XIX

“While I revolved these ideas, new warmth flowed in upon my heart⁠—I was wrong. These feelings were the growth of selfishness. Of this I was not aware, and to dispel the mist that obscured my perceptions, a new effulgence and a new mandate were necessary. “From these thoughts I was recalled by a ray that was shot into the room. A voice spake like that which I had before heard⁠—‘Thou hast done well; but all is not done⁠—the sacrifice is incomplete⁠—thy children must be offered⁠—they must perish with their mother!⁠—’ ”