text:  Better had it been spared!--The dying girl was roused only to the endurance of more exquisite torture; and while murmuring a petition for 'mercy--mercy to her _father_!' that proved her still unconscious of her family misfortunes she attempted in vain to take from her finger the ring I have had the honour to deliver to your highness:--faltering with her last breath 'for _his_ sake Don John will perhaps show mercy to my poor old father!'"-- Prince Alexander averted his head as he listened to these mournful details