come to this holy spot, and exchange forgiveness?"

He looked towards the conspirators, who gazed upon him with eager eyes,
but did not move. They could not believe that tills appeal was intended
for them, till he beckoned to them. They advanced with hesitating
steps--first one or two--then several--then all; and as they drew nearer
they rushed upon him, some kissing his hand, others kneeling and
embracing his knees. Bidding these arise, he said gently, but in a
voice so penetrating that it was heard in the farthest recess of the
building, "I must have offended you, since you have conspired against
me; and you are very guilty towards me and your country. May He who
looks down with pity on the shameful strifes of men, bear witness to our
hearty forgiveness of each other! Can you with truth say Amen?--If not
yet with truth, say it not till you have heard me."

"Amen!" they cried, with a cry which was echoed first from the roof of
the church, and then by every voice beneath it which was not choked with
sobs.

"If you had had patience with me," said Toussaint, "you would have found
that I am above partiality in regard to race. When I find men of your
colour fit for office, they shall be promoted to office as my friend
Raymond was. I entreat you henceforth to give me time; to watch me,
though closely, generously; and if I fail to satisfy you, to make your
complaints to myself. As for the past, let it be forgotten by all. Go
to your homes, and I trust no one will ever speak to you of this day.
As for myself, I must go where I am wanted. It may be that I shall have
to punish the leader of your colour, if he persists in disturbing the
peace of the colony. But fear not that, if you do not share in his
offences, I shall impute them to you. It is true that, however far-off,
my eye will be upon you, and my arm stretched out over you; but as long
as you are faithful, this my presence will be, your protection. After
the blessing, the amnesty I have promised will be read. This, my act of
forgiveness, is sincere. Show that yours is so, I entreat, by
cherishing the peace of the colony. By the sanctity of the place on
which we stand, let there be peace among us all, and mutual forgiveness
for all time to come!"

"Amen!" again resounded, louder than the most joyous strain of the choir
that ever rang through the building.

L'Ouverture went back to his place, surrounded by the eleven released
men, for whom room was mad