The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss — page 298: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

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Ags for tune which has many aspects, and past: he rash vow which you made, I do not be contemplated in many points of view. | hesitate thus to counsel its violation: For not only is your expected first-born nay, more—as a man and a minister of vowed and pledged to a secret service, heaven, l enjoin you to disregard SO the very mystery of which strikes ter- iniquitous a pledge. The observance ror to the soul—but the violation of that| thereof would be a greater crime than promise will provoke a vengeance which | its renunciation ; and for the latter do J evidently has the power to strike deep-| grant thee absolution. Now ye have ly, and to which it is impossible to fore- ‘heard my advice, dear children,” said see the bounds. Unhappily all the se- /the holy man in conclusion, «and it creft associations which have sprung up;remains for you to pronounce your in European society, have elaborate and | your opinion and your decision.” intimate connexions of an ecclesiastica]l| « « But my friends and retainers will character ; and among their chiefs, their upbraid me bitterly, or shun me as a members, and their votaries, are priests} mad man for thus dealing with my first- and nuns to be found. With sorrow do born child,” exclaimed the baron, in I make this admission in respect to the | despair. Catholic Church; but I am not disposed ‘Their reproaches would be more to shut mine eyes to a truth which is, just and more poignant,” answered the alas ! only too palpable. You will, how- priest mildly, ‘if they were to learn ever, ask me what reference my re- your terrible secret, and find that you marks have to the matter under consid-| had taken no steps to rescue your off- eration? I will tell you. The course spring from the consequences of your which I shall recommend with regard | rashness,”’ to your first-born, is to dedicate the ‘s¢QOh! my beloved husband,” ex- child even from its cradle to the service | claimed the weeping Emilia, “Jet me of heaven. The protecting influence | implore you upon my knees to follow of good angels will then be cast over| the counsel of our reverend friend.” your offspring ; for Providence will not} «« There is ample leisure for reflec- desert its elect. If a male child, it will| tion,” said the baron, bewildered by all be destined to a monastic life: if a fe-| the conflicting ideas that agitated in his male, to the seclusion of a convent. | brain. ‘ But inasmuch as the secret association| « « But the tortures of suspense will of the Bronze Statue may have agents, | hurry me to the tomb,” urged the un- votaries, and adherents in the monas- happy Emilia; “ whereas consolation teries and convents of Bohemia, let it may at least be derived from a settled be resolved that your first-born, on ar- plan of proceeding. On my knees, riving at the proper age, shall enter a then, do I implore you, my beloved hus- cloister in a foreign clime. There the band ea civil and ecclesiastical laws wil] alike ‘* Rise, dearest Emilia,” he exclaim- be a protection; and by these means ed, snatching her to his breast; ‘* your your offspring will doubtless be saved | wishes shall be granted, and everything from the consequences of the father’s! shall be as you desire !” rash vow; while you, the parents, will} «The priest then pronounced, in be left to ward off the vengeance of the | slow and measured terms, a certain for- Bronze Statue as best you may. But I} mula by virtue of which the first-born need not speak to you, my son,” con-| son or daughter of the Baron and Ba- tinued Father Heracles, now addressing | roness of Iidegardo was vowed and de- himself specially to the baron, « upon) voted to the service of heaven; and such a subject ; inasmuch as the matter | this antenatal dedication was repeated will no doubt ultimately resolve itself by the young lord and his beauteous into a feudal contest between the Baron} Emilia as they knelt at the holy father’s of Altendorf and yourself. To punish | feet. But asthe last words of the vo- what he will term your treachery, and | tive prayer fell from their lips, a mock- to get you into his power—you and | ing laugh rang through the room; and yours—he will march against you, and! the door, which they fancied to have 5 the torch of war will be lighted up on) been shut the whole time, was closed | with a sudden violence, : ei ee either side. But if conquest should de- clare in your lordship’s favor, you may | not only defeat an imperious enemy, | but you may likewise have the satisfuc.| comicbooks.com