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Homo Sum — Volume 01 by Georg Ebers
page 47 of 62 (75%)

"My name is not 'fellow,' but Hermas," said the anchorite, and the veins
of his forehead began to swell Polykarp felt that his father's visitor
was something more than his poor clothing would seem to indicate and that
he had hurt his feelings. He had certainly seen some old anchorites, who
led a contemplative and penitential life up on the sacred mountain, but
it had never occurred to him that a strong youth could be long to the
brotherhood of hermits. So he said to him kindly: "Hermas--is that your
name? We all use our hands here and labor is no disgrace; what is your
handicraft?"

This question roused the young anchorite to the highest excitement, and
Dame Dorothea, who perceives what was passing in his mind, said with
quick decision: "He nurses his sick father. That is what you do, my son
is it not? Petrus will not refuse you his help."

"Certainly not," the senator added, "I will accompany you by-and-bye to
see him. You must know my children, that this youth's father was a great
Lord, who gave up rich possessions in order to forget the world, where he
had gone through bitter experiences, and to serve God in his own way,
which we ought to respect though it is not our own. Sit down there, my
son. First we must finish some important business, and then I will go
with you."

"We live high up on the mountain," stammered Hermas.

"Then the air will be all the purer," replied the senator. "But stay--
perhaps the old man is alone no? The good Paulus, you say, is with him?
Then he is in good hands, and you may wait."

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