idently living
in the closest intimacy with the woodland creatures. Not the faintest
trace of insanity was visible in his face; it bore a quiet expression
of remarkable serenity and happiness; and all this confirmed what Dr.
S---- in B---- had told me. When he heard of my projected visit to the
anchorite, he advised me to go some fine, bright pleasant morning,
because, he said, his mind would be less troubled then and he would be
more inclined to talk to a stranger, whereas at evening he would shun
all intercourse with mankind.

"As soon as he saw me he laid down his spade, and came towards me in a
kind and friendly manner. I said that, being weary with a longish
journey, I should be glad if he would allow me to rest with him for a
little while.

"'You are heartily welcome,' he said. 'The little which I can offer you
in the shape of refreshment is at your service.'

"And he took me to a seat of moss in front of his hut, brought out a
little table, set on bread, magnificent grapes, and a can of wine, and
hospitably begged me to eat and drink. He sat down opposite to me, and
ate bread with much appetite, washing it down with draughts of water.

"In good sooth I did not see how I was to lead the conversation to my
subject--how I was to bring my psychological science to bear upon this
peaceful, happy man. At last I pulled myself together and began:

"'You style yourself Serapion, reverend sir?'

"'Yes, certainly,' he answered. 'The Church has given me that name.'

"'Ancient ecclesiastical history,' I continued, 'mentions several
celebrated holy men of that name. An abbot Serapion, known for his good
works the--learned Bishop Serapion alluded to by Hieronimus in his book
"_De Viris Illustribus_." There was also a monk Serapion, who (as
Heraclides relates in his "Paradise") on one occasion, coming from the
Theban desert to Rome, ordered a virgin, who had joined him--saying she
had renounced the world and its pleasures--to prove this by walking
with him naked in the streets of Rome, and repulsed her when she
hesitated, saying, "You still live the life of Nature, and are careful
for the opinions of mankind. Think not that you are anything great or
have overcome the world." If I am not mistaken, reverend sir, this was
the "filthy monk" (Heraclid himself so styles him) who suffered a
terrible martyrdom under the Emperor Decius--his limbs being torn
asunder at the joints, and his body thrown down from a lofty rock.'

"'Th