Stella Maris Summary

Alessandro makes his way over the mountains for several days without eating, until he meets three shepherds with whom he joins company on his journey to Rome and his family. They offer him a share of the proceeds from the sale of the sheep at a Roman market if he continues with them. The brothers get into an argument: "I raise sheep because it's my business," one says. "What's more important, defense of the country or business?" asks another. "You're trying to trap me." "Answer either way. I don't care." "Business. Business is more important." "Then he [Alessandro] will help in our business." "But he's a deserter." "So what?"

Then the exchange begins again with "What's more important, business or the defense of the country?" The brothers go over and over this exchange for hours until their voices drop below audible...