第5章

Themoonlightglistenedupontracesofthegildingwhichhadoncecoveredbothriderandsteed；thesewerealmostgone，buttheaspectofdignitywasstillperfect，clothingthefigureasitwerewithanimperialrobeoflight。Itisthemostmajesticrepresentationofthekinglycharacterthatevertheworldhasseen。Asightoftheoldheathenemperorisenoughtocreateanevanescentsentimentofloyaltyeveninademocraticbosom，soaugustdoeshelook，sofittorule，soworthyofman\'sprofoundesthomageandobedience，soinevitablyattractiveofhislove。

Hestretchesforthhishandwithanairofgrandbeneficenceandunlimitedauthority，asifutteringadecreefromwhichnoappealwaspermissible，butinwhichtheobedientsubjectwouldfindhishighestinterestsconsulted；acommandthatwasinitselfabenediction。

"Thesculptorofthisstatueknewwhatakingshouldbe，"observedKenyon，"andknew，likewise，theheartofmankind，andhowitcravesatrueruler，underwhatevertitle，asachilditsfather"

"O，iftherewerebutonesuchmanasthis？"exclaimedMiriam。"Onesuchmaninanage，andoneinalltheworld；thenhowspeedilywouldthestrife，wickedness，andsorrowofuspoorcreaturesberelieved。Wewouldcometohimwithourgriefs，whatevertheymightbe，——evenapoor，frailwomanburdenedwithherheavyheart，——andlaythemathisfeet，andneverneedtotakethemupagain。Therightfulkingwouldseetoall。"

"Whatanideaoftheregalofficeandduty！"saidKenyon，withasmile。

"Itisawoman\'sideaofthewholemattertoperfection。ItisHilda\'s，too，nodoubt？"

"No，"answeredthequietHilda；"Ishouldneverlookforsuchassistancefromanearthlyking。"

"Hilda，myreligiousHilda，"whisperedMiriam，suddenlydrawingthegirlclosetoher，"doyouknowhowitiswithme？IwouldgiveallIhaveorhope——mylife，Ohowfreely——foroneinstantofyourtrustinGod！Youlittleguessmyneedofit。Youreallythink，then，thatHeseesandcaresforus？"

"Miriam，youfrightenme。"

"Hush，hush？donotletthemhearyet！"whisperedMiriam。"Ifrightenyou，yousay；forHeaven\'ssake，how？AmIstrange？Isthereanythingwildinmybehavior？"

"Onlyforthatmoment，"repliedHilda，"becauseyouseemedtodoubtGod\'sprovidence。"

"Wewilltalkofthatanothertime，"saidherfriend。"Justnowitisverydarktome。"

OntheleftofthePiazzaoftheCampidoglio，asyoufacecityward，andattheheadofthelongandstatelyflightofstepsdescendingfromtheCapitolineHilltotheleveloflowerRome，thereisanarrowlaneorpassage。Intothisthepartyofourfriendsnowturned。Thepathascendedalittle，andranalongunderthewallsofapalace，butsoonpassedthroughagateway，andterminatedinasmallpavedcourtyard。Itwasborderedbyalowparapet。

Thespot，forsomereasonorother，impressedthemasexceedinglylonely。

Ononesidewasthegreatheightofthepalace，withthemoonshinefallingoverit，andshowingallthewindowsbarredandshuttered。Notahumaneyecouldlookdownintothelittlecourtyard，eveniftheseeminglydesertedpalacehadatenant。Onallothersidesofitsnarrowcompasstherewasnothingbuttheparapet，whichasitnowappearedwasbuiltrightontheedgeofasteepprecipice。Gazingfromitsimminentbrow，thepartybeheldacrowdedconfusionofroofsspreadingoverthewholespacebetweenthemandthelineofhillsthatlaybeyondtheTiber。A

long，mistywreath，justdenseenoughtocatchalittleofthemoonshine，floatedabovethehouses，midwaytowardsthehillyline，andshowedthecourseoftheunseenriver。Farawayontheright，themoongleamedonthedomeofSt。Peter\'saswellasonmanylesserandnearerdomes。

"Whatabeautifulviewofthecity！"exclaimedHilda；"andIneversawRomefromthispointbefore。"

"Itoughttoaffordagoodprospect，"saidthesculptor；"foritwasfromthispoint——atleastweareatlibertytothinkso，ifwechoose——thatmanyafamousRomancaughthislastglimpseofhisnativecity，andofallotherearthlythings。ThisisoneofthesidesoftheTarpeianRock。

Lookovertheparapet，andseewhatasheertumbletheremightstillbeforatraitor，inspiteofthethirtyfeetofsoilthathaveaccumulatedatthefootoftheprecipice。"

Theyallbentover，andsawthattheclifffellperpendicularlydownwardtoaboutthedepth，orrathermore，atwhichthetallpalaceroseinheightabovetheirheads。Notthatitwasstillthenatural，shaggyfrontoftheoriginalprecipice；foritappearedtobecasedinancientstonework，throughwhichtheprimevalrockshoweditsfacehereandtheregrimlyanddoubtfully。Mossesgrewontheslightprojections，andlittleshrubssproutedoutofthecrevices，butcouldnotmuchsoftenthesternaspectofthecliff。BrightlyastheItalianmoonlightfelladowntheheight，itscarcelyshowedwhatportionofitwasman\'sworkandwhatwasnature\'s，butleftitallinverymuchthesamekindofambiguityandhalf-knowledgeinwhichantiquariansgenerallyleavetheidentityofRomanremains。

Theroofsofsomepoor-lookinghouses，whichhadbeenbuiltagainstthebaseandsidesofthecliff，rosenearlymidwaytothetop；butfromanangleoftheparapettherewasaprecipitousplungestraightdownwardintoastonepavedcourt。

"IpreferthistoanyothersiteashavingbeenveritablytheTraitor\'sLeap，"saidKenyon，"becauseitwassoconvenienttotheCapitol。ItwasanadmirableideaofthosesternoldfellowstoflingtheirpoliticalcriminalsdownfromtheverysummitonwhichstoodtheSenateHouseandJove\'sTemple，emblemsoftheinstitutionswhichtheysoughttoviolate。

Itsymbolizeshowsuddenwasthefallinthosedaysfromtheutmostheightofambitiontoitsprofoundestruin。"

"Come，come；itismidnight，"criedanotherartist，"toolatetobemoralizinghere。Weareliterallydreamingontheedgeofaprecipice。

Letusgohome。"

"Itistime，indeed，"saidHilda。

ThesculptorwasnotwithouthopesthathemightbefavoredwiththesweetchargeofescortingHildatothefootofhertower。Accordingly，whenthepartypreparedtoturnback，heofferedherhisarm。Hildaatfirstacceptedit；butwhentheyhadpartlythreadedthepassagebetweenthelittlecourtyardandthePiazzadelCampidoglio，shediscoveredthatMiriamhadremainedbehind。

"Imustgoback，"saidshe，withdrawingherarmfromKenyon\'s；"butpraydonotcomewithme。SeveraltimesthiseveningIhavehadafancythatMiriamhadsomethingonhermind，somesorroworperplexity，which，perhaps，itwouldrelievehertotellmeabout。No，no；donotturnback！

DonatellowillbeasufficientguardianforMiriamandme。"

Thesculptorwasagooddealmortified，andperhapsalittleangry：butheknewHilda\'smoodofgentledecisionandindependencetoowellnottoobeyher。Hethereforesufferedthefearlessmaidentoreturnalone。

MeanwhileMiriamhadnotnoticedthedepartureoftherestofthecompany；

sheremainedontheedgeoftheprecipiceandDonatelloalongwithher。

"Itwouldbeafatalfall，still，"shesaidtoherself，lookingovertheparapet，andshudderingashereyemeasuredthedepth。"Yes；surelyyes！

Evenwithouttheweightofanoverburdenedheart，ahumanbodywouldfallheavilyenoughuponthosestonestoshakeallitsjointsasunder。Howsoonitwouldbeover！"

Donatello，ofwhosepresenceshewaspossiblynotaware，nowpressedclosertoherside；andhe，too，likeMiriam，bentoverthelowparapetandtrembledviolently。Yetheseemedtofeelthatperilousfascinationwhichhauntsthebrowofprecipices，temptingtheunwaryonetoflinghimselfoverfortheveryhorrorofthething；for，afterdrawinghastilyback，heagainlookeddown，thrustinghimselfoutfartherthanbefore。Hethenstoodsilentabriefspace，struggling，perhaps，tomakehimselfconsciousofthehistoricassociationsofthescene。

"Whatareyouthinkingof，Donatello？"askedMiriam。

"Whoarethey，"saidhe，lookingearnestlyinherface，"whohavebeenflungoverhereindaysgoneby？"

"Menthatcumberedtheworld，"shereplied。"Menwhoseliveswerethebaneoftheirfellowcreatures。Menwhopoisonedtheair，whichisthecommonbreathofall，fortheirownselfishpurposes。TherewasshortworkwithsuchmeninoldRomantimes。Justinthemomentoftheirtriumph，ahand，asofanavenginggiant，clutchedthem，anddashedthewretchesdownthisprecipice。"

"Wasitwelldone？"askedtheyoungman。

"Itwaswelldone，"answeredMiriam；"innocentpersonsweresavedbythedestructionofaguiltyone，whodeservedhisdoom。"

Whilethisbriefconversationpassed，Donatellohadonceortwiceglancedasidewithawatchfulair，justasahoundmayoftenbeseentotakesidelongnoteofsomesuspiciousobject，whilehegiveshismoredirectattentiontosomethingnearerat，hand。Miriamseemednowfirsttobecomeawareofthesilencethathadfolloweduponthecheerfultalkandlaughterofafewmomentsbefore。

Lookinground，sheperceivedthatallhercompanyofmerryfriendshadretired，andHilda，too，inwhosesoftandquietpresenceshehadalwaysanindescribablefeelingofsecurity。Allgone；andonlyherselfandDonatellolefthangingoverthebrowoftheominousprecipice。

Notso，however；notentirelyalone！Inthebasementwallofthepalace，shadedfromthemoon，therewasadeep，emptyniche，thathadprobablyoncecontainedastatue；notempty，either；forafigurenowcameforthfromitandapproachedMiriam。Shemusthavehadcausetodreadsomeunspeakableevilfromthisstrangepersecutor，andtoknowthatthiswastheverycrisisofhercalamity；forashedrewnear，suchacold，sickdespaircreptoverherthatitimpededherbreath，andbenumbedhernaturalpromptitudeofthought。Miriamseemeddreamilytorememberfallingonherknees；but，inherwholerecollectionofthatwildmoment，shebeheldherselfasinadimshow，andcouldnotwelldistinguishwhatwasdoneandsuffered；no，notevenwhethershewerereallyanactorandsuffererinthescene。

Hilda，meanwhile，hadseparatedherselffromthesculptor，andturnedbacktorejoinherfriend。Atadistance，shestillheardthemirthofherlatecompanions，whoweregoingdownthecitywarddescentoftheCapitolineHill；theyhadsetupanewstaveofmelody，inwhichherownsoftvoice，aswellasthepowerfulsweetnessofMiriam\'s，wassadlymissed。

Thedoorofthelittlecourtyardhadswunguponitshinges，andpartlycloseditself。Hilda(whosenativegentlenesspervadedallhermovements)

wasquietlyopeningit，whenshewasstartled，midway，bythenoiseofastrugglewithin，beginningandendingallinonebreathlessinstant。

Alongwithit，orcloselysucceedingit，wasaloud，fearfulcry，whichquiveredupwardthroughtheair，andsankquiveringdownwardtotheearth。

Then，asilence！PoorHildahadlookedintothecourt-yard，andsawthewholequickpassageofadeed，whichtookbutthatlittletimetograveitselfintheeternaladamant。

CHAPTERXIX

THEFAUN\'STRANSFORMATION

Thedoorofthecourtyardswungslowly，andcloseditselfofitsownaccord。MiriamandDonatellowerenowalonethere。Sheclaspedherhands，andlookedwildlyattheyoungman，whoseformseemedtohavedilated，andwhoseeyesblazedwiththefierceenergythathadsuddenlyinspiredhim。Ithadkindledhimintoaman；ithaddevelopedwithinhimanintelligencewhichwasnonativecharacteristicoftheDonatellowhomwehaveheretoforeknown。Butthatsimpleandjoyouscreaturewasgoneforever。

"Whathaveyoudone？"saidMiriam，inahorror-strickenwhisper。

TheglowofragewasstillluridonDonatello\'sface，andnowflashedoutagainfromhiseyes。

"Ididwhatoughttobedonetoatraitor！"hereplied。"Ididwhatyoureyesbademedo，whenIaskedthemwithmine，asIheldthewretchovertheprecipice！"

TheselastwordsstruckMiriamlikeabullet。Coulditbeso？Hadhereyesprovokedorassentedtothisdeed？Shehadnotknownit。But，alas！

lookingbackintothefrenzyandturmoilofthescenejustacted，shecouldnotdeny——shewasnotsurewhetheritmightbeso，orno——thatawildjoyhadflamedupinherheart，whenshebeheldherpersecutorinhismortalperil。Wasithorror？——orecstasy？orbothinone？Betheemotionwhatitmight，ithadblazedupmoremadly，whenDonatelloflunghisvictimoffthecliff，andmoreandmore，whilehisshriekwentquiveringdownward。Withthedeadthumpuponthestonesbelowhadcomeanunutterablehorror。

"Andmyeyesbadeyoudoit！"repeatedshe。

Theybothleanedovertheparapet，andgazeddownwardasearnestlyasifsomeinestimabletreasurehadfallenover，andwereyetrecoverable。Onthepavementbelowwasadarkmass，lyinginaheap，withlittleornothinghumaninitsappearance，exceptthatthehandswerestretchedout，asiftheymighthaveclutchedforamomentatthesmallsquarestones。

Buttherewasnomotioninthemnow。Miriamwatchedtheheapofmortalitywhileshecouldcountahundred，whichshetookpainstodo。Nostir；

notafingermoved！

"Youhavekilledhim，Donatello！Heisquitedead！"saidshe。"Stonedead！WouldIwereso，too！"

"Didyounotmeanthatheshoulddie？"sternlyaskedDonatello，stillintheglowofthatintelligencewhichpassionhaddevelopedinhim。"Therewasshorttimetoweighthematter；buthehadhistrialinthatbreathortwowhileIheldhimoverthecliff，andhissentenceinthatoneglance，whenyoureyesrespondedtomine！SaythatIhaveslainhimagainstyourwill，——saythathediedwithoutyourwholeconsent，——and，inanotherbreath，youshallseemelyingbesidehim。"

"O，never！"criedMiriam。"Myone，ownfriend！Never，never，never！"

Sheturnedtohim，——theguilty，bloodstained，lonelywoman，——sheturnedtoherfellowcriminal，theyouth，solatelyinnocent，whomshehaddrawnintoherdoom。Shepressedhimclose，closetoherbosom，withaclingingembracethatbroughttheirtwoheartstogether，tillthehorrorandagonyofeachwascombinedintooneemotion，andthatakindofrapture。

"Yes，Donatello，youspeakthetruth！"saidshe；"myheartconsentedtowhatyoudid。Wetwoslewyonderwretch。Thedeedknotsustogether，fortimeandeternity，likethecoilofaserpent！"

Theythrewoneotherglanceattheheapofdeathbelow，toassurethemselvesthatitwasthere；solikeadreamwasthewholething。Thentheyturnedfromthatfatalprecipice，andcameoutofthecourtyard，arminarm，heartinheart。Instinctively，theywereheedfulnottoseverthemselvessomuchasapaceortwofromoneanother，forfearoftheterroranddeadlychillthatwouldthenceforthwaitforthemmsolitude。

Theirdeed——thecrimewhichDonatellowrought，andMiriamacceptedontheinstant——hadwreatheditself，asshesaid，likeaserpent，ininextricablelinksaboutboththeirsouls，anddrewthemintoone，byitsterriblecontractilepower。Itwascloserthanamarriagebond。Sointimate，inthosefirstmoments，wastheunion，thatitseemedasiftheirnewsympathyannihilatedallotherties，andthattheywerereleasedfromthechainofhumanity；anewsphere，aspeciallaw，hadbeencreatedforthemalone。Theworldcouldnotcomenearthem；theyweresafe！

WhentheyreachedtheflightofstepsleadingdownwardfromtheCapitol，therewasafaroffnoiseofsingingandlaughter。Swift，indeed，hadbeentherushofthecrisisthatwascomeandgone！Thiswasstillthemerrimentofthepartythathadsorecentlybeentheircompanions。Theyrecognizedthevoiceswhich，alittlewhileago，hadaccordedandsungincadencewiththeirown。Buttheywerefamiliarvoicesnomore；theysoundedstrangely，and，asitwere，outofthedepthsofspace；soremotewasallthatpertainedtothepastlifeoftheseguiltyones，inthemoralseclusionthathadsuddenlyextendeditselfaroundthem。Buthowclose，andevercloser，didthebreathoftheimmeasurablewaste，thatlaybetweenthemandallbrotherhoodorsisterhood，nowpressthemonewithintheother！

"Ofriend！"criedMiriam，soputtinghersoulintothewordthatittookaheavyrichnessofmeaning，andseemednevertohavebeenspokenbefore，"Ofriend，areyouconscious，asIam，ofthiscompanionshiPthatknitsourheart-stringstogether？"

"Ifeelit，Miriam，"saidDonatello。"Wedrawonebreath；weliveonelife！"

"Onlyyesterday，"continuedMiriam；"nay，onlyashorthalf-hourago，I

shiveredinanicysolitude。Nofriendship，nosisterhood，couldcomenearenoughtokeepthewarmthwithinmyheart。Inaninstantallischanged！Therecanbenomoreloneliness！"

"None，Miriam！"saidDonatello。

"None，mybeautifulone！"respondedMiriam，gazinginhisface，whichhadtakenahigher，almostanheroicaspect，fromthestrengthofpassion。

"None，myinnocentone！Surely，itisnocrimethatwehavecommitted。

Onewretchedandworthlesslifehasbeensacrificedtocementtwootherlivesforevermore。"

"Forevermore，Miriam！"saidDonatello；"cementedwithhisblood！"

Theyoungmanstartedatthewordwhichhehadhimselfspoken；itmaybethatitbroughthome，tothesimplicityofhisimagination，whathehadnotbeforedreamedof，——theever-increasingloathsomenessofaunionthatconsistsinguilt。Cementedwithblood，whichwouldcorruptandgrowmorenoisomeforeverandforever，butbindthemnonethelessstrictlyforthat。

"Forgetit！Castitallbehindyou！"saidMiriam，detecting，byhersympathy，thepangthatwasinhisheart。"Thedeedhasdoneitsoffice，andhasnoexistenceanymore。"

Theyflungthepastbehindthem，asshecounselled，orelsedistilledfromitafiery，intoxication，whichsufficedtocarrythemtriumphantlythroughthosefirstmomentsoftheirdoom。Forguilthasitsmomentofrapturetoo。Theforemostresultofabrokenlawiseveranecstaticsenseoffreedom。Andthusthereexhaledupward(outoftheirdarksympathy，atthebaseofwhichlayahumancorpse)abliss，oraninsanity，whichtheunhappypairimaginedtobewellworththesleepyinnocencethatwasforeverlosttothem。

Astheirspiritsrosetothesolemnmadnessoftheoccasion，theywentonward，notstealthily，notfearfully，butwithastatelygaitandaspect。

Passionlentthem(asitdoestomeanershapes)itsbriefnobilityofcarriage。TheytrodthroughthestreetsofRome，asifthey，too，wereamongthemajesticandguiltyshadows，that，fromageslonggoneby，havehauntedtheblood-stainedcity。And，atMiriam\'ssuggestion，theyturnedaside，forthesakeoftreadingloftilypasttheoldsiteofPompey\'sForum。

"Fortherewasagreatdeeddonehere！"shesaid，——"adeedofbloodlikeours！Whoknowsbutwemaymeetthehighandever-sadfraternityofCaesar\'smurderers，andexchangeasalutation？"

"Aretheyourbrethren，now？"askedDonatello。

"Yes；allofthem，"saidMiriam，——"andmanyanother，whomtheworldlittledreamsof，hasbeenmadeourbrotheroroursister，bywhatwehavedonewithinthishour！"

Andatthethoughtsheshivered。Wherethenwastheseclusion，theremoteness，thestrange，lonesomeParadise，intowhichsheandheronecompanionhadbeentransportedbytheircrime？Wasthere，indeed，nosuchrefuge，butonlyacrowdedthoroughfareandjostlingthrongofcriminals？

Andwasittrue，thatwhateverhandhadablood-stainonit，——orhadpouredoutpoison，——orstrangledababeatitsbirth，——orclutchedagrandsire\'sthroat，hesleeping，androbbedhimofhisfewlastbreaths，——hadnowtherighttoofferitselfinfellowshipwiththeirtwohands？

Toocertainly，thatrightexisted。Itisaterriblethought，thatanindividualwrong-doingmeltsintothegreatmassofhumancrime，andmakesus，whodreamedonlyofourownlittleseparatesin，——makesusguiltyofthewhole。AndthusMiriamandherloverwerenotaninsulatedpair，butmembersofaninnumerableconfraternityofguiltyones，allshudderingateachother。

"Butnotnow；notyet，"shemurmuredtoherself。"To-night，atleast，thereshallbenoremorse！"

Wanderingwithoutapurpose，itsochancedthattheyturnedintoastreet，atoneextremityofwhichstoodHilda\'stower。Therewasalightinherhighchamber；alight，too，attheVirgin\'sshrine；andtheglimmerofthesetwowastheloftiestlightbeneaththestars。MiriamdrewDonatello\'sarm，tomakehimstop，andwhiletheystoodatsomedistancelookingatHilda\'swindow，theybeheldherapproachandthrowitopen。

Sheleanedfarforth，andextendedherclaspedhandstowardsthesky。

"Thegood，purechild！Sheispraying，Donatello，"saidMiriam，withakindofsimplejoyatwitnessingthedevoutnessofherfriend。Thenherownsinrusheduponher，andsheshouted，withtherichstrengthofhervoice，"Prayforus，Hilda；weneedit！"

WhetherHildaheardandrecognizedthevoicewecannottell。Thewindowwasimmediatelyclosed，andherformdisappearedfrombehindthesnowycurtain。Miriamfeltthistobeatokenthatthecryofhercondemnedspiritwasshutoutofheaven。

CHAPTERXX

THEBURIALCHANT

TheChurchoftheCapuchins(where，asthereadermayremember，someofouracquaintanceshadmadeanengagementtomeet)standsalittleasidefromthePiazzaBarberini。Thither，atthehouragreedupon，onthemorningafterthesceneslastdescribed，MiriamandDonatellodirectedtheirsteps。Atnotimearepeoplesosedulouslycarefultokeeptheirtriflingappointments，attendtotheirordinaryoccupations，andthusputacommonplaceaspectonlife，aswhenconsciousofsomesecretthatifsuspectedwouldmakethemlookmonstrousinthegeneraleye。

Yethowtameandwearisomeistheimpressionofallordinarythingsinthecontrastwithsuchafact！Howsickandtremulous，thenextmorning，isthespiritthathasdaredsomuchonlythenightbefore！Howicycoldistheheart，whenthefervor，thewildecstasyofpassionhasfadedaway，andsunkdownamongthedeadashesofthefirethatblazedsofiercely，andwasfedbytheverysubstanceofitslife！Howfaintlydoesthecriminalstaggeronward，lackingtheimpulseofthatstrongmadnessthathurriedhimintoguilt，andtreacherouslydesertshiminthemidstofit！

WhenMiriamandDonatellodrewnearthechurch，theyfoundonlyKenyonawaitingthemonthesteps。Hildahadlikewisepromisedtobeoftheparty，buthadnotyetappeared。Meetingthesculptor，Miriamputaforceuponherselfandsucceededincreatinganartificialflowofspirits，which，toanybutthenicestobservation，wasquiteaseffectiveasanaturalone。ShespokesympathizinglytothesculptoronthesubjectofHilda\'sabsence，andsomewhatannoyedhimbyalludinginDonatello\'shearingtoanattachmentwhichhadneverbeenopenlyavowed，thoughperhapsplainlyenoughbetrayed。HefanciedthatMiriamdidnotquiterecognizethelimitsofthestrictestdelicacy；heevenwentsofarastogeneralize，andconcludewithinhimself，thatthisdeficiencyisamoregeneralfailinginwomanthaninman，thehighestrefinementbeingamasculineattribute。

Buttheideawasunjusttothesexatlarge，andespeciallysotothispoorMiriam，whowashardlyresponsibleforherfranticeffortstobegay。

Possibly，moreover，theniceactionofthemindissetajarbyanyviolentshock，asofgreatmisfortuneorgreatcrime，sothatthefinerperceptionsmaybeblurredthenceforth，andtheeffectbetraceableinalltheminutestconductoflife。

"Didyouseeanythingofthedearchildafteryouleftus？"askedMiriam，stillkeepingHildaashertopicofconversation。"Imissedhersadlyonmywayhomeward；fornothinginsuresmesuchdelightfulandinnocentdreams(Ihaveexperiencedittwentytimes)asatalklateintheeveningwithHilda。"

"SoIshouldimagine，"saidthesculptorgravely；"butitisanadvantagethatIhavelittleornoopportunityofenjoying。IknownotwhatbecameofHildaaftermypartingfromyou。Shewasnotespeciallymycompanioninanypartofourwalk。ThelastIsawofhershewashasteningbacktorejoinyouinthecourtyardofthePalazzoCaffarelli。"

"Impossible！"criedMiriam，starting。

"Thendidyounotseeheragain？"inquiredKenyon，insomealarm。

"Notthere，"answeredMiriamquietly；"indeed，Ifollowedprettycloselyontheheelsoftherestoftheparty。ButdonotbealarmedonHilda\'saccount；theVirginisboundtowatchoverthegoodchild，forthesakeofthepietywithwhichshekeepsthelampalightathershrine。Andbesides，IhavealwaysfeltthatHildaisjustassafeintheseevilstreetsofRomeasherwhitedoveswhentheyflydownwardsfromthetowertop，andruntoandfroamongthehorses\'feet。ThereiscertainlyaprovidenceonpurposeforHilda，iffornootherhumancreature。"

"Ireligiouslybelieveit，"rejoinedthesculptor；"andyetmymindwouldbetheeasier，ifIknewthatshehadreturnedsafelytohertower。"

"Thenmakeyourselfquiteeasy，"answeredMiriam。"Isawher(anditisthelastsweetsightthatIremember)leaningfromherwindowmidwaybetweenearthandsky！"

KenyonnowlookedatDonatello。

"Youseemoutofspirits，mydearfriend，"heobserved。"ThislanguidRomanatmosphereisnottheairywinethatyouwereaccustomedtobreatheathome。IhavenotforgottenyourhospitableinvitationtomeetyouthissummeratyourcastleamongtheApennines。Itismyfixedpurposetocome，Iassureyou。Weshallbothbethebetterforsomedeepdraughtsofthemountainbreezes。"

"Itmayhe，"saidDonatello，withunwontedsombreness；"theoldhouseseemedjoyouswhenIwasachild。ButasIrememberitnowitwasagrimplace，too。"

Thesculptorlookedmoreattentivelyattheyoungman，andwassurprisedandalarmedtoobservehowentirelythefine，freshglowofanimalspiritshaddepartedoutofhisface。Hitherto，moreover，evenwhilehewasstandingperfectlystill，therehadbeenakindofpossiblegambolindicatedinhisaspect。Itwasquitegonenow。Allhisyouthfulgayety，andwithithissimplicityofmanner，waseclipsed，ifnotutterlyextinct。

"Youaresurelyill，mydearfellow，"exclaimedKenyon。

"AmI？Perhapsso，"saidDonatelloindifferently；"Ineverhavebeenill，andknownotwhatitmaybe。"

"Donotmakethepoorladfancy-sink，"whisperedMiriam，pullingthesculptor\'ssleeve。"Heisofanaturetoliedownanddieatonce，ifhefindshimselfdrawingsuchmelancholybreathsasweordinarypeopleareenforcedtoburdenourlungswithal。Butwemustgethimawayfromthisold，dreamyanddrearyRome，wherenobodybuthimselfeverthoughtofbeinggay。Itsinfluencesaretooheavytosustainthelifeofsuchacreature。"

TheaboveconversationhadpassedchieflyonthestepsoftheCappuccini；

and，havingsaidsomuch，Miriamliftedtheleatherncurtainthathangsbeforeallchurch-doorsinitaly。

"

Hildahasforgottenherappointment，"sheobserved，"orelsehermaidenslumbersareverysoundthismorning。Wewillwaitforhernolonger。"

Theyenteredthenave。Theinteriorofthechurchwasofmoderatecompass，butofgoodarchitecture，withavaultedroofoverthenave，andarowofduskychapelsoneithersideofitinsteadofthecustomaryside-aisles。

Eachchapelhaditssaintlyshrine，hungroundwithofferings；itspictureabovethealtar，althoughcloselyveiled，ifbyanypainterofrenown；anditshallowedtapers，burningcontinually，tosetalightthedevotionoftheworshippers。Thepavementofthenavewaschieflyofmarble，andlookedoldandbroken，andwasshabbilypatchedhereandtherewithtilesofbrick；itwasinlaid，moreover，withtombstonesofthemediaevaltaste，onwhichwerequaintlysculpturedborders，figures，andportraitsinbas-relief，andLatinepitaphs，nowgrownillegiblebythetreadoffootstepsoverthem。ThechurchappertainstoaconventofCapuchinmonks；

and，asusuallyhappenswhenareverendbrotherhoodhavesuchanedificeincharge，thefloorseemednevertohavebeenscrubbedorswept，andhadaslittletheaspectofsanctityasakennel；whereas，inallchurchesofnunneries，themaidensisterhoodinvariablyshowthepurityoftheirownheartsbythevirgincleanlinessandvisibleconsecrationofthewallsandpavement。

Asourfriendsenteredthechurch，theireyesrestedatonceonaremarkableobjectinthecentreofthenave。Itwaseithertheactualbody，or，asmightratherhavebeensupposedatfirstglance，thecunninglywroughtwaxenfaceandsuitablydrapedfigureofadeadmonk。

Thisimageofwaxorclay-coldreality，whicheveritmightbe，layonaslightlyelevatedbier，withthreetallcandlesburningoneachside，anothertallcandleatthehead，andanotheratthefoot。Therewasmusic，too；inharmonywithsofunerealaspectacle。Frombeneaththepavementofthechurchcamethedeep，lugubriousstrainofaDeProfundis，whichsoundedlikeanutteranceofthetombitself；sodismallydiditrumblethroughtheburialvaults，andoozeupamongtheflatgravestonesandsadepitaphs，fillingthechurchaswithagloomymist。

"Imustlookmorecloselyatthatdeadmonkbeforeweleavethechurch，"

remarkedthesculptor。"Inthestudyofmyart，Ihavegainedmanyahintfromthedeadwhichthelivingcouldneverhavegivenme。"

"Icanwellimagineit，"answeredMiriam。"Oneclayimageisreadilycopiedfromanother。ButletusfirstseeGuido\'spicture。Thelightisfavorablenow。"

Accordingly，theyturnedintothefirstchapelontherighthand，asyouenterthenave；andtheretheybeheld，——notthepicture，indeed，——butacloselydrawncurtain。ThechurchmenofItalymakenoscrupleofsacrificingtheverypurposeforwhichaworkofsacredarthasbeencreated；thatofopeningtheway；forreligioussentimentthroughthequickmediumofsight，bybringingangels，saints，andmartyrsdownvisiblyuponearth；ofsacrificingthishighpurpose，and，foraughttheyknow，thewelfareofmanysoulsalongwithit，tothehopeofapaltryfee。

Everyworkbyanartistofcelebrityishiddenbehindaveil，andseldomrevealed，excepttoProtestants，whoscornitasanobjectofdevotion，andvalueitonlyforitsartisticmerit。

Thesacristanwasquicklyfound，however，andlostnotimeindisclosingtheyouthfulArchangel，settinghisdivinefootontheheadofhisfallenadversary。Itwasanimageofthatgreatestoffutureevents，whichwehopeforsoardently，atleast，whileweareyoung，——butfindsoverylongincoming，thetriumphofgoodnessovertheevilprinciple。

"WherecanHildabe？"exclaimedKenyon。"Itisnothercustomevertofailinanengagement；andthepresentonewasmadeentirelyonheraccount。Exceptherself，youknow，wewereallagreedinourrecollectionofthepicture。"

"Butwewerewrong，andHildaright，asyouperceive，"saidMiriam，directinghisattentiontothepointonwhichtheirdisputeofthenightbeforehadarisen。"Itisnoteasytodetectherastrayasregardsanypictureonwhichthoseclear，softeyesofhershaveeverrested。"

"Andshehasstudiedandadmiredfewpicturessomuchasthis，"observedthesculptor。"Nowonder；forthereishardlyanothersobeautifulintheworld。WhatanexpressionofheavenlyseverityintheArchangel\'sface！Thereisadegreeofpain，trouble，anddisgustatbeingbroughtincontactwithsin，evenforthepurposeofquellingandpunishingit；andyetacelestialtranquillitypervadeshiswholebeing。"

"Ihaveneverbeenable，"saidMiriam，"toadmirethispicturenearlysomuchasHildadoes，initsmoralandintellectualaspect。Ifitcosthermoretroubletobegood，ifhersoulwerelesswhiteandpure，shewouldbeamorecompetentcriticofthispicture，andwouldestimateitnothalfsohigh。Iseeitsdefectstodaymoreclearlythaneverbefore。"

"Whataresomeofthem？"askedKenyon。

"ThatArchangel，now，"Miriamcontinued；"howfairhelooks，withhisunruffledwings，withhisunhackedsword，andcladinhisbrightarmor，andthatexquisitelyfittingsky-bluetunic，cutinthelatestParadisiacalmode！Whatadaintyairofthefirstcelestialsociety！

Withwhathalf-scornfuldelicacyhesetshisprettilysandalledfootontheheadofhisprostratefoe！But，isitthusthatvirtuelooksthemomentafteritsdeathstrugglewithevil？No，no；IcouldhavetoldGuidobetter。AfullthirdoftheArchangel\'sfeathersshouldhavebeentornfromhiswings；therestallruffled，tilltheylookedlikeSatan\'sown！Hisswordshouldbestreamingwithblood，andperhapsbrokenhalfwaytothehilt；hisarmorcrushed，hisrobesrent，hisbreastgory；ableedinggashonhisbrow，cuttingrightacrossthesternscowlofbattle！

Heshouldpresshisfootharddownupontheoldserpent，asifhisverysouldependeduponit，feelinghimsquirmmightily，anddoubtingwhetherthefightwerehalfoveryet，andhowthevictorymightturn！And，withallthisfierceness，thisgrimness，thisunutterablehorror，thereshouldstillbesomethinghigh，tender，andholyinMichael\'seyes，andaroundhismouth。Butthebattleneverwassuchachild\'splayasGuido\'sdapperArchangelseemstohavefoundit。"

"ForHeaven\'ssake，Miriam，"criedKenyon，astonishedatthewildenergyofhertalk；"paintthepictureofman\'sstruggleagainstsinaccordingtoyourownidea！Ithinkitwillbeamasterpiece。"

"Thepicturewouldhaveitsshareoftruth，Iassureyou，"sheanswered；

"butIamsadlyafraidthevictorywouldfailonthewrongside。Justfancyasmoke-blackened，fiery-eyeddemonbestridingthatniceyoungangel，clutchinghiswhitethroatwithoneofhishinderclaws；andgivingatriumphantwhiskofhisscalytail，withapoisonousdartattheendofit！

Thatiswhattheyrisk，poorsouls，whodobattlewithMichael\'senemy。"

Itnow，perhaps，struckMiriamthathermentaldisquietudewasimpellinghertoanunduevivacity；forshepaused，andturnedawayfromthepicture，withoutsayingawordmoreaboutit。Allthiswhile，moreover，Donatellohadbeenveryillatease，castingawe-strickenandinquiringglancesatthedeadmonk；asifhecouldlooknowherebutatthatghastlyobject，merelybecauseitshockedhim。Deathhasprobablyapeculiarhorrorandugliness，whenforceduponthecontemplationofapersonsonaturallyjoyousasDonatello，wholivedwithcompletenessinthepresentmoment，andwasabletoformbutvagueimagesofthefuture。

"Whatisthematter，Donatello？"whisperedMiriamsoothingly。"Youarequiteinatremble，mypoorfriend！Whatisit？"

"Thisawfulchantfrombeneaththechurch，，"answeredDonatello；"itoppressesme；theairissoheavywithitthatIcanscarcelydrawmybreath。Andyonderdeadmonk！Ifeelasifhewerelyingrightacrossmyheart。"

"Takecourage！"whisperedsheagain"come，wewillapproachclosetothedeadmonk。Theonlyway，insuchcases，istostaretheuglyhorrorrightintheface；neverasidelongglance，norhalf-look，forthosearewhatshowafrightfillthinginitsfrightfullestaspect。Leanonme，dearestfriend！Myheartisverystrongforbothofus。Bebrave；andalliswell。"

Donatellohungbackforamoment，butthenpressedclosetoMiriam\'sside，andsufferedhertoleadhimuptothebier。Thesculptorfollowed。A

numberofpersons，chieflywomen，withseveralchildrenamongthem，werestandingaboutthecorpse；andasourthreefriendsdrewnigh，amotherkneltdown，andcausedherlittleboytokneel，bothkissingthebeadsandcrucifixthathungfromthemonk\'sgirdle。Possiblyhehaddiedintheodorofsanctity；or，atallevents，deathandhisbrownfrockandcowlmadeasacredimageofthisreverendfather。

CHAPTERXXI

THEDEADCAPUCHIN

Thedeadmonkwasclad，aswhenalive，inthebrownwoollenfrockoftheCapuchins，withthehooddrawnoverhishead，butsoastoleavethefeaturesandaportionofthebearduncovered。Hisrosaryandcrosshungathisside；hishandswerefoldedoverhisbreast；hisfeet(hewasofabarefootedorderinhislifetime，andcontinuedsoindeath)protrudedfrombeneathhishabit，stiffandstark，withamorewaxenlookthanevenhisface。Theyweretiedtogetherattheankleswithablackribbon。

Thecountenance，aswehavealreadysaid，wasfullydisplayed。Ithadapurplishhueuponit，unlikethepalenessofanordinarycorpse，butaslittleresemblingtheflushofnaturallife。Theeyelidswerebutpartiallydrawndown，andshowedtheeyeballsbeneath；asifthedeceasedfriarwerestealingaglimpseatthebystanders，towatchwhethertheyweredulyimpressedwiththesolemnityofhisobsequies。Theshaggyeyebrowsgavesternnesstothelook。Miriampassedbetweentwoofthelightedcandles，andstoodclosebesidethebier。

"MyGod！"murmuredshe。"Whatisthis？"

ShegraspedDonatello\'shand，and，atthesameinstant，felthimgiveaconvulsiveshudder，whichsheknewtohavebeencausedbyasuddenandterriblethroboftheheart。Hishand，byaninstantaneouschange，becamelikeicewithinhers，whichlikewisegrewsoicythattheirinsensiblefingersmighthaverattled，oneagainsttheother。Nowonderthattheirbloodcurdled；nowonderthattheirheartsleapedandpaused！Thedeadfaceofthemonk，gazingatthembeneathitshalf-closedeyelids，wasthesamevisagethathadglaredupontheirnakedsouls，thepastmidnight，asDonatelloflunghimovertheprecipice。

Thesculptorwasstandingatthefootofthebier，andhadnotyetseenthemonk\'sfeatures。

"Thosenakedfeet！"saidhe。"Iknownotwhy，buttheyaffectmestrangely。TheyhavewalkedtoandfrooverthehardpavementsofRome，andthroughahundredotherroughwaysofthislife，wherethemonkwentbeggingforhisbrotherhood；alongthecloistersanddrearycorridorsofhisconvent，too，fromhisyouthupward！Itisasuggestiveidea，totrackthosewornfeetbackwardthroughallthepathstheyhavetrodden，eversincetheywerethetenderandrosylittlefeetofababy，and(coldastheynoware)werekeptwarminhismother\'shand。"

Ashiscompanions，whomthesculptorsupposedtobeclosebyhim，madenoresponsetohisfancifulmusing，helookedup，andsawthemattheheadofthebier。Headvancedthitherhimself。

"Ha！"exclaimedhe。

Hecastahorror-strickenandbewilderedglanceatMiriam，butwithdrewitimmediately。Notthathehadanydefinitesuspicion，or，itmaybe，evenaremoteidea，thatshecouldbeheldresponsibleintheleastdegreeforthisman\'ssuddendeath。Intruth，itseemedtoowildathoughttoconnect，inreality，Miriam\'spersecutorofmanypastmonthsandthevagabondoftheprecedingnight，withthedeadCapuchinofto-day。Itresembledoneofthoseunaccountablechangesandinterminglingsofidentity，whichsooftenoccuramongthepersonagesofadream。ButKenyon，asbefittedtheprofessorofanimaginativeart，wasendowedwithanexceedinglyquicksensibility，whichwasapttogivehimintimationsofthetruestateofmattersthatlaybeyondhisactualvision。Therewasawhisperinhisear；itsaid，"Hush！"Withoutaskinghimselfwherefore，heresolvedtobesilentasregardedthemysteriousdiscoverywhichhehadmade，andtoleaveanyremarkorexclamationtobevoluntarilyofferedbyMiriam。Ifsheneverspoke，thenlettheriddlebeunsolved。

Andnowoccurredacircumstancethatwouldseemtoofantastictobetold，ifithadnotactuallyhappened，preciselyaswesetitdown。Asthethreefriendsstoodbythebier，theysawthatalittlestreamofbloodhadbeguntooozefromthedeadmonk\'snostrils；itcreptslowlytowardsthethicketofhisbeard，where，inthecourseofamomentortwo，ithiditself。

"Howstrange！"ejaculatedKenyon。"Themonkdiedofapoplexy，Isuppose，orbysomesuddenaccident，andthebloodhasnotyetcongealed。"

"Doyouconsiderthatasufficientexplanation？"askedMiriam，withasmilefromwhichthesculptorinvoluntarilyturnedawayhiseyes。"Doesitsatisfyyou？"

"Andwhynot？"heinquired。

"Ofcourse，youknowtheoldsuperstitionaboutthisphenomenonofbloodflowingfromadeadbody，"sherejoined。"Howcanwetellbutthatthemurdererofthismonk(or，possibly，itmaybeonlythatprivilegedmurderer，hisphysician)mayhavejustenteredthechurch？"

"Icannotjestaboutit，"saidKenyon。"Itisanuglysight！"

"True，true；horribletosee，ordreamof！"shereplied，withoneofthoselong，tremuloussighs，whichsooftenbetrayasickheartbyescapingunexpectedly。"Wewillnotlookatitanymore。Comeaway，Donatello。

Letusescapefromthisdismalchurch。Thesunshinewilldoyougood。"

Whenhadeverawomansuchatrialtosustainasthis！BynopossiblesuppositioncouldMiriamexplaintheidentityofthedeadCapuchin，quietlyanddecorouslylaidoutinthenaveofhisconventchurch，withthatofhermurderedpersecutor，flungheedlesslyatthefootoftheprecipice。Theeffectuponherimaginationwasasifastrangeandunknowncorpsehadmiraculously，whileshewasgazingatit，assumedthelikenessofthatface，soterriblehenceforthinherremembrance。Itwasasymbol，perhaps，ofthedeadlyiterationwithwhichshewasdoomedtobeholdtheimageofhercrimereflectedbackuponherinathousandways，andconvertingthegreat，calmfaceofNature，inthewhole，andinitsinnumerabledetails，intoamanifoldreminiscenceofthatonedeadvisage。

NosoonerhadMiriamturnedawayfromthebier，andgoneafewsteps，thanshefanciedthelikenessaltogetheranillusion，whichwouldvanishatacloserandcolderview。Shemustlookatitagain，therefore，andatonce；

orelsethegravewouldcloseovertheface，andleavetheawfulfantasythathadconnecteditselftherewithfixedineffaceablyinherbrain。

"Waitforme，onemoment！"shesaidtohercompanions。"Onlyamoment！"

Soshewentback，andgazedoncemoreatthecorpse。Yes；thesewerethefeaturesthatMiriamhadknownsowell；thiswasthevisagethatsherememberedfromafarlongerdatethanthemostintimateofherfriendssuspected；thisformofclayhadheldtheevilspiritwhichblastedhersweetyouth，andcompelledher，asitwere，tostainherwomanhoodwithcrime。But，whetheritwerethemajestyofdeath，orsomethingoriginallynobleandloftyinthecharacterofthedead，whichthesoulhadstampeduponthefeatures，asitleftthem；soitwasthatMiriamnowquailedandshook，notforthevulgarhorrorofthespectacle，butforthesevere，reproachfulglancethatseemedtocomefrombetweenthosehalf-closedlids。

True，therehadbeennothing，inhislifetime，vilerthanthisman。

Sheknewit；therewasnootherfactwithinherconsciousnessthatshefelttobesocertain；andyet，becauseherpersecutorfoundhimselfsafeandirrefutableindeath，hefrowneduponhisvictim，andthrewbacktheblameonher！

"Isitthou，indeed？"shemurmured，underherbreath。"Thenthouhastnorighttoscowluponmeso！Butartthoureal，oravision？"Shebentdownoverthedeadmonk，tilloneofherrichcurlsbrushedagainsthisforehead。Shetouchedoneofhisfoldedhandswithherfinger。

"Itishe，"saidMiriam。"Thereisthescar，thatIknowsowell，onhisbrow。Anditisnovision；heispalpabletomytouch！Iwillquestionthefactnolonger，butdealwithitasIbestcan。"

ItwaswonderfultoseehowthecrisisdevelopedinMiriamitsownproperstrength，andthefacultyofsustainingthedemandswhichitmadeuponherfortitude。Sheceasedtotremble；thebeautifulwomangazedsternlyatherdeadenemy，endeavoringtomeetandquellthelookofaccusationthathethrewfrombetweenhishalf-closedeyelids。

"No；thoushaltnotscowlmedown！"saidshe。"Neithernow，norwhenwestandtogetheratthejudgment-seat。Ifearnottomeettheethere。

Farewell，tillthatnextencounter！"

Haughtilywavingherhand，Miriamrejoinedherfriends，whowereawaitingheratthedoorofthechurch。Astheywentout，thesacristanstoppedthem，andproposedtoshowthecemeteryoftheconvent，wherethedeceasedmembersofthefraternityarelaidtorestinsacredearth，broughtlongagofromJerusalem。

"Andwillyondermonkbeburiedthere？"sheasked。

"BrotherAntonio？"exclaimedthesacristan。

"Surely，ourgoodbrotherwillbeputtobedthere！Hisgraveisalreadydug，andthelastoccupanthasmaderoomforhim。Willyoulookatit，signorina？"

"Iwill！"saidMiriam。

"Thenexcuseme，"observedKenyon；"forIshallleaveyou。Onedeadmonkhasmorethansufficedme；andIamnotboldenoughtofacethewholemortalityoftheconvent。"

Itwaseasytosee，byDonatello\'slooks，thathe，aswellasthesculptor，wouldgladlyhaveescapedavisittothefamouscemeteryoftheCappuccini。ButMiriam\'snerveswerestrainedtosuchapitch，thatsheanticipatedacertainsolaceandabsolutereliefinpassingfromoneghastlyspectacletoanotheroflong-accumulatedugliness；andtherewas，besides，asingularsenseofdutywhichimpelledhertolookatthefinalresting-placeofthebeingwhosefatehadbeensodisastrouslyinvolvedwithherown。Shethereforefollowedthesacristan\'sguidance，anddrewhercompanionalongwithher，whisperingencouragementastheywent。

Thecemeteryisbeneaththechurch，butentirelyaboveground，andlightedbyarowofiron-gratedwindowswithoutglass。Acorridorrunsalongbesidethesewindows，andgivesaccesstothreeorfourvaultedrecesses，orchapels，ofconsiderablebreadthandheight，thefloorofwhichconsistsoftheconsecratedearthofJerusalem。Itissmootheddecorouslyoverthedeceasedbrethrenoftheconvent，andiskeptquitefreefromgrassorweeds，suchaswouldgroweveninthesegloomyrecesses，ifpainswerenotbestowedtorootthemup。But，asthecemeteryissmall，anditisapreciousprivilegetosleepinholyground，thebrotherhoodareimmemoriallyaccustomed，whenoneoftheirnumberdies，totakethelongestburiedskeletonoutoftheoldestgrave，andlaythenewslumbererthereinstead。Thus，eachofthegoodfriars，inhisturn，enjoystheluxuryofaconsecratedbed，attendedwiththeslightdrawbackofbeingforcedtogetuplongbeforedaybreak，asitwere，andmakeroomforanotherlodger。

Thearrangementoftheunearthedskeletonsiswhatmakesthespecialinterestofthecemetery。Thearchedandvaultedwallsoftheburialrecessesaresupportedbymassivepillarsandpilastersmadeofthigh-bonesandskulls；thewholematerialofthestructureappearstobeofasimilarkind；andtheknobsandembossedornamentsofthisstrangearchitecturearerepresentedbythejointsofthespine，andthemoredelicatetracerybytheSmallerbonesofthehumanframe。Thesummitsofthearchesareadornedwithentireskeletons，lookingasiftheywerewroughtmostskilfullyinbas-relief。Thereisnopossibilityofdescribinghowuglyandgrotesqueistheeffect，combinedwithacertainartisticmerit，norhowmuchpervertedingenuityhasbeenshowninthisqueerway，norwhatamultitudeofdeadmonks，throughhowmanyhundredyears，musthavecontributedtheirbonyframeworktobuildup。thesegreatarchesofmortality。Onsomeoftheskullsthereareinscriptions，purportingthatsuchamonk，whoformerlymadeuseofthatparticularheadpiece，diedonsuchadayandyear；butvastlythegreaternumberarepiledupindistinguishablyintothearchitecturaldesign，likethemanydeathsthatmakeuptheonegloryofavictory。

Inthesidewallsofthevaultsarenicheswhereskeletonmonkssitorstand，cladinthebrownhabitsthattheyworeinlife，andlabelledwiththeirnamesandthedatesoftheirdecease。Theirskulls(somequitebare，andothersstillcoveredwithyellowskin，andhairthathasknowntheearth-damps)lookoutfrombeneaththeirhoods，grinninghideouslyrepulsive。Onereverendfatherhashismouthwideopen，asifhehaddiedinthemidstofahowlofterrorandremorse，whichperhapsisevennowscreechingthrougheternity。Asageneralthing，however，thesefrockedandhoodedskeletonsseemtotakeamorecheerfulviewoftheirposition，andtrywithghastlysmilestoturnitintoajest。ButthecemeteryoftheCapuchinsisnoplacetonourishcelestialhopes：thesoulsinksforlornandwretchedunderallthisburdenofdustydeath；theholyearthfromJerusalem，soimbuedisitwithmortality，hasgrownasbarrenoftheflowersofParadiseasitisofearthlyweedsandgrass。ThankHeavenforitsbluesky；itneedsalong，upwardgazetogiveusbackourfaith。Notherecanwefeelourselvesimmortal，wheretheveryaltarsinthesechapelsofhorribleconsecrationareheapsofhumanbones。

Yetletusgivethecemeterythepraisethatitdeserves。Thereisnodisagreeablescent，suchasmighthavebeenexpectedfromthedecayofsomanyholypersons，inwhateverodorofsanctitytheymayhavetakentheirdeparture。Thesamenumberoflivingmonkswouldnotsmellhalfsounexceptionably。

Miriamwentgloomilyalongthecorridor，fromonevaultedGolgothatoanother，untilinthefarthestrecessshebeheldanopengrave。

"Isthatforhimwholiesyonderinthenave？"sheasked。

"Yes，signorina，thisistobetheresting-placeofBrotherAntonio，whocametohisdeathlastnight，"answeredthesacristan；"andinyonderniche，yousee，sitsabrotherwhowasburiedthirtyyearsago，andhasrisentogivehimplace。"

"Itisnotasatisfactoryidea，"observedMiriam，"thatyoupoorfriarscannotcallevenyourgravespermanentlyyourown。Youmustliedowninthem，methinks，withanervousanticipationofbeingdisturbed，likewearymenwhoknowthattheyshallbesummonedoutofbedatmidnight。Isitnotpossible(ifmoneyweretobepaidfortheprivilege)toleaveBrotherAntonio——ifthatbehisname——intheoccupancyofthatnarrowgravetillthelasttrumpetsounds？"

"Bynomeans，signorina；neitherisitneedfulordesirable，"answeredthesacristan。"Aquarterofacentury\'ssleepinthesweetearthofJerusalemisbetterthanathousandyearsinanyothersoil。Ourbrethrenfindgoodrestthere。Noghostwaseverknowntostealoutofthisblessedcemetery。"

"Thatiswell，"respondedMiriam；"mayhewhomyounowlaytosleepprovenoexceptiontotherule！"

Astheyleftthecemeterysheputmoneyintothesacristan\'shandtoanamountthatmadehiseyesopenwideandglisten，andrequestedthatitmightbeexpendedinmassesforthereposeofFatherAntonio\'ssoul。

CHAPTERXXII

THEMEDICIGARDENS

Donatello，"saidMiriamanxiously，astheycamethroughthePiazzaBarberini，"whatcanIdoforyou，mybelovedfriend？YouareshakingaswiththecoldfitoftheRomanfever。""Yes，"saidDonatello；"myheartshivers。"Assoonasshecouldcollectherthoughts，MiriamledtheyoungmantothegardensoftheVillaMedici，hopingthatthequietshadeandsunshineofthatdelightfulretreatwouldalittlerevivehisspirits。

Thegroundsaretherelaidoutintheoldfashionofstraightpaths，withbordersofbox，whichformhedgesofgreatheightanddensity，andareshornandtrimmedtotheevennessofawallofstone，atthetopandsides。

Therearegreenalleys，withlongvistasovershadowedbyilex-trees；andateachintersectionofthepaths，thevisitorfindsseatsoflichen-coveredstonetoreposeupon，andmarblestatuesthatlookforlornlyathim，regretfuloftheirlostnoses。Inthemoreopenportionsofthegarden，beforethesculpturedfrontofthevilla，youseefountainsandflower-beds，andintheirseasonaprofusionofroses，fromwhichthegenialsunofItalydistilsafragrance，tobescatteredabroadbythenolessgenialbreeze。

ButDonatellodrewnodelightfromthesethings。Hewalkedonwardinsilentapathy，andlookedatMiriamwithstrangelyhalf-awakenedandbewilderedeyes，whenshesoughttobringhismindintosympathywithhers，andsorelievehisheartoftheburdenthatlaylumpishlyuponit。

Shemadehimsitdownonastonebench，wheretwoemboweredalleyscrossedeachother；sothattheycoulddiscerntheapproachofanycasualintruderalongwaydownthepath。

"Mysweetfriend，"shesaid，takingoneofhispassivehandsinbothofhers，"whatcanIsaytocomfortyou？"

"Nothing！"repliedDonatello，withsombrereserve。"Nothingwillevercomfortme。"

"Iacceptmyownmisery，"continuedMiriam，"myownguilt，ifguiltitbe；

and，whetherguiltormisery，Ishallknowhowtodealwithit。Butyou，dearestfriend，thatweretherarestcreatureinallthisworld，andseemedabeingtowhomsorrowcouldnotcling，——you，whomIhalffanciedtobelongtoaracethathadvanishedforever，youonlysurviving，toshowmankindhowgenialandhowjoyouslifeusedtobe，insomelong-goneage，——whathadyoutodowithgrieforcrime？"

"Theycametomeastoothermen，"saidDonatellobroodingly。"DoubtlessIwasborntothem。"

"No，no；theycamewithme，"repliedMiriam。"Mineistheresponsibility！

Alas！whereforewasIborn？Whydidweevermeet？WhydidInotdriveyoufromme，knowingformyheartforebodedit——thatthecloudinwhichI

walkedwouldlikewiseenvelopyou！"

Donatellostirreduneasily，withtheirritableimpatiencethatisoftencombinedWithamoodofleadendespondency。Abrownlizardwithtwotails——amonsteroftenengenderedbytheRomansunshine——ranacrosshisfoot，andmadehimstart。Thenhesatsilentawhile，andsodidMiriam，tryingtodissolveherwholeheartintosympathy，andlavishitalluponhim，wereitonlyforamoment\'scordial。

Theyoungmanliftedhishandtohisbreast，and，unintentionally，asMiriam\'shandwaswithinhis，heliftedthatalongwithit。"Ihaveagreatweighthere！"saidhe。ThefancystruckMiriam(butshedroveitresolutelydown)thatDonatelloalmostimperceptiblyshuddered，while，inpressinghisownhandagainsthisheart，hepressedherstheretoo。

"Restyourheartonme，dearestone！"sheresumed。"Letmebearallitsweight；Iamwellabletobearit；forIamawoman，andIloveyou！I

loveyou，Donatello！Istherenocomfortforyouinthisavowal？Lookatme！Heretoforeyouhavefoundmepleasanttoyoursight。Gazeintomyeyes！Gazeintomysoul！Searchasdeeplyasyoumay，youcanneverseehalfthetendernessanddevotionthatIhenceforthcherishforyou。AllthatIaskisyouracceptanceoftheutterself-sacrifice(butitshallbenosacrifice，tomygreatlove)withwhichIseektoremedytheevilyouhaveincurredformysake！"

AllthisfervoronMiriam\'spart；onDonatello\'s，aheavysilence。

"O，speaktome！"sheexclaimed。"Onlypromisemetobe，byandby，alittlehappy！"

"Happy？"murmuredDonatello。"Ah，neveragain！neveragain！"

"Never？Ah，thatisaterriblewordtosaytome！"answeredMiriam。"A

terriblewordtoletfalluponawoman\'sheart，whenshelovesyou，andisconsciousofhavingcausedyourmisery！Ifyouloveme，Donatello，speakitnotagain。Andsurelyyoudidloveme？"

"Idid，"repliedDonatellogloomilyandabsently。

Miriamreleasedtheyoungman\'shand，butsufferedoneofherowntolieclosetohis，andwaitedamomenttoseewhetherhewouldmakeanyefforttoretainit。Therewasmuchdependinguponthatsimpleexperiment。

Withadeepsigh——aswhen，sometimes，aslumbererturnsoverinatroubleddreamDonatellochangedhisposition，andclaspedbothhishandsoverhisforehead。ThegenialwarmthofaRomanAprilkindlingintoMaywasintheatmospherearoundthem；butwhenMiriamsawthatinvoluntarymovementandheardthatsighofrelief(forsosheinterpretedit)，ashiverranthroughherframe，asiftheiciestwindoftheApennineswereblowingoverher。

"HehasdonehimselfagreaterwrongthanIdreamedof，"thoughtshe，withunutterablecompassion。"Alas！itwasasadmistake！Hemighthavehadakindofblissintheconsequencesofthisdeed，hadhebeenimpelledtoitbyalovevitalenoughtosurvivethefrenzyofthatterriblemoment，mightyenoughtomakeitsownlaw，andjustifyitselfagainstthenaturalremorse。Buttohaveperpetratedadreadfulmurder(andsuchwashiscrime，unlesslove，annihilatingmoraldistinctions，madeitotherwise)onnobetterwarrantthanaboy\'sidlefantasy！Ipityhimfromtheverydepthsofmysoul！Asformyself，Iampastmyownorother\'spity。"

Shearosefromtheyoungman\'sside，andstoodbeforehimwithasad，commiseratingaspect；itwasthelookofaruinedsoul，bewailing，inhim，agrieflessthanwhatherprofoundersympathiesimposeduponherself。

"Donatello，wemustpart，"shesaid，withmelancholyfirmness。"Yes；

leaveme！Gobacktoyouroldtower，whichoverlooksthegreenvalleyyouhavetoldmeofamongtheApennines。Then，allthathaspassedwillberecognizedasbutanuglydream。Forindreamstheconsciencesleeps，andweoftenstainourselveswithguiltofwhichweshouldbeincapableinourwakingmoments。Thedeedyouseemedtodo，lastnight，wasnomorethansuchadream；therewasaslittlesubstanceinwhatyoufanciedyourselfdoing。Go；andforgetitall！"

"Ah，thatterribleface！"saidDonatello，pressinghishandsoverhiseyes。"Doyoucallthatunreal？"

"Yes；foryoubehelditwithdreamingeyes，"repliedMiriam。"Itwasunreal；and，thatyoumayfeelitso，itisrequisitethatyouseethisfaceofminenomore。Once，youmayhavethoughtitbeautiful；now，ithaslostitscharm。Yetitwouldstillretainamiserablepotency\'tobringbackthepastillusion，and，initstrain，theremorseandanguishthatwoulddarkenallyourlife。Leaveme，therefore，andforgetme。"

"Forgetyou，Miriam！"saidDonatello，rousedsomewhatfromhisapathyofdespair。

"IfIcouldrememberyou，andbeholdyou，apartfromthatfrightfulvisagewhichstaresatmeoveryourshoulder，thatwereaconsolation，atleast，ifnotajoy。"

"Butsincethatvisagehauntsyoualongwithmine，"rejoinedMiriam，glancingbehindher，"weneedsmustpart。Farewell，then！Butifever——indistress，peril，shame，poverty，orwhateveranguishismostpoignant，whateverburdenheaviest——youshouldrequirealifetobegivenwholly，onlytomakeyourownalittleeasier，thensummonme！Asthecasenowstandsbetweenus，youhaveboughtmedear，andfindmeoflittleworth。Flingmeaway，therefore！Mayyouneverneedmemore！But，ifotherwise，awish——almostanunutteredwishwillbringmetoyou！"

Shestoodamoment，expectingareply。ButDonatello\'seyeshadagainfallenontheground，andhehadnot，inhisbewilderedmindandoverburdenedheart，awordtorespond。

"ThathourIspeakofmaynevercome，"saidMiriam。"Sofarewell——farewellforever。"

"Farewell，"saidDonatello。

Hisvoicehardlymadeitswaythroughtheenvironmentofunaccustomedthoughtsandemotionswhichhadsettledoverhimlikeadenseanddarkcloud。Notimprobably，hebeheldMiriamthroughsodimamediumthatshelookedvisionary；heardherspeakonlyinathin，faintecho。

Sheturnedfromtheyoungman，and，muchasherheartyearnedtowardshim，shewouldnotprofanethatheavypartingbyanembrace，orevenapressureofthehand。Sosoonafterthesemblanceofsuchmightylove，andafterithadbeentheimpulsetosoterribleadeed，theyparted，inalloutwardshow，ascoldlyaspeoplepartwhosewholemutualintercoursehasbeenencircledwithinasinglehour。

AndDonatello，whenMiriamhaddeparted，stretchedhimselfatfulllengthonthestonebench，anddrewhishatoverhiseyes，astheidleandlight-heartedyouthsofdreamyItalyareaccustomedtodo，whentheyliedowninthefirstconvenientshade，andsnatchanoondayslumber。A

stuporwasuponhim，whichhemistookforsuchdrowsinessashehadknowninhisinnocentpastlife。But，byandby，heraisedhimselfslowlyandleftthegarden。SometimespoorDonatellostarted，asifheheardashriek；sometimesheshrankback，asifaface，fearfultobehold，werethrustclosetohisown。Inthisdismalmood，bewilderedwiththenoveltyofsinandgrief，hehadlittleleftofthatsingularresemblance，onaccountofwhich，andfortheirsport，histhreefriendshadfantasticallyrecognizedhimastheveritableFaunofPraxiteles。

CHAPTERXXIII

MIRIAMANDHILDA

OnleavingtheMediciGardensMiriamfeltherselfastrayintheworld；andhavingnospecialreasontoseekoneplacemorethananother，shesufferedchancetodirectherstepsasitwould。Thusithappened，that，involvingherselfinthecrookednessofRome，shesawHilda\'stowerrisingbeforeher，andwasputinmindtoclimbtotheyounggirl\'seyry，andaskwhyshehadbrokenherengagementatthechurchoftheCapuchins。Peopleoftendotheidlestactsoftheirlifetimeintheirheaviestandmostanxiousmoments；sothatitwouldhavebeennowonderhadMiriambeenimpelledonlybysoslightamotiveofcuriosityaswehaveindicated。

Butsheremembered，too，andwithaquakingheart，whatthesculptorhadmentionedofHilda\'sretracingherstepstowardsthecourtyardofthePalazzoCaffarelliinquestofMiriamherself。Hadshebeencompelledtochoosebetweeninfamyintheeyesofthewholeworld，orinHilda\'seyesalone，shewouldunhesitatinglyhaveacceptedtheformer，onconditionofremainingspotlessintheestimationofherwhite-souledfriend。Thispossibility，therefore，thatHildahadwitnessedthesceneofthepastnight，wasunquestionablythecausethatdrewMiriamtothetower，andmadeherlingerandfalterassheapproachedit。

Asshedrewnear，thereweretokenstowhichherdisturbedmindgaveasinisterinterpretation。Someofherfriend\'sairyfamily，thedoves，withtheirheadsimbeddeddisconsolatelyintheirbosoms，werehuddledinacornerofthepiazza；othershadalightedontheheads，wings，shoulders，andtrumpetsofthemarbleangelswhichadornedthefacadeoftheneighboringchurch；twoorthreehadbetakenthemselvestotheVirgin\'sshrine；andasmanyascouldfindroomweresittingonHilda\'swindow-sill。

Butallofthem，soMiriamfancied，hadalookofwearyexpectationanddisappointment，noflights，noflutterings，nocooingmurmur；somethingthatoughttohavemadetheirdaygladandbrightwasevidentlyleftoutofthisday\'shistory。And，furthermore，Hilda\'swhitewindowcurtainwascloselydrawn，withonlythatonelittleapertureattheside，whichMiriamrememberednoticingthenightbefore。

"Bequiet，"saidMiriamtoherownheart，pressingherhandharduponit。

"Whyshouldstthouthrobnow？Hastthounotenduredmoreterriblethingsthanthis？"

Whateverwereherapprehensions，shewouldnotturnback。Itmightbe——andthesolacewouldbeworthaworld——thatHilda，knowingnothingofthepastnight\'scalamity，wouldgreetherfriendwithasunnysmile，andsorestoreaportionofthevitalwarmth，forlackofwhichhersoulwasfrozen。ButcouldMiriam，guiltyasshewas，permitHildatokisshercheek，toclaspherhand，andthusbenolongersounspottedfromtheworldasheretofore"Iwillneverpermithersweettouchagain，"saidMiriam，toilingupthestaircase，"ifIcanfindstrengthofhearttoforbidit。But，O！itwouldbesosoothinginthiswintryfever-fitofmyheart。TherecanbenoharmtomywhiteHildainonepartingkiss。Thatshallbeall！"

But，onreachingtheupperlanding-place，Miriampaused，andstirrednotagaintillshehadbroughtherselftoanimmovableresolve。

"Mylips，myhand，shallnevermeetHilda\'smore，"saidshe。

Meanwhile，Hildasatlistlesslyinherpainting-room。Hadyoulookedintothelittleadjoiningchamber，youmighthaveseentheslightimprintofherfigureonthebed，butwouldalsohavedetectedatoncethatthewhitecounterpanehadnotbeenturneddown。Thepillowwasmoredisturbed；shehadturnedherfaceuponit，thepoorchild，andbedeweditwithsomeofthosetears(amongthemostchillandforlornthatgushfromhumansorrow)

whichtheinnocentheartpoursforthatitsfirstactualdiscoverythatsinisintheworld。Theyoungandpurearenotapttofindoutthatmiserabletruthuntilitisbroughthometothembytheguiltinessofsometrustedfriend。Theymayhaveheardmuchoftheeviloftheworld，andseemtoknowit，butonlyasanimpalpabletheory。Induetime，somemortal，whomtheyreverencetoohighly，iscommissionedbyProvidencetoteachthemthisdirefullesson；heperpetratesasin；andAdamfallsanew，andParadise，heretoforeinunfadedbloom，islostagain，anddosedforever，withthefieryswordsgleamingatitsgates。

ThechairinwhichHildasatwasneartheportraitofBeatriceCenci，whichhadnotyetbeentakenfromtheeasel。Itisapeculiarityofthispicture，thatitsprofoundestexpressioneludesastraightforwardglance，andcanonlybecaughtbysideglimpses，orwhentheeyefallscasuallyuponit；evenasifthepaintedfacehadalifeandconsciousnessofitsown，and，resolvingnottobetrayitssecretofgrieforguilt，permittedthetruetokenstocomeforthonlywhenitimagineditselfunseen。Noothersuchmagicaleffecthaseverbeenwroughtbypencil。

Now，oppositetheeaselhungalooking-glass，inwhichBeatrice\'sfaceandHilda\'swerebothreflected。Inoneofherweary，nervelesschangesofposition，Hildahappenedtothrowhereyesontheglass，andtookinboththeseimagesatoneunpremeditatedglance。Shefancied——norwasitwithouthorror——thatBeatrice\'sexpression，seenasideandvanishinginamoment，hadbeendepictedinherownfacelikewise，andflittedfromitastimorously。

"AmI，too，stainedwithguilt？"thoughtthepoorgirl，hidingherfaceinherhands。

Notso，thankHeaven！But，asregardsBeatrice\'spicture，theincidentsuggestsatheorywhichmayaccountforitsunutterablegriefandmysteriousshadowofguilt，withoutdetractingfromthepuritywhichwelovetoattributetothatill-fatedgirl。Who，indeed，canlookatthatmouth，——withitslipshalfapart，asinnocentasababe\'sthathasbeencrying，andnotpronounceBeatricesinless？Itwastheintimateconsciousnessofherfather\'ssinthatthrewitsshadowoverher，andfrightenedherintoaremoteandinaccessibleregion，wherenosympathycouldcome。ItwastheknowledgeofMiriam\'sguiltthatlentthesameexpressiontoHilda\'sface。

ButHildanervouslymovedherchair，sothattheimagesintheglassshouldbenolongerVisible。Shenowwatchedaspeckofsunshinethatcamethroughashutteredwindow，andcreptfromobjecttoobject，indicatingeachwithatouchofitsbrightfinger，andthenlettingthemallvanishsuccessively。Inlikemannerhermind，solikesunlightinitsnaturalcheerfulness，wentfromthoughttothought，butfoundnothingthatitcoulddwelluponforcomfort。Neverbeforehadthisyoung，energetic，activespiritknownwhatitistobedespondent。Itwastheunrealityoftheworldthatmadeherso。Herdearestfriend，whoseheartseemedthemostsolidandrichestofHilda\'spossessions，hadnoexistenceforheranymore；andinthatdrearyvoid，outofwhichMiriamhaddisappeared，thesubstance，thetruth，theintegrityoflife，themotivesofeffort，thejoyofsuccess，haddepartedalongwithher。