It is the sin that more than any other closes
the door to mercy. It is the offence of Simon Mage, and it is to be
expiated only through the gates of death. You shall return hence to your
cell, and when the door closes upon you, it closes upon you for all time in
life, nor shall you ever see your fellow-man again. There hunger and
thirst shall be your executioners, slowly to deprive you of a life of which
you have not known how to make better use. Without light or food or drink
shall you remain there until you die. This is the punishment for such
sacrilege as yours."
I could not believe it. I stood before him what time he mouthed out those
horrible and emotionless words. He paused a moment, and again came that
broad gesture of his that stroked mouth and chin. Then he resumed:
"So much for your body. There remains your soul. In its infinite mercy,
the Holy Office desires that your expiation be fulfilled in this life, and
that you may be rescued from the fires of everlasting Hell. Therefore it
urges you to cleanse yourself by a full and contrite avowal ere you go
hence. Confess, then, my son, and save your soul."
"Confess?" I echoed. "Confess to a falsehood? I have told you the truth
of this matter. I tell you that in all the world there is none less prone
to sacrilege than I that I am by nature and rearing devout and faithful.
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