human
Martin Conisby, said he, his voice grown stronger.
gpt
Oh, Martin, think it not shame to pity thine enemy; to cherish them that despitefully use you; this is Godlike. I was a proud man and merciless but I have learned much by sufferings, and for the wrongs I did you--bitterly have I repented. So would I humbly sue forgiveness of you since I am to die so soon--
human
To die?
gpt
Aye, Martin, at the next auto-da-fé--by the fire--
human
The fire!
gpt
They have left me my life that I may burn--
human
When? I demanded 'twixt shut teeth.
gpt
When?
human
To-day--to-morrow--the day after--what matter? But when the flames have done their work, I would fain go to God bearing with me your forgiveness. But if this be too much to hope--why, then, Martin, I will beseech God to pluck you forth of this place of horror and to give you back to England, to happiness, to honour and all that I reft from you--
gpt
Nay, this were thing impossible!
human
There is nought impossible to God, Martin! Here fell silence awhile and then,
gpt
Oh, England--England! cried he.
human
D'ye mind how the road winds 'twixt the hedgerows a-down hill into Lamberhurst, Martin; d'ye mind the wonder of it all--the green meadows, the dim woods full of bird song and fragrance--you shall see it all again one day, but as for me--ah, to breathe just once again the sweet smell of English earth! But God's will be done!