I wish," he continued, rising to his feet, and reverting to the tone of sympathy which he had for the moment laid aside, "I wish I might endeavour to show you the thing as I see it, in a word, as a philosopher sees it, and as men of culture in all ages, rising above the prejudices of the vulgar, have seen it.

For after all, as Persius says, Live while thou liv'st! for death will make us all, A name, a nothing, but an old wife's tale.
But I must not," reluctantly.

"I know that." The Syndic had lowered his hand; but he still sat with his eyes averted, gazing sullenly at the corner of the floor.
"I knew it when I came," Basterga resumed after a pause, "and therefore I was loth to speak to you." "Yes." "You understand, I am sure ?" The Syndic moved in his chair, but did not speak, and Basterga took up his cap with a sigh.

"I would I had brought you better news, Messer Blondel," he said, as he rose and turned to go.

"But _Cor ne edito!_ I am the happier for speaking, though I have done no good!" And with a gesture of farewell, not without its dignity, he bowed, opened the door, and went out, leaving the Syndic to his reflections..