Could I but reach the monastery!' 'Why, perchance you may,' replied the captain.

'And in truth you would be better cared for there.' 'Help me, good Venantius!' panted Basil, with eyes of entreaty.

'Let me die in the monastery.' In those days of pestilence, every fever-stricken person was an object of dread to all but the most loving or the most courageous.

The stalwart Venantius thought for a moment of carrying Basil before him on his horse, but prudence overcame this humane impulse.

Into the carriage, for the same reason (had there been no other), he could not be put; but there was a vacant place beside the driver, and here, supported with cords, he managed to keep his seat until they arrived at Casinum.
Owing to its position on the highroad, trodden by so many barbaric armies, this city had suffered repeated devastation.