"From my dreams I thought that it was otherwise.

John, send a messenger to the king and ask of him to assemble the people, all who care to come, in the open place before my house.

I am about to die, and first I would speak with them." John went weeping upon his errand, leaving Owen and Hokosa alone.
"Tell me know what shall I do ?" said Hokosa in a voice of despair, "seeing that it is I and no other who have brought this death upon you." "Fret not, my brother," answered Owen, "for this and other things you did in the days of your blindness, and it was permitted that you should do them to an end.

Kneel down now, that I may absolve you from your sins before I pass away; for I tell you, Hokosa, I believe that ere many days are over you must walk on the same path which I travel to-night." "Is it so ?" Hokosa answered.

"Well, I am glad, for I have no longer any lust of life." Then he knelt down and received the absolution.
Now John returned and Nodwengo with him, who told him that the people were gathering in hundreds according to his wish.
"Then clothe me in my robes and let us go forth," he said, "for I would speak my last words in the ears of men." So they put the surplice and hood upon his wasted form and went out, John preceding him holding on high the ivory crucifix, while the king and Hokosa supported him, one on either side.
Without his gate stood a low wooden platform, whence at times Owen had been accustomed to address any congregation larger than the church would contain.