_Bruno._ “It seems to me that the articles I have confessed, and all
that which I have expressed in my writings, show sufficiently the
importance of my excess, and therefore I confess it, whatsoever may
be its extent, and I acknowledge to have given grave cause for the
suspicion of heresy. And I add to this that I have always had remorse
in my conscience, and the purpose of reforming, although I was seeking
to effect this in the easiest and surest way, still shrinking from
going back to the straitness of regular obedience.... And I was at this
very time putting in order certain writings to propitiate his Holiness,
so that I might be allowed to live more independently than is possible
as an ecclesiastic....
“Beginning with my accuser, who I believe is Signor Giovanni Mocenigo,
I think no one will be found who can say that I have taught false and
heretical doctrine; and I have no suspicion that any one else can
accuse me in matters of holy faith. It may be that I, during so long
a course of time, may have erred and strayed from the Church in other
matters than those I have exposed, and that I may be ensnared in other
censures, but, though I have reflected much upon it, I have discovered
nothing; and I now promptly confess my errors, and am here in the hands
of your Excellencies to receive remedy, for my salvation. My force does
not suffice to tell how great is my repentance for my misdeeds, nor to
express it as I should wish.” Having knelt down, he said: “I humbly
ask pardon of God and your Excellencies for all the errors committed
by me; and I am ready to suffer whatsoever by your prudence shall be
determined and adjudged expedient for my soul. And I further supplicate
that you rather give me a punishment which is excessive in gravity than
make such a public demonstration as might bring some dishonor upon the
holy habit of the order which I have worn; and if, through the mercy of
God and of your Excellencies, my life shall be granted to me, I promise
to make a notable reform in my life, and that I will atone for the
scandal by other and as great edification.”
_Inquisitor._ “Have you anything else to say for the present?”
_Bruno._ “I have nothing more to say.”
II
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