The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-07-24

yided with everything necessary for
the purpose he had in view. And then.
as the dark days of winter succeeded
each other, surrounded only by the
damp walls of his dungeon. he CHS.
elled feverishly at the MASTERPIECES he
wished to produce-a representation
of Christ crucified. He had no model.
of course, the jailer alone being al
lowed to enter; but his mind. ever
haunted by the image of his unhanny
victim, found no difficulty in trans
ferring it to the cold block before him.
The hands, the feet, the lifeless body
soon took shape beneath his touch
When he came to the head, however.
a mist swan before his eyes. a blank
fell upon his mind, and with a groan
he fell upon his knees: 20. God /" he
prayed, "help me to finish the work I
have begun for Thee!"
And then, as if in answer to his
prayer, sudden thought flashed upon
him. Surely his own face, with its
hollow eyes, its lines of pain, its ex-
preston of abiding grief, would make
a better model for the Man Of Sor-
rows than any he could have found
elsewhere. A small mirror was oh
tanned, and with new energy Master
Sebald resumed his task. From early
morning till darkness fell upon his cell
he chiselled away, his strong will
carrying him on when the frail body.
growing weaker day by day.. would
have succumbed. If he noted his
growing paleness or the deepening
lines about face, it was only to re-
joice; for was it not One dying he
wished to represent?
At last the day came when the work
was completed. The sculptor had
given the last touches; he could do
no more. For moment he knelt
before the image, as though implor-
ing pardon; then, calling the taller, he
bade him send for the executioner.
Instead of the executioner, it was
the chief magistrate who came at the
jailer's bidding. As he opened the
door and the almost life-like represen-
tation of the Christ met his gaze, he
forgot all else and fell on his knees
with mingled sentiments of admira-
ton and awe; then, unwilling to be
alone to enjoy so wonderful sight
he sent for the bishop, and presently
the little cell was filled to overfoWing
with visitors.
Where should the crucifx, be
placed?' was the much debated ques-
ton. Some suggested the market
place, while others were for settling
it up in the large square outside the
church. An end was put to the dis
cussion by Sebald's asking leave to
speak.
IF my work has found favor in
your eyes," he said humb1y, might I
beg as last request that it stand in
the cemetery, where, better than in
any other place, it will serve as a
warning to others? And there, too, .
he added in a lower voice, Its shadow
will fall on his tomb, and plead for
my forgiveness"
by all present With geat pomp the
stone crucifx was transferred to the
cemetery, large crowd accompany
ing it to it's destination. When the
blessing of the cross was over, and
it stood out in, all Us beauty against
the blue sky, the sculptor came for
ward and declared that now his last
wish was granted, and he was ready
to die. But at this announcement a
murmur of protest arose. Some of the
more influential persons spoke to the
councillors, the councillors debated
the matter with the Margrave, and
finally the judge declared in a loud
voice that, in consideration Of his
genius, his piety, and his repentance
Master Sebald should receive free
pardon.
Great was the enthusiasm at this
announcement Old Sebald, however
took no part in the general rejoicing
81 have no wish to live" he said
''now that my task is finished But
He knows best. May His holy will
be done!"
Nor was the old man called upon
to spend much more time upon earth
Only a few days later, in the early
morning, when the dewdrops hung in
clusters on the grass, he was found
hands clasped as if in entreaty, lying
dead at the foot of his wondrous cru
cifix.