human
I have returned, Gautran, said John Vanbrugh, imitating the voice of the priest;
gpt
I had it not in my heart to desert you in your last moments. The man you fought with is dead, and in his pocket I found this flask of brandy. It serves one good purpose; it will give you time to earn salvation. You have two murders upon your soul. Are you prepared to do as I bid you?
human
Yes,
gpt
Answer my questions, then. What do you know of the man whom you have slain?
human
Nothing.
gpt
Was he, then, an absolute stranger to you?
human
Yes.
gpt
You do not even know his name?
human
No.
gpt
There is no time to inquire into your reasons for attacking him, for I perceive from your breathing that your end is very near, and the precious moments must not be wasted. It is your soul--your soul--that has to be saved! And there is only one way--the guilty must be punished. You have met your punishment. Heaven's lightning has struck you down. These gold pieces which I now take from your pocket shall be expended in masses. Rest easy, rest easy, Gautran. There is but one thing for you to do--and then you will have made atonement. You hear me--you understand me?
human
Yes--quick--quick!
gpt
To die, leaving behind you no record of the guilt of your associate--of the Advocate who, knowing you to be a murderer, deliberately defeated the ends of justice--will be to provoke Divine anger against you. There is no hope for pardon in that case. Can you write?
human
No.
gpt
Your name, with my assistance, you could trace?
human
Perhaps.
gpt
I will write a confession which you must sign. Then you shall receive absolution.