things, graced in word and deed, a model follower of every
monastic rule. Whence he sprang, and what his race, I cannot
say, but he dwelt in a waste howling wilderness in the land of
Senaar, and had been perfected through the grace of the
priesthood. Barlaam was this elder's name. He, learning by
divine revelation the state of the king's son, left the desert
and returned to the world. Changing his habit, he put on lay
attire, and, embarking on ship board, arrived at the seat of the
empire of the Indians. Disguised as a merchant man, he entered
the city, where was the palace of the king's son. There he
tarried many days, and enquired diligently concerning the
prince's affairs, and those that had access to him. Learning
that the tutor, of whom we have spoken, was the prince's most
familiar friend, he privily approached him, saying,

"I would have thee understand, my lord, that I am a merchant man,
come from a far country; and I possess a precious gem, the like
of which was never yet found, and hitherto I have shewed it to no
man. But now I reveal the secret to thee, seeing thee to be wise
and prudent, that thou mayest bring me before the king's son, and
I will present it to him. Beyond compare, it surpasseth all
beautiful things; for on the blind in heart it hath virtue to
bestow the light of wisdom, to open the ears of the deaf, to give
speech to the dumb and strength to the ailing. It maketh the
foolish wise and driveth away devils, and without stint
furnisheth its possessor with everything that is lovely and
desirable." The tutor said, "Though, to all seeming, thou art a
man of staid and steadfast judgment, yet thy words prove thee to
be boastful beyond measure. Time would fail me to tell thee the
full tale of the costly and precious gems and pearls that I have