During these days the abbot was not seen. Venturing, at length, when
he happened to find himself alone with Marcus, to speak of this, he
learnt that the holy father was not in his wonted health; Marcus
added that the disorder had resulted from the visit of the king.
After Totila's departure, Benedict had passed hours in solitary
prayer, until a faintness came upon him, from which he could not yet
recover. Basil was turning away sadly, when the monk touched his
arm, and said in a troubled voice:
'Many times he has spoken of you, dear brother.'
'Would,' replied Basil, 'that I were worthy of his thoughts.'
'Did he think you unworthy,' said Marcus, 'he would not grieve that
you must so soon go from among us.'
'The holy father has said that I must soon leave you?'
Marcus nodded gravely, and walked away.
Another week passed. By stern self-discipline, Basil had fixed his
thoughts once more on things spiritual, and the result appeared in a
quiet contentment. He waited upon the will of Benedict, which he had
come to regard as one with the will of God. And at length the
expected summons came.
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