Let him not know the dread of darkness, nor the pang of fire.

Having turned from his way of error into the path of righteousness, be he not again stricken with the wounds of sin, but grant Thou that there abide with him for ever that soul's health which Thy grace hath bestowed and Thy mercy hath established.' As he listened, Basil's eyes filled with tears, and when bidden to rise he felt as one who has thrown off a burden; rejoicing in his recovered strength of body and soul, he gazed into that venerable face with gratitude too great for words.
'Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.' It was with a parent's tenderness that Benedict now spoke.

'I am old, O Basil, and have but a few more steps to take upon this earth.

Looking upon me, you see long promise of life before you.

And yet--' The soft accents were suspended.