ect for the appearance, the white beard, and the
mysterious scroll of the old hermit, and perceived that his
conversation was that of a superior mind. The old man spoke of
destiny, of justice, of morality, of the chief good of life, of human
frailty, of virtue, and of vice, with so much power and eloquence,
that Zadig felt himself attracted by a kind of charm, and besought the
hermit not to leave him until they should return to Babylon.

"I ask you the same favour," said the hermit. "Promise me that,
whatever I may do, you will keep me company for several days."

Zadig gave the promise; and they set forth together.

That night the travellers arrived at a grand mansion. The hermit
begged for food and lodging for himself and his companion. The porter,
who might have been mistaken for a prince, ushered them in with a
contemptuous air of welcome. The chief servant showed them the
magnificent apartments; and they were then admitted to the bottom of
the table, where the master of the mansion did not condescend to cast
a glance at them. They were, however, served with delicacies in
profusion, and, after dinner, washed their hands in a golden basin set
with emeralds and rubies. They were then conducted for the night into
a beautiful apartment; and the next morning, before they left the
castle, a servant brought them each a piece of gold.

"The master of the house," said Zadig, as they went their way,
"appears to be a generous man, although a trifle haughty. He practises
a noble hospitality." As he spoke he perceived that a kind of large
pouch which the hermit carried appeared singularly distended; within
it was the golden basin, set with precious stones, which the old man
had purloined. Zadig was amazed; but he said nothing.

At noon the hermit stopped before a little house, in which lived a
wealthy miser, and once more asked for hospitality. An old valet in a
shabby coat received them very rudely, showed them into the stable,
and set before them a few rotten olives, some moldy bread, and beer
which had turned sour. The hermit ate and drank with as much content
as he had shown the night before; then, addressing the old valet, who
had kept his eye upon them to make sure that they stole nothing, he
gave him the two gold pieces which they had received that morning,
and thanked him for his kind attention. "Be so good," he added, "as
to let me see your master."

The astonished valet showed them in.

"Most mighty signor," sai