140
THAÏS
obeyed his inexpressible desire. And, lo, now he is like unto the gods, who desire nothing."
Cotta struck his forehead.
"Die! To want to die when he might still serve the State! What nonsense!"
Paphnutius and Thaïs remained motionless and mute, side by side, their souls overflowing with disgust, horror, and hope.
Suddenly the monk seized the hand of the actress, and stepping over the drunkards, who had fallen close to the lascivious couples, and treading in the wine and blood spilt upon the floor, he led her out of the house.
