Teja observed another warrior at some distance drinking from his helmet. His features grew darker and darker.
"Hey, thou, Arulf!" he cried to the warrior; "thou seem'st to suffer no thirst."
"No; I often drink," said the man.
"What dost thou drink?"
"Blood from the wounds of the newly-fallen. At first it disgusts one terribly; but in despair one gets used to it."
Witichis passed on with a shudder.
"Send all my wine into the camp, Hildebad; the sentries shall share it."
"All thy wine? O King! my office of cup-bearer has become very light. There are but one and a half skins left; and Hildebrand, thy physician, says that thou must strengthen thyself."
"And who will strengthen these, Hildebad? They are reduced to the state of wild animals!"
"Come back to thy tent," said Totila; "it is not good to be here." And he put his hand on the King's shoulder.