'But an hour ago I finished the binding,' he added, stroking the
calf-skin affectionately. 'And when I laid it before the venerable
father, who is always indulgent to those who do their best, he was
pleased to speak kind things. "Take it to our noble guest," he said,
"that he may see how we use the hours God grants us. And it may be
that he would like to read therein."'
The book was a beautiful copy of Augustine's _De Civitate Dei_.
Basil did indeed peruse a page or two, but again his thoughts began
to wander. He turned the leaves, looking with pleasure at the fine
initial letters in red ink. They reminded him of his cousin Decius,
whom a noble manuscript would transport with joy. And thought of
Decius took him back to Surrentum. He fell into a dream.
On the morrow, at noon, he was well enough to descend to the
refectory, where he had a seat at the abbot's table. His meal
consisted of a roast pigeon, a plate of vegetables, honey and
grapes, with bread which seemed to him better than he had ever
tasted, and wine whereof his still weak head bade him partake very
modestly.
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