Pagina 387 di 1118

Ferrer breathed again on seeing the place free, and the door

still shut, or, to speak more correctly, not yet open. However,

the hinges were nearly torn from their fastenings, and the panels

shivered in many pieces; so that an opening was made, through

which it could be seen that what held it together was the bolt,

which, however, was almost twisted from its socket. Through this

breach some one cried to those within to open the door, another

ran to let down the steps of the carriage, and the old man

descended from it, leaning on the arm of this benevolent person.

The crowd pressed forward to behold him: curiosity and general

attention caused a moment's silence. Ferrer stopped an instant on

the steps, turned towards them, and putting his hand to his

heart, said, "Bread and justice." Clothed in his toga, with head

erect, and step assured, he continued to descend, amid the loud

applause that rent the skies.