Original Diary Entry
Tuesday, the tenth day. They brought before me two priests, who asked again [whether I wanted to become a Catholic]. […] I felt my blood freeze, and I was unable to respond, while they, seeing that I was wholly beaten down, began to interrogate me […] God helped me to revive, and I answered with force: “All of this is nothing. I was born and will die a Jew.” After tormenting myself for quite some time, a short time passed, and the Illustrious Vice Regent […] summoned me and questioned me […] We do not want to convert you by force {he said}, only from the spontaneous will of your heart. I never imagined you would be so obstinate. I myself will be your protector and hold you with my own hands at the sacred font.” Hearing this, I wanted to die, and I had no breath left to answer. Yet I had enough breath left […] to speak out: “Do listen, Illustrious Signor. I am imprisoned in this place innocently, without knowing why. […] I would rather die a thousand times before I changed my God and Holy Law […] To this the Monsignor replied: “Quiet yourself! From me, you will receive the justice you deserve, for you are obstinate”; and with that, he left.
(Stow, 38-39)
Audio Transcription
NARRATOR: Once more, the day begins with preaching. You are frozen, exhausted – but keep your head. Then you are summoned to the Vice Regent.
Footsteps
VICE REGENT: Anna, are you being treated well, are your hosts being courteous to you? Do they know it was I who sent them to you, only to save your soul from the darkness of your religion? Think well of your circumstances, my child, and accept that whatever we are doing is only for your good, and which we hope you will put to the best use. You have no hope unless you convert. We do not want to convert you by force, only from the spontaneous will of your heart. I never imagined you would be so obstinate. I myself will be your protector and hold you with my own hands at the sacred font.
NARRATOR: Your chest feels too small for you. A heavy emptiness sweeps through you, and you want to die- anything to be away from here. You summon up enough air to answer him. Listen, you say, I am imprisoned here innocently, and I don’t know why. You tell him you would rather die a thousand times than betray your religion.
VICE REGENT: Quiet yourself! From me, you will receive the justice you deserve, for you are obstinate.
Accessing Anna 