own opinion should prevail over all, bid we now
farewell to vain insistance, and let persuasion be now our policy.
And, forasmuch as Barlaam, thy deceiver, is here, my prisoner in iron
chains, I will make a great assembly, and summon all our people and
your Galileans, to one place; and I will charge heralds to proclaim
expressly that none of the Christians shall fear, but that all shall
muster without dread; and we will hold debate together. If your side
win, then shall ye and your Barlaam gain your desires; but if ye lose,
then shall ye with right good will yield yourselves to my commands."

But this truly wise and prudent youth, forewarned, by the heavenly
vision sent him, of his father's mischief, replied, "The Lord's will be
done! Be it according to thy command! May our good God and Lord
himself vouchsafe that we wander not from the right way, for my soul
trusteth in him, and he shall be merciful unto me." There and then did
the king command all, whether idolaters or Christians, to assemble.
Letters were despatched in all quarters: heralds proclaimed it in every
village town that no Christian need fear any secret surprise, but all
might come together without fear, as friends and kindred, for the
honest and unrestrained enquiry that should be held with their chief
and captain, Barlaam. In like manner also he summoned the initiate and
the temple-keepers of his idols, and wise men of the Chaldeans and
Indians that were in all his kingdom, beside certain augurs, sorcerers
and seers, that they might get the better of the Christians.

Then were there gathered together multitudes that held his loathly
religion; but of the Christians was there found one only that came to
the help of the supposed Barlaam. His name was Barachias. For of the
Faithful, some were dead, having fallen victims to the fury of the
governors of the cities; and some were hiding in mountains and dens, in
dread of the terrors hanging over them; while others had feared the
threats of the king, and durst not adventure themselves into the light
of day, but were worshippers by night, serving Christ in secret, and in
no wise boldly confessing him. So noble-hearted Barachias came alone
to the contest, to help and champion the truth.

The king sat down before all on a doom-stool high and exalted, and bade
his son sit beside him. He, in reverence and awe of his father,
consented not thereto, but sat near him on the ground. There stood the
learned in