seen. But gems, with such power as thou tellest of, I never saw
nor heard of yet. Nevertheless shew me the stone; and if it be
as thou affirmest, I immediately bear it to the king's son, from
whom thou shalt receive most high honours and rewards. But,
before I be assured by the certain witness of mine own eyes, I
may not carry to my lord and master so swollen a tale about so
doubtful a thing." Quoth Barlaam, "Well hast thou said that thou
hast never seen or heard of such powers and virtues; for my
speech to thee is on no ordinary matter, but on a wondrous and a
great. But, as thou desiredst to behold it, listen to my words.

"This exceeding precious gem, amongst these its powers and
virtues, possesseth this property besides. It cannot be seen out
of hand, save by one whose eyesight is strong and sound, and his
body pure and thoroughly undefiled. If any man, lacking in these
two good qualities, do rashly gaze upon this precious stone, he
shall, I suppose lose even the eyesight that he hath, and his
wits as well. Now I, that am initiated in the physician's art,
observe that thine eyes are not healthy, and I fear lest I may
cause thee to lose even the eyesight that thou hast. But of the
king's son, I have heard that he leadeth a sober life, and that
his eyes are young and fair, and healthy. Wherefore to him I
make bold to display this treasure. Be not thou then negligent
herein, nor rob thy master of so wondrous a boon." The other
answered, "If this be so, in no wise show me the gem; for my life
hath been polluted by many sins, and also, as thou sayest, I am
not possest of good eyesight. But I am won by thy words, and
will not hesitate to make known these things unto my lord the
prince." So saying, he went in, and, word by word, reported
everything to the king's son. He, hearing his tutor's words,