success raised the courage of the anchorites so rapidly and wonderfully
that the bishop soon found it difficult to restrain their zeal, and to
persuade them to be sparing with the precious missiles.

While, under the direction of Agapitus stone after stone was hurled
clattering over the steep precipice down upon the Blemmyes, Paulus sat by
the sick man, looking at the ground.

"You are not helping them?" asked Stephanus. "Agapitus is right,"
replied the Alexandrian. "I have much to expiate, and fighting brings
enjoyment. How great enjoyment I can understand by the torture it is to
me to sit still. The bishop blessed you affectionately."

"I am near the goal," sighed Stephanus, "and he promises me the joys of
heaven if I only forgive him who stole my wife from me. He is forgiven-
yes, all is forgiven him, and may everything that he undertakes turn to
good; yea, and nothing turn to evil--only feel how my heart throbs, it is
rallying its strength once more before it utterly ceases to beat. When
it is all over repeat to Hermas everything that I have told you, and
bless him a thousand, thousand times in my name and his mother's; but
never, never tell him that in an hour of weakness she ran away with that
villain--that man, that miserable man I mean--whom I forgive. Give
Hermas this ring, and with it the letter that you will find under the dry
herbs on the couch in my cave; they will secure him a reception from his
uncle, who will also procure him a place in the army, for my brother is
in high favor with Caesar. Only listen how Agapitus urges on our men;
they are fighting bravely there; that is the Roman tuba. Attend to me--
the maniple will occupy the castle and shoot down on the heathen from
hence; when they come carry me into the tower. I am weak and would fain
collect my thoughts, and pray once more that I may find strength to