not to mention that it is always as well to keep on good terms with
these Goths. Really, after the sack of Rome, and Athens cleaned out
like a beehive by wasps, things begin to look serious. And as for
the great brute himself, he has rank enough in his way,--boasts of
his descent from some cannibal god or other,--really hardly deigned
to speak to a paltry Roman governor, till his faithful and adoring
bride interceded for me. Still, the fellow understood good living,
and we celebrated our new treaty of friendship with noble libations--
but I must not talk about that to you. However, I got rid of them;
quoted all the geographical lies I had ever heard, and a great many
more; quickened their appetite for their fool's errand notably, and
started them off again. So now the star of Venus is set, and that
of Pallas in the ascendant. Wherefore tell me--what am I to do with
Saint Firebrand?'

'Cyril?'

'Cyril.'

'Justice.'

'Ah, Fairest Wisdom, don't mention that horrid word out of the
lecture-room. In theory it is all very well; but in poor imperfect
earthly practice, a governor must be content with doing very much
what comes to hand. In abstract justice, now, I ought to nail up
Cyril, deacons, district visitors, and all, in a row, on the
sandfill out side. That is simple enough; but, like a great many
simple and excellent things, impossible.'

'You fear the people?'