And even had her horoscope willed otherwise, and she should come to him all filled with maiden pity to share his ruined hearth, he could not say her yea.

His man's pride rose up in him, rebellious at the thought of pity from one in whose sight he fain would be all that is strong and comely.

Looking down upon his twisted limbs, the pain that racked him was greater torture than mere flesh can feel.

Although 'twas casting heaven from him, he drew his mantle closer, hiding his disfigured form, and prayed with groans and writhings that she might never look on him again.

So days went by.
There came a time when, even through his all-absorbing thought of self, there pierced the consciousness that he no longer could impose upon the goat-herds' bounty.