Paul's keeper, thus prepared to falter, heard Ambiguous challenge from the officer: "What sayest thou, soldier? Wast beside thyself? Dazed, hast thou then denounced the innocent man?" Whereto ambiguous answer thus he framed: "If I have done so, it was in excess And haste of zeal to do a soldier's duty, Misapprehended under wicked spell." "Thou art not sure? A witness should be sure; More, be he one denouncing deeds essayed Worthy of death; most, if besides he add An office of the executioner." Thus the centurion to his soldier spoke, Who answered, shuffling: "If my senses were Rightly my own last night, I told thee true; But if I was usurped by sorcery To see and hear amiss--why, who can say?" "Go find lord Felix, and, due worship paid, Pray him come hither for a need that waits," So Julius made his soldier messenger. "Grieving to trouble thee so far," he next To Felix, soon appearing, said: "I sent To ask thee of the Jew in presence here. Knowest thou aught of him that might resolve A doubt how much he be to trust for true?" Shimei shrank visibly, while Felix, glad To vent his hatred of the pander, spoke: "As many as his words, so many lies; Trust him thou mayest--to never speak the truth." Wherewith the haughty freedman on his heel Turned, as disdaining to use tongue or ear Further in such a cause, and disappeared. Julius in silence looked a questioning pause At Shimei, who risked parrying answer, thus: "Lord Felix is a disappointed man, Who, if so soured, is gently to be judged. Yet were it better he had stooped to speak By instance, named occasion, wherein I Had seemed to fail matching my words with deeds. I own I sought to serve him in his need; And if, forsooth, when he his hold on power Felt slipping from his hands, I undertook Freely, in succor of his fainting mind, Somewhat beyond my strength to bring to pass, In reconcilement of my countrymen Against his sway unwontedly aggrieved-- Why, I am sorry; but failed promises, Made in good faith, should not be reckoned lies." There seemed to the centurion measure enough Of reason in what Shimei so inferred, If truly he inferred, to leave the doubt Still unresolved with which he was perplexed.