No one can
doubt, more especially an abbot, that absolution by an abbot is most
effectual; and that the offences committed before it are wholly wiped
out, and cannot be revived."
"It would be best to obtain total absolution from your vows. Can the
abbot grant that, Roger?"
"'Tis a moot question," Roger replied. "Many affirm that he can do so,
and assuredly many abbots have exercised that power; others again hold
that, although abbots cannot lawfully do so, bishops can; while a few
maintain that even these are incapable, and that nothing short of the
absolution by the Holy Father himself is of avail. Still, whatever be
the true state of things, I should be well satisfied with an abbot's
absolution, and still more so by a bishop's; for though, were a great
prince concerned, someone interested might contest the matter, none
would be likely to do so in the case of a man-at-arms or an esquire."
"Very well, Roger. Then I will endeavour to obtain a full absolution
from your vows, by the abbot; and should he decline to give them I
will, when I next see the earl, pray him, in consideration of the good
services that you have rendered, to obtain it for you from the bishop."
"And you have not yourself thought of marrying, Oswald?" Adam Armstrong
said.
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