“To our own land. We were more than three thousand from different provinces; now we number scarcely four hundred.”
With this most piteous tale, the wretched wayfarers, after receiving such a dole as could be hurriedly deposited for them, departed; those who could do so sounding the hoarse clickety of their wooden leper rattles as they went. This distressing scene being at once reported, “Alas,” said Eudocia, “we are not wholly free from this affliction. One unhappy woman found exhausted a year ago by some of our cultivators, and refusing to approach a dwelling, was hidden for shelter in a hut of branches and earth. I found her by accident during my visits to the sick with medicine and food. Kind persons gave her a goat to supply her with some nourishment, and I have just been informed that certain strangers recently here, notified by some person of the facts, and declaring that the poor goat would spread pestilence and that the manifest will of the Lord upon the impenitent must not be thwarted by a goat, the symbol of sin, ordered the poor dumb, beneficent creature to be slain.” Eudocia found further recital impossible, and a sad silence told the mingled wrath and pity of the assembly.
“You will attend me this afternoon,” said Zawis to Pietro. “We have no time to lose.”
“Brief words, Eudocia,” said Pietro when they met in the large hall, where one of the elderly women, before mentioned, carefully watched, “are all now allowed to us. Though you shall not be with me
