And now, when my beard is silver, and the Adam of old is expelled at the precincts of death; now, thinkest thou, that I can be reminded of the strife and temptation of yore, without bitterness and shame; when days were spent in fasting, and nights in fierce prayer; and in the face of woman I saw the devices of Satan ?" Edward coloured as he spoke, and his voice trembled with the accents of what seemed hate.

Harold gazed on him mutely, and felt that at last he had won the secret that had ever perplexed him, and that in seeking to be above the humanity of love, the would-be saint had indeed turned love into the hues of hate--a thought of anguish, and a memory of pain.
The King recovered himself in a few moments, and said, with some dignity, "But God and his saints alone should know the secrets of the household.
What I have said was wrung from me.

Bury it in thy heart.

Leave me, then, Harold, sith so it must be.

Put thine earldom in order, attend to the monasteries and the poor, and return soon.