human
Jean-Marie,
gpt
Arnaud. Stand aside, my father. Let me meet my cousin face to face.
human
Had I known this, Jean-Marie----
gpt
Cousin, you knew. When I have passed have you not averted your eyes, ashamed of the man who has had neither the wit nor the opportunity to rise? You have made yourself great, and I--but this is no time for calling up the past. I am spent. Come to me, cousin--nearer. Why, commandant, art afraid of a dying man?
human
Is he dying?
gpt
He is in God's hands, the priest answered; and the woman grumbled:
human
Yes, yes, and a long time lying there, keeping me from my bed.
gpt
Out! said Roussilac, turning upon her.
human
Out, and repeat not what you may have heard.
gpt
Ah, cousin, that old manner, smiled Jean-Marie.
human
So spoke you as a boy. They said you would find greatness. My father would say, 'He is a Brutus. Would condemn his own son.' I know not who Brutus was, but my father was a learned man.
gpt
Say what lies upon your mind and have done, reproved St Agapit.
human
I would have you die with better thoughts.
gpt
Cousin, panted Jean-Marie,
human
I forgive you as I hope for mercy. Place now your hand on mine.
gpt
Your aunt and uncle and Madeleine your cousin dwell in this land, two days' journey beyond the river. My father was hunted for his life. They called him a wizard. You know? Yes, once at home you might have shielded him, but there was your advancement to be thought on. Swear to me to find them. Tell Madeleine how I died. Be good to her. Ah, cousin, be a brother to Madeleine. You shall find her the fairest sister in all this world. Swear to bring them from their solitude, to protect my father. Swear before this holy priest to feed and clothe them if they be in want, to care for them, and be to them a brother and a son.