"Thou hast heard doubtless what I would from thee"-- So without greeting Felix said to Paul-- "Thy trick of healing for a gentleman I have the humor to regard with love. A fellow-countryman of thine he is, Something too of a fellow-conjurer"-- And Felix grinned at his own pleasantry; "He has fallen sick in this accurséd place. 'Physician, heal thyself,' thou wilt say to him, For, aye, he is helpless for his own relief. Heal him; thou shalt not unrewarded go. I think that I can serve thy cause at Rome, Where there is need greater than thou wouldst guess. For they love justice there so well they sell It high; great sums, money in hand, they want; Or preferably sometimes they will commute For other things than money still dearer to men. A mighty mart is Rome; they barter there Justice for pleasure, pleasure in various kinds, Most of it such as thou couldst not provide-- Unless indeed thy pretty countrywoman--" But a sharp spearthrust look, shot forth from Paul, Sudden as lightning and as branding bright, Broke that word off, and Felix faltered on With forced resumption of his insolence: "A good round price they ask, whatever the kind. Have me for friend at court and thou shalt thrive. Simple and easy; make this gentleman well, Nothing but that; just a few mumbled words, A magic touch of hand, presto, all's done. What thou art _giving_ to these wretches here, These beggarly Melitans, with no reward Except the fun of seeing them jump for joy, Look, I am _purchasing_ from thee at great price. But stay, thy patient has not yet been told What thus is planned for him. Let me prepare Thy way a little, ere thy task thou try."