I go now to speak with Veranilda.' 'As you will.' Basil withdrew into the portico, sat down, and covered his face with his hands.

Fever consumed him, and a dreadful melancholy weighed upon his spirit.

At a respectful distance from him, his followers had assembled, ready for departure.

The soldiers who had come with Venantius, a score in number, were eating and drinking outside the gates.

Within, all was quiet.