Page 1042 of 1118

"Behold!" said the friar, in a low solemn voice; "the sentiment

you hold towards this man, who has offended you, such will God

hold towards you on the great day. Bless him, and be blessed! For

four days he has been here in this condition, without giving any

sign of perception. Perhaps the Lord is disposed to grant him an

hour of repentance, but he would have you pray for it; perhaps he

desires that you should pray for him with this innocent girl;

perhaps he reserves this favour for thy prayer alone, for the

prayer of an afflicted and resigned heart. Perhaps the salvation

of this man and thine own depend at this moment upon thyself,

upon thy pity, upon thy love." He kept silence, and clasping his

hands, bowed his head as in prayer, and Renzo, completely

subdued, followed his example. Their supplications were

interrupted in a short time by the striking of a bell: they

immediately arose and left the cabin.