Запретный лес
IX. Before Lammas
YoutoldmethefirstdaywemetthatWoodileehadanillreputation,and,sorrowonme!Ihaveprovedthejusticeofyourwords.AndIgreatlyfearthatitistheloudestprofessorsthataredeepestinthemire."
"Man,David,thatisagrievousbusiness.IsittheWood?"
"ItistheWood,andtheblackestkindofwitchcraft.Someolddevilryoftheheathenhaslingeredinthatplace,andthesoulofmymiserableparishisthirledtoit.YouwillnotfindinScotlandadoucerbit,fortherearenopublicsinsandshortcomings.Man,there’stimeswhenWoodileeseemsasquietanddeadasakirkyard.Butthere’samadlifeinitsmembers,andatcertainseasonsitfindsvent.InthedeepsofnightandintheheartoftheWoodtherearethingsdoneofwhichitisshamefuleventospeak."
"Whatwitnesshaveyou?"
"Myowneyes.IstumbledupononeoftheirhellishSabbaths."
"Godbekindtous!Ihaveheardtellofsiccanthings,andIhavereadoftheminoldbooks,butIneverexperiencedthem.I’mpositivethey’renotinCauldshaw,fortheplaceisowerbareandbrightandthewindblowsowercleanonourbraes.There’snocoverfortheabominationswhichmustbedoneindarkness.ButIhaveayehadascunnerofyonWood....It’saqueerthingtheheartofman,Mr.David,andthere’sthatinmyownthatwhilesterrifiesme.Theworkofredemptionisdoneinaninstant,butthejobofregenerationisalifetime’s;andtheholiestsaintonhisdeath-bedisbutabagofrottennesscomparedtothepuritytowhichheshallyetattain.
