I understood then how our people have been saved from riches and from power and from the opportunities of lust, that our soil out of all the world might be fit for the feet of the great Captain, for the marching of His horsemen and His chariots.

Not even when I knew all this did I desire to share in the conflict.

I am old and feeble, but that is not the reason why there was no desire on me, for strength is in His power to give to whom He wills.

I did not desire it, because I was quite happy, being safe with Him.' For a long time after he ceased speaking there was silence, for Hyacinth had no comment to offer.

At last the old man spoke again.
'That is all.