this villainous charge against the Christian knew the tenderness
of his heart, how that, if he heard such speech from the king, he
would advise him, who had made this better choice, not to put off
his good determinations, and so they would be found just
accusers.

But the king, not forgetful of his friend's great kindness toward
him, thought these accusations incredible and false; and because
he might not accept them without proof, he resolved to try the
fact and the charge. So he called the man apart and said, to
prove him, "Friend, thou knowest of all my past dealings with
them that are called monks and with all the Christians. But now,
I have repented in this matter, and, lightly esteeming the
present world, would fain become partaker of those hopes whereof
I have heard them speak, of some immortal kingdom in the life to
come; for the present is of a surety cut short by death. And in
none other way, methinks, can I succeed herein and not miss the
mark except I become a Christian, and, bidding farewell to the
glory of my kingdom and all the pleasures and joys of life, go
seek those hermits and monks, wheresoever they be, whom I have
banished, and join myself to their number. Now what sayest thou
thereto, and what is thine advice? Say on; I adjure thee in the
name of truth; for I know thee to be true and wise above all
men."

The worthy man, hearing this, but never guessing the hidden
pitfall, was pricked in spirit, and, melting into tears, answered
in his simplicity, "O king, live for ever! Good and sound is the
determination that thou hast determined; for though the kingdom
of heaven be difficult to find, yet must a man seek it with all