[The Marble Faun Volume II. by Nathaniel Hawthorne]@TWC D-Link bookThe Marble Faun Volume II. CHAPTER XXXV 11/14
If such be your motive, believe me, friends, it were better to relinquish each other's hands at this sad moment.
There would be no holy sanction on your wedded life." "None," said Donatello, shuddering.
"We know it well." "None," repeated Miriam, also shuddering.
"United--miserably entangled with me, rather--by a bond of guilt, our union might be for eternity, indeed, and most intimate;--but, through all that endless duration, I should be conscious of his horror." "Not for earthly bliss, therefore," said Kenyon, "but for mutual elevation, and encouragement towards a severe and painful life, you take each other's hands.
And if, out of toil, sacrifice, prayer, penitence, and earnest effort towards right things, there comes at length a sombre and thoughtful, happiness, taste it, and thank Heaven! So that you live not for it,--so that it be a wayside flower, springing along a path that leads to higher ends,--it will be Heaven's gracious gift, and a token that it recognizes your union here below." "Have you no more to say ?" asked Miriam earnestly.
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