"Potius mori quam fœdari."
"Death is preferable to dishonor."
But one sentence is recorded there which could be considered strictly of a religious character. It was taken from the "Imitation of Christ."
"Remember that you are not called to a life of indulgence and pleasure, but to toil and to suffer."
La Source and Sillery.
La Source and Sillery, two very devoted friends, occupied a cell together. La Source was a devoted Christian, and found, in the consolations of piety, an unfailing support. Sillery possessed a feeling heart, and was soothed and comforted by the devotion of his friend. La Source composed a beautiful hymn, adapted to a sweet and solemn air, which they called their evening service. Night after night this mournful dirge was heard gently issuing from the darkness of their cell, in tones so melodious and plaintive that they never died away from the memory of those who heard them. It is difficult to conceive of any thing more affecting than this knell, so softly uttered at midnight in those dark and dismal dungeons.
Their evening dirge.
"Calm all the tumults that invade
Our souls, and lend thy powerful aid.
Oh! source of mercy! soothe our pains,
And break, O break our cruel chains!
To Thee the captive pours his cry,
To Thee the mourner loves to fly.
The incense of our tears receive—
'Tis all the incense we can give.
"Eternal Power! our cause defend,
O God! of innocence the friend.
Near Thee forever she resides,
In Thee forever she confides.
Thou know'st the secrets of the breast:
Thou know'st the oppressor and the oppress'd.
Do thou our wrongs with pity see,Avert a doom offending thee.