Nicolas knew him well, and had even confessed to him once the year before.

After greeting the estimable man and answering his inquiry how he had come there, he said frankly and hastily: "Forgive me, Father, but something weighs upon my heart.

You are a holy man, and must know.

Is it a crime, if a Hollander fights against the Spaniards, is it a sin, if a Hollander wishes to be and remain what God made him?
I can't believe it." "Nor do I," replied Damianus in his simple manner.

"Whoever clings firmly to our holy church, whoever loves his neighbor and strives to do right, may confidently favor the Dutch, and pray and fight for the freedom of his native land." "Ah!" exclaimed Nicolas, with sparkling eyes.
"For," continued Damianus more eagerly, "for you see, before the Spaniards came into the country, they were good Catholics here and led devout lives, pleasing in the sight of God.