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The solemn light of dawnthe angelic glory of the morning-starhad looked in through the rude window of the shed where Tom was lying; and, as if descending on that star-beam, came the solemn words, I am the root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. The mysterious warnings and intimations of Cassy, so far from discouraging his soul, in the end had roused it as with a heavenly call. He did not know but that the day of his death was dawning in the sky; and his heart throbbed with solemn throes of joy and desire, as he thought that the wondrous all, of which he had often pondered,the great white throne, with its ever radiant rainbow; the white-robed multitude, with voices as many waters; the crowns, the palms, the harps,might all break upon his vision before that sun should set again. And, therefore, without shuddering or trembling, he heard the voice of his persecutor, as he drew near. Well, my boy, said Legree, with a contemptuous kick, how do you find yourself? Didnt I tell yer I could larn yer a thing or two? How do yer like iteh? How did yer whaling agree with yer, Tom? Ant quite so crank as ye was last night. Ye couldnt treat a poor sinner, now, to a bit of sermon, could ye,eh? Tom answered nothing. Get up, you beast! said Legree, kicking him again. This was a difficult matter for one so bruised and faint; and, as Tom made efforts to do so, Legree laughed brutally. What makes ye so spry, this morning, Tom? Cotched cold, may be, last night. Tom by this time had gained his feet, and was confronting his master with a steady, unmoved front. The devil, you can! said Legree, looking him over. I believe you havent got enough yet. Now, Tom, get right down on yer knees and beg my pardon, for yer shines last night. Tom did not move. Down, you dog! said Legree, striking him with his riding-whip. Masr Legree, said Tom, I cant do it. I did only what I thought was right. I shall do just so again, if ever the time comes. I never will do a cruel thing, come what may. Yes, but ye dont know what may come, Master Tom. Ye think what youve got is something. I tell you tant anything,nothing t all. How would ye like to be tied to a tree, and have a slow fire lit up around ye;wouldnt that be pleasant,eh, Tom? Masr, said Tom, I know ye can do dreadful things; but,he stretched himself upward and clasped his hands,but, after yeve killed the body, there ant no more ye can do. And O, theres all ETERNITY to come, after that! ETERNITY,the word thrilled through the black mans soul with light and power, as he spoke; it thrilled through the sinners soul, too, like the bite of a scorpion. Legree gnashed on him with his teeth, but rage kept him silent; and Tom, like a man disenthralled, spoke, in a clear and cheerful voice, Masr Legree, as ye bought me, Ill be a true and faithful servant to ye. Ill give ye all the work of my hands, all my time, all my strength; but my soul I wont give up to mortal man. I will hold on to the Lord, and put his commands before all,die or live; you may be sure on t. Masr Legree, I aint a grain afeard to die. Id as soon die as not. Ye may whip me, starve me, burn me,itll only send me sooner where I want to go. Ill make ye give out, though, fore Ive done! said Legree, in a rage. |
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