s father Barlaam said) except that
men beyond hope, stained with all manner of wickedness, can be saved,
and become servants of Christ, who, in the exceeding greatness of his
love toward mankind, hath opened the gates of heaven to all that turn,
barring the way of salvation to none, and receiving with compassion
them that repent? Wherefore to all that have entered the vineyard at
the first, third, sixth, ninth or eleventh hour there is apportioned
equal pay, as saith the holy Gospel: so that even if, until this
present time, thou hast waxen old in thy sins, yet if thou draw nigh
with a fervent heart, thou shalt gain the same rewards as they who have
laboured from their youth upwards."

With these and many other words did that saintly youth speak of
repentance to that aged sinner Nachor, promising him that Christ was
merciful, and pledging him forgiveness, and satisfying him that the
good God is alway ready to receive the penitent, and with these words,
as it were with ointments, did he mollify that ailing soul and give it
perfect health. Nachor at once said unto him, "O prince, more noble in
soul even than in outward show, well instructed in these marvellous
mysteries, mayst thou continue in thy good confession until the end,
and may neither time nor tide ever pluck it out of thine heart! For
myself, I will depart straightway in search of my salvation, and will
by penance pacify that God whom I have angered: for, except thou will
it, I shall see the king's face no more." Then was the prince
exceeding glad, and joyfully heard his saying. And he embraced and
kissed him affectionately; and, when he had prayed earnestly to God, he
sent him forth from the palace.

So Nachor stepped forth with a contrite heart, and went bounding into
the depths of the desert, like as doth an hart, and came to a den
belonging to a monk that had attained to the dignity of the priesthood,
and was hiding there for fear of the pressing danger. With a right warm
heart knelt Nachor down before him, and washed his feet with his tears,
like the harlot of old, and craved holy Baptism. The priest, full of
heavenly grace, was passing glad, and did at once begin to instruct
him, as the custom is, and after many days, perfected him with baptism
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And
Nachor abode with him, always repentant of his sins, and blessing that
God who never willeth that ally should perish, but receiveth all t