even though the youth , with his liquid blue eyes and beardless face , seemed too innocent to be held accountable for the crimes committed by his government , hearing his confession and granting him absolution with no heavier penance than he would have imposed on a village ladpenitence lgre , was the curs sobriquet among his flockand then administering to him , his mortal enemy , the saving blood and body of christ , had tried pre patous adherence to his priestly vow to the breaking point .