Whiletheill-starredgirlwasthuswalkinginterrifyingsecurityattheedgeoftheprecipice，Trespolo，followinghismaster’swishes，hadestablishedhimselfintheislandasapilgrimfromJerusalem。
Playinghispartandsprinklinghisconversationwithbiblicalphrases，whichcametohimreadily，inhischaracterofex-sacristan，hedistributedabundanceofcharms，woodofthetrueCrossandmilkoftheBlessedVirgin，andallthoseotherinexhaustibletreasuresonwhichtheeagerdevotionofworthypeopledailyfeeds。Hisrelicswerethemoreevidentlyauthenticinthathedidnotsellanyofthem，and，bearinghispovertyinaholymanner，thankedthefaithfulanddeclinedtheiralms。Only，outofregardfortheestablishedvirtueofSolomon，hehadconsentedtobreakbreadwiththefisherman，andwenttotakemealswithhimwiththeregularityofacenobite。Hisabstinencearouseduniversalsurprise：acrustdippedinwater，afewnutsorfigssufficedtokeepthisholymanalive——topreventhim，thatistosay，fromdying。Furthermore，heentertainedNisidabyhistalesofhistravelsandbyhismysteriouspredictions。
Unfortunately，heonlyappearedtowardsevening；forhespenttherestofthedayinausteritiesandinprayers——inotherwords，indrinkinglikeaTurkandsnoringlikeabuffalo。
Onthemorningoftheseventhday，afterthepromisegivenbytheprincetothefisherman’sdaughter，Brancaleonecameintohisservant’sroom，and，shakinghintroughly，criedinhisear，\"Up，odiousmarmot！\"
Trespolo，awakenedsuddenly，rubbedhiseyesinalarm。Thedead，sleepingpeacefullyatthebottomoftheircoffins，willbelessannoyedatthelastdaywhenthetrumpofJudgmentcomestodragthemfromtheirslumbers。Fearhaving，however，immediatelydispersedthedarkcloudsthatoverspreadhiscountenance，hesatup，andaskedwithanappearanceofbewilderment——
\"Whatisthematter，yourexcellency？\"
\"ThematteristhatIwillhaveyouflayedalivealittleifyoudonotleaveoffthatexecrablehabitofsleepingtwentyhoursintheday。\"
\"Iwasnotasleep，prince！\"criedtheservantboldly，ashesprangoutofbed；\"Iwasreflecting——-\"
\"Listentome，\"saidtheprinceinaseveretone；\"youwereonceemployed，Ibelieve，inachemist’sshop？\"
\"Yes，mylord，andIleftbecausemyemployerhadthescandalousbarbaritytomakemepounddrugs，whichtiredmyarmshorribly。\"
\"Hereisaphialcontainingasolutionofopium。\"
\"Mercy！\"criedTrespolo，fallingonhisknees。
\"Getup，idiot，andpaygreatattentiontowhatIamgoingtosaytoyou。ThislittlefoolofaNisidapersistsinwantingmetospeaktoherfather。ImadeherbelievethatIwasgoingawaythiseveningtofetchmypapers。Thereisnotimetolose。Theyknowyouverywellatthefisherman’s。Youwillpourthisliquidintotheirwine；yourlifewillanswerforyournotgivingthemalargerdosethanenoughtoproduceadeepsleep。Youwilltakecaretopreparemeagoodladderforto-night；afterwhichyouwillgoandwaitformeinmyboat，whereyouwillfindNumaandBonaroux。Theyhavemyorders。
Ishallnotwantyouinscalingthefortress；IhavemyCampoBassodagger。\"
\"But，mylord——-\"stammeredTrespolo，astounded。
\"Nodifficulties！\"criedtheprince，stampinghisfootfuriously，\"or，bymyfather’sdeath，Iwillcureyou，onceforall，ofyourscruples。\"Andheturnedonhisheelwiththeairofamanwhoiscertainthatpeoplewillbeverycarefulnottodisobeyhisorders。
TheunhappyTrespolofulfilledhismaster’sinjunctionspunctually。
Withhimfearwastheguidingprinciple。Thateveningthefisherman’ssuppertablewashopelesslydull，andtheshampilgrimtriedinvaintoenlivenitbyfactitiouscheerfulness。Nisidawaspreoccupiedbyherlover’sdeparture，andSolomon，sharingunconsciouslyinhisdaughter’sgrief，swallowedbutadroportwoofwine，toavoidresistingtherepeatedurgencyofhisguest。GabrielhadsetoutinthemorningforSorrentoandwasnottoreturnfortwoorthreedays；hisabsencetendedtoincreasetheoldman’smelancholy。AssoonasTrespolohadretired，thefishermanyieldedtohisfatigue。Nisida，withherarmshangingbyhersides，herheadheavyandherheartoppressedbyasadpresentiment，hadscarcelystrengthtogouptoherroom，andafterhavingmechanicallytrimmedthelamp，sankonherbedaspaleandstiffasacorpse。
Thestormwasbreakingoutwithviolence；oneofthoseterriblestormsseenonlyintheSouth，whenthecongregatedclouds，partingsuddenly，shedtorrentsofrainandofhail，andthreatenanotherdeluge。Theroarofthethunderdrewnearerandwaslikethenoiseofacannonade。Thegulf，latelysocalmandsmooththattheislandwasreflectedasinamirror，hadsuddenlydarkened；thefuriouslyleapingwavesflungthemselvestogetherlikewildhorses；theislandquaked，shakenbyterribleshocks。Eventheboldestfishermenhaddrawntheirboatsashore，and，shutwithintheircabins，encouragedasbesttheycouldtheirfrightenedwivesandchildren。
AmidthedeepdarknessthatoverspreadtheseaNisida’slampcouldbeseengleamingclearandlimpid，asitburnedbeforetheMadonna。Twoboats，withoutrudders，sails，oroars，tossedbythewaves，beatenbythewinds，werewhirlingabovetheabyss；twomenwereinthesetwoboats，theirmusclestense，theirbreastsbare，theirhairflying。Theygazedhaughtilyonthesea，andbravedthetempest。
\"Oncemore，Ibegyou，\"criedoneofthesemen，\"fearnotforme，Gabriel；IpromiseyouthatwithmytwobrokenoarsandalittleperseveranceIshallgettoTorrebeforedaybreak。\"
\"Youaremad，Bastiano；wehavenotbeenableeversincethemorningtogetnearVico，andhavebeenobligedtokeeptackingabout；yourskillandstrengthhavebeenabletodonothingagainstthisfrightfulhurricanewhichhasdrivenusbacktothispoint。\"
\"Itisthefirsttimeyouhaveeverrefusedtogowithme，\"remarkedtheyoungman。
\"Well，yes，mydearBastiano，Idonotknowhowitis，butto-nightI
feeldrawntotheislandbyanirresistiblepower。Thewindshavebeenunchainedtobringmebacktoitinspiteofmyself，andIwillowntoyou，eventhoughitshouldmakemeseemlikeamadmaninyoureyes，thatthissimpleandordinaryeventappearstomelikeanorderfromheaven。Doyouseethatlampshiningoverthere？\"
\"Iknowit，\"answeredBastiano，suppressingasigh。
\"ItwaslightedbeforetheVirginonethedaywhenmysisterwasborn，andforeighteenyearithasneverceasedtoburn，nightandday。Itwasmymother’svow。Youdonotknow，mydearBastiano，youcannotknowhowmanytorturingthoughtsthatvowrecallstome。Mypoormothercalledmetoherdeathbedandtoldmeafrightfultale，ahorriblesecret，whichweighsonmysoullikeacloakoflead，andofwhichIcanonlyrelievemyselfbyconfidingittoafriend。Whenherpainfulstorywasendedsheaskedtoseeandtoembracemysister，whowasjustborn；thenwithhertremblinghand，alreadychilledbytheapproachofdeath，shedesiredtolightthelampherself。’Remember，’thesewereherlastwords，’remember，Gabriel，thatyoursisterisvowedtotheMadonna。AslongasthislightshinesbeforetheblessedimageoftheVirgin，yoursisterwillbeinnodanger。’Youcanunderstandnowwhy，atnight，whenwearecrossingthegulf，myeyesarealwaysfixedonthatlamp。Ihaveabeliefthatnothingcouldshake，whichisthatonthedaythatlightgoesoutmysister’ssoulwillhavetakenflighttoheaven。\"
\"Well，\"criedBastianoinanabrupttonethatbetrayedtheemotionofhisheart，\"ifyouprefertostay，Iwillgoalone。\"
\"Farewell，\"saidGabriel，withoutturningasidehiseyesfromthewindowtowardswhichhefelthimselfdrawnbyafascinationforwhichhecouldnotaccount。Bastianodisappeared，andNisida’sbrother，assistedbythewaves，wasdrawingnearerandnearertotheshore，when，atallonce，heutteredaterriblecrywhichsoundedabovethenoiseofthetempest。
Thestarhadjustbeenextinguished；thelamphadbeenblownout。
\"Mysisterisdead！\"criedGabrieland，leapingintothesea，hecleftthewaveswiththerapidityoflightning。
Thestormhadredoubleditsintensity；longlinesoflightning，rendingthesidesoftheclouds，bathedeverythingintheirtawnyandintermittentlight。Thefishermanperceivedaladderleaningagainstthefrontofhishome，seizeditwithaconvulsivehand，andinthreeboundsflunghimselfintotheroom。Theprincefelthimselfstrangelymovedonmakinghiswayintothispureandsilentretreat。
ThecalmandgentlegazeoftheVirginwhoseemedtobeprotectingtherestofthesleepinggirl，thatperfumeofinnocenceshedaroundthemaidenlycouch，thatlamp，open-eyedamidtheshadows，likeasoulinprayer，hadinspiredtheseducerwithanunknowndistress。
Irritatedbywhathecalledanabsurdcowardice，hehadextinguishedtheobtrusivelight，andwasadvancingtowardsthebed，andaddressingunspokenreproachestohimself，whenGabrielswoopeduponhimwithawoundedtiger’sfiercegnashingoftheteeth。
Brancaleone，byaboldandrapidmovementthatshowednocommondegreeofskillandbravery，whilestrugglinginthegraspofhispowerfuladversary，drewforthinhisrighthandalongdaggerwithafinebarbedblade。Gabrielsmiledscornfully，snatchedtheweaponfromhim，andevenashestoopedtobreakitacrosshisknee，gavetheprinceafuriousblowwithhisheadthatmadehimstaggerandsenthimrollingonthefloor，threepacesaway；then，leaningoverhispoorsisterandgazingonherwithhungryeyes，bythepassinggleamofaflash，\"Dead！\"herepeated，wringinghisarmsindespair，——\"dead！\"
Inthefearfulparoxysmthatcompressedhisthroathecouldfindnootherwordstoassuagehisrageortopourforthhiswoe。Hishair，whichthestormhadflattened，roseonhishead，themarrowofhisboneswaschilled，andhefelthistearsrushbackuponhisheart。
Itwasaterriblemoment；heforgotthatthemurdererstilllived。
Theprince，however，whoseadmirablecomposuredidnotforamomentdeserthim，hadrisen，bruisedandbleeding。Paleandtremblingwithrage，hesoughteverywhereforaweaponwithwhichtoavengehimself。
Gabrielreturnedtowardshimgloomierandmoreominousthanever，andgraspinghisneckwithanironhand，draggedhimintotheroomwheretheoldmanwassleeping。
\"Father！father！father！\"hecriedinapiercingvoice，\"hereistheBastardwhoHasjustmurderedNisida！\"
Theoldman，whohaddrunkbutafewdropsofthenarcoticpotion，wasawakenedbythiscrywhichechoedthroughhissoul；hearoseasthoughmovedbyaspring，flungoffhiscoverings，andwiththatpromptitudeofactionthatGodhasbestoweduponmothersinmomentsofdanger，eventuptohisdaughter’sroom，foundalight，kneltontheedgeofthebed，andbegantotesthischild’spulseandwatchherbreathingwithmortalanxiety。
All！thishadpassedinlesstimethanwehavetakenintellingit。
Brancaleonebyanunheard-ofefforthadfreedhimselffromthehandsoftheyoungfisherman，andsuddenlyresuminghisprincelypride，saidinaloudvoice，\"Youshallnotkillmewithoutlisteningtome。\"
GabrielwouldhaveoverwhelmedhimwithBitterreproaches，but，unabletoutterasingleword，heburstintotears。
\"Yoursifterisnotdead，\"saidtheprince，withcolddignity；\"sheismerelyasleep。Youcanassureyourselfofit，andmeanwhileI
undertake，uponmyHonour，nottomoveasinglestepaway。\"
Thesewordswerepronouncedwithsuchanaccentoftruththatthefishermanwasstruckbythem。Anunexpectedgleamofhopesuddenlydawnedinhisthoughts；hecastuponthestrangeraglanceofhateanddistrust，andmutteredinamuffledvoice，\"Donotflatteryourself，inanycase，thatyouwillbeabletoescapeme。\"
Thenhewentuptohissister’sroom，andapproachingtheoldman，askedtremblingly，\"Well，father？\"
Solomonthrusthimgentlyasidewiththesolicitudeofamotherremovingsomebuzzinginsectfromherchild’scradle，and，makingasigntoenjoinsilence，addedinalowvoice，\"Sheisneitherdeadnorpoisoned。Somephiltrehasbeengiventoherforabadpurpose。
Herbreathingiseven，andshecannotfailtorecoverfromherlethargy。\"
Gabriel，reassuredaboutNisida’slife，returnedsilentlytothegroundfloorwherehehadlefttheseducer。Hismannerwasgraveandgloomy；hewascomingnownottorendthemurdererofhissisterwithhishands，buttoelucidateatreacherousandinfamousmystery，andtoavengehishonourwhichhadbeenbaselyattacked。Heopenedwidethedoubleentrancedoorthatadmitteddaylighttotheapartmentinwhich，onthefewnightsthathespentathome，hewasaccustomedtosleepwithhisfather。Therainhadjuststopped，arayofmoonlightpiercedtheclouds，andallatoncemadeitswayintotheroom。Thefishermanadjustedhisdrippinggarments，walkedtowardsthestranger，whoawaitedhimwithoutstirring，andafterhavinggazeduponhimhaughtily，said，\"Nowyouaregoingtoexplainyourpresenceinourhouse。\"
\"Iconfess，\"saidtheprince，inaneasytoneandwiththemostinsolentassurance，\"thatappearancesareagainstme。Itisthefateofloverstobetreatedasthieves。ButalthoughIhavenottheadvantageofbeingknowntoyou，IambetrothedtothefairNisida——
withyourfather’sapproval，ofcourse。Now，asIhavethemisfortunetopossessveryhardheartedparents，theyhavehadthecrueltytorefusemetheirconsent。Loveledmeastray，andIwasabouttobeguiltyofafaultforwhichayoungmanlikeyououghttohavesomeindulgence。Furthermore，itwasnothingbutamereattemptatanabduction，withthebestintentionsintheworld，Iswear，andIamreadytoatoneforeverythingifyouwillagreetogivemeyourhandandcallmeyourbrother。\"
\"Iwillagreetocallyouacowardandabetrayer！\"repliedGabriel，whosefacehadbeguntoglow，asheheardhissisterspokenofwithsuchimpudentlevity。\"Ifitisthusthatinsultsareavengedintowns，wefishershaveadifferentplan。Ah！soyouflatteredyourselfwiththethoughtofbringingdesolationaiddisgraceintoourhome，andofpayinginfamousassassinstocomeandshareanoldman’sbreadsoastopoisonhisdaughter，ofstealingbynight，likeabrigand，armedwithadagger，intomysister’sroom，andofbeingletoffbymarryingthemostbeautifulwomaninthekingdom！\"
Theprincemadeamovement。
\"Listen，\"continuedGabriel：\"IcouldbreakyouasIbrokeyourdaggerjustnow；butIhavepityonyou。Iseethatyoucandonothingwithyourhands，neitherdefendyourselfnorwork。Go，I
begintounderstand；youareabraggart，myfinesir；yourpovertyisusurped；youhavedeckedyourselfinthesepoorclothes，butyouareunworthyofthem。\"
Hesufferedaglanceofcrushingcontempttofallupontheprince，thengoingtoacupboardhiddeninthewall，hedrewoutarifleandanaxe。
\"Here，\"saidhe，\"arealltheweaponsinthehouse；choose。\"
Aflashofjoyilluminatedthecountenanceoftheprince，whohadhithertosuppressedhisrage。Heseizedtherifleeagerly，drewthreestepsbackward，anddrawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，said，\"Youwouldhavedonebettertolendmethisweaponatthebeginning；forthenIwouldhavebeensparedfromwitnessingyoursillyvapouringsandfranticconvulsions。Thanks，young-man；oneofmyservantswillbringyoubackyourgun。Farewell。\"
Andhethrewhimhispurse，whichfellheavilyatthefisherman’sfeet。
\"Ilentyouthatrifletofightwithme，\"criedGabriel，whomsurprisehadrootedtothespot。
\"Moveaside，mylad；youareoutofyoursenses，\"saidtheprince，takingasteptowardsthedoor。
\"Soyourefusetodefendyourself？\"askedGabrielinadeterminedvoice。
\"IhavetoldyoualreadythatIcannotfightwithyou。\"
\"Whynot？\"
\"BecausesuchisthewillofGod；becauseyouwereborntocrawlandItotrampleyouundermyfeet；becauseallthebloodthatIcouldshedinthisislandwouldnotpurchaseonedropofmyblood；becauseathousandlivesofwretcheslikeyouarenotequaltoonehourofmine；becauseyouwillkneelatmynamethatI，amnowgoingtoutter；because，inshort，youarebutapoorfishermanandmynameisPrinceofBrancaleone。\"
Atthisdreadedname，whichtheyoungnoblemanflung，likeathunderbolt，athishead，thefishermanboundedlikealion。Hedrewadeepbreath，asthoughhehadliftedaweightthathadlongrestedonhisheart。
\"Ah！\"hecried，\"youhavegivenyourselfintomyhands，mylord！
Betweenthepoorfishermanandtheall-powerfulprincethereisadebtofblood。Youshallpayforyourselfandforyourfather。Wearegoingtosettleouraccounts，yourexcellency，\"headded，risinghisaxeovertheheadoftheprince，whowasaimingathim。\"Oh！
youwereintoogreathastetochoose：therifleisnotloaded。\"Theprinceturnedpale。
\"Betweenourtwofamilies，\"Gabrielcontinued，\"thereexistsahorriblesecretwhichmymotherconfidedtomeonthebrinkofthegrave，ofwhichmyfatherhimselfisunaware，andthatnomanintheworldmustlearn。Youaredifferent，youaregoingtodie。\"
Hedraggedhimintothespaceoutsidethehouse。
\"Doyouknowwhymysister，whomyouwishedtodishonour，wasvowedtotheMadonna？Becauseyourfather，likeyou，wishedtodishonourmymother。Inyouraccursedhousethereisatraditionofinfamy。
Youdonotknowwhatslowandterribletormentsmypoormotherendured-tormentsthatbrokeherstrengthandcausedhertodieinearlyyouth，andthatherangelicsouldaredconfidetononebuthersoninthatsupremehourandinordertobidmewatchovermysister。\"
Thefishermanwipedawayaburningtear。\"Oneday，beforewewereborn，afinelady，richlydressed，landedinourislandfromasplendidboat；sheaskedtoseemymother，whowasasyoungandbeautifulasmyNisidaisto-day。Shecouldnotceasefromadmiringher；sheblamedtheblindnessoffatewhichhadburiedthislovelyjewelinthebosomofanobscureisland；sheshoweredpraises，caresses，andgiftsuponmymother，andaftermanyindirectspeeches，finallyaskedherparentsforher，thatshemightmakeherherlady-
in-waiting。Thepoorpeople，foreseeingintheprotectionofsogreataladyabrilliantfuturefortheirdaughter，wereweakenoughtoyield。Thatladywasyourmother；anddoyouknowwhyshecamethustoseekthatpoorinnocentmaiden？Becauseyourmotherhadalover，andbecauseshewishedtomakesure，inthisinfamousmanner，oftheprince’sindulgence。\"
\"Silence，wretch！\"
\"Oh，yourexcellencywillhearmeout。Atthebeginning，mypoormotherfoundherselfsurroundedbythetenderestcare：theprincesscouldnotbepartedfromherforamoment；themostflatteringwords，thefinestclothes，therichestornamentswerehers；theservantspaidherasmuchrespectasthoughshewereadaughterofthehouse。
Whenherparentswenttoseeherandtoinquirewhethershedidnotatallregrethavingleftthem，theyfoundhersolovelyandsohappy，thattheyblessedtheprincessasagoodangelsentthemfromGod。Thentheprinceconceivedaremarkableaffectionformymother；
littlebylittlehismannersbecamemorefamiliarandaffectionate。
Atlasttheprincesswentawayforafewdays，regrettingthatshecouldnottakewithherherdearchild，asshecalledher。Thentheprince’sbrutalityknewnofurtherbarriers；henolongerconcealedhisshamefulplansofseduction；hespreadbeforethepoorgirl’seyespearlnecklacesandcasketsofdiamonds；hepassedfromthemostglowingpassiontotheblackestfury，fromthehumblestprayerstothemosthorriblethreats。Thepoorchildwasshutupinacellarwheretherewashardlyagleamofdaylight，andeverymorningafrightfulgaolercameandthrewherabitofblackbread，repeatingwithoathsthatitonlydependeduponherselftoalterallthisbybecomingtheprince’smistress。Thiscrueltycontinuedfortwoyears。Theprincesshadgoneonalongjourney，andmymother’spoorparentsbelievedthattheirdaughterwasstillhappywithherprotectress。Onherreturn，having；nodoubtfreshsinsforwhichsheneededforgiveness，shetookmymotherfromherdungeon，assumedtheliveliestindignationatthishorribletreatment，aboutwhichsheappearedtohaveknownnothing，wipedhertears，andbyanabominablerefinementofperfidyreceivedthethanksofthevictimwhomshewasabouttosacrifice。
Oneevening——Ihavejustfinished，mylord——theprincesschosetosupalonewithherlady-in-waiting：therarestfruits，themostexquisitedishes，andthemostdelicatewineswereservedtomypoormother，whoseprolongedprivationshadinjuredherhealthandweakenedherreason；shegavewaytoamorbidgaiety。Diabolicalphiltreswerepouredintohercup；thatisanothertraditioninyourfamily。Mymotherfeltuplifted，hereyesshonewithfeverishbrilliance，hercheekswereonfire。Thentheprincecamein——oh！yourexcellencywillseethatGodprotectsthepoor。Mydarlingmother，likeafrighteneddove，shelteredherselfinthebosomoftheprincess，whopushedheraway，laughing。Thepoordistraughtgirl，trembling，weeping，kneltdowninthemidstofthatinfamousroom。ItwasSt。
Anne’sDay；allatoncethehouseshook，thewallscracked，criesofdistressrangoutinthestreets。Mymotherwassaved。ItwastheearthquakethatdestroyedhalfNaples。Youknowallaboutit，mylord，sinceyouroldpalaceisnolongerhabitable。\"
\"Whatareyoudrivingat？\"criedBrancaleoneinterribleagitation。
\"Oh，Imerelywishtopersuadeyouthatyoumustfightwithme，\"
answeredthefishermancoldly，asheofferedhimacartridge。\"Andnow，\"headded，inanexcitedtone，\"sayyourprayers，mylord；forI
warnyou，youwilldiebymyhand；justicemustbedone。\"
Theprincecarefullyexaminedthepowderandshot，madesurethathisriflewasingoodcondition；loadedit，and，eagertomakeanend，tookaimatthefisherman；but，eitherbecausehehadbeensomuchdisturbedbyhisopponent’sterribletale，or，becausethegrasswaswetfromthestorm，atthemomentwhenheputforwardhisleftfoottosteadyhisshot，heslipped，losthisbalanceandfellononeknee。Hefiredintotheair。
\"Thatdoesnotcount，mylord，\"criedGabrielinstantly，andhandedhimasecondcharge。
AtthenoiseofthereportSolomonhadappearedatthewindow，and，understandingwhatwasgoingon，hadliftedhishandstoheaven，inordertoaddresstoGodadumbandferventprayer。Eligiutteredafrightfulinprecation，andhastilyreloadedhisrifle；but，struckbythecalmconfidenceoftheyoungman，whostoodmotionlessbeforehim，andbytheoldman，who，impassiveandundisturbed，seemedtobeconjuringGodinthenameofafather’sauthority，disconcertedbyhisfall，hiskneesshakingandhisarmjarred，hefeltthechillsofdeathrunninginhisveins。Attempting，nevertheless，tomasterhisemotion，hetookaimasecondtime；thebulletwhistledbythefisherman’searandburieditselfinthestemofapoplar。
Theprince，withtheenergyofdespair，seizedthebarrelofhisweaponinbothhands；butGabrielwascomingforwardwithhisaxe，aterriblefoe，andhisfirststrokecarriedawaythebuttoftherifle。Hewasstillhesitating，however，tokilladefencelessman，whentwoarmedservantsappearedattheendofthepathway。Gabrieldidnotseethemcoming；butatthemomentwhentheywouldhaveseizedhimbytheshoulders，Solomonutteredacryandrushedtohisson’sassistance。
\"Help，Numa！help，Bonaroux！Deathtotheruffians！Theywanttomurderme。\"
\"Youlie，PrinceofBrancaleone！\"criedGabriel，andwithoneblowoftheaxeheclefthisskull。
Thetwobravoeswhowerecomingtotheirmaster’sassistance，whentheysawhimfall，tookflight；SolomonandhissonwentuptoNisida’sroom。Theyounggirlhadjustshakenoffherheavyslumber；
aslightperspirationmoistenedherbrow，andsheopenedhereyesslowlytothedawningday。
\"Whyareyoulookingatmeinthatway，father？\"shesaid，hermindstillwanderingalittlerandshepassedherhandoverherforehead。
Theoldmanembracedhertenderly。
\"Youhavejustpassedthroughagreatdanger，mypoorNisida，\"saidhe；\"arise，andletusgivethankstotheMadonna。\"
Thenallthree，kneelingbeforethesacredimageoftheVirgin，begantorecitelitanies。Butatthatveryinstantanoiseofarmssoundedintheenclosure，thehousewassurroundedbysoldiers，andalieutenantofgendarmes，seizingGabriel，saidinaloudvoice，\"Inthenameofthelaw，Iarrestyouforthemurderthatyouhavejustcommitteduponthepersonofhisexcellencyandillustriouslordship，thePrinceofBrancaleone。\"
Nisida，struckbythesewords，remainedpaleandmotionlesslikeamarblestatuekneelingonatomb；Gabrielwasalreadypreparingtomakeanunreasoningresistance，whenagesturefromhisfatherstoppedhim。
\"Signortenente，\"saidtheoldman，addressinghimselftotheofficer，\"mysonkilledtheprinceinlawfuldefence，forthelatterhadscaledourhouseandmadehiswayinatnightandwitharmsinhishand。Theproofsarebeforeyoureyes。Hereisaladdersetupagainstthewindow；andhere，\"heproceeded，pickingupthetwopiecesofthebrokenblade，\"isadaggerwiththeBrancaleonearms。
However，wedonotrefusetofollowyou。\"
Thelastwordsofthefishermanweredrownedbycriesof\"Downwiththesbirri！downwiththegendarmes！\"whichwererepeatedineverydirection。Thewholeislandwasupinarms，andthefisher-folkwouldhavesufferedthemselvestobecutuptothelastmanbeforeallowingasinglehairofSolomonorofhissontobetouched；buttheoldmanappeareduponhisthreshold，and，stretchingouthisarmwithacalmandgravemovementthatquietedtheangerofthecrowd，hesaid，\"Thanks，mychildren；thelawmustberespected。Ishallbeable，alone，todefendtheinnocenceofmysonbeforethejudges。\"
HardlythreemonthshaveelapsedsincethedayuponwhichwefirstbeheldtheoldfishermanofNisidasittingbeforethedoorofhisdwelling，irradiatedbyallthehappinessthathehadsucceededincreatingaroundhim，reigninglikeaking，onhisthroneofrock，andblessinghistwochildren，themostbeautifulcreaturesintheisland。Nowthewholeexistenceofthisman，whowasoncesohappyandsomuchenvied，ischanged。Thesmilingcottage，thathungoverthegulflikeaswanoveratransparentlake，issadanddesolate；
thelittleenclosure，withitshedgesoflilacandhawthorn，wherejoyousgroupsusedtocomeandsitatthecloseofday，issilentanddeserted。Nohumansounddarestotroublethemourningofthissaddenedsolitude。Onlytowardseveningthewavesofthesea，compassionatingsuchgreatmisfortunes，cometomurmurplaintivenotesuponthebeach。
Gabrielhasbeencondemned。Thenewsofthehigh-bornPrinceofBrancaleone’sdeath，soyoung，sohandsome，andsouniversallyadored，notonlyflutteredthearistocracyofNaples，butexcitedprofoundindignationinallclassesofpeople。Hewasmournedbyeverybody，andaunanimouscryforvengeancewasraisedagainstthemurderer。
Theauthoritiesopenedtheinquirywithalarmingpromptness。Themagistrateswhomtheirofficecalledtojudgethisdeplorableaffairdisplayed，however，themostirreproachableintegrity。Noconsiderationoutsidetheirduty，nodeferenceduetosonobleandpowerfulafamily，couldshaketheconvictionsoftheirconscience。
Historyhaskeptarecordofthismemorabletrial；andhas，noreproachtomaketomenwhichdoesnotapplyequallytotheimperfectionofhumanlaws。Theappearanceofthings，thatfatalcontradictionwhichthegeniusofevilsooftenhereonearthgivestotruth，overwhelmedthepoorfishermanwiththemostevidentproofs。
Trespolo，inwhomfearhaddestroyedallscruples，beingfirstexamined，ashavingbeentheyoungprince’sconfidant，declaredwithcoolimpudencethat，hismasterhavingshownawishtoescapeforafewdaysfromtheimportunitiesofayoungmarriedladywhosepassionwasbeginningtotirehim，hadfollowedhimtotheislandwiththreeorfourofhismostfaithfulservants，andthathehimselfhadadoptedthedisguiseofapilgrim，notwishingtobetrayhisexcellency’sincognitotothefisher-people，whowouldcertainlyhavetormentedsopowerfulapersonbyallsortsofpetitions。Twolocalwatchmen，whohadhappenedtobeonthehillsideatthemomentofthecrime，gaveevidencethatconfirmedthevalet’slengthystatement；hiddenbysomeunderwood，theyhadseenGabrielrushupontheprince，andhaddistinctlyheardthelastwordsofthedyingman；
calling\"Murder！\"Allthewitnesses，eventhosesummonedattherequestoftheprisoner，madehiscaseworsebytheirstatements，whichtheytriedtomakefavourable。Thusthecourt，withitsusualperspicacityanditsinfalliblecertainty，succeededinestablishingthefactthatPrinceEligiofBrancaleone，havingtakenatemporarydisliketotownlife，hadretiredtothelittleislandofNisida，theretogivehimselfuppeaceablytothepleasureoffishing，forwhichhehadatalltimeshadaparticularpredilection（aproofappearedamongthedocumentsofthecasethattheprincehadregularlybeenpresenteveryotheryearatthetunny-fishingonhispropertyatPalermo）；thatwhenoncehewasthushiddenintheisland，Gabrielmighthaverecognisedhim，havinggonewithhissistertotheprocession，afewdaysbefore，andhad，nodoubt，plannedtomurderhim。Onthedaybeforethenightofthecrime，theabsenceofGabrielandthediscomposureofhisfatherandsisterhadbeenremarked。Towardseveningtheprincehaddismissedhisservant，andgoneoutalone，ashiscustomwas，towalkbytheseashore。
Surprisedbythestormandnotknowingthebywaysoftheisland，hehadwanderedroundthefisherman’shouse，seekingashelter；thenGabriel，encouragedbythedarknessandbythenoiseofthetempest，whichseemedlikelytocoverthecriesofhisvictim，had，afterprolongedhesitation，resolvedtocommithiscrime，andhavingfiredtwoshotsattheunfortunateyoungmanwithoutsucceedinginwoundinghim，hadputanendtohimbyblowsoftheaxe；lastly，atthemomentwhen，withSolomon’sassistance，hewasabouttothrowthebodyintothesea，theprince’sservantshavingappeared，theyhadgoneuptothegirl’sroom，and，inventingtheirabsurdtale，hadcastthemselvesontheirkneesbeforetheVirgin，inordertomisleadtheauthorities。AllthecircumstancesthatpoorSolomoncitedinhisson’sfavourturnedagainsthim：theladderatNisida’swindowbelongedtothefisherman；thedaggerwhichyoungBrancaleonealwayscarrieduponhimtodefendhimselfhadevidentlybeentakenfromhimafterhisdeath，andGabrielhadhastenedtobreakit，soastodestroy，tothebestofhispower，thetracesofhiscrime。
Bastiano’sevidencedidnotreceiveaminute’sconsideration：he，todestroytheideaofpremeditation，declaredthattheyoungfishermanhadlefthimonlyatthemomentwhenthestormbrokeovertheisland；
but，inthefirstplace，theyoungdiverwasknowntobeGabriel’smostdevotedfriendandhissister’swarmestadmirer，and，inthesecond，hehadbeenseentolandatTorreduringthesamehourinwhichhehadaffirmedthathewasneartoNisida。Asfortheprince’spassionforthepoorpeasantgirl，themagistratessimplyshruggedtheirshouldersattheridiculousassertionofthat，andespeciallyattheyounggirl’sallegedresistanceandtheextrememeasurestowhichtheprincewassupposedtohaveresortedtoconquerthevirtueofNisida。EligiofBrancaleonewassoyoung，sohandsome，soseductive，andatthesametimesocoolamidhissuccesses，thathehadneverbeensuspectedofviolence，exceptingettingridofhismistresses。Finally，anoverwhelmingandunanswerableproofoverthrewalltheargumentsforthedefence：underthefisherman’sbedhadbeenfoundapursewiththeBrancaleonearms，fullofgold，thepursewhich，ifourreadersremember，theprincehadflungasalastinsultatGabriel’sfeet。
Theoldmandidnotloseheartatthisfabricoflies；afterthepleadingsoftheadvocateswhoseruinouseloquencehehadboughtwithheavygold，hedefendedhissonhimself，andputsomuchtruth，somuchpassion，andsomanytearsintohisspeech，thatthewholeaudiencewasmoved，andthreeofthejudgesvotedforanacquittal；
butthemajoritywasagainstit，andthefatalverdictwaspronounced。
Thenewsatoncespreadthroughoutthelittleisland，andcausedthedeepestdejectionthere。Thefisherswho，atthefirstirruptionofforce，hadrisenasonemantodefendtheircomrade’scause，bowedtheirheadswithoutamurmurbeforetheunquestionedauthorityofalegaljudgment。Solomonreceivedunflinchinglythestabthatpiercedhisheart。Nosighescapedhisbreast；notearcametohiseyes；hiswounddidnotbleed。Sincehisson’sarresthehadsoldallhepossessedintheworld，eventhelittlesilvercrossleftbyhiswifeatherdeath，eventhepearlnecklacethatflatteredhisfatherlypridebylosingitswhitenessagainsthisdearNisida’sthroat；thepiecesofgoldgainedbythesaleofthesethingshehadsewnintohiscoarsewoollencap，andhadestablishedhimselfinthecity。Heatenothingbutthebreadthrowntohimbythepityofpassers-by，andsleptonthestepsofchurchesoratthemagistrates’door。
Toestimateatitsfullvaluetheheroiccourageofthisunhappyfather，onemusttakeageneralviewofthewholeextentofhismisfortune。Overwhelmedbyageandgrief，helookedforwardwithsolemncalmnesstotheterriblemomentwhichwouldbearhisson，afewdaysbeforehim，tothegrave。Hissharpestagonywasthethoughtoftheshamethatwouldenvelophisfamily。ThefirstscaffolderectedinthatgentlymanneredislandwouldariseforGabriel，andthatignominiouspunishmenttarnishthewholepopulationandimprintuponitthefirstbrandofdisgrace。Byasadtransition，whichyetcomessoeasilyinthedestinyofman，thepoorfathergrewtolongforthosemomentsofdangeratwhichhehadformerlytrembled，thosemomentsinwhichhissonmighthavediednobly。Andnowallwaslost：alonglifeofwork，ofabnegation，andofgooddeeds，apureandstainlessreputationthathadextendedbeyondthegulfintodistantcountries，andthetraditionaladmiration，risingalmosttoworship，ofseveralgenerations；allthesethingsonlyservedtodeepenthepitintowhichthefishermanhadfallen，atoneblow，fromhiskinglyheight。Goodfame，thatdivinehalowithoutwhichnothinghereonearthissacred，haddisappeared。Mennolongerdaredtodefendthepoorwretch，theypitiedhim。Hisnamewouldsooncarryhorrorwithit，andNisida，poororphan，wouldbenothingtoanyonebutthesisterofamanwhohadbeencondemnedtodeath。EvenBastianoturnedawayhisfaceandwept。Thus，wheneveryrespitewasover，whenpoorSolomon’severyattempthadfailed，peopleinthetownwhosawhimsmilestrangely，asthoughundertheobsessionofsomefixedidea，saidtooneanotherthattheoldmanhadlosthisreason。
Gabrielsawhislastdaydawn，serenelyandcalmly。Hissleephadbeendeep；heawokefullofunknownjoy；acheerfulrayofsunlight，fallingthroughtheloophole，waveredoverthefinegoldenstrawinhiscell；anautumnbreezeplayingaroundhim，broughtanagreeablecoolnesstohisbrow，andstirredinhislonghair。Thegaoler，whowhilehehadhadhiminhischargehadalwaysbehavedhumanely，struckbyhishappylooks，hesitatedtoannouncethepriest’svisit，infearofcallingthepoorprisonerfromhisdream。Gabrielreceivedthenewswithpleasure；heconversedfortwohourswiththegoodpriest，andshedsweettearsonreceivingthelastabsolution。
Thepriestlefttheprisonwithtearsinhiseyes，declaringaloudthathehadneverinhislifemetwithamorebeautiful，pure，resigned，andcourageousspirit。
Thefishermanwasstillundertheinfluenceofthisconsolingemotionwhenhissisterentered。Sincethedaywhenshehadbeencarried，fainting，fromtheroomwhereherbrotherhadjustbeenarrested，thepoorgirl，shelteredundertheroofofanaunt，andaccusingherselfofalltheevilthathadbefallen，haddonenothingbutweepatthefeetofherholyprotectress。Bowedbygrieflikeayounglilybeforethestorm，shewouldspendwholehours，pale，motionless，detachedfromearthlythings，hertearsflowingsilentlyuponherbeautifulclaspedhands。Whenthemomentcametogoandembraceherbrotherforthelasttime，Nisidaarosewiththecourageofasaint。
Shewipedawaythetracesofhertears，smoothedherbeautifulblackhair，andputonherbestwhitedress。Poorchild，shetriedtohidehergriefbyanangelicdeception。Shehadthestrengthtosmile！
AtthesightofheralarmingpallorGabrielfelthisheartwrung，acloudpassedoverhiseyes；hewouldhaveruntomeether，but，heldbackbythechainwhichfetteredhimtoapillarofhisprison，steppedbacksharplyandstumbled。Nisidaflewtoherbrotherandupheldhiminherarms。Theyounggirlhadunderstoodhim；sheassuredhimthatshewaswell。Fearingtoremindhimofhisterribleposition，shespokevolublyofallmannerofthings——heraunt，theweather，theMadonna。Thenshestoppedsuddenly，frightenedatherownwords，frightenedatherownsilence；shefixedherburninggazeuponherbrother’sbrowasthoughtofascinatehim。Littlebylittleanimationreturnedtoher；afaintcolourtintedherhollowedcheeks，andGabriel，deceivedbythemaiden’ssuperhumanefforts，thoughtherstillbeautiful，andthankedGodinhisheartforhavingsparedthistendercreature。Nisida，asthoughshehadfollowedherbrother’ssecretthoughts，cameclosetohim，pressedhishandwithanairofunderstanding，andmurmuredlowinhisear，\"Fortunatelyourfatherhasbeenawayfortwodays；hesentmewordthathewouldbedetainedintown。Forus，itisdifferent；weareyoung，wehavecourage！\"
Thepooryounggirlwastremblinglikealeaf。
\"Whatwillbecomeofyou，mypoorNisida？\"
\"Bah！IwillpraytotheMadonna。Doesshenotwatchoverus？\"Thegirlstopped，struckbythesoundofherownwords，whichthecircumstancessocruellycontradicted。Butlookingatherbrother，shewentoninalowtone：\"Assuredlyshedoeswatchoverus。Sheappearedtomelastnightinadream。SheheldherchildJesusonherarm，andlookedatmewithamother’stenderness。Shewishestomakesaintsofus，forshelovesus；andtobeasaint，yousee，Gabriel，onemustsuffer。\"
\"Well，goandprayforme，mykindsister；goawayfromtheviewofthissadplace，whichwilleventuallyshakeyourfirmness，andperhapsmine。Go；weshallseeeachotheragaininheavenabove，whereourmotheriswaitingforus——ourmotherwhomyouhavenotknown，andtowhomIshalloftenspeakofyou。Farewell，mysister，untilwemeetagain！\"
Andhekissedherontheforehead。
Theyounggirlcalledupallherstrengthintoherheartforthissuprememoment；shewalkedwithafirmstep；havingreachedthethreshold，sheturnedroundandwavedhimafarewell，preventingherselfbyanervouscontractionfromburstingintotears，butassoonasshewasinthecorridor，asobbrokefromherbosom，andGabriel，whohearditechofromthevaultedroof，thoughtthathisheartwouldbreak。
Thenhethrewhimselfonhisknees，and，liftinghishandstoheaven，cried，\"Ihavefinishedsuffering；Ihavenothingmorethatholdsmetolife。IthankThee，myGod！Thouhastkeptmyfatheraway，andhastbeenwillingtosparethepooroldmanagriefthatwouldhavebeenbeyondhisstrength。\"
Itwasatthehourofnoon，afterhavingexhaustedeverypossiblemeans，pouredouthisgoldtothelastpiece，andembracedthekneesofthelowestservingman，thatSolomonthefishermantookhiswaytohisson’sprison。Hisbrowwassowoebegonethattheguardsdrewback，seizedwithpity，andthegaolerweptasheclosedthedoorofthecelluponhim。Theoldmanremainedsomemomentswithoutadvancingastep，absorbedincontemplationofhisson。Bythetawnygleamofhiseyemightbedivinedthatthesoulofthemanwasmovedatthatinstantbysomedarkproject。Heseemedneverthelessstruckbythe-beautyofGabriel’sface。Threemonthsinprisonhadrestoredtohisskinthewhitenessthatthesunhadturnedbrown；hisfinedarkhairfellincurlsaroundhisneck，hiseyesrestedonhisfatherwithaliquidandbrilliantgaze。Neverhadthisheadbeensobeautifulasnow，whenitwastofall。
\"Alas，mypoorson！\"saidtheoldman，\"thereisnohopeleft；youmustdie。\"
\"Iknowit，\"answeredGabrielinatoneoftenderreproach，\"anditisnotthatwhichmostafflictsmeatthismoment。Butyou，too，whydoyouwishtogivemepain，atyourage？Whydidyounotstayinthetown？\"
\"Inthetown，\"theoldmanreturned，\"theyhavenopity；Icastmyselfattheking’sfeet，ateverybody’sfeet；thereisnopardon，nomercyforus。\"
\"Well，inGod’sname，whatisdeathtome？Imeetitdailyonthesea。Mygreatest，myonlytormentisthepainthattheyarecausingyou。\"
\"AndI，doyouthink，myGabriel，thatIonlysufferinseeingyoudie？Oh，itisbutapartingforafewdays；Ishallsoongotojoinyou。Butadarkersorrowweighsuponme。Iamstrong，Iamaman\"。
Hestopped，fearingthathehadsaidtoomuch；thendrawingneartohisson，hesaidinatearfulvoice，\"Forgiveme，myGabriel；Iamthecauseofyourdeath。Ioughttohavekilledtheprincewithmyownhand。Inourcountry，childrenandoldmenarenotcondemnedtodeath。Iamovereightyyearsold；Ishouldhavebeenpardoned；theytoldmethatwhen，withtears，Iaskedpardonforyou；oncemore，forgiveme，Gabriel；Ithoughtmydaughterwasdead；Ithoughtofnothingelse；andbesides，Ididnotknowthelaw。\"
\"Father，father！\"criedGabriel，touched，\"whatareyousaying？I
wouldhavegivenmylifeathousandtimesovertopurchaseonedayofyours。Sinceyouarestrongenoughtobepresentatmylasthour，fearnot；youwillnotseemeturnpale；yoursonwillbeworthyofyou。\"
\"Andheistodie，todie！\"criedSolomon，strikinghisforeheadindespair，andcastingonthewallsofthedungeonalookoffirethatwouldfainhavepiercedthem。
\"Iamresigned，father，\"saidGabrielgently；didnotChristascendthecross？\"
\"Yes，\"murmuredtheoldmaninamuffledvoice，\"butHedidnotleavebehindasisterdishonouredbyHisdeath。\"
Thesewords，whichescapedtheoldfishermaninspiteofhimself，threwasuddenandterriblelightintothesoulofGabriel。Forthefirsttimeheperceivedalltheinfamousmannerofhisdeath：theshamelesspopulacecrowdingroundthescaffold，thehatefulhandoftheexecutionertakinghimbytheHair，andthedropsofhisbloodbesprinklingthewhiteraimentofhissisterandcoveringherwithshame。
\"Oh，ifIcouldgetaweapon！\"criedGabriel，hishaggardeyesroamingaround。
\"Itisnottheweaponthatislacking，\"answeredSolomon，carryinghishandtothehiltofadaggerthathehadhiddeninhisbreast。
\"Thenkillme，father，\"saidGabrielinalowtone，butwithanirresistibleaccentofpersuasionandentreaty；\"ohyes，Iconfessitnow，theexecutioner’shandfrightensme。MyNisida，mypoorNisida，Ihaveseenher；shewasherejustnow，asbeautifulandaspaleastheMadonnaDolorosa；shesmiledtohidefrommehersufferings。Shewashappy，poorgirl，becauseshebelievedyouaway。Oh，howsweetitwillbetometodiebyyourhand！Yougavemelife；takeitback，father，sinceGodwillhaveitso。AndNisidawillbesaved。
Oh，donothesitate！Itwouldbeacowardiceonthepartofbothofus；sheismysister，sheisyourdaughter。\"
Andseeingthathispowerfulwillhadsubjugatedtheoldman，hesaid，\"Help！help，father！\"andofferedhisbreasttotheblow。Thepoorfatherliftedhishandtostrike；butamortalconvulsionranthroughallhislimbs；hefellintohisson’sarms，andbothburstintotears。
\"Poorfather！\"saidGabriel。\"Ioughttohaveforeseenthat。Givemethatdaggerandturnaway；Iamyoungandmyarmwillnottremble。\"
\"Ohno！\"returnedSolomonsolemnly，\"no，myson，forthenyouwouldbeasuicide！Letyoursoulascendtoheavenpure！GodwillgivemeHisstrength。Moreover，wehavetimeyet。\"
Andalastrayofhopeshoneintheeyesofthefisherman。
Thentherepassedinthatdungeononeofthosescenesthatwordscanneverreproduce。Thepoorfathersatdownonthestrawathisson’ssideandlaidhisheadgentlyuponhisknees。Hesmiledtohimthroughhistears，asonesmilestoasickchild；hepassedhishandslowlythroughthesilkycurlsofhishair，andaskedhimcountlessquestions，intermingledwithcaresses。Inordertogivehimadistasteforthisworldhekeptontalkingtohimoftheother。
Then，withasuddenchange，hequestionedhimminutelyaboutallsortsofpastmatters。Sometimeshestoppedinalarm，andcountedthebeatingsofhisheart，whichwerehurriedlymarkingthepassageoftime。
\"Tellmeeverything，mychild；haveyouanydesire，anywishthatcouldbesatisfiedbeforeyoudie？Areyouleavinganywomanwhomyoulovedsecretly？Everythingwehaveleftshallbehers。\"
\"Iregretnothingonearthbutyouandmysister。YouaretheonlypersonswhomIhavelovedsincemymother’sdeath。\"
\"Well，becomforted。Yoursisterwillbesaved。\"
\"Oh，yes！Ishalldiehappy。\"
\"Doyouforgiveourenemies？\"
\"Withallthestrengthofmyheart。IprayGodtohavemercyonthewitnesseswhoaccusedme。MayHeforgivememysins！\"
\"Howoldisitthatyouwillsoonbe？\"theoldmanaskedsuddenly，forhisreasonwasbeginningtototter，andhismemoryhadfailedhim。
\"Iwastwenty-fiveonAllHallows’Day。\"
\"True；itwasasadday，thisyear；youwereinprison。\"
\"Doyourememberhow，fiveyearsago，onthatsamedayIgottheprizeintheregattaatVenice？\"
\"Tellmeaboutthat，mychild。\"
Andhelistened，hisneckstretchedforward，hismouthhalfopen，hishandsinhisson’s。Asoundofstepscameinfromthecorridor，andadullknockwasstruckuponthedoor。Itwasthefatalhour。Thepoorfatherhadforgottenit。
Thepriestshadalreadybeguntosingthedeathhymn；theexecutionerwasready，theprocessionhadsetout，whenSolomonthefishermanappearedsuddenlyonthethresholdoftheprison，hiseyesaflameandhisbrowradiantwiththehaloofthepatriarchs。Theoldmandrewhimselfuptohisfullheight，andraisinginonehandthereddenedknife，saidinasublimevoice，\"Thesacrificeisfulfilled。GoddidnotsendHisangeltostaythehandofAbraham。\"
Thecrowdcarriedhimintriumph！
[ThedetailsofthiscasearerecordedinthearchivesoftheCriminalCourtatNaples。Wehavechangednothingintheageorpositionofthepersonswhoappearinthisnarrative。OneofthemostcelebratedadvocatesattheNeapolitanbarsecuredtheacquittaloftheoldman。]