it shall be given thee in the light of that stone to become
light, and bring forth fruit an hundredfold. Aye, for thy sake I
gave diligence and accomplished a long journey, to shew thee
things which thou hast never seen, and teach thee things which
thou hast never heard."

Ioasaph said unto him, "For myself, reverend elder, I have a
longing, all irresistible passion to hear some new and goodly
word, and in mine heart there is kindled fire, cruelly burning
and urging me to learn the answer to some questions that will not
rest. But until now I never happened on one that could satisfy
me as touching them. But if I meet with some wise and
understanding man, and hear the word of salvation, I shall not
deliver it to the fowls of the air, I trow, nor yet to the beasts
of the field; nor shall I be found either stony or thorny-
hearted, as thou saidest, but I shall receive the word kindly,
and guard it wisely. So if thou knowest any such like thing,
conceal it not from me, but declare it. When I heard that thou
were come from a far country, my spirit rejoiced, and I had good
hope of obtaining through thee that which I desire. Wherefore I
called thee straightway into my presence, and received thee in
friendly wise as one of my companions and peers, if so be that I
may not be disappointed of my hope." Barlaam answered, "Fair are
thy deeds, and worthy of thy royal majesty; seeing that thou hast
paid no heed to my mean show, but hast devoted thyself to the
hope that lieth within.

"There was once a great and famous king: and it came to pass,
when he was riding on a day in his golden chariot, with his royal
guard, that there met him two men, clad in filthy rags, with