Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 4).djvu/134

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foremost in the ranks of virtue and of valour; that their arms were never stretched against the feeble, nor their swords stained with the blood of innocence.' His eyes sparkled as he spoke, and the vigour of his soul seemed revived; but, alas! his was but the emanation of a departing spirit.


"Early the ensuing morning, contrary to his usual custom, the monk came to me. His unexpected visit, and agitated countenance, instantly alarmed me; and, in faltering accents, I pronounced your name.


'Your child is well (said he); the Earl too is well—he sleeps in peace; his soul has this day been called to heaven."


"I could not refrain my tears on hearing of this event; in losing the Earl, I lost the friend who soothed my sorrows by talking to me of my Geraldine. 'All then that now remains to me (cried I), of the friends I