He stood powerless and without defence--motionless
as the image of despair. By a strange coincidence a thick white cloud
seemed to coil itself heavily round the room. Whether to the heated
imaginations of the disputants this appearance might not present an
image of the form then visible to their minds, it would be impossible to
determine. Suffice it to say, the effect was memorable, from whatever
cause it was produced.
An altered man was the Baron Monteagle. The arguments of this champion
of the truth had in some measure prepared his mind for its reception.
Under his ministrations he felt gradually more enlightened. His terrors
were calmed. Soon afterwards rose that noble structure, the chapel of
Hornby, bearing on its front the following legend:--
EDWARDUS STANLEY MILES, DNS. MONTEAGLE, ME FIERI FECIT.
It is recorded that Sir Edward Stanley, Baron Monteagle, died in the
faith he had once despised; and we trust he has found a place at the
footstool of that Mercy whose interposition was not solicited in vain.
[Illustration: GEORGE MARSH, THE MARTYR.]
GEORGE MARSH, THE MARTYR.
"Heavy persecution shall arise
Of all who in the worship persevere
Of spirit and truth.
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