Page:Christianity in China, Tartary, and Thibet Volume I.djvu/413

STEPHEN OF HUNGARY. 401 Jesus Christ, I wish now to acknowledge him publicly as my God and Saviour." An interview was secretly planned, which took place on the morrow, Easter-day, in the house of a Christian. Pierre de Bologne, superior of the monastery, hastened thither with the other monks, and at the sight of his brethren Stephen prostrated himself with his face to the earth, and weeping, in a voice broken by sobs, asked pardon for his crime. He begged to be admitted to penance, and the communion of the faithful, with such heartfelt and lively expressions of repentance, as drew tears from all present, and was so admitted accordingly, and received absolution for the crime of apostacy and all his sins. All this took place within closed walls, and without arousing the suspicions of the Mus- sulmans. On the following day an extraordinary solemnity "was to take place at the mosque, in honour of the new be- liever, who had promised to make an oration to the mul- titude of the followers of Mahomet. Ten thousand Mus- sulmans were already assembled in the vast enclosure of the mosque of Serai, when Stephen appeared. He was clad in a scarlet robe, and proceeded with noble con- fidence towards the tribune, amidst the acclamations of the assembly. Having with his hand demanded silence, he cried in a voice of emotion, yet full of determination, " I have been a Christian for twenty-five years, and have examined the doctrines of Christianity ; know, then, all you who listen to me, that the religion of Jesus Christ is the only true religion, and that by which alone we can be saved. During three days that I have lived amongst you as an apostate, I have seen in yours only superstition and falsehood. I confess then that VOL. I. D D