I broke the vows indeed, but I was forced to take those vows, and,
therefore, they did not bind. I was a woman born for light and love,
and yet I was thrust into the darkness of this cloister, there to wither
dead in life. And so I broke the vows, and I am glad that I have
broken them, though it has brought me to this. If I was deceived and
my marriage is no marriage before the law as they tell me now, I knew
nothing of it, therefore to me it is still valid and holy and on my soul
there rests no stain. At the least I have lived, and for some few hours
I have been wife and mother, and it is as well to die swiftly in this
cell that your mercy has prepared, as more slowly in those above. And
now for you--I tell you that your wickedness shall find you out, you who
dare to say to God's children--"Ye shall not love," and to work murder
on them because they will not listen. It shall find you out I say, and
not only you but the Church you serve. Both priest and Church shall be
broken together and shall be a scorn in the mouths of men to come.'
'She is distraught,' said the Dominican as a sigh of fear and wonder
went round the vault, 'and blasphemes in her madness. Forget her words.
Shrive her, brother, swiftly ere she adds to them.'
Then the black-robed, keen-eyed priest came to her, and holding the
cross before her face, began to mutter I know not what.
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