ow shall I acquire for myself that
which I have denied them? If the possession of money were a good
thing, I should have let them share it before me. But, as I understand
that the possession thereof is deadly, I will hazard neither them nor
myself in such snares."

But when Ioasaph had failed once again to persuade Barlaam, 'twas but a
sign for a second petition, and he made yet another request, that
Barlaam should not altogether overlook his prayer, nor plunge him in
utter despair, but should leave him that stiff shirt and rough mantle,
both to remind him of his teacher's austerities and to safe-guard him
from all the workings of Satan, and should take from him another cloak
instead, in order that "When thou seest my gift," said he, "thou mayest
bear my lowliness in remembrance."

But the elder said, "It is not lawful for me to give thee my old and
worn out vestment, and take one that is new, lest I be condemned to
receive here the recompense of my slight labour. But, not to thwart thy
willing mind, let the garments given me by thee be old ones, nothing
different from mine own." So the king's son sought for old shirts of
hair, which he gave the aged man, rejoicing to receive his in exchange,
deeming them beyond compare more precious than any regal purple.

Now saintly Barlaam, all but ready for to start, spake concerning his
journey, and delivered Ioasaph his last lesson, saying, "Brother
beloved, and dearest son, whom I have begotten through the Gospel, thou
knowest of what King thou art the soldier, and with whom thou hast made
thy covenant. This thou must keep steadfastly, and readily perform the
duties of thy service, even as thou didst promise the Lord of all in
the script of thy covenant, with the whole heavenly host present to
attest it, and record the terms; which if thou keep, thou shalt be
blessed. Esteem therefore nought in the present world above God and his
blessings. For what terror of this life can be so terrible as the
Gehenna of eternal fire, that burneth and yet hath no light, that
punisheth and never ceaseth? And which of the goodly things of this
world can give such gladness as that which the great God giveth to
those that love him? Whose beauty is unspeakable, and power
invincible, and glory everlasting; whose good things, prepared for his
friends, exceed beyond comparison all that is seen; which eye hath not
seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man:
whereof mayest