for some time, took off a small
golden Cross which hung at his girdle, and laid it upon the Mirror.
Instantly a loud noise was heard, resembling a clap of thunder, and the
steel shivered into a thousand pieces. This circumstance confirmed the
suspicion of the Monk's having dealt in Magic: It was even supposed
that his former influence over the minds of the People was entirely to
be ascribed to witchcraft.

Determined to make him confess not only the crimes which He had
committed, but those also of which He was innocent, the Inquisitors
began their examination. Though dreading the tortures, as He dreaded
death still more which would consign him to eternal torments, the Abbot
asserted his purity in a voice bold and resolute. Matilda followed his
example, but spoke with fear and trembling. Having in vain exhorted
him to confess, the Inquisitors ordered the Monk to be put to the
question. The Decree was immediately executed. Ambrosio suffered the
most excruciating pangs that ever were invented by human cruelty: Yet
so dreadful is Death when guilt accompanies it, that He had sufficient
fortitude to persist in his disavowal. His agonies were redoubled in
consequence: Nor was He released till fainting from excess of pain,
insensibility rescued him from the hands of his Tormentors.

Matilda was next ordered to the torture: But terrified by the sight of
the Friar's sufferings, her courage totally deserted her. She sank
upon her knees, acknowledged her corresponding with infernal Spirits,
and that She had witnessed the Monk's assassination of Antonia: But as
to the crime of Sorcery, She declared herself the sole criminal, and
Ambrosio perfectly innocent. The latter assertion met with no credit.
The Abbot had recovered his senses in time to hear the confession of
his Accomplice: But He was too much enfeebled by what He had already
undergone to be capable at that time of sustaining new torments.

He was commanded back to his Cell, but first informed that as soon as
He had gained strength sufficient, He must prepare himself for a second
examination. The Inquisitors hoped that He would then be less hardened
and obstinate. To Matilda it was announced that She must expiate her
crime in fire on the approaching Auto da Fe. All her tears and
entreaties could procure no mitigation of her doom, and She was dragged
by force from the Hall of Trial.

Returned to his dungeon, the sufferings of Ambrosio's body were far
more su