Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/161

 docia, and Ulda had yielded their lives. Here the first place fell, by universal respect, to Lord Boppo, the father of the martyred lady. In one casket the ashes were reverently deposited; and then again under the open sun the little congregation sang their burial hymn, and spoke to each other of the honors attached to their fidelity.

“Forgive me, brethren,” said the afflicted veteran, “if I feel unable to express my deep emotion at the example of serenity and faith exhibited by my sainted daughter.

“An equal nobility must be attributed to her faithful husband. Assuredly such constancy is imperishable; and the divine love that imparts it will yet sanctify the world.”

Then taking Solomon’s hand, the old man, shading his own tearful eyes, presented him in silence to the congregation. A hush of surprise spread through the company. “Brethren in the same Lord,” said Solomon, with that confidence in himself and that aspect of practiced address, tempered by the solemnity of the occasion, that propriety dictated, “our common humanity revolts against such cruel violence. Not the spirit of love inculcates these evil deeds. Yet in presence of the dignified fortitude, the majestic constancy we have witnessed, our human character is invested with a new nobility. Elevated indeed above the commoninstincts and cravings of human life must those hearts be that can with like serene preparedness depart from all that men commonly deem most excellent. A bond of divine energy unites such