unable to throw off
its burden. He, recollecting their former communications, said, "I
have told thee already how thy father hath dealt with the wise men and
anchorets who spend their lives in such philosophies. Some hath he
slain, and others he hath wrathfully persecuted, and I wot not whether
any of this sort be in this country side." Thereat the prince was
overwhelmed with woe, and grievously wounded in spirit. He was like
unto a man that hath lost a great treasure, whose whole heart is
occupied in seeking after it. Thenceforth he lived in perpetual
conflict and distress of mind, and all the pleasures and delights of
this world were in his eyes an abomination and a curse. While the
youth was in this way, and his soul was crying out to discover that
which is good, the eye that beholdeth all things looked upon him, and
he that willeth that 'all men should be saved, and come to the
knowledge of the truth,' passed him not by, but showed this man also
the tender love that he hath toward mankind, and made known upon him
the path whereon he needs must go. Befel it thus.

VI.

There was at that time a certain monk, learned in heavenly things,
graced in word and deed, a model follower of every monastic rule.
Whence he sprang, and what his race, I cannot say, but he dwelt in a
waste howling wilderness in the land of Senaar, and had been perfected
through the grace of the priesthood. Barlaam was this elder's name.
He, learning by divine revelation the state of the king's son, left the
desert and returned to the world. Changing his habit, he put on lay
attire, and, embarking on ship board, arrived at the seat of the empire
of the Indians. Disguised as a merchant man, he entered the city,
where was the palace of the king's son. There he tarried many days,
and enquired diligently concerning the prince's affairs, and those that
had access to him. Learning that the tutor, of whom we have spoken,
was the prince's most familiar friend, he privily approached him,
saying,

"I would have thee understand, my lord, that I am a merchant man, come
from a far country; and I possess a precious gem, the like of which was
never yet found, and hitherto I have shewed it to no man. But now I
reveal the secret to thee, seeing thee to be wise and prudent, that
thou mayest bring me before the king's son, and I will present it to
him. Beyond compare, it surpasseth all beautiful things; for on the
blind in heart it hath virtue to b