Page 28 - les-miserables

the truth to burst forth in wrath, he had educed the justice
of revenge. The Bishop listened to all this in silence. When
they had finished, he inquired,—
‘Where are this man and woman to be tried?’
‘At the Court of Assizes.’
He went on, ‘And where will the advocate of the crown
be tried?’
A tragic event occurred at D—— A man was condemned
to death for murder. He was a wretched fellow, not exactly
educated, not exactly ignorant, who had been a mounte-
bank at fairs, and a writer for the public. The town took a
great interest in the trial. On the eve of the day fixed for the
execution of the condemned man, the chaplain of the prison
fell ill. A priest was needed to attend the criminal in his last
moments. They sent for the cure. It seems that he refused to
come, saying, ‘That is no affair of mine. I have nothing to
do with that unpleasant task, and with that mountebank:
I, too, am ill; and besides, it is not my place.’ This reply was
reported to the Bishop, who said, ‘Monsieur le Cure is right:
it is not his place; it is mine.’
He went instantly to the prison, descended to the cell
of the ‘mountebank,’ called him by name, took him by the
hand, and spoke to him. He passed the entire day with him,
forgetful of food and sleep, praying to God for the soul of the
condemned man, and praying the condemned man for his
own. He told him the best truths, which are also the most
simple. He was father, brother, friend; he was bishop only to
bless. He taught him everything, encouraged and consoled
him. The man was on the point of dying in despair. Death

28 Les Miserables