She had learned that long ago, and used it as a nurse does some old song to quiet her pettish infant.

His face brightened instantly.
"Do not believe, then, child," he said, after a pause.

"It is a noble doubt, in Dante or in you." The Doctor had turned away; she could not see his face.

The angry scorn was gone from the old master's countenance; it was bent with its usual wistful eagerness on the floor.

A moment after he looked up with a flickering smile.
"'Onorate l' altissmo poeta!'" he said, gently lifting his finger to his forehead in a military fashion.