"But when the adversary, seeking another fashion of war, proposeth high
and arrogant thoughts, and suggesteth the glory of the kingdom of this
world, which thou hast forsaken, and all its lures, hold out, as a
shield before thee, the saving word that saith, 'When ye shall have
done all those things which are commanded you, say, "We are
unprofitable servants, for we have done that which was our duty to
do."' And, indeed, which of us is able to repay the debt that we owe
our Master, for that he, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became
poor, that we through his poverty might become rich, and, being without
suffering, yet suffered, that we might be delivered from suffering?
What thanks hath the servant if he suffer like as his Master? But we
fall far short of his sufferings. Meditate upon these things, casting
down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ. And the peace of God which passeth all
understanding shall keep thy heart and thoughts in Christ Jesus."

When blessed Barlaam had so said, Ioasaph's tears knew no measure, but,
like water from the brimming fountain, bedewed him and the ground
whereon he sat. He mourned over the parting, and earnestly implored
that he might be his companion on his last journey, and might remain no
longer in this world after Barlaam's decease, saying, "Wherefore,
father, seekest thou only thine own, and not thy neighbour's welfare?
How fulfillest thou perfect love in this, according to him that said,
'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,' in departing thyself to
rest and life, and leaving me to tribulation and distress? And, before
I have been well exercised in the conflicts of the religious life,
before I have learned the wily attacks of the enemy, why expose me to
fight singlehanded against their marshalled host? And for what purpose
but to see me overthrown by their mischievous machinations, and to see
me die, alas! the true spiritual and eternal death? That is the fate
which must befall inexperienced and cowardly monks. But, I beseech
thee, pray the Lord to take me also together with thee from life. Yea,
by the very hope that thou hast of receiving the reward of thy labour,
pray that, after thy departure, I may not live one day more in the
world, nor wander into the ocean depths of this desert."

While Ioasaph spake thus in tears, the old man cheeked him