The Dead Boxer - The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by William Carleton
page 71 of 104 (68%)
page 71 of 104 (68%)
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your father's roof once more."
The son put his arms across his breast, and bowed his head respectfully, but declined receiving his father's hand. "Not, father--father dear--not till my name is cleared." "John," said the old man, now in tears, "will you refuse me? You are my only son, my only child, an' I cannot lose you. Your name is cleared." "Father," said the son, "I've sworn--it's now too late. My heart, father, has been crushed by what has happened lately. I found little charity among my friend's. I say, I cannot change my mind, for I've sworn to fight him. And even if I had not sworn, I couldn't, as a man, but do it, for he has insulted them that I love better than my own life. I knew you would want to persuade me against what I'm doin'--an' that was why I bound myself this mornin' by an oath." The mother, who had been detained a few minutes behind them, now entered, and on hearing that he had refused to decline the battle, exclaimed-- "Who says that Lamh Laudher Oge won't obey his mother? Who dare say it? Wasn't he ever and always an obedient son to me an' his father? I won't believe that lie of my boy, no more than I ever believed a word of' what was sed against him. _Shawn Oge aroon_, you won't refuse me, _avillish_. What 'ud become of me, _avich ma chree_, if you fight him? Would you have the mother's heart broken, an' our roof childless all out? We lost one as it is--the daughter of our heart is gone, an' we don't know how--an' now is your father an' me to lie down an' die in desolation |
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