“I praise the Lord with you for having permitted your lost wife to find the ways that lead to Him, and your son will be—­as you were once—­a valiant man of war.  Your earthly house is set in order, but are you prepared for the other, the everlasting mansion?”

“For eighteen years I have done penance, and prayed, and borne great sufferings,” answered the sick man.  “The world lies far behind me, and I hope I am walking in the path that leads to heaven.”

“So do I hope for you and for your soul,” said the bishop.  “That which it is hardest to endure has fallen to your lot in this world, but have you striven to forgive those who did you the bitterest wrong, and can you pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive them that sin against us?’ Do you remember the words, ’If ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly father will also forgive you?’”

“Not only have I pardoned Glycera,” answered Stephanus, “but I have taken her again into my heart of hearts; but the man who basely seduced her, the wretch, who although I had done him a thousand benefits, betrayed me, robbed me and dishonored me, I wish him—­”

“Forgive him,” cried Agapitus, “as you would be forgiven.”

“I have striven these eighteen years to bless my enemy,” replied Stephanus, “and I will still continue to strive—­”

Up to this moment the bishop had devoted his whole attention to the sick anchorite, but he was now called on all sides at once, and Gelasius, who was standing by the declivity with some other anchorites, called out to him, “Father—­save us—­the heathen there are climbing up the rocks.”

Agapitus signed a blessing over Stephanus and then turned away from him, saying earnestly once more, “Forgive, and heaven is open to you.”

Many wounded and dead lay on the plain, and the Pharanites were retreating into the ravine, for the Blemmyes had not indeed fled, but had only dispersed themselves, and then had climbed up the rocks which hemmed in the level ground and shot their arrows at their enemies from thence.

“Where are the Romans?” Agapitus eagerly enquired of Orion.

“They are withdrawing into the gorge through which the road leads up here,” answered the Saite.  “But look! only look at these heathen!  The Lord be merciful to us! they are climbing up the cliffs like woodpeckers up a tree.”

“The stones, fly to the stones!” cried Agapitus with flashing eyes to the anchorites that stood by.  “What is going on behind the wall there?  Do you hear?  Yes that is the Roman tuba.  Courage, brethren! the emperor’s soldiers are guarding the weakest side of the castle.  But look here at the naked figures in the cleft.  Bring the blocks here; set your shoulders stoutly to it, Orion! one more push, Salathiel!  There it goes, it crashes down if only it does not stick in the rift!  No! thank God, it has bounded off-that was a leap!  Well done—­there were six enemies of the Lord destroyed at once.”