Page:The Italian - Radcliffe, volume 1 (1797).djvu/8

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(viii)

"Why, my friend," observed the Italian, "if we were to shew no mercy to such unfortunate persons, assassinations are so frequent, that our cities would be half depopulated."

In notice of this profound remark, the English­man could only gravely bow.

"But observe yonder confessional," added the Italian, "that beyond the pillars on the left of the aisle, be­low a painted window. Have you discovered it? The colours of the glass throw, instead of light, a shade over that part of the church, which, perhaps, prevents your distinguishing what I mean!"

The Englishman looked whither his friend point­ed, and observed a confessional of oak, or some very dark wood, adjoining the wall, and remarked also, that it was the same, which the assassin had just enter­ed. It consisted of three compartments, covered with a black canopy. In the central division was the chair of the confessor, elevated byseveral

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