" Do you really believe, father," he asked, doubtfully,
when the catalogue was ended, " that God will forgive
everything, both sins and crimes ? "

" Everything," said Savonarola ; " but only on three
conditions."

"What are they?"

"First, that thou dost have unquestioning faith in
the power and mercy of God."

" Father," replied Lorenzo eagerly, " such faith I
already feel in the inmost depths of my soul."

" Second, that thou dost restore the property of other
people, which thou hast unlawfully confiscated and
retained."

"Shall I have time, father? "

" God will give thee time."



Digitized by Microsoft®



8 THE BOEGIAS.
Lorenzo closed his eyes as if to reflect more at his
ease.
" Yes, father, I will do it," he said, after a moment's
silence.
"Third," continued Savonarola, "that thou dost
restore to the republic her former independence and
freedom of action."

Lorenzo, with a convulsive movement, rose to a sitting
posture, gazing into the Dominican's eyes to see if he
were not mistaken and had really heard aright. Savon-
arola repeated his words.
" Never ! never ! " cried Lorenzo, falling back upon
the bed, and shaking his head vigorously ; " never ! "

The monk without another word took a step toward
the door.
" Oh ! my father ! my father ! " shrieked the dying
man, " do not leave me thus. Have pity on me ! "

" Have thou pity on Florence," retorted the monk.
