Remember all. Cherish the talisman as
thy life: nay! welcome death with it pressing against thy heart, rather
than breathe without it. Be firm, be pious. Think of thy ancestors,
think of thy God.'
'Doubt me not, dear master; if I seem not full of that proud spirit,
which was perhaps too much my wont, ascribe it not to fear, Jabaster,
nor even to the pain of leaving thee, dear friend. But ever since that
sweet and solemn voice summoned me so thrillingly, I know not how it is,
but a change has come over my temper; yet I am firm, oh! firmer far than
when I struck down the Ishmaelite. Indeed, indeed, fear not for me. The
Lord, that knoweth all things, knows full well I am prepared even to the
death. Thy prayers, Jabaster, and----'
'Stop, stop. I do remember me. See this ring: 'tis a choice emerald.
Thou mayst have wondered I should wear a bauble. Alroy, I had a brother
once: still he may live. When we parted, this was the signal of his
love: a love, my child, strong, though we greatly differed. Take it. The
hour may come that thou mayst need his aid. It will command it. If he
live, he prospers. I know his temper well. He was made for what the
worldly deem prosperity. God be with thee, sacred boy: the God of our
great fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob!'
They embraced.
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