But when Totila came forth from the tower, he had the face of one who has heard strange things.

Who can say what the Almighty purposes by the power of his servant Benedict?
Not unguided, surely, did the feet of the misbelieving warrior turn to climb this mount.' Leaving the poet monk to nurse his hopes, Basil betook himself with rapid steps to the prior's room.

At the door stood three armed men; two had the long flaxen hair which proclaimed them Goths, the third was Venantius.

A look of friendly recognition was all that passed between Basil and his countryman, who straightway admitted him to the room, announced his name, and retired.

Alone--his attitude that of one who muses--sat the Gothic King.