Алая буква
The Recognition
Wilson."Itisofmomenttohersoul,and,therefore,astheworshipfulGovernorsays,momentoustothineown,illwhosechargehersis.Exhorthertoconfessthetruth!"
TheReverendMr.Dimmesdalebenthishead,silentprayer,asitseemed,andthencameforward.
"HesterPrynne,"saidhe,leaningoverthebalconyandlookingdownsteadfastlyintohereyes,"thouhearestwhatthisgoodmansays,andseesttheaccountabilityunderwhichIlabour.Ifthoufeelestittobeforthysoul’speace,andthatthyearthlypunishmentwilltherebybemademoreeffectualtosalvation,Ichargetheetospeakoutthenameofthyfellow-sinnerandfellow-sufferer!Benotsilentfromanymistakenpityandtendernessforhim;for,believeme,Hester,thoughheweretostepdownfromahighplace,andstandtherebesidethee,onthypedestalofshame,yetbetterwereitsothantohideaguiltyheartthroughlife.Whatcanthysilencedoforhim,exceptittempthim—yea,compelhim,asitwere—toaddhypocrisytosin?Heavenhathgrantedtheeanopenignominy,thattherebythoumayestworkoutanopentriumphovertheevilwithintheeandthesorrowwithout.Takeheedhowthoudeniesttohim—who,perchance,hathnotthecouragetograspitforhimself—thebitter,butwholesome,cupthatisnowpresentedtothylips!"
Theyoungpastor’svoicewastremulouslysweet,rich,deep,andbroken.
