The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1877-11-04
CHAPTER xxx.
The Mdrtyrdon.

On his return to Worcester, whittier he was
probably conveyed as in the Case of George
Fox the Quaker, in q coach which performed
the lonrney in four days, Father Joachim is
recorded to carried himself like true ser
want and disciple of his Cruc,ied Master,
thirsting after nothing more than the shedding
of his blood for the love of his God. Father
Lewson, after visiting his brother Francis
(like himself n friar OF the Seraphic Order)
imprisoned at Hereford for the faith, arrived
at Worcester several weeks after Father Wallis
return from London. during the octave of the
Assumption of our Blessed Lady. On his way
thither he had tarried at the houses of several
Catholic gentlemen, and was possibly either
| at Little Malvern or at Blackmore when the
tidings reached him that order bad ar
| rived for the execution of Father Wall He
| hastened to Worcester aud was gracioualy per-
mtted by tue high sheriff, Squire Richard
Nicholets, of the HILL Eastman, to visit the
prisoner in the Castle. He states in letter
which has been preserved, that he found hin
q cheerful sufferer of his present imptison
| ment, and ravished, as il were, with Joy with
the future hopes of dying for 30 good d cause
l foond," he continues. contrary to both hit
him alone; and the day before his execution
enjoy ed that privilege for the space of four OF
five hours together; during which time
heard his confession, aud communicated hin
to his great joy and satisfaction"
AS this good Franciscan Father left tht
Castle and was making his way to the hous,
of Catholic friend in Friar street, he enooun
tered Gervase Sachoveril, who had come int
Worcester from Ravenshill where ne had beeI
for some days awaiting the event of the mos
row, the prospect whereof cast gloom owe
| every Catholic home in Worcestershire
Neither he nor Mr.. Finch had been fortunat,
enough TO obtain access to the Castle, bat
they both looked forward to the possibility o
oonterriug with and obtaining the last bless
ing of their spiritual father during his pro
gress to the seat of his martyrdom. Gsrvas
had been eudeavoring through the interest o
| his friends to be allowed to enter the prison
bat the high sheriff considered that ne hat
sufficiently strained his charity by admitting
the one whose presence Father Wall himSel
had alone requested. He was wandering dis
consoletely toward Edgar Tower when he en-
couDtere6 his friend Father Lswson and wa
rejoiced to hear the tidings which the latte
| was able to communicate. Returning Will
that good priest to his temporary abode, h'
spent some hours with him.
And now, my dear friend" duoth the frial
after telling him of all that had fallen from
Father Joachim, !" let me hear of yourself. Ou
beloved friend and martyr spoke much of you
and bade me, in his name, bless the nuptiAl
hssh. Tell me whether you have seen Mistres
Finch, and how itfares between yoaf'
"It seeme'h like mookery to speak of we'd
look, replied Gervsse, "in the presence O
such doom as hangeth over us tomorrow W
She and her father are at Hodington will
Dame Wyntour, aud both hope to see tn
Father ere he dies. You will return with q
to Harrington, trust"
The day following was the octove of th
Assumption, the Send of August. Ere brea
of day vast conoourse had assembled on tn
Castle Hill, and among them, close to the gat
OF the prison, might be seen q lady leaning o.
an old mans arm, and by her aide youn
cavalier protecting her from the pressure Q
the crowd. Clara, for she 1t was, was ab
sorbed in prayer, and scarcely seemed to hee
the voices of the surrounding throng. Fathe
LeWsOn Joined them, and GervRse Whispers
his name into Clara's ear. She turned e