So this is the villa that has become so renowned by reason of the epistles that go forth from it. This house is more talked of throughout the provinces than all the lecture-halls together, although I have spared neither care nor pains to restore their glory.
Tell me—is not this woman your sister, Makrina?
Basil.
She is, sire!
Julian.
You are a fair woman, and still young. And yet, as I hear, you have renounced life.
Makrina.
Sire, I have renounced life in order truly to live.
Julian.
Ah, I know your delusions very well. You sigh for that which lies beyond, of which you have no certain knowledge; you mortify your flesh; you repress all human desires. And yet I tell you this may be a vanity, like the rest.