,,! ,,prie/ ,,& ,,! ,,acolyte           
,,!    ,,prie/    ,,&    ,,!            
,,acolyte                    ,,) ,,an   
,,introductory                ,,prote/  
,,by                ,,/u>t ,,mason      
,,london3 ,,at ,,! ,,lotus ,,press      
,,n9ete5 ,,hundr$ ,,& ,,sev5          ,s
 _m copies ( 8,! ,prie/ & ! ,acolyte0 h 
be5 sold by  unscrupul\s publi%]s &     
booksell]s "u ! implication t x  is ! "w
 ( ,osc> ,wilde t x has be5 ?\ght good  
to issue ?is  edition ) ! object ( putt+
 an end1 once & = all1 to !  possibility
 ( pur*as]s be+ misl$ z to ! au?or%ip4  
,! /ory 0 orig9ally publi%$ 9 ,!        
,*ameleon1 ! fir/ &  only numb] ( :i*   
appe>$ 9 ,decemb]1 #ahid4 ,! au?or ( !  
/ory 0 an und]graduate at ,ox=d1 8an    
insuffici5tly bir*$  s*oolboy10 z he has
 rec5tly be5 describ$1 & he alone 0     
responsible = ! cont5ts ( ! magaz9e :i* 
he edit$4 ,at !  "t ( ! trial ( ,"l     
,que5sb]ry = libel a few mon?s lat] x  0
 attempt$ to %[ t ,osc> ,wilde n only   
approv$ ( ! !me  ( ! /ory1 b t he 0     

actually a p>ty to ! publication (  x1  
on ! gr\nds t he s5t to ! editor a numb]
 ( aphorisms  "u ! title ( 8,phrases &  
,philosophies = ! ,use ( !  ,"y40    ,! 
simple/ way ( %[+ :at ,osc> ,wilde      
really ?\ght ( !  /ory is to quote :at  
he said :5 exam9$ 9 ,c\rt on ! subject4 
,john ,%olto ,d\glas1 ,eigh? ,m>quis (  
,que5sb]ry1 0 arre/$ on  a w>rant on    
,m>* #a1 #ahie1 on a *>ge ( utt]+ a     
crim9al libel  aga9/ ,osc> ,wilde4 ,on !
 foll[+ morn+ he 0 br\ght up be=e  ,mr4 
,newton at ,m>lbor\gh ,/reet ,police    
,c\rt1 & aft] "s =mal  evid5ce _h be5   
tak5 0 rem&$ on bail = a week1 & on !   
second he>+ 0 =mally committ$ to take 8 
trial at ! ,c5tral  ,crim9al ,c\rt a few
 weeks lat]4    ,! trial began at ! ,old
 ,bailey on ,w$nesday1 ,april #c1 be=e  
,mr4 ,ju/ice ,h5n ,coll9s4 ,sir ,edw>d  
,cl>ke1 ,q4,c41 ,m4,p41 ,mr4 ,*>les     
,ma!ws & ,mr4 ,trav]s ,humphreys appe>$ 
= ! prosecution2  ,mr4 ,c>son1 ,q4,c41  
,m4,p41 ,mr4 ,c4 ,f4 ,gill & ,mr4 ,a4   
,gill be+ = !  def5ce4    ,! c\rt 0     

cr[d$4 ,! ,m>quis 0 ! fir/ to arrive4   
,he came 9  alone1 & /ood1 hat 9 h&1 9  
front ( ! dock4 ,he spoke to no  "o1 &  
no "o spoke to him4 ,!re 0 little t 0   
ari/ocratic  9 ! ,m>quis's appe>ance4   
,he 0 ( %ort /ature1 ) a r\nd  face1 &  
clean %av5 except = a /reak ( r$ :isk]4 
,8 l[]  lip droop$ consid]ably4 ,a few  
m9utes be=e half-pa/ t51  ,mr4 ,osc>    
,wilde ent]$ ! c\rt & took a seat       
imm$iately 9  front ( 8 ,c\nsel1 ) :om  
he at once jo9$ 9 an animat$            
conv]sation4    ,! ,judge 0 t5 m9utes   
late1 b 7! ,m>quis hav+ ent]$ !  dock7 !
 prelim9>y proce$+s 7 soon got ?r\gh1 & 
at a  qu>t] to elev51 ,sir ,edw>d ,cl>ke
 began 8 spee* = !  prosecution4        
,ev]ybody li/5$ att5tively to ! /ory1 z 
set  =? by ,c\nsel1 ( ! prosecutor's    
a*ievem5ts at college1 8  subsequ5t     
success z a littrateur1 & ! circum/ances
 "u  :i* he became acqua9t$ ) !         
def5dant's family4 8,phrases &          
,philosophies = ! ,use ( ! ,"y10 :i*    
,osc> ,wilde contribut$  to ,!          

,*ameleon1 0 m5tion$ 9 ! plea ( ! def5ce
 z  8immoral & obsc5e10 & ,sir ,edw>d   
,cl>ke occupi$ "s "t 9  an endeav\r to  
prove ! contr>y4 ,) reg>d to ,!         
,*ameleon1  ,c\nsel admitt$ t x conta9$ 
a /ory entitl$ 8,! ,prie/ &  !          
,acolyte10 :i* c\ld n be ju/ifi$1 b he  
decl>$ 8 cli5t  c\ld n be held          
responsible = ! publication z a :ole1 he
 be+  b a contributor to its pages4 ,z a
 matt] ( fact1 ,mr4 ,wilde urg$  ^u !   
editor t ! book %\ld be )drawn4    ,soon
 aft] ,mr4 ,c>son began 8               
cross-exam9ation1 x became app>5t  t !  
l9e he 0 adopt+ w\ld result 9 a conflict
 betwe5  ,c\nsel4 ,mr4 ,wilde 0 be+     
que/ion$ z to 8 op9ion on c]ta9         
extracts f 8,! ,prie/ & ! ,acolyte10 :5 
,sir ,edw>d ,cl>ke  jump$ to 8 feet &   
appeal$ to ! ,judge :e!r ! que/ions  7  
relevant1 inasmu* z ,mr4 ,wilde 0 n     
responsible = !  /ory4 ,! ,judge rul$ 9 
fav\r ( ,mr4 ,c>son4 ,sir ,edw>d1 a few 
m9utes lat]1 rais$ ano!r objection1 b he
 0 aga9 ov]rul$4    ,! int]val = lun*eon

 came z a pleasant relief to all1 &1 on 
! application ( ,mr4 ,c>son1 ! ,judge   
cons5t$ to ! def5dant  be+ all[$ 8      
fre$om till ! c\rt resum$ its sitt+4    
,sir ,edw>d ,cl>ke1 9 ! c\rse ( 8 spee* 
= ! prosecution1  said t !re 7 two      
extremely curi\s c\nts at ! end ( !     
plea4 ,"o 0 t 9 ,decemb]1 #ahid1 0      
8publi%$ a c]ta9 immoral  "w 9 ! =m ( ,!
 ,*ameleon1 relat+ to practices &       
passions ( an unnatural k9d10 & t 8     
cli5t _h 8jo9$ 9  procur+ ! publication 
( ,! ,*ameleon1 ) 8 "n ^u x z  !        
pr9cipal contributor40 ,t 0 a v gross   
allegation4 ,directly  ,mr4 ,wilde saw !
 magaz9e1 he notic$ !re 0 a /ory 9 x    
call$  8,! ,prie/ & ! ,acolyte10 :i* 0 a
 disgrace to lit]ature1  :i* x 0 amaz+  
any body wrote1 & /ill m amaz+ t any    
body all[$ to be publi%$ "u 8 "n4#a     
,directly ,mr4 ,wilde  saw t /ory he    
communicat$ ) ! editor1 & ^u 8  insi/5ce
 ! magaz9e 0 )drawn4 ,he _h no k t t    
/ory 0 ab\t to be publi%$4 ,x 0 /range  
inde$1 !n1 to f9d  t publication put ^u 

! p>ticul>s z ju/ify+ ! *>ge  aga9/ ,mr4
 ,wilde4      ,footnote #a3 ,sir ,edw>d 
,cl>ke 0 9 error4 ,! /ory 0    publi%$  
anonym\sly1 be+ sign$ 8,x0 only1 ?\gh ! 
au?or's    real "n 0 m or less an op5   
secret 9 ,ox=d at ! "t4    ,9 8         
exam9ation 9 *ief1 ,sir ,edw>d ,cl>ke   
said3 ,x is sugge/$  t y are responsible
 = ! publication ( ,! ,*ameleon on !    
front page ( :i* "s aphorisms ( y\rs    
appe>4 ,beyond s5d+  t contribution _h y
 any ?+ to d ) ! prep>ation or  own]%ip1
 editor%ip or publication ( t magaz9e8  
,witness--,no2 no?+ :atev]4    ,until y 
saw ?is numb] ( ,! ,*ameleon did y "k   
any ?+  ab\t ! /ory1 8,! ,prie/ & !     
,acolyte08    ,no?+ at all4    ,^u see+ 
! /ory 9 pr9t1 did y communicate ) !    
editor8    ,! editor came to see me at !
 ,caf ,royal to speak to me ab\t x4     
,did y approve ( ! /ory ( 8,! ,prie/ & !
 ,acolyte08    ,i ?\ght x bad & indec5t1
 & ,i /rongly disapprov$ ( x4    ,0 t   
disapproval express$ to ! editor8       
,yes4    ,osc> ,wilde 0 !n cross-exam9$ 

by ,mr4 ,c>son = ! def5ce4    ,y read   
8,! ,prie/ & ! ,acolyte08    ,yes4    ,y
 h no d\bt t t 0 an improp] /ory8    ,f 
! lit]>y po9t ( view x 0 highly improp]4
 ,x is  impossible = a man ( lit]ature  
to judge x o!rwise1 by  lit]ature mean+ 
treatm5t1 selection ( subject1 & ! l4   
,i ?\ght ! treatm5t rott5 & ! subject   
rott54    ,y are ( op9ion1 ,i believe1 t
 !re is no su* ?+ z an  immoral book8   
,yes4    ,may ,i take x t y ?9k 8,!     
,prie/ & ! ,acolyte0 0 n  immoral8    ,x
 0 worse2 x 0 badly writt54    ,0 n !   
/ory t ( a prie/ :o fell 9 love ) a boy 
:o  s]v$ him at ! alt>1 & ! boy 0       
discov]$ 9 ! prie/'s  room1 & a sc&al   
arose8    ,i h read x only once1 9      
,novemb] la/1 & no?+ w induce  me to    
read x aga94    ,did y ?9k ! /ory       
blasphem\s8    ,i ?9k x violat$ e       
arti/ic canon ( beauty4    ,t is n an   
answ]4    ,x is ! only "o ,i c give4    
,i want y to see ! position y pose 94   
,i d n ?9k y %\ld say t4    ,i h said   
no?+ out ( ! way4 ,i wi% to "k :e!r y   

?\ght  ! /ory blasphem\s4    ,! /ory    
fill$ me ) disgu/4    ,answ] ! "q1 sir4 
,did y1 or did y n1 consid] ! /ory      
blasphem\s8    ,i did n consid] ! /ory  
blasphem\s4    ,i am satisfi$ ) t4 ,y "k
 t :5 ! prie/ 9 ! /ory  adm9i/]s poison 
to ! boy he uses ! words ( ! ,sacram5t (
  ! ,*ur* ( ,engl&8    ,t ,i entirely   
=got4    ,d y consid] t blasphem\s8     
,i ?9k x is horrible4 8,blasphem\s0 is n
 ! ^w4    ,mr4 ,c>son !n read ! words   
describ+ ! adm9i/ration ( !  poison 9 ! 
,sacram5t1 & ask$ ,mr4 ,wilde :e!r he   
approv$ (  !m4    ,! witness repli$ t he
 ?\ght !m disgu/+1 p]fect twaddle4    ,i
 ?9k y w admit t any "o :o w\ld approve 
( su* an  article w\ld pose z guilty (  
improp] practices8    ,i d n ?9k s 9 !  
p]son ( ano!r contributor to !  magaz9e4
 ,x w\ld %[ v bad lit]>y ta/e4 ,i       
/rongly object$  to ! :ole /ory4 ,i took
 no /eps to express public disapproval (
  ,! ,*ameleon1 because ,i ?9k x w\ld h 
be5 b5ea? my dignity  z a man ( lett]s  
to associate myself ) an ,ox=d          

und]graduate's  productions4 ,i am aw>e 
t ! magaz9e might h be5 circulat$  among
 ! und]graduates ( ,ox=d1 b ,i d n      
believe t any book  or "w ( art ev] _h  
any effect :atev] on morality4    ,am ,i
 "r 9 say+ t y d n consid] ! effect 9   
creat+  morality or immorality8         
,c]ta9ly1 ,i d n4    ,s f> z y\r own    
works are conc]n$ y pose z n be+        
conc]n$ ab\t morality or immorality8    
,i d n "k :e!r y use ! ^w 8pose0 9 any  
p>ticul> s5se4    ,x is a fav\rite ^w ( 
y\r own4    ,is x8 ,i h no pose 9 ?is   
matt]4 ,9 writ+ a play or a book ,i am  
conc]n$ entirely ) lit]ature1 t is1 )   
art4 ,i aim n at  do+ good or evil b 9  
try+ to make a ?+ t w h "s  quality (   
beauty4    ,:at w\ld any body say w\ld  
be ! effect ( 8,phrases &  ,philosophies
 = ! ,use ( ! ,"y0 tak5 9 connection )  
su*  an article z 8,! ,prie/ & !        
,acolyte08    ,und\bt$ly1 x 0 ! idea t  
might be =m$ t made me object  s /rongly
 to ! /ory4 ,i saw at once t maxims t 7 
p]fectly nons5sical1 p>adoxical or any  

?+ y l1 might be  read 9 conjunction )  
x4    ,on ,tuesday1 ,april #cj1 :i* 0 ! 
f\r? day ( ! fir/ trial (  ,osc> ,wilde1
 ,sir ,edw>d ,cl>ke ent]$ an emphatic   
prote/ aga9/  ,mr4 ,gill hav+ read ov]  
aga9 ! cross-exam9ation ( ! accus$  ^u 8
 books & writ+s :i* he _h giv5 at !     
trial ( ,"l  ,que5sb]ry4 ,x 0 n fair to 
judge ( a man's conduct by 8 books1  b !
 ,prosecution _h gone mu* fur!r ?an t1 &
 _h s\ght to  judge ,wilde by books :i* 
he did n write1 & by a /ory :i* he  _h  
repudiat$ z horrible & disgu/+4 ,public 
op9ion _h be5  excit$ & fann$ by !      
quotation 9 ,c\rt ( passages ( lit]ature
  = :i* he 0 n responsible4    ,!       
subject !n dropp$1 & ! next ref]5ce to x
 0 made by  ,mr4 ,ju/ice ,*>les 9 8     
summ+ up on ! la/ day ( ,osc> ,wilde's  
fir/ trial 7,may #a7 :5 ! ,jury disagre$
 & 0 unable to return  a v]dict4 ,8     
lord%ip said t he did n propose to deal 
at any  l5g? ) ! incid5ts ( ! ,que5sb]ry
 trial1 b t x mu/  be rememb]$ t !      
evid5ce ( ,wilde at t trial 0 giv5 on   

oa? & mu/ n be lo/ sight ( 9 consid]+ t 
:i* he _h  giv5 ! previ\s day or two 9 t
 ,c\rt4 ,a v l>ge portion (  ! evid5ce (
 ,wilde at ! ,que5sb]ry trial 0 devot$  
to :at  ,sir ,edw>d ,cl>ke _h call$ 8!  
lit]>y "p ( ! case10 & x  _h be5        
attempt$ to %[ by cross-exam9ation t    
,wilde 0 a man  ( mo/ unpr9cipl$ "* )   
reg>d to ! relation ( m5 to  boys4 ,9   
reg>d to a magaz9e call$ ,! ,*ameleon1  
publi%$ 9 !  autumn ( #ahid1 x 0 alleg$ 
t ,wilde _h giv5 ! sanction (  8 "n to !
 mo/ abom9able doctr9es1 b ! only       
connection  prov$ betwe5 t magaz9e & !  
def5dant 0 t x 0  prefac$ by two or ?ree
 pages ( aphorisms by ! accus$1 ( :i*  x
 0 suffici5t to say t "s 7 amus+1 "s    
cynical1 "s1  if 8 lord%ip might be     
all[$ to criticize1 silly2 b wick$1 no4 
,! le>n$ ,c\nsel :o repres5t$ ,"l       
,que5sb]ry1 ! ,judge  cont9u$1 _h call$ 
att5tion to a /ory1 a fil?y n>rative ( a
  mo/ disgu/+ "*1 call$ 8,! ,prie/ & !  
,acolyte10 (  :i* ! au?or1 :o sign$     
himself 8,x10 %\ld be ?or\ghly  a%am$4  

,) t /ory ,wilde _h _h no?+ :atev] to d1
 &  to impute to him any ?+ 9 x 0 q     
absurd4 ,to judge him by  ano!r man's   
works :i* he _h nev] se5 w\ld be highly 
unju/4    ,9 ! second trial ( ,osc>     
,wilde1 :i* 0 he>d be=e ,mr4 ,ju/ice    
,willis on ! foll[+ ,may #bb to #be1 no 
m5tion 0 made ( ,!  ,*ameleon or ( 8,!  
,prie/ & ! ,acolyte40    ,:at is /at$   
above ought to be suffici5t1 once & =   
all1 to  dissociate ! "n ( ! au?or (    
8,salom0 & 8,lady ,w9d]m]e's  ,fan0 f ! 
/ory repr9t$ 9 ! foll[+ pages4          
,,! ,,prie/ ,,& ,,! ,,acolyte    ,honi  
soit qui mal y p5se      ,,"p ,i        
8,pray1 fa!r1 give me ?y bless+1 = ,i h 
s9n$40    ,! prie/ />t$2 he 0 tir$ 9 m9d
 & body2 8 s\l 0  sad & 8 he>t heavy z  
he sat 9 ! t]rible solitude ( !         
confessional ev] li/5+ to ! same dull   
r\nd ( (t-repeat$  s9s4 ,he 0 we>y ( !  
conv5tional tones & matt]-(-fact        
expressions4 ,w\ld ! _w always be !     
same8 ,= ne>ly tw5ty  c5turies !        
,*ri/ian prie/s _h sat 9 ! confessional 

&  li/5$ to ! same old tale4 ,! _w seem$
 to him no bett]2  always ! same1 !     
same4 ,! "y prie/ sigh$ to himself1 &  =
 a mom5t almo/ wi%$ p w\ld be worse4 ,:y
 c\ld !y n  escape f ^! old we>ily-made 
pa?s & be a little orig9al 9  _! vices1 
if s9 !y mu/8 ,b ! voice he n[ li/5$ to 
ar\s$ him f 8 rev]ie4 ,x 0 s s(t &      
g5tle1 s diffid5t  & %y4    ,he gave !  
bless+1 & li/5$4 ,ah1 yes6 he recogniz$ 
! voice  n[4 ,x 0 ! voice he _h he>d = !
 fir/ "t only t v  morn+3 ! voice ( !   
little acolyte t _h s]v$ 8 ,mass4    ,he
 turn$ 8 head & pe]$ ?r\gh ! grat+ at ! 
little b[$  head beyond4 ,!re 0 no      
mi/ak+ ^? long s(t curls4 ,sudd5ly1  =  
"o mom5t1 ! face 0 rais$1 & ! l>ge moi/ 
blue eyes  met 82 he saw ! little oval  
face flu%$ ) %ame at ! simple  boyi% s9s
 he 0 confess+1 & a ?rill %ot ?r\gh him1
 = he  felt t "h at lea/ 0 some?+ 9 ! _w
 t 0 beautiful1  some?+ t 0 really true4
 ,w\ld ! day come :5 ^? s(t  sc>let lips
 w\ld h gr[n h>d & false8 :5 ! s(t %y   
treble  w\ld h become c>eless &         

conv5tional8 ,8 eyes fill$ )  te>s1 & 9 
a voice t _h lo/ its firmness he gave ! 
absolution4    ,aft] a pause1 he he>d ! 
boy rise to 8 feet1 & wat*$ him w5d  8  
way across ! little *apel & kneel be=e !
 alt> :ile he  said 8 p5ance4 ,! prie/  
hid 8 ?9 tir$ face 9 8 h&s &  sigh$     
we>ily4 ,! next morn+1 z he knelt be=e !
 alt> &  turn$ to say ! words (         
confession to ! little acolyte ^: head  
0 b5t s rev]5tly t[>ds him1 he b[$ l[   
till 8 hair j  t\*$ ! gold5 halo t      
surr\nd$ ! little face1 & he felt  8    
ve9s burn & t+le ) a /range new         
fasc9ation4    ,:5 t mo/ wond]ful ?+ 9 !
 :ole _w1 complete  s\l-absorb+ love =  
ano!r1 sudd5ly /rikes a man1 t man  kn[s
 :at heav5 means1 & he und]/&s hell3 b  
if ! man be  an ascetic1 a prie/ ^: :ole
 he>t is giv5 to ec/atic devotion1  x 7 
bett] = t man if he _h nev] be5 born4   
,:5 !y rea*$ ! ve/ry & ! boy /ood be=e  
him rev]5tly  receiv+ ! sacr$ ve/m5ts1  
he knew t h5ce=? ! entire  devotion ( 8 
religion1 ! :ole ec/atic f]v\r ( 8      

pray]s1  w\ld be connect$ )1 nay1       
inspir$ by1 "o object alone4 ,) !  same 
rev]5ce & humility z he w\ld h felt 9   
t\*+ !  consecrat$ elem5ts he laid 8 h&s
 on ! curl-cr[n$ head1 he  t\*$ ! small 
pale face1 &1 rais+ x slightly1 he b5t  
=w>d  & g5tly t\*$ ! smoo? :ite br[ ) 8 
lips4    ,:5 ! *ild felt ! c>ess ( 8    
f+]s1 = "o mom5t e  ?+ swam be=e 8 eyes2
 b :5 he felt ! light t\* ( !  tall     
prie/'s lips1 a wond]ful assurance took 
possession ( him3 he  und]/ood4 ,he     
rais$ 8 little arms1 &1 clasp+ 8 slim   
:ite  f+]s ar\nd ! prie/'s neck kiss$   
him on ! lips4 ,) a %>p  cry ! prie/    
fell ^u 8 knees1 &1 clasp+ ! little     
figure  clad 9 sc>let & lace to 8 he>t1 
he cov]$ ! t5d] flu%+  face ) burn+     
kisses4 ,!n sudd5ly !re came ^u !m bo? a
  quick s5se ( fe>2 !y p>t$ ha/ily1 )   
hot trembl+ f+]s  fold$ ! sacr$ ve/m5ts1
 & sep>at$ 9 sil5t %yness4           99 
99       99       99       99    ,!     
prie/ return$ to 8 poor rooms & tri$ to 
sit d[n & ?9k1  b all 9 va93 he tri$ to 

eat1 b c\ld only ?ru/ away 8 plate  9   
disgu/3 he tri$ to pray1 b in/ead ( !   
calm figure on !  cross1 ! calm1 cold   
figure ) ! we>y1 we>y face1 he saw      
cont9ually be=e him ! flu%$ face ( a    
lovely boy1 ! wide  />-l eyes ( 8       
new-f\nd love4    ,all t day ! "y prie/ 
w5t ?r\gh ! r\nd ( 8 v>i\s  duties      
me*anically1 b he c\ld n eat nor sit    
quiet1 = :5  alone1 /range %rill bur/s (
 song kept ?rill+ ?r\gh 8 bra91  & he   
felt t he mu/ flee out into ! op5 air or
 g mad4    ,at l5g?1 :5 night came1 & ! 
long1 hot day _h left him  exhau/$ &    
worn out1 he ?rew himself on 8 knees    
be=e 8  crucifix & compell$ himself to  
?9k4    ,he call$ to m9d 8 boyhood & 8  
e>ly y\?2 !re return$ to  him ! ?\ght ( 
! t]rible /ruggles ( ! la/ five ye>s4   
,"h he knelt1 ,ronald ,hea!r+ton1 prie/ 
( ,holy ,*ur*1 ag$  tw5ty-eight3 :at he 
_h endur$ dur+ ^! five ye>s ( fi]ce     
battl+ ) ^? t]rible passions he _h fo/]$
 9 8 boyhood1  0 x all to be 9 va98 ,= !
 la/ ye> he _h really felt t  all       

passion 0 subdu$1 all ^? t]rible        
outbur/s ( passionate  love he _h really
 believ$ to be /amp$ out = ev]4 ,he _h  
work$  s h>d1 s unceas+ly1 ?r\gh all ^! 
five ye>s s9ce 8  ord9ation--he _h giv5 
himself up solely & entirely to 8 sacr$ 
(fice2 all ! int5sity ( 8 nature _h be5 
conc5trat$1  completely absorb$1 9 !    
beautiful my/]ies ( 8 religion4 ,he  _h 
avoid$ all t c\ld affect him1 all t     
might call up any  recollection ( 8 e>ly
 life4 ,!n he _h accept$ ?is curacy1 )  
sole *>ge ( ! little *apel t /ood close 
beside ! cottage  :]e he 0 n[ liv+1 !   
little mission-*apel t 0 !  mo/ di/ant (
 ! sev]al gr\p$ r\nd ! old ,p>i% ,*ur* (
  ,/4 ,anselm4 ,he _h arriv$ only two or
 ?ree days be=e1 &1 go+  to call on !   
old c\ple :o liv$ 9 ! cottage1 ! back ( 
:i*  =m$ ! b\nd>y ( 8 own little g>d51  
_h be5 (f]$ !  s]vices ( _! gr&son z    
acolyte4    8,my son 0 an arti/ fell[1  
sir10 ! old man _h said3 8he nev]  0    
satisfi$ "h1 s we s5t him (f to ,london2
 he 0 made a lot (  !re1 sir1 & m>ri$ a 

lady1 b ! cold wea!r c>ri$ him (f  "o   
w9t]1 & 8 poor "y wife 0 left ) ! baby4 
,%e  br\ght him up & taught him h]self1 
sir1 b la/ w9t] %e 0  tak5 too1 s ! poor
 lad came to live ) u--s delicate he is1
  sir1 & n "o ( ! likes ( u2 he's a     
g5tleman born & br$1  is ,wilfr$4 ,8    
poor "m us$ to l him to g & s]ve at !   
*ur* ne> !m 9 ,london1 & ! boy 0 s fond 
( x himself t  we ?\ght1 suppos+ y did n
 m9d1 sir1 t x w\ld be a treat  = him to
 d ! same "h40    8,h[ old is ! boy80   
ask$ ! "y prie/4    8,f\rte51 sir10     
repli$ ! gr&mo!r4    8,v well1 let him  
come to ! *apel to-morr[ morn+10 ,ronald
 _h  agre$4    ,entirely absorb$ 9 8    
devotions1 ! "y man _h sc>cely  notic$ !
 little acolyte :o 0 s]v+ = him1 & x 0 n
  till he 0 he>+ 8 confession lat] 9 !  
day t he _h  realiz$ 8 wond]ful         
lovel9ess4    8,ah ,god6 help me6 pity  
me6 ,aft] all ?is we>y lab\r & toil1 j  
:5 ,i am beg9n+ to hope1 is e ?+ to be  
undone8 am ,i to lose  e ?+8 ,help me1  
help me1 ,o ,god60    ,ev5 :ile he      

pray$2 ev5 :ile 8 h&s 7 /ret*$ out 9    
agoniz$ supplication t[>ds ! feet ( t   
crucifix be=e :i*  8 h>de/ battles _h   
be5 f\ght & won2 ev5 :ile ! te>s (      
bitt] contrition & mis]able self-mi/ru/ 
7 dimm+ 8  eyes--!re came a s(t tap on !
 glass ( ! w9d[ beside him4 ,he  rose to
 8 feet1 & wond]+ly drew back ! d+y     
curta94 ,!re  9 ! moonlight1 be=e ! op5 
w9d[1 /ood a small :ite  figure--!re1 ) 
8 b>e feet on ! moon-blan*$ turf1 dress$
  only 9 8 long :ite night-%irt1 /ood 8 
little acolyte1 ! boy  :o held 8 :ole   
future 9 8 small *ildi% h&s4            
8,wilfr$1 :at are y do+ "h80 he ask$ 9 a
 trembl+ voice4    8,i c\ld n sleep1    
fa!r1 = ?9k+ ( y1 & ,i saw a light 9    
y\r room1 s ,i got out ?r\gh ! w9d[ &   
came to see y4 ,are  y angry ) me1      
fa!r80 he ask$1 8 voice falt]+ z he saw 
! almo/ fi]ce expression 9 ! ?9 ascetic 
face4    8,:y did y come to see me80 ,! 
prie/ h>dly d>$ recognize !  situation1 
& sc>cely he>d :at ! boy said4          
8,because ,i love y1 ,i love y--oh1 s   

mu*6 b y--y are angry  ) me--oh1 :y did 
,i ev] come6 :y did ,i ev] come6--,i    
nev]  ?\ght y w\ld be angry60 & ! little
 fell[ sank on ! grass  & bur/ into     
te>s4    ,! prie/ sprang ?r\gh ! op5    
w9d[1 & seiz+ ! slim little  figure 9 8 
arms1 he c>ri$ him into ! room4 ,he drew
 ! curta91  &1 s9k+ into ! deep         
arm-*air1 laid ! little fair head ^u  8 
brea/1 kiss+ 8 curls aga9 & aga94    8,o
 my d>l+6 my own beautiful d>l+60 he    
:isp]$1 8h[ c\ld  ,i ev] be angry ) y8  
,y are m to me ?an all ! _w4  ,ah1 ,god6
 h[ ,i love y1 my d>l+6 my own sweet    
d>l+60    ,= ne>ly an h\r ! boy ne/l$   
!re 9 8 arms1 press+ 8  s(t *eek aga9/  
82 !n ! prie/ told him he mu/ g4 ,= "o  
long la/ kiss _! lips met1 & !n ! small 
:ite-clad figure  slipp$ ?r\gh ! w9d[1  
sp$ across ! little moonlit g>d51  &    
vani%$ ?r\gh ! opposite w9d[4    ,:5 !y 
met 9 ! ve/ry next morn+1 ! lad rais$ 8 
beautiful  fl[]-l face1 & ! prie/1 g5tly
 putt+ 8 arms r\nd him1  kiss$ him      
t5d]ly on ! lips4    8,my d>l+6 my      

d>l+60 0 all he said2 b ! lad return$ 8 
kiss ) a smile ( wond]ful almo/ heav5ly 
love1 9 a sil5ce t  seem$ to :isp]      
some?+ m ?an words4    8,i wond] :at 0 !
 matt] ) ! fa!r ?is morn+80 said "o  old
 woman to ano!r1 z !y 7 return+ f !     
*apel2 8he  didn't seem himself at all2 
he made m mi/akes ?is morn+ ?an  ,fa!r  
,?omas made 9 all ! ye> he 0 "h40       
8,seem$ z if he _h nev] said a ,mass    
be=e60 repli$ h] fri5d1  ) some?+ (     
contempt4    ,& t night1 & = _m nights  
aft]1 ! prie/1 ) ! pale  tir$-look+     
face1 drew ! curta9 ov] 8 crucifix &    
wait$ at  ! w9d[ = ! glimm] ( ! pale    
summ] moonlight on a cr[n  ( gold5      
curls1 = ! sight ( slim boyi% limbs clad
 9 ! long  :ite night-%irt1 t only      
emphasiz$ ! grace ( e movem5t1  & !     
beautiful pallor ( ! little feet spe$+  
across ! grass4  ,!re at ! w9d[1 night  
aft] night1 he wait$ to feel t5d]  lov+ 
arms ?r[n r\nd 8 neck1 & to feel !      
intoxicat+  delight ( beautiful boyi%   
lips ra9+ kisses on 8 own4    ,ronald   

,hea!r+ton made no mi/akes 9 ! ,mass n[4
 ,he said !  solemn words ) a rev]5ce & 
devotion t made ! few poor  p :o happ5$ 
to be !re speak ( him aft]w>ds almo/ )  
awe2 :ile ! face ( ! little acolyte at 8
 side %one ) a  f]v\r :i* made !m ask   
ea* o!r :at ?is /range light c\ld  mean4
 ,surely ! "y prie/ mu/ be a sa9t inde$1
 :ile ! boy  beside him look$ m l an    
angel f heav5 ?an any *ild (  human     
bir?4      ,,"p ,,ii    ,! _w is v /]n )
 ^? t ?w>t h]4 ,%e lays d[n  h]         
precepts1 & woe to ^? :o d>e to ?9k =   
!mselves1 :o  v5ture to ex]cise _! own  
discretion z to :e!r !y %all  all[ _!   
individuality & natural *>act]i/ics to  
be /amp$  out1 to be oblit]at$ "u !     
lead5 f+]s ( conv5tion4    ,truly1      
conv5tion is ! /one t has become head ( 
! corn] 9  ! j]ry-built temple ( our    
sup]ficial1 self-ass]tive  civilization4
    8,& :osoev] %all fall on ?is /one   
%all be brok53 b on  :omsoev] x %all    
fall1 x w gr9d him to p[d]40    ,if ! _w
 sees any ?+ %e _c und]/&1 %e assigns ! 

base/ motives to all conc]n$1 suppos+ ! 
pres5ce ( "s secret  %ame1 ! idea ( :i*1
 at lea/1 h] n>r[-m9d$ intellig5ce is   
able to grasp4    ,! p no long] reg>d$  
_! prie/ z a sa9t1 & 8 acolyte  z an    
angel4 ,!y /ill spoke ( !m ) bat$ brea? 
& ) _!  f+]s on _! lips2 !y /ill drew   
back out ( ! way :5 !y  met ei!r ( !m2 b
 n[ !y ga!r$ toge!r 9 gr\ps ( twos  &   
?rees & %ook _! heads4    ,! prie/ & 8  
acolyte he$$ n2 !y nev] ev5 notic$ !    
suspici\s glances & half-suppress$      
murmurs4 ,ea* _h f\nd 9 !  o!r p]fect   
sympa?y & p]fect love3 :at c\ld !       
outside _w  matt] to !m n[8 ,ea* 0 to ! 
o!r ! p]fect fulfilm5t ( a  sc>cely     
preconceiv$ ideal2 nei!r heav5 nor hell 
c\ld (f] m4  ,b ! /one ( conv5tion _h   
be5 und]m9$2 ! "t c\ld n be  f> di/ant  
:5 x mu/ fall4           99       99    
99       99       99    ,! moonlight 0 v
 cle> & v beautiful2 ! cool night air  0
 heavy ) ! p]fume ( ! old-fa%ion$ fl[]s 
t bloom$  s pr(usely 9 ! little g>d54 ,b
 9 ! prie/'s little room  ! closely     

drawn curta9s %ut out all ! beauty ( !  
night4  ,entirely =getful ( all ! _w1   
absolutely oblivi\s ( e  ?+ b "o ano!r1 
wrapp$ 9 ! beautiful visions ( a love t 
f> out%one all ! spl5d\r ( ! summ]      
night1 ! prie/ & !  little acolyte 7    
toge!r4    ,! little lad sat on 8 knees 
) 8 arms closely press$ r\nd  8 neck & 8
 gold5 curls laid aga9/ ! prie/'s       
close-cut  hair2 8 :ite night-%irt      
contra/+ /rangely & beautifully )  !    
dull black ( ! o!r's long cassock4      
,!re 0 a /ep on ! road outside--a /ep   
draw+ ne>] &  ne>]2 a knock at ! door4  
,!y he>d x n2 completely absorb$ 9  ea* 
o!r1 intoxicat$ ) ! sweetly poison\s    
draught t is !  gift ( love1 !y sat 9   
sil5ce4 ,b ! end _h come3 ! bl[ _h      
fall5 at la/4 ,! door op5$1 & !re be=e  
!m 9 ! doorway  /ood ! tall figure ( !  
rector4    ,nei!r said any ?+2 only !   
little boy clung clos] to 8  belov$1 & 8
 eyes grew l>ge ) fe>4 ,!n ! "y prie/   
rose  sl[ly to 8 feet & put ! lad f him4
    8,y _h bett] g1 ,wilfr$10 0 all he  

said4    ,! two prie/s /ood 9 sil5ce    
wat*+ ! *ild z he slipp$  ?r\gh ! w9d[1 
/ole across ! grass1 & vani%$ into !    
opposite cottage4    ,!n ! two turn$ &  
fac$ ea* o!r4    ,! "y prie/ sank into 8
 *air & clasp$ 8 h&s1 wait+  = ! o!r to 
speak4    8,s x has come to ?is60 he    
said3 8! p 7 only too "r 9  :at !y told 
me6 ,ah1 ,god6 t su* a ?+ %\ld h happ5$ 
"h6 t x has fall5 on me to expose y\r   
%ame--our %ame6 t  x is ,i :o mu/ give y
 up to ju/ice1 & see t y suff] !  full  
p5alty ( y\r s96 ,h y no?+ to say80     
8,no?+--no?+10 he repli$ s(tly4 8,i _c  
ask = pity3 ,i  _c expla93 y w\ld nev]  
und]/&4 ,i d n ask y any  ?+ = myself1  
,i d n ask y to sp>e me2 b ?9k ( !      
t]rible sc&al to our de> ,*ur*40    8,x 
is bett] to expose ^! t]rible sc&als &  
see t !y are  cur$4 ,x is folly to      
conceal a sore3 bett] %[ all our %ame   
?an  let x fe/]40    8,?9k ( ! *ild40   
8,t 0 = y to d3 y %\ld h ?\ght ( him    
be=e4 ,:at  has 8 %ame to d ) me8 x 0   
y\r bus9ess4 ,besides1 ,i w\ld  n sp>e  

him if ,i c\ld3 :at pity c ,i feel = su*
 z he----80    ,b ! "y man _h ris51 pale
 to ! lips4    8,hu%60 he said 9 a l[   
voice2 8,i =bid y to speak ( him be=e   
me ) any ?+ b respect02 !n s(tly to     
himself1 8) any  ?+ b rev]5ce2 ) any ?+ 
b devotion40    ,! o!r 0 sil5t1 aw$ = ! 
mom5t4 ,!n 8 ang] rose4    8,d>e y speak
 op5ly l t8 ,:]e is y\r p5it5ce1 y\r    
%ame8  h y no s5se ( ! horror ( y\r s980
    8,!re is no s9 = :i* ,i %\ld feel   
%ame10 he answ]$ v  quietly4 8,god gave 
me my love = him1 & ,he gave him also 8 
love  = me4 ,:o is !re t %all )/& ,god &
 ! love t is ,8  gift80    8,d>e y      
pr(ane ! "n by call+ su* a passion z ?is
 #8love'80    8,x 0 love1 p]fect love3 x
 is p]fect love40    8,i c say no m n[2 
to-morr[ all %all be kn[n4 ,?ank ,god1 y
  %all pay de>ly = all ?is disgrace10 he
 add$1 9 a sudd5  outbur/ ( wra?4    8,i
 am sorry y h no m]cy2--n t ,i fe>      
exposure &  puni%m5t = myself4 ,b m]cy c
 seldom be f\nd f a  ,*ri/ian10 he add$1
 z "o t speaks f )\t4    ,! rector turn$

 t[>ds him sudd5ly1 & /ret*$ out 8 h&s4 
8,heav5 =give me my h>dness ( he>t10 he 
said4 8,i h be5 cruel2  ,i h spok5      
cruelly 9 my di/ress4 ,ah1 c y say no?+ 
to  def5d y\r crime80    8,no3 ,i d n   
?9k ,i c d any good by t4 ,if ,i        
attempt$ to d5y  all guilt1 y w\ld only 
?9k ,i li$3 ?\gh ,i %\ld prove my       
innoc5ce1 yet my reputation1 my c>e]1 my
 :ole future1 are ru9$  = ev]4 ,b w y   
li/5 to me = a little8 ,i w tell y a    
little ab\t myself40    ,! rector sat   
d[n :ile 8 curate told him ! /ory ( 8   
life1  sitt+ by ! empty grate ) 8 *9    
re/+ on 8 clasp$ h&s4    8,i 0 at a big 
public s*ool1 z y "k4 ,i 0 always       
diff]5t  f o!r boys4 ,i nev] c>$ mu* =  
games4 ,i took little int]e/  9 ^? ?+s =
 :i* boys usually c>e s mu*4 ,i 0 n v   
happy 9 my boyhood1 ,i ?9k4 ,my "o      
ambition 0 to f9d ! ideal  = :i* ,i     
long$4 ,x has always be5 ?us3 ,i h      
always _h an  indef9ite long+ = some?+1 
a vague some?+ t nev] q  took %ape1 t ,i
 c\ld nev] q und]/&4 ,my great desire   

has  always be5 to f9d some?+ t w\ld    
satisfy me4 ,i 0 attract$  at once by   
s93 my :ole e>ly life is /a9$ & pollut$ 
) !  ta9t ( s94 ,sometimes ev5 n[ ,i ?9k
 t !re are s9s m  beautiful ?an any ?+  
else 9 ! _w4 ,!re are vices t are  b\nd 
to attract almo/ irresi/ibly any "o :o  
loves beauty above  e ?+4 ,i h always   
s\ght = love3 aga9 & aga9 ,i h  be5 !   
victim ( fits ( passionate affection3 "t
 aft] "t ,i  h seem$ to h f\nd my ideal 
at la/3 ! :ole object ( my  life has    
be51 times )\t numb]1 to ga9 ! love ( "s
  p>ticul> p]son4 ,sev]al times my ef=ts
 7 successful2 ea* "t  ,i woke to f9d t 
! success ,i _h obta9$ 0 wor?less aft]  
all4 ,z ,i grasp$ ! prize1 x lo/ all its
 attraction--,i no long]  c>$ = :at ,i  
_h once desir$ ) my :ole he>t4 ,9 va9 ,i
  endeav\r$ to dr[n ! ye>n+s ( my he>t )
 ! ord9>y  pleasures & vices t usually  
attract ! "y4 ,i _h to *oose a          
pr(ession4 ,i became a prie/4 ,! :ole   
/hetic t5d5cy ( my s\l  0 int5sely      
attract$ by ! wond]ful my/]ies (        

,*ri/ianity1  ! arti/ic beauty ( our    
s]vices4 ,ev] s9ce my ord9ation ,i h    
be5 /riv+ to *eat myself into ! belief t
 peace _h come at  la/--at la/ my ye>n+ 
0 satisfi$3 b all 9 va94 ,unceas+ly  ,i 
h /ruggl$ ) ! old crav+s = excitem5t1 &1
 above all1  ! we>y1 incessant ?ir/ = a 
p]fect love4 ,i h f\nd1 &  /ill f9d1 an 
exquisite delight 9 religion3 n 9 !     
regul>  duties ( a religi\s life1 n 9 ! 
ord9>y r\nd ( p>i%                      
organizations2--aga9/ ^! ,i *afe        
incessantly2--no1 my delight is  9 !    
/hetic beauty ( ! s]vices1 ! ec/asy (   
devotion1 !  passionate f]v\r t comes ) 
long fa/+ & m$itation40    8,h y f\nd no
 com=t 9 pray]80 ask$ ! rector4         
8,com=t8--no4 ,b ,i h f\nd 9 pray]      
pleasure1 excitem5t1 almo/  a fi]ce     
delight ( s940    8,y %\ld h m>ri$4 ,i  
?9k t w\ld h sav$ y40    ,ronald        
,hea!r+ton rose to 8 feet & laid 8 h& on
 !  rector's arm4    8,y d n und]/& me4 
,i h nev] be5 attract$ by a woman 9  my 
life4 ,c y n see t p are diff]5t1       

totally diff]5t1  f "o ano!r8 ,to ?9k t 
we are all ! same is impossible2  our   
natures1 our temp]am5ts1 are utt]ly     
unlike4 ,b ?is is :at  p w nev] see2 !y 
f\nd all _! op9ions on a wrong basis4   
,h[ c _! d$uctions be j if _! premisses 
are wrong8 ,"o law  laid d[n by !       
majority1 :o happ5 to be ( "o           
disposition1 is  only b9d+ on ! m9ority 
legally1 n morally4 ,:at "r h  y1 or any
 "o1 to tell me t su* & su* a ?+ is     
s9ful =  me8 ,oh1 :y c ,i n expla9 to y 
& =ce y to see80 & 8  grasp tight5$ on !
 o!r's arm4 ,!n he cont9u$1 speak+ fa/  
& e>ne/ly3--    8,= me1 ) my nature1 to 
h m>ri$ w\ld h be5 s9ful3 x  w\ld h be5 
a crime1 a gross immorality1 & my       
consci5ce w\ld  h revolt$40 ,!n he add$1
 bitt]ly3 8,consci5ce %\ld be t  div9e  
in/9ct :i* bids u seek aft] t our       
natural disposition  ne$s--we h =gott5  
t2 to mo/ ( u1 to ! _w1 nay1 ev5  to    
,*ri/ians 9 g5]al1 consci5ce is m]ely   
ano!r "n = !  c[>dice t dreads to (f5d  
aga9/ conv5tion4 ,ah1 :at a curs$  ?+   

conv5tion is6 ,i h committ$ no moral    
(f5ce 9 ?is matt]2  9 ! sight ( ,god my 
s\l is blameless2 b to y & to ! _w  ,i  
am guilty ( an abom9able                
crime--abom9able1 because x is a s9     
aga9/ conv5tion1 =soo?6 ,i met ?is boy3 
,i lov$ him z ,i _h  nev] lov$ any "o or
 any ?+ be=e3 ,i _h no ne$ to lab\r to  
w9 8 affection--he 0 m9e by "r3 he lov$ 
me1 ev5 z ,i lov$  him1 f ! fir/3 he 0 !
 necess>y complem5t to my s\l4 ,h[  d>e 
! _w presume to judge u8 ,:at is        
conv5tion to u8  ,nev]!less1 al?\gh ,i  
really knew t su* a love 0 beautiful  & 
blameless1 al?\gh f ! bottom ( my he>t  
,i despis$ !  n>r[ judgm5t ( ! _w1 yet =
 8 sake & = ! sake ( our  ,*ur*1 ,i tri$
 at fir/ to resi/4 ,i /ruggl$ aga9/ !   
fasc9ation he possess$ = me4 ,i w\ld    
nev] h gone to him &  ask$ 8 love2 ,i   
w\ld h /ruggl$ on till ! end3 b :at c\ld
  ,i d8 ,x 0 he t came to me1 & (f]$ me 
! weal? ( love 8  beautiful s\l         
possess$4 ,h[ c\ld ,i tell to su* a     
nature z 8 !  hide\s picture ! _w w\ld  

pa9t8 ,ev5 z y saw him ?is  ev5+1 he has
 come to me night by night1--h[ d>e ,i  
di/urb !  sweet purity ( 8 s\l by h9t+  
at ! horrible suspicions 8  pres5ce     
might ar\se8 ,i knew :at ,i 0 do+4 ,i h 
fac$ ! _w  & set myself up aga9/ x4 ,i h
 op5ly sc(f$ at its dictates4 ,i  d n   
ask y to sympa?ize ) me1 nor d ,i pray y
 to /ay y\r  h&4 ,y\r eyes are bl9d$ ) a
 m5tal cat>act4 ,y are b\nd1  b\nd ) ^? 
mis]able ties t h held y body & s\l f  !
 cradle4 ,y mu/ d :at y believe to be   
y\r duty4 ,9 ,god's  eyes we are m>tyrs1
 & we %all n %r9k ev5 f dea? 9 ?is      
/ruggle aga9/ ! idolatr\s wor%ip (      
conv5tion40    ,ronald ,hea!r+ton sank  
into a *air1 hid+ 8 face 9 8 h&s1  & !  
rector left ! room 9 sil5ce4    ,= "s   
m9utes ! "y prie/ sat ) 8 face buri$ 9 8
  h&s4 ,!n ) a sigh he rose & crept     
across ! g>d5 till he  /ood b5ea? ! op5 
w9d[ ( 8 d>l+4    8,wilfr$10 he call$ v 
s(tly4    ,! beautiful face1 pale & wet 
) te>s1 appe>$ at ! w9d[4    8,i want y1
 my d>l+2 ,w y come80 he :isp]$4        

8,yes1 fa!r10 ! boy s(tly answ]$4    ,! 
prie/ l$ him back to 8 room2 !n1 tak+   
him v g5tly 9  8 arms1 he tri$ to w>m ! 
cold little feet ) 8 h&s4    8,my d>l+1 
x is all ov]40 ,& he told him z g5tly z 
he c\ld  all t lay be=e !m4    ,! boy   
hid 8 face on 8 %\ld]1 cry+ s(tly4      
8,c ,i d no?+ = y1 de> fa!r80    ,he 0  
sil5t = a mom5t4 8,yes1 y c die = me2 y 
c die )  me40    ,! lov+ arms 7 ab\t 8  
neck once m1 & ! w>m1 lov+  lips 7 kiss+
 8 own4 8,i w d any ?+ = y4 ,o fa!r1 let
  u die toge!r60    8,yes1 my d>l+1 x is
 be/3 we w40    ,!n v quietly & v t5d]ly
 he prep>$ ! little fell[ =  8 dea?2 he 
he>d 8 la/ confession & gave him 8 la/  
absolution4 ,!n !y knelt toge!r1 h& 9   
h&1 be=e !  crucifix4    8,pray = me1 my
 d>l+40    ,!n toge!r _! pray]s sil5tly 
asc5d$ t ! de> ,"l w\ld  h pity on !    
prie/ :o _h fall5 9 ! t]rible battle (  
life4 ,!re !y knelt till midnight1 :5   
,ronald took ! lad 9 8  arms & c>ri$ him
 to ! little *apel4    8,i w say mass = 
! repose ( our s\ls10 he said4    ,ov] 8

 night-%irt ! *ild array$ himself 9 8   
little sc>let  cassock & t9y lace cotta4
 ,he cov]$ 8 nak$ feet ) !  sc>let      
sanctu>y %oes2 he light$ ! tap]s &      
rev]5tly help$  ! prie/ to ve/4 ,!n be=e
 !y left ! ve/ry ! prie/ took  him 9 8  
arms & held him press$ closely to 8     
brea/2 he /rok$  ! s(t hair & :isp]$    
*e]+ly to him4 ,! *ild 0 weep+  quietly1
 8 sl5d] frame trembl+ ) ! sobs he c\ld 
sc>cely  suppress4 ,aft] a mom5t ! t5d] 
embrace soo!d him1 & he rais$  8        
beautiful m\? to ! prie/'s4 ,_! lips 7  
press$ toge!r1  & _! arms wrapp$ "o     
ano!r closely4    8,oh1 my d>l+1 my own 
sweet d>l+60 ! prie/ :isp]$ t5d]ly4     
8,we %all be toge!r = ev] soon2 no?+    
%all sep>ate u n[10  ! *ild said4       
8,yes1 x is f> bett] s2 f> bett] to be  
toge!r 9 dea? ?an  ap>t 9 life40    ,!y 
knelt be=e ! alt> 9 ! sil5t night1 !    
glimm] ( !  tap]s light+ up ! features (
 ! crucifix ) /range  di/9ctness4 ,nev] 
_h ! prie/'s voice trembl$ ) su*        
wond]ful e>ne/ness1 nev] _h ! acolyte   

respond$ ) su*  devotion1 z at ?is      
midnight ,mass = ! peace ( _! own       
dep>t+ s\ls4    ,j be=e ! consecration !
 prie/ took a t9y phial f !  pocket ( 8 
cassock1 bless$ x1 & p\r$ ! cont5ts into
 !  *alice4    ,:5 ! "t came = him to   
receive f ! *alice1 he rais$ x  to 8    
lips1 b did n ta/e ( x4    ,he adm9i/]$ 
! sacr$ waf] to ! *ild1 & !n he took !  
beautiful gold *alice1 set ) preci\s    
/ones1 9 8 h&2 he  turn$ t[>ds him2 b :5
 he saw ! light 9 ! beautiful face  he  
turn$ aga9 to ! crucifix ) a l[ moan4 ,=
 "o in/ant 8  c\rage fail$ him2 !n he   
turn$ to ! little fell[ aga91 &  held ! 
*alice to 8 lips3    8,! ,blood ( our   
,"l ,jesus ,*ri/1 :i* 0 %$ = !e1        
pres]ve ?y body & s\l unto ev]la/+      
life40    ,nev] _h ! prie/ beheld su*   
p]fect love1 su* p]fect tru/1 9  ^? de> 
eyes z %one f !m n[2 n[1 z ) face rais$ 
upw>ds he receiv$ 8 dea? f ! lov+ h&s ( 
him t he  lov$ be/ 9 ! :ole _w4    ,!   
in/ant he _h receiv$1 ,ronald fell on 8 
knees beside him &  dra9$ ! *alice to ! 

la/ drop4 ,he set x d[n & ?rew 8  arms  
r\nd ! beautiful figure ( 8 de>ly lov$  
acolyte4 ,_!  lips met 9 "o la/ kiss (  
p]fect love1 & all 0 ov]4           99  
99       99       99       99    ,:5 !  
sun 0 ris+ 9 ! heav5s x ca/ "o broad ray
 ^u !  alt> ( ! little *apel4 ,! tap]s 7
 burn+ /ill1 sc>cely  half-burnt ?r\gh4 
,! sad-fac$ figure ( ! crucifix hung !re
 9  its maje/ic calm4 ,on ! /eps ( !    
alt> 0 /ret*$ ! long1  ascetic frame ( !
 "y prie/1 rob$ 9 ! sacr$ ve/m5ts2      
close beside him1 ) 8 curly head pill[$ 
on ! gorge\s  embroid]ies t cov]$ 8     
brea/1 lay ! beautiful boy 9 sc>let  &  
lace4 ,_! arms 7 r\nd ea* o!r2 a /range 
hu% lay l a  %r\d ov] all4    8,& :omev]
 %all fall on ?is /one %all be brok53 b 
on  :omsoev] x %all fall1 x w gr9d him  
to p[d]40                               
,x4    ,june1 #ahid4