Methinks your story has aimed a little wide.' Basil bent low before this gentle irony, which softened his heart.

The abbot mused a moment, gazing upon the golden cross.
'In the days of old,' he continued, 'Romans knew how to subdue their own desires to the good of their country.

He who, in self-seeking, wronged the State, was cast forth from its bosom.

Therefore was it that Rome grew mighty, the Omnipotent fostering her for ends which the fulness of time should disclose.

Such virtue had our ancestors, even though they worshipped darkly at the altars of daemons.