In the name of the Crucified, did I not well to lay him low ?' Somewhat recovered from the emotions which had enfeebled him, Gaudiosus held up his head, and made solemn answer.
'Not yours was it to take vengeance.

The God to whom you appeal has said: "Thou shalt do no murder."' 'Consider his crime,' returned the other.

'In the moment when he swore falsely I lifted up my eyes, and behold, she herself stood before me.
She whom I loved, who had pledged herself to me, who long ago would have been my wife but for the enemy who came between us--she, hidden here with him, become a wanton in his embraces--' A low cry of anguish interrupted him.

He turned.

Veranilda had risen and drawn near.
'Basil! You know not what you say.' 'Nor what I _could_ say,' he replied, his eyes blazing with scorn.
'You, who were truth itself have you so well learned to lie?
Talk on.
Tell me that he held you here perforce, and that you passed the days and the nights in weeping.