'For that,' Basil replied frankly, 'I lack the calling.'
'Well said. And how tends your inclination as regards the things of
this world? Has it changed in aught since you came hither?'
'In nothing, O king,' was the firm response 'I honour the Goth, even
as I love my country.'
'Spoken like a man. But I hear that you have passed through a long
sickness, and your cheek yet lacks something of its native hue. It
might be well if you took your ease yet a little with these good
bedesmen.'
'It is true that I have not yet all my strength,' answered Basil.
'Moreover,' he added, lowering his voice, 'I would fain lighten my
soul of the sin that burdens it. It may be that, ere long, the holy
father will grant me absolution.'
Totila nodded with a grave smile.
'Be it so. When you are sound in flesh and spirit, follow me
northward. I shall then have more to say to you.'
The look accompanying these words lent them a significance which put
confusion into Basil's mind. He saw the courteous gesture wherewith
the king dismissed him; he bowed and withdrew; but when he had left
the room he stood as one bewildered, aware of nothing, his eyes
turned vacantly upon some one who addressed him.
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