He burst into a shrill, short laugh, and shook his huge shoulders in clumsy derision.
The woman's cheek reddened for an instant, and then turned again to livid paleness as she thus resumed-- 'I came not hither to be mocked by a barbarian, but to be welcomed by a Goth! Again I ask you, where is my kinsman, Hermanric ?' 'Gone!' cried the Hun.

And his laughter grew more wild and discordant as he spoke.
A sudden tremor ran through Goisvintha's frame as she marked the manner of the barbarian and heard his reply.

Repressing with difficulty her anger and agitation, she continued, with apprehension in her eyes and entreaty in her tones-- 'Whither has he gone?
Wherefore has he departed?
I know that the hour I appointed for our meeting here has long passed; but I have suffered a sickness of many weeks, and when, at evening, I prepared to set forth, my banished infirmities seemed suddenly to return to me again.

I was borne to my bed.

But, though the woman who succoured me bid me remain and repose, I found strength in the night to escape them, and through storm and darkness to come hither alone--for I was determined, though I should perish for it, to seek the presence of Hermanric, as I had promised by my messengers.