I believe that if there is a God--and I do not deny that there may be--I shall not be damned because I would rather not live at all than go on living as half a man.

And now, if you will let me have a cup of coffee and a roll, I shall be very grateful, for I have had nothing to eat since yesterday at one o'clock!' He probably knew well enough what such a request meant just then--the putting off of a possible operation for hours, owing to the impossibility of giving ether to a man who has lately eaten anything.
The Mother Superior and the surgeon looked at each other rather blankly.
'Shall I die any sooner if I am starved ?' asked Giovanni almost roughly.
Pieri began to explain the danger, but Severi at once grew more impatient.
'I know all that,' he said, 'and I have told you my decision.

I refuse to undergo an operation.

If you choose to make me suffer from starvation I suppose it is in your power, though I am not sure.

I fancy I can still stand and walk, and even my one hand may be of some use! If you do not give me something to eat, I shall get out of bed and fight my way to the larder!' He smiled as he uttered the threat, as if he were not jesting about his own death.