This his visitor soon perceived, and by the example of those dying
words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," he
gently impressed upon the penitent the duty of forgiving those who
had wronged him--however deeply.
"But how can I forgive the murderers of my mother?"
"Thou believest that mother is in Paradise?"
"Indeed I do."
"Dost thou not wish to be with her at last?"
"As the hart desireth the water brooks."
"Then ask thyself what she would have thee do. Canst thou hope for
the pardon of thine own grievous sins, unless thou dost first
forgive all who have offended thee?"
"I will try. See me again tomorrow, father."
"I will do so: I remain at St. Frideswide's for--a day or two."
Wilfred understood the hesitation.
A different scene transpired simultaneously in the dungeons below,
which, with their accustomed ruthless policy, the Normans had
hollowed out of the soil.
The Jew, Abraham of Toledo, was resting uneasily, full of
fears--which experience too well justified--as to his personal
safety in this den of lions, when he also heard steps, this time
descending the stairs, and Geoffrey of Coutances was ushered in.
"Leave the cell," said the bishop to the gaoler, "but remain in the
passage.
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