“I need but little⁠—my life ebbs apace⁠—I cannot explain the whole⁠—but if you would conceal all you know of me, my honour were free from stain in the world’s mouth⁠—and if my death were unknown for some time in England⁠—I⁠—I⁠—but life.”

“It shall not be known.”

“Swear!” cried the dying man, raising himself with exultant violence. “Swear by all your soul reveres, by all your nature fears, swear that, for a year and a day you will not impart your knowledge of my crimes or death to any living being in any way, whatever may happen, or whatever you may see.”

His eyes seemed bursting from their sockets: “I swear!” said Aubrey; he sunk laughing upon his pillow, and breathed no more.