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268 command me as thou wilt; for, had I been alone, I should have achieved one of two things,—a noble deliverance, or a noble death.

. Thou hadst best be silent; for I hear some one within preparing to go forth.

. (to and ). Enter, sirs; especially as ye bring that which no one could repulse from these doors, though he receive it without joy.

. Foolish and senseless children! Are ye weary of your lives, or was there no wit born in you, that ye see not how ye stand, not on the brink, but in the very midst of deadly perils? Nay, had I not kept watch this long while at these doors, your plans would have been in the house before yourselves; but, as it is, my care shielded you from that. Now have done with this long discourse, these insatiate cries of joy, and pass within; for in such deeds delay is evil, and 'tis well to make an end.

. What, then, will be my prospects when I enter?

. Good; for thou art secured from recognition.

. Thou hast reported me, I presume, as dead?

. Know that here thou art numbered with the shades.

. Do they rejoice, then, at these tidings? Or what say they?

. I will tell thee at the end; meanwhile, all is well for us on their part,—even that which is not well.