We have been weighed upon
heavily by Providence, but, until now, they whom we have been made to
serve have had the policy to treat us with fair words! Thou hast spoken of
blood; that which has been shed by Balthazar, by his, and by mine, lies on
the consciences of those who commanded it to be spilt. The unwilling
instruments of thy justice are innocent before God."
"This is strange language for people of thy employment! Dost thou, too,
Balthazar, speak and think with thy consort in this matter?"
"Nature has given us men sterner feelings, mein Herr. I was born to the
office I hold, taught to believe it right, if not honorable, and I have
struggled hard to do its duties without murmuring. The case is different
with poor Marguerite. She is a mother, and lives in her children; she has
seen one that is near her heart publicly scorned, and she feels like a
mother."
"And thou, who art a father, what has been thy manner of thinking under
this insult?"
Balthazar was meek by nature, and, as he had just said, he had been
trained to the exercise of his functions; but he was capable of profound
affections.
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