world. But it would be absurd to despise also your eternal welfare, and
render yourself liable to be visited by the wrath of God. I grieve at
your ignorance, Timocles, and I will instruct you in the truth, in order
that knowing that there really exists a God in three hypostases, you may
obey this God as a child obeys its father."

Timocles interrupted him.

"Refrain, stranger, from showing me your doctrines, and do not imagine
that you will persuade me to share your opinions. All discussions are
useless. My opinion is to have no opinion. My life is devoid of trouble
because I have no preferences. Go thy ways, and strive not to withdraw
me from the beneficent apathy in which I am plunged, as though in a
delicious bath, after the hardships of my past days."

Paphnutius was profoundly instructed in all things relating to the
faith. By his knowledge of the human heart, he was aware that the grace
of God had not fallen on old Timocles, and the day of salvation for this
soul so obstinately resolved to ruin itself had not yet come. He did not
reply, lest the power given for edification should turn to destruction.
For it sometimes happens, in disputing with infidels, that the means
used for their conversion may steep them still farther in sin. Therefore
they who possess the truth should take care how they spread it.

"Farewell, then, unhappy Timocles," he said; and heaving a deep sigh, he
resumed his pious pilgrimage through the night.

In the morning, he saw the ibises motionless on one leg at the edge of
the water, which reflected their pale pink necks. The willows stretched
their soft grey foliage to the bank, cranes flew in a triangle in the