Soon, very soon, the hour of her release will strike, and the iron doors that have guarded her will open wide to let her pass.
What then, what then, Marie Tarnowska?
Who will await you at the prison gate? Surely Grief, Scorn, and Hatred will be there. But by your side I seem to see a guardian spirit, shielding your drooping head with outstretched wings. It is the sister of lost Innocence—Repentance; and in her wake comes the blind singer, Hope.
Transcriber's Note
Original spelling, even where inconsistent, and punctuation have been preserved.
Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.