table servant, to become an inheritor of thine everlasting
bliss, because thou art blessed and glorified for ever, Amen."

When that he had ended his prayer, he turned him round and embraced
Ioasaph, now a son of his heavenly father, wishing him eternal peace
and salvation, and he departed out of the palace, and went his way,
rejoicing and giving thanks to God, who had well ordered his steps for
good.

XXII.

After Barlaam was gone forth, Ioasaph gave himself unto prayer and
bitter tears, and said, "O God, haste thee to help me: O Lord, make
speed to help me, because the poor hath committed himself unto thee;
thou art the helper of the orphan. Look upon me, and have mercy upon
me; thou who willest have all men to be saved and to come unto the
knowledge of the truth, save me, and strengthen me, unworthy though I
be, to walk the way of thy holy commandments, for I am weak and
miserable, and not able to do the thing that is good. But thou art
mighty to save me, who sustainest and holdest together all things
visible and invisible. Suffer me not to walk after the evil will of the
flesh, but teach me to do thy will, and preserve me unto thine eternal
and blissful life. O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the consubstantial
and undivided Godhead, I call upon thee and glorify thee. Thou art
praised by all creation; thou art glorified by the intelligent powers
of the Angels for ever and ever. Amen."

From that time forth he kept himself with all vigilance, seeking to
attain purity of soul and body, and living in continency and prayers
and intercessions all night long. In the day-time he was often
interrupted by the company of his fellows, and at times by a visit from
the king, or a call to the king's presence, but the night would then
make good the shortcomings of the day, whilst he stood, in prayer and
weeping until daybreak, calling upon God. Whence in him was fulfilled
the saying of the prophet, "In nights raise your hands unto holy
things; and bless ye the Lord."

But Zardan observed Ioasaph's way of life, and was full of sorrow, and
his soul was pierced with grievous anxieties; and he knew not what to
do. At the last, worn down with pain, he withdrew to his own home,
feigning sickness. When this had come to the knowledge of the king he
appointed in his place another of his trusty men to minister unto his
son, while he himself, being concerned for Zardan's health, sent a
physician of reputation, and took great p