmness was sorely tried when he beheld the stately pile, once his own, now gone from him and his for ever.

He gave one fond glance towards it, and then painfully averting his gaze, recited, in a low voice, this supplication:-- "_Miserere mei, Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.

Et secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum, dele iniquitatem meam.

Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea, et a peccato meo munda me._" But other thoughts and other emotions crowded upon him, when he beheld the groups of his old retainers advancing to meet him: men, women, and children pouring forth loud lamentations, prostrating themselves at his feet, and deploring his doom.

The abbot's fortitude had a severe trial here, and the tears sprung to his eyes.