Count not for how long, nor repine; since that which sends thee hence is no unrighteous judge, no tyrant, but Nature, who brought thee hither; as when a player leaves the stage at the bidding of the conductor who hired him.

Sayest thou, 'I have not played five acts'?
True! but in [211] human life, three acts only make sometimes an entire play.

That is the composer's business, not thine.

Withdraw thyself with a good will; for that too hath, perchance, a good will which dismisseth thee from thy part." The discourse ended almost in darkness, the evening having set in somewhat suddenly, with a heavy fall of snow.

The torches, made ready to do him a useless honour, were of real service now, as the emperor was solemnly conducted home; one man rapidly catching light from another--a long stream of moving lights across the white Forum, up the great stairs, to the palace.