Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 4).djvu/137

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which you were brought up, and I set out for it a few days after the interment of the Earl. At the moment I was bidding a last adieu to the castle, the monk put you into my arms in order to revive my resolution, which he saw drooping. 'Tis said that our first parents lingered as they were quitting paradise; so I lingered as I was leaving what to me had been a paradise—so I paused and cast my tearful eyes upon it. With difficulty the monk could prevail on me to proceed; he insisted on accompanying me to the place, about half a league from the castle, where a guide and mules were stationed for me. As we proceeded thither, he exhorted me to patience and submission to the Divine will. Our farewell was solemn and affecting; I strained him to my breast, and attempted to express my gratitude for all his kindness. 'Oh! my son (cried the holy man, while tears bedewed his venerable face), I do not merit such thanks; I but performed my duty in the services I rendered you and the family of the Earl; for am I not the servant of a