Think
not I'll rest till I have vengeance of him and all his cursed House.
I'll appeal to the King, and if he will not give me justice I'll take it
for myself. Ay, though you are old, I tell you you shall live to see the
de Cressi vault crowded with the de Cressi dead."
Sir Andrew hid his eyes for a moment with his hand, then let it fall and
spoke in a changed voice.
"It comes upon me that you speak truth, Sir John, for since I met a
certain great Master in the East, at times I have a gift of foresight.
I think that much sorrow draws near this land; ay, and others. I think
that many vaults and many churchyards, too, will ere long be filled with
dead; also that the tomb of the Claverings at Blythburgh will soon be
opened. Mayhap the end of this world draws near to all men, as surely
it draws near to you and me. I know not--yet truth was in your lips just
now, and in mine as well, I think. Oh, man, man!" he went on after a
pause, "appeal not unto the world's Caesar lest Caesar render different
judgment to that which you desire. Get you home, and on your knees
appeal unto God to forgive you your proud, vengeance-seeking heart.
Sickness draws near to you; death draws near to you, and after death,
hell--or heaven. I have finished."
As he heard these words Sir John's swarthy face grew pale and for a
little while his rage died down. Then it flared up again.
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