Dost thou, at
peace with all of earth, forget this wrong, and can'st thou, in charity
with thy fellows, pray to Him who died for the race, in behalf of those
who have injured thee?"
Antonio bowed his head on his naked breast, and he seemed to commune
with his soul.
"Father," he said, in a rebuked tone, "I hope I do."
"Thou must not trifle with thyself to thine own perdition. There is an
eye in yon vault above us which pervades space, and which looks into the
inmost secrets of the heart. Can'st thou pardon the error of the
patricians in a contrite spirit for thine own sins?"
"Holy Maria pray for them, as I now ask mercy in their behalf! Father,
they are forgiven."
"Amen!"
The Carmelite arose and stood over the kneeling Antonio with the whole
of his benevolent countenance illuminated by the moon. Stretching his
arms towards the stars, he pronounced the absolution in a voice that was
touched with pious fervor. The upward expectant eye, with the withered
lineaments of the fisherman, and the holy calm of the monk, formed a
picture of resignation and hope that angels would have loved to witness.
"Amen! amen!" exclaimed Antonio, as he arose crossing himself; "St.
Anthony and the Virgin aid me to keep these resolutions!"
"I will not forget thee, my son, in the offices of holy church. Receive
my benediction, that I may depart."
Antonio again bowed his knee while the Carmelite firmly pronounced the
words of peace.
Pages:
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276