And he walked up and down in the chamber, like a wild beast in confinement.
The priest said no word, interrupted him in nothing, and only after long waiting did he rise, put his arms around Yatsek's shoulders, kiss his head, and lead him by the hand to an alcove.
The old man knelt before a small crucifix which was hanging over the bed there, and when the sufferer had knelt at his side the priest prayed as follows:
"O Lord, Thou knowest what pain is, for Thou didst endure it on the cross for the offences of mankind.
"Hence I bring my bleeding heart to Thee, and at Thy feet which are pierced I implore Thee for mercy.
"I cry not to Thee: 'take this pain from me,' but I cry 'give me strength to endure it.'
"For I, O Lord, am a soldier submissive to Thy order, and I desire much to serve Thee, and the Commonwealth, my mother-- But how can I do this when my heart is faint and my right hand is weakened?
"Because of this make me forget myself and make me think only of Thy glory, and the rescue of my mother, for those things are of far greater moment than the pain of a pitiful worm, such as I am.
"And strengthen me, O Lord, in my saddle, so that through lofty deeds against pagans I may reach a glorious death, and also heaven.
"By Thy crown of thorns, hear me!