William Harrison Ainsworth Guy Fawkes or The gunpowder Treason An Historical RomanceThe Modern Man Pursues Drama and Bravery Viviana Radcliffe Imploring Guy Fawkes to abandon the Conspiracy "It may be so, replied Vivianna; but I deny that the oath either he or you have taken is binding. The deed you have sworn to do is evil, and no vow, however solemnly pronounced, can compel you to commit crime. Avoid this sin-avoid further connexion with those who would work your undoing, and do not stain your soul with guilt from which it will never be cleansed. You seek in vain to move me, replied Guy Fawkes, firmly. My purpose is unalterable. The tempest that clears away the pestilence destroys many innocent lives, but it is not the less wholesome on that account. Our unhappy land is choked with the pestilence of heresy, and must be freed from it, cost what it will, and suffer who may. The wrongs of the English Catholics imperatively demand redress; and, since it is denied us, we must take it. Oppression can go no farther; nor endurance hold out longer. If this blow be not struck we shall have no longer a religion. And how comes it, Vivianna, that you a zealous Catholic, whose father perished by these very oppressors, and who are yourself in danger from them, can seek to turn me from my purpose.? Because I know it is wrongful, she replied.....-p.141 The engravings, on steel, by George Cruikshank for Ainsworth's novel illustrate the style of the modern image of the plot quite well. Select your favorite scene from the table below. Let us know what you think ! send us e.mail |