“’Twere to show him too much indulgence,” said Priuli.
“I could say much in defence of my faith,” observed Carver, “but I know you would not listen to me, and I should therefore only throw away my time. But let me not appear ungrateful. I am assured that your Eminence is actuated by a sincere desire for my welfare.”
“I would save you, if possible, from the terrible death by which you are menaced,” said the Cardinal. “Conform, and I will obtain your pardon. Reflect on what I have said.”
“I need no reflection,” rejoined the other. “I could not conform with hypocrisy, and I will never belie my conscience.”
“Have you no ties that bind you to earth?—none for whom you desire to live?” said the Cardinal.
“I have a wife and children, and an aged mother,” replied Carver; “but[“but] I gave up all when I entered the service of my Heavenly Master.”
“And would you leave them without a protector?” said Pole.
“Heaven will watch over them,” rejoined the other.
“This man appears callous to all human emotions and sympathies,” observed Priuli.
“There you do not judge me rightly,” said Carver. “My breast is not devoid of affection. I love my wife and children—I love my mother—dearly—very dearly. But I am a soldier of Christ, and having been summoned to the fight, must obey the call. If I die in His cause, those dear to me will not be deserted. You cannot touch me. There is no weak part in my armour.”