Importunity was tried in vain. They threatened to remove me by
violence,--nay, violence was used; but my soul prizes too dearly
this little roof to endure to be bereaved of it. Force should not
prevail when the hoary locks and supplicating tears of my uncle
were ineffectual. My repugnance to move gave birth to
ferociousness and frenzy when force was employed, and they were
obliged to consent to my return.
They besought me--they remonstrated--they appealed to every duty
that connected me with Him that made me and with my fellow-men--in
vain. While I live I will not go hence. Have I not fulfilled my
destiny?
Why will ye torment me with your reasonings and reproofs? Can ye
restore to me the hope of my better days? Can ye give me back
Catharine and her babes? Can ye recall to life him who died at my
feet?
I will eat--I will drink--I will lie down and rise up--at your
bidding; all I ask is the choice of my abode. What is there
unreasonable in this demand? Shortly will I be at peace. This is
the spot which I have chosen in which to breathe my last sigh.
Deny me not, I beseech you, so slight a boon.
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