Whiletheill-starredgirlwasthuswalkinginterrifyingsecurityattheedgeoftheprecipice，Trespolo，followinghismaster’swishes，hadestablishedhimselfintheislandasapilgrimfromJerusalem。
Playinghispartandsprinklinghisconversationwithbiblicalphrases，whichcametohimreadily，inhischaracterofex-sacristan，hedistributedabundanceofcharms，woodofthetrueCrossandmilkoftheBlessedVirgin，andallthoseotherinexhaustibletreasuresonwhichtheeagerdevotionofworthypeopledailyfeeds。Hisrelicswerethemoreevidentlyauthenticinthathedidnotsellanyofthem，and，bearinghispovertyinaholymanner，thankedthefaithfulanddeclinedtheiralms。Only，outofregardfortheestablishedvirtueofSolomon，hehadconsentedtobreakbreadwiththefisherman，andwenttotakemealswithhimwiththeregularityofacenobite。Hisabstinencearouseduniversalsurprise：acrustdippedinwater，afewnutsorfigssufficedtokeepthisholymanalive——topreventhim，thatistosay，fromdying。Furthermore，heentertainedNisidabyhistalesofhistravelsandbyhismysteriouspredictions。
Unfortunately，heonlyappearedtowardsevening；forhespenttherestofthedayinausteritiesandinprayers——inotherwords，indrinkinglikeaTurkandsnoringlikeabuffalo。
Onthemorningoftheseventhday，afterthepromisegivenbytheprincetothefisherman’sdaughter，Brancaleonecameintohisservant’sroom，and，shakinghintroughly，criedinhisear，"Up，odiousmarmot！"
Trespolo，awakenedsuddenly，rubbedhiseyesinalarm。Thedead，sleepingpeacefullyatthebottomoftheircoffins，willbelessannoyedatthelastdaywhenthetrumpofJudgmentcomestodragthemfromtheirslumbers。Fearhaving，however，immediatelydispersedthedarkcloudsthatoverspreadhiscountenance，hesatup，andaskedwithanappearanceofbewilderment——
"Whatisthematter，yourexcellency？"
"ThematteristhatIwillhaveyouflayedalivealittleifyoudonotleaveoffthatexecrablehabitofsleepingtwentyhoursintheday。"
"Iwasnotasleep，prince！"criedtheservantboldly，ashesprangoutofbed；"Iwasreflecting——-"
"Listentome，"saidtheprinceinaseveretone；"youwereonceemployed，Ibelieve，inachemist’sshop？"
"Yes，mylord，andIleftbecausemyemployerhadthescandalousbarbaritytomakemepounddrugs，whichtiredmyarmshorribly。"
"Hereisaphialcontainingasolutionofopium。"
"Mercy！"criedTrespolo，fallingonhisknees。
"Getup，idiot，andpaygreatattentiontowhatIamgoingtosaytoyou。ThislittlefoolofaNisidapersistsinwantingmetospeaktoherfather。ImadeherbelievethatIwasgoingawaythiseveningtofetchmypapers。Thereisnotimetolose。Theyknowyouverywellatthefisherman’s。Youwillpourthisliquidintotheirwine；yourlifewillanswerforyournotgivingthemalargerdosethanenoughtoproduceadeepsleep。Youwilltakecaretopreparemeagoodladderforto-night；afterwhichyouwillgoandwaitformeinmyboat，whereyouwillfindNumaandBonaroux。Theyhavemyorders。
Ishallnotwantyouinscalingthefortress；IhavemyCampoBassodagger。"
"But，mylord——-"stammeredTrespolo，astounded。
"Nodifficulties！"criedtheprince，stampinghisfootfuriously，"or，bymyfather’sdeath，Iwillcureyou，onceforall，ofyourscruples。"Andheturnedonhisheelwiththeairofamanwhoiscertainthatpeoplewillbeverycarefulnottodisobeyhisorders。
TheunhappyTrespolofulfilledhismaster’sinjunctionspunctually。
Withhimfearwastheguidingprinciple。Thateveningthefisherman’ssuppertablewashopelesslydull，andtheshampilgrimtriedinvaintoenlivenitbyfactitiouscheerfulness。Nisidawaspreoccupiedbyherlover’sdeparture，andSolomon，sharingunconsciouslyinhisdaughter’sgrief，swallowedbutadroportwoofwine，toavoidresistingtherepeatedurgencyofhisguest。GabrielhadsetoutinthemorningforSorrentoandwasnottoreturnfortwoorthreedays；hisabsencetendedtoincreasetheoldman’smelancholy。AssoonasTrespolohadretired，thefishermanyieldedtohisfatigue。Nisida，withherarmshangingbyhersides，herheadheavyandherheartoppressedbyasadpresentiment，hadscarcelystrengthtogouptoherroom，andafterhavingmechanicallytrimmedthelamp，sankonherbedaspaleandstiffasacorpse。
Thestormwasbreakingoutwithviolence；oneofthoseterriblestormsseenonlyintheSouth，whenthecongregatedclouds，partingsuddenly，shedtorrentsofrainandofhail，andthreatenanotherdeluge。Theroarofthethunderdrewnearerandwaslikethenoiseofacannonade。Thegulf，latelysocalmandsmooththattheislandwasreflectedasinamirror，hadsuddenlydarkened；thefuriouslyleapingwavesflungthemselvestogetherlikewildhorses；theislandquaked，shakenbyterribleshocks。Eventheboldestfishermenhaddrawntheirboatsashore，and，shutwithintheircabins，encouragedasbesttheycouldtheirfrightenedwivesandchildren。
AmidthedeepdarknessthatoverspreadtheseaNisida’slampcouldbeseengleamingclearandlimpid，asitburnedbeforetheMadonna。Twoboats，withoutrudders，sails，oroars，tossedbythewaves，beatenbythewinds，werewhirlingabovetheabyss；twomenwereinthesetwoboats，theirmusclestense，theirbreastsbare，theirhairflying。Theygazedhaughtilyonthesea，andbravedthetempest。
"Oncemore，Ibegyou，"criedoneofthesemen，"fearnotforme，Gabriel；IpromiseyouthatwithmytwobrokenoarsandalittleperseveranceIshallgettoTorrebeforedaybreak。"
"Youaremad，Bastiano；wehavenotbeenableeversincethemorningtogetnearVico，andhavebeenobligedtokeeptackingabout；yourskillandstrengthhavebeenabletodonothingagainstthisfrightfulhurricanewhichhasdrivenusbacktothispoint。"
"Itisthefirsttimeyouhaveeverrefusedtogowithme，"remarkedtheyoungman。
"Well，yes，mydearBastiano，Idonotknowhowitis，butto-nightI
feeldrawntotheislandbyanirresistiblepower。Thewindshavebeenunchainedtobringmebacktoitinspiteofmyself，andIwillowntoyou，eventhoughitshouldmakemeseemlikeamadmaninyoureyes，thatthissimpleandordinaryeventappearstomelikeanorderfromheaven。Doyouseethatlampshiningoverthere？"
"Iknowit，"answeredBastiano，suppressingasigh。
"ItwaslightedbeforetheVirginonethedaywhenmysisterwasborn，andforeighteenyearithasneverceasedtoburn，nightandday。Itwasmymother’svow。Youdonotknow，mydearBastiano，youcannotknowhowmanytorturingthoughtsthatvowrecallstome。Mypoormothercalledmetoherdeathbedandtoldmeafrightfultale，ahorriblesecret，whichweighsonmysoullikeacloakoflead，andofwhichIcanonlyrelievemyselfbyconfidingittoafriend。Whenherpainfulstorywasendedsheaskedtoseeandtoembracemysister，whowasjustborn；thenwithhertremblinghand，alreadychilledbytheapproachofdeath，shedesiredtolightthelampherself。’Remember，’thesewereherlastwords，’remember，Gabriel，thatyoursisterisvowedtotheMadonna。AslongasthislightshinesbeforetheblessedimageoftheVirgin，yoursisterwillbeinnodanger。’Youcanunderstandnowwhy，atnight，whenwearecrossingthegulf，myeyesarealwaysfixedonthatlamp。Ihaveabeliefthatnothingcouldshake，whichisthatonthedaythatlightgoesoutmysister’ssoulwillhavetakenflighttoheaven。"
"Well，"criedBastianoinanabrupttonethatbetrayedtheemotionofhisheart，"ifyouprefertostay，Iwillgoalone。"
"Farewell，"saidGabriel，withoutturningasidehiseyesfromthewindowtowardswhichhefelthimselfdrawnbyafascinationforwhichhecouldnotaccount。Bastianodisappeared，andNisida’sbrother，assistedbythewaves，wasdrawingnearerandnearertotheshore，when，atallonce，heutteredaterriblecrywhichsoundedabovethenoiseofthetempest。
Thestarhadjustbeenextinguished；thelamphadbeenblownout。
"Mysisterisdead！"criedGabrieland，leapingintothesea，hecleftthewaveswiththerapidityoflightning。
Thestormhadredoubleditsintensity；longlinesoflightning，rendingthesidesoftheclouds，bathedeverythingintheirtawnyandintermittentlight。Thefishermanperceivedaladderleaningagainstthefrontofhishome，seizeditwithaconvulsivehand，andinthreeboundsflunghimselfintotheroom。Theprincefelthimselfstrangelymovedonmakinghiswayintothispureandsilentretreat。
ThecalmandgentlegazeoftheVirginwhoseemedtobeprotectingtherestofthesleepinggirl，thatperfumeofinnocenceshedaroundthemaidenlycouch，thatlamp，open-eyedamidtheshadows，likeasoulinprayer，hadinspiredtheseducerwithanunknowndistress。
Irritatedbywhathecalledanabsurdcowardice，hehadextinguishedtheobtrusivelight，andwasadvancingtowardsthebed，andaddressingunspokenreproachestohimself，whenGabrielswoopeduponhimwithawoundedtiger’sfiercegnashingoftheteeth。
Brancaleone，byaboldandrapidmovementthatshowednocommondegreeofskillandbravery，whilestrugglinginthegraspofhispowerfuladversary，drewforthinhisrighthandalongdaggerwithafinebarbedblade。Gabrielsmiledscornfully，snatchedtheweaponfromhim，andevenashestoopedtobreakitacrosshisknee，gavetheprinceafuriousblowwithhisheadthatmadehimstaggerandsenthimrollingonthefloor，threepacesaway；then，leaningoverhispoorsisterandgazingonherwithhungryeyes，bythepassinggleamofaflash，"Dead！"herepeated，wringinghisarmsindespair，——"dead！"
Inthefearfulparoxysmthatcompressedhisthroathecouldfindnootherwordstoassuagehisrageortopourforthhiswoe。Hishair，whichthestormhadflattened，roseonhishead，themarrowofhisboneswaschilled，andhefelthistearsrushbackuponhisheart。
Itwasaterriblemoment；heforgotthatthemurdererstilllived。
Theprince，however，whoseadmirablecomposuredidnotforamomentdeserthim，hadrisen，bruisedandbleeding。Paleandtremblingwithrage，hesoughteverywhereforaweaponwithwhichtoavengehimself。
Gabrielreturnedtowardshimgloomierandmoreominousthanever，andgraspinghisneckwithanironhand，draggedhimintotheroomwheretheoldmanwassleeping。
"Father！father！father！"hecriedinapiercingvoice，"hereistheBastardwhoHasjustmurderedNisida！"
Theoldman，whohaddrunkbutafewdropsofthenarcoticpotion，wasawakenedbythiscrywhichechoedthroughhissoul；hearoseasthoughmovedbyaspring，flungoffhiscoverings，andwiththatpromptitudeofactionthatGodhasbestoweduponmothersinmomentsofdanger，eventuptohisdaughter’sroom，foundalight，kneltontheedgeofthebed，andbegantotesthischild’spulseandwatchherbreathingwithmortalanxiety。
All！thishadpassedinlesstimethanwehavetakenintellingit。
Brancaleonebyanunheard-ofefforthadfreedhimselffromthehandsoftheyoungfisherman，andsuddenlyresuminghisprincelypride，saidinaloudvoice，"Youshallnotkillmewithoutlisteningtome。"
GabrielwouldhaveoverwhelmedhimwithBitterreproaches，but，unabletoutterasingleword，heburstintotears。
"Yoursifterisnotdead，"saidtheprince，withcolddignity；"sheismerelyasleep。Youcanassureyourselfofit，andmeanwhileI
undertake，uponmyHonour，nottomoveasinglestepaway。"
Thesewordswerepronouncedwithsuchanaccentoftruththatthefishermanwasstruckbythem。Anunexpectedgleamofhopesuddenlydawnedinhisthoughts；hecastuponthestrangeraglanceofhateanddistrust，andmutteredinamuffledvoice，"Donotflatteryourself，inanycase，thatyouwillbeabletoescapeme。"
Thenhewentuptohissister’sroom，andapproachingtheoldman，askedtremblingly，"Well，father？"
Solomonthrusthimgentlyasidewiththesolicitudeofamotherremovingsomebuzzinginsectfromherchild’scradle，and，makingasigntoenjoinsilence，addedinalowvoice，"Sheisneitherdeadnorpoisoned。Somephiltrehasbeengiventoherforabadpurpose。
Herbreathingiseven，andshecannotfailtorecoverfromherlethargy。"
Gabriel，reassuredaboutNisida’slife，returnedsilentlytothegroundfloorwherehehadlefttheseducer。Hismannerwasgraveandgloomy；hewascomingnownottorendthemurdererofhissisterwithhishands，buttoelucidateatreacherousandinfamousmystery，andtoavengehishonourwhichhadbeenbaselyattacked。Heopenedwidethedoubleentrancedoorthatadmitteddaylighttotheapartmentinwhich，onthefewnightsthathespentathome，hewasaccustomedtosleepwithhisfather。Therainhadjuststopped，arayofmoonlightpiercedtheclouds，andallatoncemadeitswayintotheroom。Thefishermanadjustedhisdrippinggarments，walkedtowardsthestranger，whoawaitedhimwithoutstirring，andafterhavinggazeduponhimhaughtily，said，"Nowyouaregoingtoexplainyourpresenceinourhouse。"
"Iconfess，"saidtheprince，inaneasytoneandwiththemostinsolentassurance，"thatappearancesareagainstme。Itisthefateofloverstobetreatedasthieves。ButalthoughIhavenottheadvantageofbeingknowntoyou，IambetrothedtothefairNisida——
withyourfather’sapproval，ofcourse。Now，asIhavethemisfortunetopossessveryhardheartedparents，theyhavehadthecrueltytorefusemetheirconsent。Loveledmeastray，andIwasabouttobeguiltyofafaultforwhichayoungmanlikeyououghttohavesomeindulgence。Furthermore，itwasnothingbutamereattemptatanabduction，withthebestintentionsintheworld，Iswear，andIamreadytoatoneforeverythingifyouwillagreetogivemeyourhandandcallmeyourbrother。"
"Iwillagreetocallyouacowardandabetrayer！"repliedGabriel，whosefacehadbeguntoglow，asheheardhissisterspokenofwithsuchimpudentlevity。"Ifitisthusthatinsultsareavengedintowns，wefishershaveadifferentplan。Ah！soyouflatteredyourselfwiththethoughtofbringingdesolationaiddisgraceintoourhome，andofpayinginfamousassassinstocomeandshareanoldman’sbreadsoastopoisonhisdaughter，ofstealingbynight，likeabrigand，armedwithadagger，intomysister’sroom，andofbeingletoffbymarryingthemostbeautifulwomaninthekingdom！"
Theprincemadeamovement。
"Listen，"continuedGabriel："IcouldbreakyouasIbrokeyourdaggerjustnow；butIhavepityonyou。Iseethatyoucandonothingwithyourhands，neitherdefendyourselfnorwork。Go，I
begintounderstand；youareabraggart，myfinesir；yourpovertyisusurped；youhavedeckedyourselfinthesepoorclothes，butyouareunworthyofthem。"
Hesufferedaglanceofcrushingcontempttofallupontheprince，thengoingtoacupboardhiddeninthewall，hedrewoutarifleandanaxe。
"Here，"saidhe，"arealltheweaponsinthehouse；choose。"
Aflashofjoyilluminatedthecountenanceoftheprince，whohadhithertosuppressedhisrage。Heseizedtherifleeagerly，drewthreestepsbackward，anddrawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，said，"Youwouldhavedonebettertolendmethisweaponatthebeginning；forthenIwouldhavebeensparedfromwitnessingyoursillyvapouringsandfranticconvulsions。Thanks，young-man；oneofmyservantswillbringyoubackyourgun。Farewell。"
Andhethrewhimhispurse，whichfellheavilyatthefisherman’sfeet。
"Ilentyouthatrifletofightwithme，"criedGabriel，whomsurprisehadrootedtothespot。
"Moveaside，mylad；youareoutofyoursenses，"saidtheprince，takingasteptowardsthedoor。
"Soyourefusetodefendyourself？"askedGabrielinadeterminedvoice。
"IhavetoldyoualreadythatIcannotfightwithyou。"
"Whynot？"
"BecausesuchisthewillofGod；becauseyouwereborntocrawlandItotrampleyouundermyfeet；becauseallthebloodthatIcouldshedinthisislandwouldnotpurchaseonedropofmyblood；becauseathousandlivesofwretcheslikeyouarenotequaltoonehourofmine；becauseyouwillkneelatmynamethatI，amnowgoingtoutter；because，inshort，youarebutapoorfishermanandmynameisPrinceofBrancaleone。"
Atthisdreadedname，whichtheyoungnoblemanflung，likeathunderbolt，athishead，thefishermanboundedlikealion。Hedrewadeepbreath，asthoughhehadliftedaweightthathadlongrestedonhisheart。
"Ah！"hecried，"youhavegivenyourselfintomyhands，mylord！
Betweenthepoorfishermanandtheall-powerfulprincethereisadebtofblood。Youshallpayforyourselfandforyourfather。Wearegoingtosettleouraccounts，yourexcellency，"headded，risinghisaxeovertheheadoftheprince，whowasaimingathim。"Oh！
youwereintoogreathastetochoose：therifleisnotloaded。"Theprinceturnedpale。
"Betweenourtwofamilies，"Gabrielcontinued，"thereexistsahorriblesecretwhichmymotherconfidedtomeonthebrinkofthegrave，ofwhichmyfatherhimselfisunaware，andthatnomanintheworldmustlearn。Youaredifferent，youaregoingtodie。"
Hedraggedhimintothespaceoutsidethehouse。
"Doyouknowwhymysister，whomyouwishedtodishonour，wasvowedtotheMadonna？Becauseyourfather，likeyou，wishedtodishonourmymother。Inyouraccursedhousethereisatraditionofinfamy。
Youdonotknowwhatslowandterribletormentsmypoormotherendured-tormentsthatbrokeherstrengthandcausedhertodieinearlyyouth，andthatherangelicsouldaredconfidetononebuthersoninthatsupremehourandinordertobidmewatchovermysister。"
Thefishermanwipedawayaburningtear。"Oneday，beforewewereborn，afinelady，richlydressed，landedinourislandfromasplendidboat；sheaskedtoseemymother，whowasasyoungandbeautifulasmyNisidaisto-day。Shecouldnotceasefromadmiringher；sheblamedtheblindnessoffatewhichhadburiedthislovelyjewelinthebosomofanobscureisland；sheshoweredpraises，caresses，andgiftsuponmymother，andaftermanyindirectspeeches，finallyaskedherparentsforher，thatshemightmakeherherlady-
in-waiting。Thepoorpeople，foreseeingintheprotectionofsogreataladyabrilliantfuturefortheirdaughter，wereweakenoughtoyield。Thatladywasyourmother；anddoyouknowwhyshecamethustoseekthatpoorinnocentmaiden？Becauseyourmotherhadalover，andbecauseshewishedtomakesure，inthisinfamousmanner，oftheprince’sindulgence。"
"Silence，wretch！"
"Oh，yourexcellencywillhearmeout。Atthebeginning，mypoormotherfoundherselfsurroundedbythetenderestcare：theprincesscouldnotbepartedfromherforamoment；themostflatteringwords，thefinestclothes，therichestornamentswerehers；theservantspaidherasmuchrespectasthoughshewereadaughterofthehouse。
Whenherparentswenttoseeherandtoinquirewhethershedidnotatallregrethavingleftthem，theyfoundhersolovelyandsohappy，thattheyblessedtheprincessasagoodangelsentthemfromGod。Thentheprinceconceivedaremarkableaffectionformymother；
littlebylittlehismannersbecamemorefamiliarandaffectionate。
Atlasttheprincesswentawayforafewdays，regrettingthatshecouldnottakewithherherdearchild，asshecalledher。Thentheprince’sbrutalityknewnofurtherbarriers；henolongerconcealedhisshamefulplansofseduction；hespreadbeforethepoorgirl’seyespearlnecklacesandcasketsofdiamonds；hepassedfromthemostglowingpassiontotheblackestfury，fromthehumblestprayerstothemosthorriblethreats。Thepoorchildwasshutupinacellarwheretherewashardlyagleamofdaylight，andeverymorningafrightfulgaolercameandthrewherabitofblackbread，repeatingwithoathsthatitonlydependeduponherselftoalterallthisbybecomingtheprince’smistress。Thiscrueltycontinuedfortwoyears。Theprincesshadgoneonalongjourney，andmymother’spoorparentsbelievedthattheirdaughterwasstillhappywithherprotectress。Onherreturn，having；nodoubtfreshsinsforwhichsheneededforgiveness，shetookmymotherfromherdungeon，assumedtheliveliestindignationatthishorribletreatment，aboutwhichsheappearedtohaveknownnothing，wipedhertears，andbyanabominablerefinementofperfidyreceivedthethanksofthevictimwhomshewasabouttosacrifice。
Oneevening——Ihavejustfinished，mylord——theprincesschosetosupalonewithherlady-in-waiting：therarestfruits，themostexquisitedishes，andthemostdelicatewineswereservedtomypoormother，whoseprolongedprivationshadinjuredherhealthandweakenedherreason；shegavewaytoamorbidgaiety。Diabolicalphiltreswerepouredintohercup；thatisanothertraditioninyourfamily。Mymotherfeltuplifted，hereyesshonewithfeverishbrilliance，hercheekswereonfire。Thentheprincecamein——oh！yourexcellencywillseethatGodprotectsthepoor。Mydarlingmother，likeafrighteneddove，shelteredherselfinthebosomoftheprincess，whopushedheraway，laughing。Thepoordistraughtgirl，trembling，weeping，kneltdowninthemidstofthatinfamousroom。ItwasSt。
Anne’sDay；allatoncethehouseshook，thewallscracked，criesofdistressrangoutinthestreets。Mymotherwassaved。ItwastheearthquakethatdestroyedhalfNaples。Youknowallaboutit，mylord，sinceyouroldpalaceisnolongerhabitable。"
"Whatareyoudrivingat？"criedBrancaleoneinterribleagitation。
"Oh，Imerelywishtopersuadeyouthatyoumustfightwithme，"
answeredthefishermancoldly，asheofferedhimacartridge。"Andnow，"headded，inanexcitedtone，"sayyourprayers，mylord；forI
warnyou，youwilldiebymyhand；justicemustbedone。"
Theprincecarefullyexaminedthepowderandshot，madesurethathisriflewasingoodcondition；loadedit，and，eagertomakeanend，tookaimatthefisherman；but，eitherbecausehehadbeensomuchdisturbedbyhisopponent’sterribletale，or，becausethegrasswaswetfromthestorm，atthemomentwhenheputforwardhisleftfoottosteadyhisshot，heslipped，losthisbalanceandfellononeknee。Hefiredintotheair。
"Thatdoesnotcount，mylord，"criedGabrielinstantly，andhandedhimasecondcharge。
AtthenoiseofthereportSolomonhadappearedatthewindow，and，understandingwhatwasgoingon，hadliftedhishandstoheaven，inordertoaddresstoGodadumbandferventprayer。Eligiutteredafrightfulinprecation，andhastilyreloadedhisrifle；but，struckbythecalmconfidenceoftheyoungman，whostoodmotionlessbeforehim，andbytheoldman，who，impassiveandundisturbed，seemedtobeconjuringGodinthenameofafather’sauthority，disconcertedbyhisfall，hiskneesshakingandhisarmjarred，hefeltthechillsofdeathrunninginhisveins。Attempting，nevertheless，tomasterhisemotion，hetookaimasecondtime；thebulletwhistledbythefisherman’searandburieditselfinthestemofapoplar。
Theprince，withtheenergyofdespair，seizedthebarrelofhisweaponinbothhands；butGabrielwascomingforwardwithhisaxe，aterriblefoe，andhisfirststrokecarriedawaythebuttoftherifle。Hewasstillhesitating，however，tokilladefencelessman，whentwoarmedservantsappearedattheendofthepathway。Gabrieldidnotseethemcoming；butatthemomentwhentheywouldhaveseizedhimbytheshoulders，Solomonutteredacryandrushedtohisson’sassistance。
"Help，Numa！help，Bonaroux！Deathtotheruffians！Theywanttomurderme。"
"Youlie，PrinceofBrancaleone！"criedGabriel，andwithoneblowoftheaxeheclefthisskull。
Thetwobravoeswhowerecomingtotheirmaster’sassistance，whentheysawhimfall，tookflight；SolomonandhissonwentuptoNisida’sroom。Theyounggirlhadjustshakenoffherheavyslumber；
aslightperspirationmoistenedherbrow，andsheopenedhereyesslowlytothedawningday。
"Whyareyoulookingatmeinthatway，father？"shesaid，hermindstillwanderingalittlerandshepassedherhandoverherforehead。
Theoldmanembracedhertenderly。
"Youhavejustpassedthroughagreatdanger，mypoorNisida，"saidhe；"arise，andletusgivethankstotheMadonna。"
Thenallthree，kneelingbeforethesacredimageoftheVirgin，begantorecitelitanies。Butatthatveryinstantanoiseofarmssoundedintheenclosure，thehousewassurroundedbysoldiers，andalieutenantofgendarmes，seizingGabriel，saidinaloudvoice，"Inthenameofthelaw，Iarrestyouforthemurderthatyouhavejustcommitteduponthepersonofhisexcellencyandillustriouslordship，thePrinceofBrancaleone。"
Nisida，struckbythesewords，remainedpaleandmotionlesslikeamarblestatuekneelingonatomb；Gabrielwasalreadypreparingtomakeanunreasoningresistance，whenagesturefromhisfatherstoppedhim。
"Signortenente，"saidtheoldman，addressinghimselftotheofficer，"mysonkilledtheprinceinlawfuldefence，forthelatterhadscaledourhouseandmadehiswayinatnightandwitharmsinhishand。Theproofsarebeforeyoureyes。Hereisaladdersetupagainstthewindow；andhere，"heproceeded，pickingupthetwopiecesofthebrokenblade，"isadaggerwiththeBrancaleonearms。
However，wedonotrefusetofollowyou。"
Thelastwordsofthefishermanweredrownedbycriesof"Downwiththesbirri！downwiththegendarmes！"whichwererepeatedineverydirection。Thewholeislandwasupinarms，andthefisher-folkwouldhavesufferedthemselvestobecutuptothelastmanbeforeallowingasinglehairofSolomonorofhissontobetouched；buttheoldmanappeareduponhisthreshold，and，stretchingouthisarmwithacalmandgravemovementthatquietedtheangerofthecrowd，hesaid，"Thanks，mychildren；thelawmustberespected。Ishallbeable，alone，todefendtheinnocenceofmysonbeforethejudges。"
HardlythreemonthshaveelapsedsincethedayuponwhichwefirstbeheldtheoldfishermanofNisidasittingbeforethedoorofhisdwelling，irradiatedbyallthehappinessthathehadsucceededincreatingaroundhim，reigninglikeaking，onhisthroneofrock，andblessinghistwochildren，themostbeautifulcreaturesintheisland。Nowthewholeexistenceofthisman，whowasoncesohappyandsomuchenvied，ischanged。Thesmilingcottage，thathungoverthegulflikeaswanoveratransparentlake，issadanddesolate；
thelittleenclosure，withitshedgesoflilacandhawthorn，wherejoyousgroupsusedtocomeandsitatthecloseofday，issilentanddeserted。Nohumansounddarestotroublethemourningofthissaddenedsolitude。Onlytowardseveningthewavesofthesea，compassionatingsuchgreatmisfortunes，cometomurmurplaintivenotesuponthebeach。
Gabrielhasbeencondemned。Thenewsofthehigh-bornPrinceofBrancaleone’sdeath，soyoung，sohandsome，andsouniversallyadored，notonlyflutteredthearistocracyofNaples，butexcitedprofoundindignationinallclassesofpeople。Hewasmournedbyeverybody，andaunanimouscryforvengeancewasraisedagainstthemurderer。
Theauthoritiesopenedtheinquirywithalarmingpromptness。Themagistrateswhomtheirofficecalledtojudgethisdeplorableaffairdisplayed，however，themostirreproachableintegrity。Noconsiderationoutsidetheirduty，nodeferenceduetosonobleandpowerfulafamily，couldshaketheconvictionsoftheirconscience。
Historyhaskeptarecordofthismemorabletrial；andhas，noreproachtomaketomenwhichdoesnotapplyequallytotheimperfectionofhumanlaws。Theappearanceofthings，thatfatalcontradictionwhichthegeniusofevilsooftenhereonearthgivestotruth，overwhelmedthepoorfishermanwiththemostevidentproofs。
Trespolo，inwhomfearhaddestroyedallscruples，beingfirstexamined，ashavingbeentheyoungprince’sconfidant，declaredwithcoolimpudencethat，hismasterhavingshownawishtoescapeforafewdaysfromtheimportunitiesofayoungmarriedladywhosepassionwasbeginningtotirehim，hadfollowedhimtotheislandwiththreeorfourofhismostfaithfulservants，andthathehimselfhadadoptedthedisguiseofapilgrim，notwishingtobetrayhisexcellency’sincognitotothefisher-people，whowouldcertainlyhavetormentedsopowerfulapersonbyallsortsofpetitions。Twolocalwatchmen，whohadhappenedtobeonthehillsideatthemomentofthecrime，gaveevidencethatconfirmedthevalet’slengthystatement；hiddenbysomeunderwood，theyhadseenGabrielrushupontheprince，andhaddistinctlyheardthelastwordsofthedyingman；
calling"Murder！"Allthewitnesses，eventhosesummonedattherequestoftheprisoner，madehiscaseworsebytheirstatements，whichtheytriedtomakefavourable。Thusthecourt，withitsusualperspicacityanditsinfalliblecertainty，succeededinestablishingthefactthatPrinceEligiofBrancaleone，havingtakenatemporarydisliketotownlife，hadretiredtothelittleislandofNisida，theretogivehimselfuppeaceablytothepleasureoffishing，forwhichhehadatalltimeshadaparticularpredilection（aproofappearedamongthedocumentsofthecasethattheprincehadregularlybeenpresenteveryotheryearatthetunny-fishingonhispropertyatPalermo）；thatwhenoncehewasthushiddenintheisland，Gabrielmighthaverecognisedhim，havinggonewithhissistertotheprocession，afewdaysbefore，andhad，nodoubt，plannedtomurderhim。Onthedaybeforethenightofthecrime，theabsenceofGabrielandthediscomposureofhisfatherandsisterhadbeenremarked。Towardseveningtheprincehaddismissedhisservant，andgoneoutalone，ashiscustomwas，towalkbytheseashore。
Surprisedbythestormandnotknowingthebywaysoftheisland，hehadwanderedroundthefisherman’shouse，seekingashelter；thenGabriel，encouragedbythedarknessandbythenoiseofthetempest，whichseemedlikelytocoverthecriesofhisvictim，had，afterprolongedhesitation，resolvedtocommithiscrime，andhavingfiredtwoshotsattheunfortunateyoungmanwithoutsucceedinginwoundinghim，hadputanendtohimbyblowsoftheaxe；lastly，atthemomentwhen，withSolomon’sassistance，hewasabouttothrowthebodyintothesea，theprince’sservantshavingappeared，theyhadgoneuptothegirl’sroom，and，inventingtheirabsurdtale，hadcastthemselvesontheirkneesbeforetheVirgin，inordertomisleadtheauthorities。AllthecircumstancesthatpoorSolomoncitedinhisson’sfavourturnedagainsthim：theladderatNisida’swindowbelongedtothefisherman；thedaggerwhichyoungBrancaleonealwayscarrieduponhimtodefendhimselfhadevidentlybeentakenfromhimafterhisdeath，andGabrielhadhastenedtobreakit，soastodestroy，tothebestofhispower，thetracesofhiscrime。
Bastiano’sevidencedidnotreceiveaminute’sconsideration：he，todestroytheideaofpremeditation，declaredthattheyoungfishermanhadlefthimonlyatthemomentwhenthestormbrokeovertheisland；
but，inthefirstplace，theyoungdiverwasknowntobeGabriel’smostdevotedfriendandhissister’swarmestadmirer，and，inthesecond，hehadbeenseentolandatTorreduringthesamehourinwhichhehadaffirmedthathewasneartoNisida。Asfortheprince’spassionforthepoorpeasantgirl，themagistratessimplyshruggedtheirshouldersattheridiculousassertionofthat，andespeciallyattheyounggirl’sallegedresistanceandtheextrememeasurestowhichtheprincewassupposedtohaveresortedtoconquerthevirtueofNisida。EligiofBrancaleonewassoyoung，sohandsome，soseductive，andatthesametimesocoolamidhissuccesses，thathehadneverbeensuspectedofviolence，exceptingettingridofhismistresses。Finally，anoverwhelmingandunanswerableproofoverthrewalltheargumentsforthedefence：underthefisherman’sbedhadbeenfoundapursewiththeBrancaleonearms，fullofgold，thepursewhich，ifourreadersremember，theprincehadflungasalastinsultatGabriel’sfeet。
Theoldmandidnotloseheartatthisfabricoflies；afterthepleadingsoftheadvocateswhoseruinouseloquencehehadboughtwithheavygold，hedefendedhissonhimself，andputsomuchtruth，somuchpassion，andsomanytearsintohisspeech，thatthewholeaudiencewasmoved，andthreeofthejudgesvotedforanacquittal；
butthemajoritywasagainstit，andthefatalverdictwaspronounced。
Thenewsatoncespreadthroughoutthelittleisland，andcausedthedeepestdejectionthere。Thefisherswho，atthefirstirruptionofforce，hadrisenasonemantodefendtheircomrade’scause，bowedtheirheadswithoutamurmurbeforetheunquestionedauthorityofalegaljudgment。Solomonreceivedunflinchinglythestabthatpiercedhisheart。Nosighescapedhisbreast；notearcametohiseyes；hiswounddidnotbleed。Sincehisson’sarresthehadsoldallhepossessedintheworld，eventhelittlesilvercrossleftbyhiswifeatherdeath，eventhepearlnecklacethatflatteredhisfatherlypridebylosingitswhitenessagainsthisdearNisida’sthroat；thepiecesofgoldgainedbythesaleofthesethingshehadsewnintohiscoarsewoollencap，andhadestablishedhimselfinthecity。Heatenothingbutthebreadthrowntohimbythepityofpassers-by，andsleptonthestepsofchurchesoratthemagistrates’door。
Toestimateatitsfullvaluetheheroiccourageofthisunhappyfather，onemusttakeageneralviewofthewholeextentofhismisfortune。Overwhelmedbyageandgrief，helookedforwardwithsolemncalmnesstotheterriblemomentwhichwouldbearhisson，afewdaysbeforehim，tothegrave。Hissharpestagonywasthethoughtoftheshamethatwouldenvelophisfamily。ThefirstscaffolderectedinthatgentlymanneredislandwouldariseforGabriel，andthatignominiouspunishmenttarnishthewholepopulationandimprintuponitthefirstbrandofdisgrace。Byasadtransition，whichyetcomessoeasilyinthedestinyofman，thepoorfathergrewtolongforthosemomentsofdangeratwhichhehadformerlytrembled，thosemomentsinwhichhissonmighthavediednobly。Andnowallwaslost：alonglifeofwork，ofabnegation，andofgooddeeds，apureandstainlessreputationthathadextendedbeyondthegulfintodistantcountries，andthetraditionaladmiration，risingalmosttoworship，ofseveralgenerations；allthesethingsonlyservedtodeepenthepitintowhichthefishermanhadfallen，atoneblow，fromhiskinglyheight。Goodfame，thatdivinehalowithoutwhichnothinghereonearthissacred，haddisappeared。Mennolongerdaredtodefendthepoorwretch，theypitiedhim。Hisnamewouldsooncarryhorrorwithit，andNisida，poororphan，wouldbenothingtoanyonebutthesisterofamanwhohadbeencondemnedtodeath。EvenBastianoturnedawayhisfaceandwept。Thus，wheneveryrespitewasover，whenpoorSolomon’severyattempthadfailed，peopleinthetownwhosawhimsmilestrangely，asthoughundertheobsessionofsomefixedidea，saidtooneanotherthattheoldmanhadlosthisreason。
Gabrielsawhislastdaydawn，serenelyandcalmly。Hissleephadbeendeep；heawokefullofunknownjoy；acheerfulrayofsunlight，fallingthroughtheloophole，waveredoverthefinegoldenstrawinhiscell；anautumnbreezeplayingaroundhim，broughtanagreeablecoolnesstohisbrow，andstirredinhislonghair。Thegaoler，whowhilehehadhadhiminhischargehadalwaysbehavedhumanely，struckbyhishappylooks，hesitatedtoannouncethepriest’svisit，infearofcallingthepoorprisonerfromhisdream。Gabrielreceivedthenewswithpleasure；heconversedfortwohourswiththegoodpriest，andshedsweettearsonreceivingthelastabsolution。
Thepriestlefttheprisonwithtearsinhiseyes，declaringaloudthathehadneverinhislifemetwithamorebeautiful，pure，resigned，andcourageousspirit。
Thefishermanwasstillundertheinfluenceofthisconsolingemotionwhenhissisterentered。Sincethedaywhenshehadbeencarried，fainting，fromtheroomwhereherbrotherhadjustbeenarrested，thepoorgirl，shelteredundertheroofofanaunt，andaccusingherselfofalltheevilthathadbefallen，haddonenothingbutweepatthefeetofherholyprotectress。Bowedbygrieflikeayounglilybeforethestorm，shewouldspendwholehours，pale，motionless，detachedfromearthlythings，hertearsflowingsilentlyuponherbeautifulclaspedhands。Whenthemomentcametogoandembraceherbrotherforthelasttime，Nisidaarosewiththecourageofasaint。
Shewipedawaythetracesofhertears，smoothedherbeautifulblackhair，andputonherbestwhitedress。Poorchild，shetriedtohidehergriefbyanangelicdeception。Shehadthestrengthtosmile！
AtthesightofheralarmingpallorGabrielfelthisheartwrung，acloudpassedoverhiseyes；hewouldhaveruntomeether，but，heldbackbythechainwhichfetteredhimtoapillarofhisprison，steppedbacksharplyandstumbled。Nisidaflewtoherbrotherandupheldhiminherarms。Theyounggirlhadunderstoodhim；sheassuredhimthatshewaswell。Fearingtoremindhimofhisterribleposition，shespokevolublyofallmannerofthings——heraunt，theweather，theMadonna。Thenshestoppedsuddenly，frightenedatherownwords，frightenedatherownsilence；shefixedherburninggazeuponherbrother’sbrowasthoughtofascinatehim。Littlebylittleanimationreturnedtoher；afaintcolourtintedherhollowedcheeks，andGabriel，deceivedbythemaiden’ssuperhumanefforts，thoughtherstillbeautiful，andthankedGodinhisheartforhavingsparedthistendercreature。Nisida，asthoughshehadfollowedherbrother’ssecretthoughts，cameclosetohim，pressedhishandwithanairofunderstanding，andmurmuredlowinhisear，"Fortunatelyourfatherhasbeenawayfortwodays；hesentmewordthathewouldbedetainedintown。Forus，itisdifferent；weareyoung，wehavecourage！"
Thepooryounggirlwastremblinglikealeaf。
"Whatwillbecomeofyou，mypoorNisida？"
"Bah！IwillpraytotheMadonna。Doesshenotwatchoverus？"Thegirlstopped，struckbythesoundofherownwords，whichthecircumstancessocruellycontradicted。Butlookingatherbrother，shewentoninalowtone："Assuredlyshedoeswatchoverus。Sheappearedtomelastnightinadream。SheheldherchildJesusonherarm，andlookedatmewithamother’stenderness。Shewishestomakesaintsofus，forshelovesus；andtobeasaint，yousee，Gabriel，onemustsuffer。"
"Well，goandprayforme，mykindsister；goawayfromtheviewofthissadplace，whichwilleventuallyshakeyourfirmness，andperhapsmine。Go；weshallseeeachotheragaininheavenabove，whereourmotheriswaitingforus——ourmotherwhomyouhavenotknown，andtowhomIshalloftenspeakofyou。Farewell，mysister，untilwemeetagain！"
Andhekissedherontheforehead。
Theyounggirlcalledupallherstrengthintoherheartforthissuprememoment；shewalkedwithafirmstep；havingreachedthethreshold，sheturnedroundandwavedhimafarewell，preventingherselfbyanervouscontractionfromburstingintotears，butassoonasshewasinthecorridor，asobbrokefromherbosom，andGabriel，whohearditechofromthevaultedroof，thoughtthathisheartwouldbreak。
Thenhethrewhimselfonhisknees，and，liftinghishandstoheaven，cried，"Ihavefinishedsuffering；Ihavenothingmorethatholdsmetolife。IthankThee，myGod！Thouhastkeptmyfatheraway，andhastbeenwillingtosparethepooroldmanagriefthatwouldhavebeenbeyondhisstrength。"
Itwasatthehourofnoon，afterhavingexhaustedeverypossiblemeans，pouredouthisgoldtothelastpiece，andembracedthekneesofthelowestservingman，thatSolomonthefishermantookhiswaytohisson’sprison。Hisbrowwassowoebegonethattheguardsdrewback，seizedwithpity，andthegaolerweptasheclosedthedoorofthecelluponhim。Theoldmanremainedsomemomentswithoutadvancingastep，absorbedincontemplationofhisson。Bythetawnygleamofhiseyemightbedivinedthatthesoulofthemanwasmovedatthatinstantbysomedarkproject。Heseemedneverthelessstruckbythe-beautyofGabriel’sface。Threemonthsinprisonhadrestoredtohisskinthewhitenessthatthesunhadturnedbrown；hisfinedarkhairfellincurlsaroundhisneck，hiseyesrestedonhisfatherwithaliquidandbrilliantgaze。Neverhadthisheadbeensobeautifulasnow，whenitwastofall。
"Alas，mypoorson！"saidtheoldman，"thereisnohopeleft；youmustdie。"
"Iknowit，"answeredGabrielinatoneoftenderreproach，"anditisnotthatwhichmostafflictsmeatthismoment。Butyou，too，whydoyouwishtogivemepain，atyourage？Whydidyounotstayinthetown？"
"Inthetown，"theoldmanreturned，"theyhavenopity；Icastmyselfattheking’sfeet，ateverybody’sfeet；thereisnopardon，nomercyforus。"
"Well，inGod’sname，whatisdeathtome？Imeetitdailyonthesea。Mygreatest，myonlytormentisthepainthattheyarecausingyou。"
"AndI，doyouthink，myGabriel，thatIonlysufferinseeingyoudie？Oh，itisbutapartingforafewdays；Ishallsoongotojoinyou。Butadarkersorrowweighsuponme。Iamstrong，Iamaman"。
Hestopped，fearingthathehadsaidtoomuch；thendrawingneartohisson，hesaidinatearfulvoice，"Forgiveme，myGabriel；Iamthecauseofyourdeath。Ioughttohavekilledtheprincewithmyownhand。Inourcountry，childrenandoldmenarenotcondemnedtodeath。Iamovereightyyearsold；Ishouldhavebeenpardoned；theytoldmethatwhen，withtears，Iaskedpardonforyou；oncemore，forgiveme，Gabriel；Ithoughtmydaughterwasdead；Ithoughtofnothingelse；andbesides，Ididnotknowthelaw。"
"Father，father！"criedGabriel，touched，"whatareyousaying？I
wouldhavegivenmylifeathousandtimesovertopurchaseonedayofyours。Sinceyouarestrongenoughtobepresentatmylasthour，fearnot；youwillnotseemeturnpale；yoursonwillbeworthyofyou。"
"Andheistodie，todie！"criedSolomon，strikinghisforeheadindespair，andcastingonthewallsofthedungeonalookoffirethatwouldfainhavepiercedthem。
"Iamresigned，father，"saidGabrielgently；didnotChristascendthecross？"
"Yes，"murmuredtheoldmaninamuffledvoice，"butHedidnotleavebehindasisterdishonouredbyHisdeath。"
Thesewords，whichescapedtheoldfishermaninspiteofhimself，threwasuddenandterriblelightintothesoulofGabriel。Forthefirsttimeheperceivedalltheinfamousmannerofhisdeath：theshamelesspopulacecrowdingroundthescaffold，thehatefulhandoftheexecutionertakinghimbytheHair，andthedropsofhisbloodbesprinklingthewhiteraimentofhissisterandcoveringherwithshame。
"Oh，ifIcouldgetaweapon！"criedGabriel，hishaggardeyesroamingaround。
"Itisnottheweaponthatislacking，"answeredSolomon，carryinghishandtothehiltofadaggerthathehadhiddeninhisbreast。
"Thenkillme，father，"saidGabrielinalowtone，butwithanirresistibleaccentofpersuasionandentreaty；"ohyes，Iconfessitnow，theexecutioner’shandfrightensme。MyNisida，mypoorNisida，Ihaveseenher；shewasherejustnow，asbeautifulandaspaleastheMadonnaDolorosa；shesmiledtohidefrommehersufferings。Shewashappy，poorgirl，becauseshebelievedyouaway。Oh，howsweetitwillbetometodiebyyourhand！Yougavemelife；takeitback，father，sinceGodwillhaveitso。AndNisidawillbesaved。
Oh，donothesitate！Itwouldbeacowardiceonthepartofbothofus；sheismysister，sheisyourdaughter。"
Andseeingthathispowerfulwillhadsubjugatedtheoldman，hesaid，"Help！help，father！"andofferedhisbreasttotheblow。Thepoorfatherliftedhishandtostrike；butamortalconvulsionranthroughallhislimbs；hefellintohisson’sarms，andbothburstintotears。
"Poorfather！"saidGabriel。"Ioughttohaveforeseenthat。Givemethatdaggerandturnaway；Iamyoungandmyarmwillnottremble。"
"Ohno！"returnedSolomonsolemnly，"no，myson，forthenyouwouldbeasuicide！Letyoursoulascendtoheavenpure！GodwillgivemeHisstrength。Moreover，wehavetimeyet。"
Andalastrayofhopeshoneintheeyesofthefisherman。
Thentherepassedinthatdungeononeofthosescenesthatwordscanneverreproduce。Thepoorfathersatdownonthestrawathisson’ssideandlaidhisheadgentlyuponhisknees。Hesmiledtohimthroughhistears，asonesmilestoasickchild；hepassedhishandslowlythroughthesilkycurlsofhishair，andaskedhimcountlessquestions，intermingledwithcaresses。Inordertogivehimadistasteforthisworldhekeptontalkingtohimoftheother。
Then，withasuddenchange，hequestionedhimminutelyaboutallsortsofpastmatters。Sometimeshestoppedinalarm，andcountedthebeatingsofhisheart，whichwerehurriedlymarkingthepassageoftime。
"Tellmeeverything，mychild；haveyouanydesire，anywishthatcouldbesatisfiedbeforeyoudie？Areyouleavinganywomanwhomyoulovedsecretly？Everythingwehaveleftshallbehers。"
"Iregretnothingonearthbutyouandmysister。YouaretheonlypersonswhomIhavelovedsincemymother’sdeath。"
"Well，becomforted。Yoursisterwillbesaved。"
"Oh，yes！Ishalldiehappy。"
"Doyouforgiveourenemies？"
"Withallthestrengthofmyheart。IprayGodtohavemercyonthewitnesseswhoaccusedme。MayHeforgivememysins！"
"Howoldisitthatyouwillsoonbe？"theoldmanaskedsuddenly，forhisreasonwasbeginningtototter，andhismemoryhadfailedhim。
"Iwastwenty-fiveonAllHallows’Day。"
"True；itwasasadday，thisyear；youwereinprison。"
"Doyourememberhow，fiveyearsago，onthatsamedayIgottheprizeintheregattaatVenice？"
"Tellmeaboutthat，mychild。"
Andhelistened，hisneckstretchedforward，hismouthhalfopen，hishandsinhisson’s。Asoundofstepscameinfromthecorridor，andadullknockwasstruckuponthedoor。Itwasthefatalhour。Thepoorfatherhadforgottenit。
Thepriestshadalreadybeguntosingthedeathhymn；theexecutionerwasready，theprocessionhadsetout，whenSolomonthefishermanappearedsuddenlyonthethresholdoftheprison，hiseyesaflameandhisbrowradiantwiththehaloofthepatriarchs。Theoldmandrewhimselfuptohisfullheight，andraisinginonehandthereddenedknife，saidinasublimevoice，"Thesacrificeisfulfilled。GoddidnotsendHisangeltostaythehandofAbraham。"
Thecrowdcarriedhimintriumph！
[ThedetailsofthiscasearerecordedinthearchivesoftheCriminalCourtatNaples。Wehavechangednothingintheageorpositionofthepersonswhoappearinthisnarrative。OneofthemostcelebratedadvocatesattheNeapolitanbarsecuredtheacquittaloftheoldman。]
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