Julian.
Ah, look at the man they are driving naked among them. Now come the dancing-girls. Ah, do you see what——!
Basil.
Fie! Fie!—turn your eyes away!
[Evening has fallen. The whole troop settles down in the square beside the fountain. Wine and fruits are brought. Painted damsels dance by torchlight.
Julian.
[After a short silence.] Tell me, Basil, why was the heathen sin so beautiful?
Basil.
You are mistaken, friend; beautiful things have been said and sung of this heathen sin; but it was not beautiful.
Julian.