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148
The Vicar of Wakefield.

"And, my son, you shall find them. I am now raised above this world, and all the pleasures it can produce. From this moment I break from my heart all the ties that held it down to earth, and will prepare to fit us both for eternity. Yes, my son, I will point out the way, and my soul shall guide yours in the as­cent, for we will take our flight together. I now see and am convinced you can ex­pect no pardon here, and I can only ex­hort you to seek it at that greatest tribu­nal where we both shall shortly answer. But let us not be niggardly in our exhor­tation, but let all our fellow prisoners have a share: good gaoler let them be permitted to stand here, while I attempt to improve them." Thus saying, I made an effort to rise from my straw, but wanted strength, and was able only to recline a­gainst the wall. The prisoners assembled according to my directions, for they lovedto