"If my heart is not pure, if I take this oath, as a blind. ..."
Felicitas hesitated a little to test herself.... No it was no blind. She really meant what she was promising.
"If in future I set my desires on vain pleasure, or nourish sinful wishes, so shalt Thou punish me through the dearest I possess. Thou shalt shame me in the sight of all men."
"Thou shalt shame me in the sight of all men," repeated Felicitas, and looked timidly round her.
"The child Thou hast given me shall die," was whispered in her ear.
A cold shiver ran along her spine, and then she repeated even this.
"And I shall be his murderess."
Felicitas was silent and trembled.
"Well ... why do you hesitate?"
"Johanna, it is so awful, what you want me to say."