“That I may hear the sound of my new bell before I die.”
The judges consulted, and answered,—
“It shall toll for your execution.”
The fatal day came.
Toll, toll, toll!
There was a sadness in the tone of the bell that touched every heart in Breslau. The bell seemed human.
Toll, toll, toll!
How melodious! how perfect! how beautiful! The very air seemed charmed! The years would come and go, and this bell would be the tongue of Breslau!
The old man came forth. He had forgotten his fate in listening to the bell. The heavy clang was so melodious that it filled his heart with joy.
“That is it! that is it; my heart, my life!” he said. “I know all the metals; I made the voice! Ring on, ring on forever! Ring in holy days, and happy festivals, and joy eternal to Breslau.”