Robert, where he crouched, muttered to himself, “I have sinned, I have sinned, I have grievously sinned.”
Robert’s face was very pale, his body shook with anguish, and he crouched more and more upon the steps of the altar.
A soldier rose and spoke.
“I am not squeamish; I have seen cities sacked, but I will not serve this man-beast. I will carry my sword over-seas. I will follow the flag of some gallant captain, and die remembering Sicily. Woe to the wicked King!”
He knelt again.
Robert, where he crouched, muttered to himself, “I have sinned, I have sinned, I have grievously sinned.”
He heard Hieronymus give his benediction—“Benedicto vos in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.” A thought came to Robert, he crept to Hieronymus, plucking at his sleeve:
“Father,” he whispered, “may I, who am so sore afflicted, speak to these unhappy?”
Hieronymus rested his hand gently on Robert’s shoulder as he again addressed the kneeling figures.