My life be ta’en, why should I seek a countermand?’
Before me prone he fell, this prayer he warmly made:
‘Hew me in twain! For love of God, let me persuade!130
Pray save me from so vile, so villainous, a fate.
Remorse for ever as its prey will hold my hate.’
“Again I firmly answered him,—decidedly:
‘No counsel will avail. Pen’s mark must needs apply.
I bear no grudge against thee in my inmost soul;
I hold thee not responsible for deed so foul.
Thou’rt but the instrument, ’tis God that strikes the blow!