Then his grip tightened on my arm, and he gasped: "He stood before me, and that red line round his neck had drops like gems therefrom.

He said, 'Now do I die and pass to rest.

I would that you came after me.' And I said, 'Trouble not yourself, king, for the like of me.' And he smiled wondrously, and answered, 'Nay, but needs must I, for you are the only heathen man in this palace garth.

I would that all were well with you as with me.' Then he was gone, and there was only a brightness, and betimes that faded.

Then I came hither.