21/24 It was that of Sabre-tout. "Priest of God, you have betrayed the Church; child of France, you have condemned your king to death." "Alas! alas!" stammered the priest. What have you to say in justification ?" "Citizens--" "We are not citizens," cried Sabre-tout, in a voice thunder, "we are royalists." "Gentlemen--" "We are not gentlemen; we are Chouans." "My friends--" "We are not your friends; we are your judges. You judges are questioning you; answer." "I repent of what I did, and I ask pardon of God and men." "Men cannot pardon you," replied the same implacable voice; "for, pardoned to-day, you would sin to-morrow. You may change your skin, but never your heart. |