began to advance excuses, and canvass the professor’s conduct in a more favourable manner. He himself, however, appeared unconscious of what was passing around him, he stood the very picture of grief, the hot bitter tears coursing each other down his cheeks.
Master Rhenfried meanwhile bent over the dying man, and with gentle firmness said, “You will soon appear in the presence of the great God, my dear sir, and now you see before you the face of that man whom you have the most deeply betrayed and injured, even deprived of his last sweetest hopes on earth. But God be praised—I know, I confess, Him who purchased us with his blood; bore all our sins, and has paid the price even for yours. So take comfort, dear sir, I forgive you from the bottom of my soul, and if you depart with feelings of reconciliation and regret, be assured you will likewise meet with still greater compassion—pardon—blessed peace, in that better state to which you are now fast hastening. With whatever evil, deceit, and falsehood, Ludibert, you so vilely assumed the name of Wendelstern on earth, I do confidently predict that for this your sorrow and ruth, you shall yet retain your name, and become a fair bright star (stern) in Heaven, high above all your earthly pomp and state; in a sphere where friend and enemy may unite in the enjoyment of the same heavenly blessedness and delights. Go, take thy rest then, dear Ludibert, with
