estow the light of wisdom, to open
the ears of the deaf, to give speech to the dumb and strength to the
ailing. It maketh the foolish wise and driveth away devils, and
without stint furnisheth its possessor with everything that is lovely
and desirable." The tutor said, "Though, to all seeming, thou art a
man of staid and steadfast judgment, yet thy words prove thee to be
boastful beyond measure. Time would fail me to tell thee the full tale
of the costly and precious gems and pearls that I have seen. But gems,
with such power as thou tellest of, I never saw nor heard of yet.
Nevertheless shew me the stone; and if it be as thou affirmest, I
immediately bear it to the king's son, from whom thou shalt receive
most high honours and rewards. But, before I be assured by the certain
witness of mine own eyes, I may not carry to my lord and master so
swollen a tale about so doubtful a thing." Quoth Barlaam, "Well hast
thou said that thou hast never seen or heard of such powers and
virtues; for my speech to thee is on no ordinary matter, but on a
wondrous and a great. But, as thou desiredst to behold it, listen to
my words.

"This exceeding precious gem, amongst these its powers and virtues,
possesseth this property besides. It cannot be seen out of hand, save
by one whose eyesight is strong and sound, and his body pure and
thoroughly undefiled. If any man, lacking in these two good qualities,
do rashly gaze upon this precious stone, he shall, I suppose lose even
the eyesight that he hath, and his wits as well. Now I, that am
initiated in the physician's art, observe that thine eyes are not
healthy, and I fear lest I may cause thee to lose even the eyesight
that thou hast. But of the king's son, I have heard that he leadeth a
sober life, and that his eyes are young and fair, and healthy.
Wherefore to him I make bold to display this treasure. Be not thou
then negligent herein, nor rob thy master of so wondrous a boon." The
other answered, "If this be so, in no wise show me the gem; for my life
hath been polluted by many sins, and also, as thou sayest, I am not
possest of good eyesight. But I am won by thy words, and will not
hesitate to make known these things unto my lord the prince." So
saying, he went in, and, word by word, reported everything to the
king's son. He, hearing his tutor's words, felt a strange joy and
spiritual gladness breathing into his heart, and, like one inspired,
bade bring in the man forthw