The uncertainty, the danger of this situation, can be met only in one way.

On leaving Rome I saw my duty plain before me.

A desire to pleasure my friend made me waver, but I was wrong--if Basil is to have Veranilda for his bride he can only receive her from the hands of Totila.

Anything else would mean peril to the friend I love, and disrespect, even treachery, to the king I honour.

And so it shall be; I will torment myself no more.' He hastened back into the villa, summoned Sagaris, and bade him be ready in half an hour to set forth on a journey of a day or two.