FORT LA JOYE AND MICMAC TALES 57

tried for witchcraft in November, found guilty, and sentenced to be burned at the stake between Pointe de la Flamme and the Black Cross, near the present

lighthouse of Rocky Point. “But Marie’s powers were not at an end. On the

eve of her execution Father Medardus went to hear her confession.

“ ‘ Be mindful of the hour, remember your fate,’ he said to her. ‘Your body must perish in flames. By penance and prayer save your spirit immortal.’

“ Marie looked at him with frightened eyes.

”‘Of what shall I repent? I did no wrong. My parents are dead. In the shady woods my mother and I lived. She knew many healing herbs. The stars and winds spoke to her. They killed her at my side. Mother taught me an old ditty. It sounded so sweet. She said it had come from a distant land. I sang it not knowing its meaning. For this they lay hold on me and keep me in this dungeon. They say it is the voice of Satan that sings through me to the harm of men. For this to-morrow I must die in the flames. Save me . . . Rescue me . . .,’ she implored him. ‘To live is so sweet, so bitter is death.’ She held out bright promises of hidden gold, strange lands, and a life of freedom. ‘The guards sleep Come, let us flee . . . They hear us not . The dungeon’s wicket opens on the shore. At dawn we shall be far away in the sheltering woods. I know a port where none will find us . . . I know a place where a hoard is hid. We will wander far. We shall live in strange lands, you with me, and I for ever, for ever with you. There the air is filled with sweet- ness. Flowers blossom all the year. Odorous are the fields and forests, nature ever fresh and green. The