Is there imposed upon you some term of penance?
I scarce think you have it in mind to turn monk ?' The last words, though not irreverently uttered, marked a change in Totila's demeanour.

He seemed to lay aside an unwonted gravity, to become the ruler of men, the warrior, the conqueror.

His forehead lost its long wrinkle, as, with eyebrows bent and lips compressed into a rallying half smile, he seemed to challenge all the manhood in him he addressed.
'For that,' Basil replied frankly, 'I lack the calling.' 'Well said.

And how tends your inclination as regards the things of this world?
Has it changed in aught since you came hither ?' 'In nothing, O king,' was the firm response 'I honour the Goth, even as I love my country.' 'Spoken like a man.

But I hear that you have passed through a long sickness, and your cheek yet lacks something of its native hue.