Beltane the Smith (Electronic book text)

Messire, I--have hanged many men and--there were women also! I have cut me a tally here on my belt, see--there be many notches--and every notch a life. So now for every life these hands have taken do I vow to save a life an it may be so, and for every life saved would I cut away a notch until my belt be smooth again and my soul the lighter.