Venturing towards her an imploring look,

Wilt thou join with me for his soul in prayer?

He said, and trembled as he spake. That voice

Of sympathy was like Heaven’s influence,

Wounding at once and comforting the soul.

O Father, Christ requite thee! she exclaim’d;

Thou hast set free the springs which withering griefs

Have closed too long. Forgive me, for I thought

Thou wert a rigid and unpitying judge;

One whose stern virtue, feeling in itself