I have trusted him with all I possess, and I glory in my credulity! Ulpius is incorruptible!' 'And your daughter ?--is Ulpius reverenced by her as he is respected by you ?' 'She knows that her duty is to love whom I love, and to avoid whom I avoid.

Can you imagine that a Christian virgin has any feelings disobedient to her father's wishes?
Come to my house; judge with your own eyes of my daughter and my companion.

You, whose misfortunes have left you no home, shall find one, if you will, with me.

Come then and labour with me in my great undertaking! You will withdraw your mind from the contemplation of your woes, and merit by your devotion the favour of the Most High.' 'No, Numerian, I will still be independent, even of my friends! Nor Rome nor Italy are abiding-places for me.

I go to another land to abide among another people, until the arms of a conqueror shall have restored freedom to the brave and protection to the honest throughout the countries of the Empire.' 'Probus, I implore you stay!' 'Never! My determination is taken, Numerian--farewell!' For a few minutes Numerian stood motionless, gazing wistfully in the direction taken by his companion on his departure.