“The more their wealth increased, the more unfaithful they became, until the men met in the market-place daily to defraud each other, and the women’s only purpose in life was to display their vanity.
“At the inn were nightly carousals. The young men thought only of their gains and dissipations. Men were untrue to their families, and lovers to their vows.
“The Sabbath was not kept. The old priest, Van Ness, said masses to the empty aisles.
“In those evil days lived one Frederic Wollin. He was a brave man, and his soul was true.
“It was the custom of this good man to instruct the people in the market-place. But at last none came to hear him.
“One day, near Christmas, the council met. Wine flowed; rude jests went round. The question was discussed as to how these days of selfish delights might be made perpetual.
“A great cry arose:—
“‘Banish the holy days: then all our to-morrows will be as to-day!’
“Then Wollin arose and faced the people. His appearance was met by a tumult, and his words increased the hatred long felt against him.
“‘The days of evil have no to-morrows.’ he said. ‘He that liveth to himself is dead.’