d as if things would always be the
same. And yet, sometimes, amid all the joy and gladness there would be
a quiet hour in which he thought over and measured his good fortune,
and then he felt afraid. Yes, he was greatly troubled, for every day
he saw, on all hands, how property vanished, and how the coffins of
those who the day before had been enjoying life were carried to the
grave.

Then this man, who, although he was happy, was yet beset with fears,
heard that there was a prophet out in the wilderness who had eternal
life. He knew of everlasting wealth and happiness, and half the world
were flocking to him in order to share in it. So Simeon--that was his
name--determined to seek out this man. He locked up his precious
stones in iron chests, delivered his palaces, vineyards, ships and
servants into the keeping of his steward, gave his women to the
protection of the gods, and gathered his slaves round him. He rode out
of the town on a thoroughbred steed, he wore soft, bright-coloured
garments adorned with gold and jewels, his scimitar at his side, and
waving feathers of rare birds in his hat. A troop of servants
accompanied him, and by his side rode Moors on African camels, holding
a canopy over him to protect him from the sun, and fanning him into
coolness with flowery fans. They brought with them fruits of the East
and the South in golden dishes, tasty fishes and game, rare wines and
incense, and pillows for sleeping on. During its progress the
procession met black figures carrying a dead man. The body lay swathed
in white linen on a high board, and a raven circled round it in the
air. Simeon turned indignantly away; he had a horror of all that was
dead. He scattered coins among the mourners, for he would have liked
to throw a gay covering adorned with precious stones over all sorrow
and mourning.

When he reached the mountains his horse began to stumble and falter.
The steed's hoofs were insecure on the ringing flat stones; he reared
his head and snorted, and would not go on. Simeon took counsel how he
was to proceed. Natives leading mules came by, and offered them to
him, but he refused. He could not go to the Prophet who held the key
to imperishable wealth and eternal life on such contemptible beasts.
His slaves had to make a litter, and he lay under its glittering canopy
on soft cushions, while six Moors bore their master thus into the
desert. When they rested at an oasis, it was like a royal ca