Page:Colas breugnon.djvu/176

 youth you would never listen to me. Now alasl your cup is nearly empty, only the dregs remain to you, but all the same you ought not to be afflicted, since God does you the honor to summon you before Him, and I am here to prepare and wash your soul if perchance it is not perfectly clean and ready. Come, sinner, the time is short!"

Vicar," said I, "I will attend to you in a few moments."

"The Chariot of Death will not wait for you."

"In that case I shall have to go on my two feet."

"Breugnon, my brother," said he solemnly, "relinquish your hold on the things of this world; why should you cling to them since they are naught but vanity and vexation of spirit?"

"Too true," said I, "and it breaks my heart to think of leaving old friends like you behind me in the midst of such desolation,"

"We shall meet again!" said he, rolling up his eyes.

"Let it be soon then! You remember the motto of the Duke of Guise, 'Where I lead you follow!'"

"Come, come, Breugnon, time is passing, and so are you; do you want the father of lies to snap up your sinful soul for his dinner? He will, if you do not make your confession quickly. Colas! I entreat you for my sake!"