Willy Burke, or, The Irish orphan in America - Digital Repository ...

THE IPvISH ORPHAN IN AMEEICA. 183
all that our Blessed Saviour suffered from wicked men,
and how he died on the cross to save all mankind, if it
is n't their own fault—even the very Jews that put him
to death; then I remembered how he prayed for them
with his last breath, and I saw at once what a grievous
sin it was for me to be so angry with Mr. Wilson for such
a trifling cause; so I begged that Jesus Christ would
grant me the grace to forgive him ; and very soon I felt
my heart softened and my anger dying away, and I knew
that God had, indeed, heard my prayer. That 's the
truth, sir, whether you believe me or not".
" I do—I do b'lieve you ; and since dat 's de way you
Cat 'lies use de crucifix, to make tink of Christ's passion,
and den forgive their enemies, I '11 never make mock of
it any more. Dere now, we say no more dis night, but
you just go on de same, Willy Burke ;
some one laughs at you, as I did while ago. You go to
church, and say your prayers, and study de crucifix. I
never tell you any more not to do dem tings".
" And the priests, Mr. Weimar ?" asked Talbot, with
shy emphasis, " Is he still to keep clear of them, as I once
heard you tell him ?"
" Ah ! dat *s de point—dat 's de worst of it you Popish
;
people so much afaid of de priests, you can't do nothing
widout deir leave ! Let me alone about de priests".
" And yet, you cannot pretend to say", observed Talbot,
unwilling to give up the point so easily, " that Willy
Burke asked permission of the priest to forgive Wilson,
don't mind~when
and sue for favour for him".
" I know dat, I know dat ; but what for you say so ?"
" Why simply this", replied Talbot, " that whatever you
admire and approve of in this young lad's conduct, is the