I beg you, signor, not to increase the difficulties of my task; accept with resignation a fate you cannot escape." A sharp cry escaped Geronimo, as these unfeeling words convinced him that all hope was lost.
"My God!" he exclaimed, "is it then true that this dungeon is to become my tomb?
Must I die without confession?
Shall my body lie in unconsecrated ground?
Oh, mercy! mercy!" "Necessity is a merciless law, signor," replied Julio, "and I have more cause than you to complain of its harshness.

You, at least, will receive in heaven the recompense of your innocent life, while I must commit here a crime from which I recoil with horror, but which is forced upon me by an irresistible power, and for which my poor soul will stand accused before the judgment-seat of God.

But do not cherish a deceitful hope; there is no hope for you.

Before I depart from here, that grave must receive your body.

That I did not immediately on entering fulfil my sad mission is partly owing to the fact that an uncontrollable compassion paralyzed my arm, but still more, to my desire to afford you time to say some prayers.
Therefore prepare your soul for its last passage.