Page:The Monk, A Romance - Lewis (1796, 1st ed., Volume 1).djvu/80

 to triumph: the saint spoke by my mouth; to him belongs all the merit. It seems then you were contented with my discourse?"

"Contented, say you? Oh! you surpassed yourself! Never did I hear such eloquence—save once!"

Here the novice heaved an involuntary sigh.

"When was that once?" demanded the abbot.

"When you preached upon the sudden indisposition of our late superior."

"I remember it: that is more than two years ago. And were you present? I knew you not at that time, Rosario."

Tis true, father; and would to God I had expired ere I beheld that day! What sufferings, what sorrows should I have escaped!"

"Sufferings at your age, Rosario?"

"Aye, father; sufferings, which if known to you, would equally raise your anger and compassion! Sufferings, which