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"Oh, signor, what could I mean, a poor girl like me, except that

you should have pity on me? God pardons so many deeds for one act

of mercy! Let me go; for pity, for charity, let me go. Do not

make a poor creature suffer thus! Oh, you, who have it in your

power, tell them to let me go. They brought me hither by force.

Put me again in the carriage with this woman, and let it carry me

to my mother. O holy Virgin! My mother! my mother! Perhaps she is

not far from here-I thought I saw my mountains! Why do you make

me suffer? Carry me to a church; I will pray for you all my life.

Does it cost you so much to say one word? Oh, I see that you are

touched! Say but the word, say it. God pardons so many deeds for

one act of mercy."

"Oh, why is she not the daughter of one of the cowards who

outlawed me?" thought the Unknown. "I should then enjoy her

sufferings; but now--"