Wednesday, March 10, 2010

I Love My Murderer

A movement of Catherine's relieved me a little presently: she put up her hand to clasp his neck, and bring her cheek to his as he held her; while he, in return, covering her with frantic caresses, said wildly -

'You teach me now how cruel you've been - cruel and false. Why did you despise me? Why did you betray your own heart, Cathy? I have not one word of comfort. You deserve this. You have killed yourself. Yes, you may kiss me, and cry; and wring out my kisses and tears: they'll blight you - they'll damn you. You loved me - then what RIGHT had you to leave me? What right - answer me - for the poor fancy you felt for Linton? Because misery and degradation, and death, and nothing that God or Satan could inflict would have parted us, you, of your own will, did it. I have not broken your heart - You have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine. So much the worse for me that I am strong. Do I want to live? What kind of living will it be when you - oh, God! would you like to live with your soul in the grave?'

'Let me alone. Let me alone,' sobbed Catherine. 'If I've done wrong, I'm dying for it. It is enough! You left me too: but I won't upbraid you! I forgive you. Forgive me!'

'It is hard to forgive, and to look at those eyes, and feel those wasted hands,' he answered. 'Kiss me again; and don't let me see your eyes! I forgive what you have done to me. I love my murderer - but yours! How can I?'

They were silent-their faces hid against each other, and washed by each other's tears. At least, I suppose the weeping was on both sides; as it seemed Heathcliff could weep on a great occasion like this.

~Wuthering Heights by Emile Bronte, Chapter 15

3 comments:

inkstainedhands said...

Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite books. I remember getting chills when Cathy told Nelly that she is Heathcliff earlier on in the book. Every part of it is so powerful -- it just makes me want to cry for Heathcliff, who never had a fair chance at life, who was SUPPOSED to be with Cathy, whose soul was connected to hers, and who nevertheless could never be with her.

Erachet said...

Wuthering Heights is beautiful in a frightening sort of way.

Shlomo said...

We can forgive you for killing our sons. But we will never forgive you for making us kill yours. -Golda Meir