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It was a dismal, an appalling sight;
And when I heard of it, I knew right well
My busy time was coming.

CLAUDE (to Sexton, impatiently).

Didst thou say

That leave has been requested for a dirge
To be this night sung by some Papist's grave?

SEXTON.

Papist or not I cannot surely say,

I ask'd no questions.

CRAWFORD.

Having cause, no doubt.

To be well satisfied no harm would ensue.

SEXTON.

No harm. In this retired nook it cannot

Annoy the living; and for the departed.
Nought can disturb their rest.

CRAWFORD.

Hast thou not heard of restless souls returning?

Perhaps thou 'st seen it, during thirty years
In which thou hast been sexton of this parish.

SEXTON.

In all that time I ne'er could say with certainty

That aught of such a nature pass'd before me;
But I have seen uncertain shadows move