In the branches, cicadas trilled their monotone.

The viper, which had been startled away, again showed its lithe blackness among the stones behind Veranilda, and Marcian, catching sight of it, again touched her arm.
'The snake! Come away from this place.' Veranilda drew her arm back as if his touch stung her.
'I will go,' she said.

'I must be alone--my thoughts are in such confusion I know not what I say.' 'Say but one word,' he pleaded.

'Having rescued you, I knew not how to provide for your security save under ward of the king.

Totila is noble and merciful; all Italy will soon be his, and the Gothic rule be re-established.