the sunshine of prosperity, have dared to doubt; but to us in the sober shade of life, visited too as we have now been by visions preternatural and awful, it is a thing of certainty rather than of faith.
Ost. That such things are, it makes the brain confused and giddy.—These are tremendous thoughts!
(Leans his back against the wall, and gazes fixedly on the ground.)
Prior. Let us leave him to the bitterness of his thoughts. We now must deliberate with the brethren on what is to be done. There must be no delay; the night advances fast. Conduct him to another apartment. I must assemble a council of the whole order.
Jer. (to Osterloo.) We must lead you to another apartment, Count, while we consider what is to be done.
Ost. (roused.) Aye, the expiation, you mean: let it be severe, if atonement in this world may be made.
(Turning to Prior as Jerome leads him off.)
Let your expiation be severe, holy Father; a slight penance matches not with such a crime as mine.
Prior. Be well assured it shall be what it ought.
Ost. (turning again, and catching hold of the Prior's robe.) I regard not bodily pain. In battle once, with the head of a broken arrow in my thigh, I led on the charge, and sustained all
