In the mean time I remained with your brother in a situation of mind which I declare I never felt before, in a sort of stupefaction, which I cannot describe. Before he sat down he put a large poker in the fire, and once or twice I heard the name of his parents escape from his lips, in a voice scarcely articulate. I went to him and caught him by the hand, exclaiming, in an agony, did you visit me for this!
CHARLES.
Dear William, here, or in any other place, the same misfortune might have befallen me.
WILLIAM.
But you, my friend, who are so virtuous, whose heart is so generous, who never neglected your duty—surely, you did not deserve—
CHARLES, interrupting me.
Take care, William, do not let your friendship lead you to arraign the goodness of God! If I indeed have endeavoured to follow the good example of my father, and have been a comfort to my parents, I can with less terror view death; if I am indeed near it. But that may not be the case, I shall take the step that reason suggests, and leave the rest to God.
WILLIAM.
Noble soul! No, I repeat it, you merited a better fate.
CHARLES.