"So much the better if Pudentius lied. But it is the duty of the friend to warn. Do not go there!"
"I must! I fear for myself? Does my Verus know me so little?"
"Then do not go alone. Take Zazo with you, or Gibamund."
"Impossible, against the King's command! And no one is permitted to have a private interview with the King except unarmed."
"Well, then, at least wear under your robe the cuirass, which will protect you from a dagger-thrust. And the short-sword? Cannot you conceal it in your sleeve or girdle?"
"Over-anxious friend!" said Gelimer, smiling. "But for your sake I will put on the cuirass."
"That is not enough for me. However, I will consider; there is one way of helping you in case of need. Yes, that will do."
"What do you mean?"
"Hush! I will pray that my thoughts may be fulfilled. You, too, my brother, pray. For you, we all, are to meet great dangers; and God alone sees the--"
Here he stopped suddenly, clasped both hands around his head, and with a hoarse cry sank upon the couch.