e sure refuge of them that
are wholly given up to thee, with gracious and kindly eye look upon the
contrition of my heart, and leave me not, neither forsake me. But,
according to thine unerring pledge, be thou with me, thine unworthy and
sorry servant. Thee I acknowledge and confess, the maker and provider
of all creation. Therefore do thou thyself enable me to continue in
this good confession, until my dying breath: look upon me, and pity me;
and stand by and keep me unhurt by any working of Satan. Look upon me,
O King: for my heart is enkindled with longing after thee, and is
parched as with burning thirst in the desert, desiring thee, the well
of immortality. Deliver not to the wild beasts my soul that confesseth
thee: forget not the soul of the poor for ever; but grant me that am a
sinner throughout my length of days to suffer all things for thy name's
sake and in the confession of thee, and to sacrifice my whole self unto
thee. For, with thy might working in them, even the feeble shall wax
exceeding strong; for thou only art the unconquerable ally and merciful
God, whom all creation blesseth, glorified for ever and ever. Amen."

When he had thus prayed, he felt divine comfort stealing over his
heart, and, fulfilled with courage, he spent the whole night in prayer.
Meanwhile the king communed with Araches, his friend, as touching his
son's matters, and signified to him his son's sheer audacity and
unchangeable resolution. Araches gave counsel that he should, in his
dealings with him, show the utmost kindness and courtesy, in the hope,
perchance, of alluring him by flattering attentions. The day
following, the king came to his son, and sat down, and called him to
his side. He embraced and kissed him affectionately, coaxing him
gently and tenderly, and said, "O my darling and well-beloved son,
honour thou thy father's grey hairs: listen to my entreaty, and come,
do sacrifice to the gods; thus shalt thou win their favour, and receive
at their hands length of days, and the enjoyment of all glory and of an
undisputed kingdom, and happiness of every sort. Thus shalt thou be
well pleasing to me thy father throughout life and be honoured and
lauded of all men. It is a great count in the score of praise to be
obedient to thy father, especially in a good cause, and to gain the
goodwill of the gods. What thinkest thou, my son? Is it that I have
willingly declined from the right, and chosen to travel on the wrong
ro