pursue him. They took and brought him before their master. When
asked who he was, what his religion and what his name, the man declared
himself a Christian and gave his name as Barlaam, even as he had been
instructed. Araches made great show of joy, apprehended him and
returned quickly to the king, and told his tale and produced his man.
Then said the king in the hearing of all present, "Art thou the devil's
workman, Barlaam?" But he denied it, saying, "I am God's workman, not
the devil's. Revile me not; for I am thy debtor to render me much
thanks, because I have taught thy son to serve God, and have turned him
from error to the true God, and have schooled him in all manner of
virtue." Feigning anger, again spake the king, "Though I ought to
allow thee never a word, and give thee no room for defence, but rather
do thee to death without question, yet such is my humanity that I will
bear with thine effrontery until on a set day I try thy cause. If thou
be persuaded by me, thou shalt receive pardon: if not, thou shalt die
the death." With these words he delivered him to Araches, commanding
that he should be most strictly guarded.

On the morrow the king removed thence, and came back to his own palace,
and it was blazoned abroad that Barlaam was captured, so that the
king's son heard thereof and was exceeding sad at heart, and could in
no wise refrain from weeping. With groans and lamentations he
importuned God, and called upon him to succour the aged man. Nor did
the good God despise his complaint, for he is loving with them that
abide him in the day of trouble, and knoweth them that fear him.
Wherefore in a night-vision he made known the whole plot to the young
prince, and strengthened and cheered him for the trial of his
righteousness. So, when the prince awoke from sleep, he found that his
heart, erstwhile so sore and heavy, was now full of joyaunce, courage
and pleasant light. But the king rejoiced at that which he had done
and planned, imagining that he was well advised, and showering thanks
on Araches. But wickedness lied to itself, to use the words of holy
David, and righteousness overcame iniquity, completely overthrowing it,
and causing the memorial thereof to perish with sound, as our tale in
its sequel shall show.

After two days the king visited his son's palace. When his son came
forth for to meet him, instead of kissing him, as was his wont, the
father put on a show of distress and anger, and