But again the boy among his leaves draws his trembling body close, hiding, like a lizard, when some passing step has startled it from the sun.

For on this haggard face the gods have written strange and terrible things; the priest's eyes deep sunk under his shaggy hair dart from side to side in a horrible unrest; he seems a creature separate from his kind--possessed of evil--dedicate to fear.
'In the midst of the temple grove stands one vast ilex,--the tree of trees, sacred to Trivia.

The other trees fall back from it in homage; and round it paces the priest, alone in the morning light.
'But his is no holy meditation.

His head is thrown back; his ear listens for every sound; the bared sword glitters as he moves ...
'There is a rustle among the further trees.

Quickly the boy stretches his brown neck; for at the sound the priest crouches on himself; he throws the robe from his right arm; and so waits, ready to strike.