whose value is inestimable. Do you see
it, Segnor? It sparkles upon the third finger of the hand, in which
She holds a crown of Thorns. This Jewel naturally excited the
Villain's cupidity. He resolved to make himself Master of it. For
this purpose He ascended the Pedestal: He supported himself by
grasping the Saint's right arm, and extended his own towards the Ring.
What was his surprize, when He saw the Statue's hand raised in a
posture of menace, and heard her lips pronounce his eternal perdition!
Penetrated with awe and consternation, He desisted from his attempt,
and prepared to quit the Sepulchre. In this He also failed. Flight
was denied him. He found it impossible to disengage the hand, which
rested upon the right arm of the Statue. In vain did He struggle: He
remained fixed to the Image, till the insupportable and fiery anguish
which darted itself through his veins, compelled his shrieking for
assistance.

The Sepulchre was now filled with Spectators. The Villain confessed
his sacrilege, and was only released by the separation of his hand from
his body. It has remained ever since fastened to the Image. The
Robber turned Hermit, and led ever after an exemplary life: But yet
the Saint's decree was performed, and Tradition says that He continues
to haunt this Sepulchre, and implore St. Clare's pardon with groans and
lamentations. Now I think of it, those which we have just heard, may
very possibly have been uttered by the Ghost of this Sinner: But of
this I will not be positive. All that I can say is, that since that
time no one has ever dared to touch the Statue: Then do not be
foolhardy, good Segnor! For the love of heaven, give up your design,
nor expose yourself unnecessarily to certain destruction.'

Not being convinced that his destruction would be so certain as Helena
seemed to think it, Lorenzo persisted in his resolution. The Nuns
besought him to desist in piteous terms, and even pointed out the
Robber's hand, which in effect was still visible upon the arm of the
Statue. This proof, as they imagined, must convince him. It was very
far from doing so; and they were greatly scandalized when he declared
his suspicion that the dried and shrivelled fingers had been placed
there by order of the Prioress. In spite of their prayers and threats
He approached the Statue. He sprang over the iron Rails which defended
it, and the Saint underwent a thorough examination. The Image at first
appeared