'Here one can forget everything but to worship God.

Could I remain here, I were the happiest of men.' And Basil mused, understanding, approving, yet unable to utter the same words for himself.

His eyes strayed towards the far valley, shimmering in earliest daylight.

He, too, had he not suffered dread things whilst living in the world?
And could he expect that life in the future would be more kindly to him?
None the less did his heart yearn for that valley of human tribulation.

He struggled to subdue it.
'Deodatus, pray for me, that I may have strength to do that which I see to be the best.' It was no forced humility.