Ay, truly, a dear and dear-bought instrument.

Basil.

Christ, Christ—how came it that thy people saw not thy manifest design? The Emperor Julian was a rod of chastisement,—not unto death, but unto resurrection.

Makrina.

Terrible is the mystery of election. How know we——?

Basil.

Is it not written: “Some vessels are fashioned to honour, and some to dishonour”?

Makrina.

Oh brother, let us not seek to fathom that abyss.

[She bends over the body and covers the face.