Veranilda has not yet fallen into the hands of the Greeks.' 'How do you know that ?' exclaimed Basil eagerly.
'Enough that I do know it.

Whilst you have been idling here--forgive me, good Basil--I have travelled far and conversed with many men.

And I have something else to tell you, which will perchance fall less agreeably upon your ear.

The fame of Veranilda promises to go forth over all lands.

King Totila himself has heard of her, and would fain behold this ornament of his race.' 'Totila!' 'When Cumae was besieged by the Goths three months ago, Chorsoman--whom you have not forgotten--made terms with Totila, and was allowed to keep some portion of the plunder he had amassed.