are in the world. For all that is in the world is the lust of
the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. And
the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth
the will of God abideth for ever.' Seeking, then, this good will
of God, I have forsaken everything, and joined myself to those
who possess the same desire, and seek after the same God.
Amongst these there is no strife or envy, sorrow or care, but all
run the like race that they may obtain those everlasting
habitations which the Father of lights hath prepared for them
that love him. Them have I gained for my fathers, my brothers,
my friends and mine acquaintances. But from my former friends
and brethren `I have got me away far off, and lodged in the
wilderness' waiting for the God, who saveth me from faintness of
spirit, and from the stormy tempest."

When the man of God had made answer thus gently and in good
reason, the king was stirred by anger, and was minded cruelly to
torment the saint; but again he hesitated and delayed, regarding
his venerable and noble mien. So he answered and said:

"Unhappy man, that hast contrived thine own utter ruin, driven
thereto, I ween, by fate, surely thou hast made thy tongue as
sharp as thy wits. Hence thou hast uttered these vain and
ambiguous babblings. Had I not promised, at the beginning of our
converse, to banish Anger from mid court, I had now given thy
body to be burned. But since thou hast prevented and tied me
down fast by my words, I bear with thine effrontery, by reason of
my former friendship with thee. Now, arise, and flee for ever
from my sight, lest I see thee again and miserably destroy thee."