Page 15 - Book of Composition

But the king waxed wonderful sorrowful, and grieved night and day
more than can be credited.

But it happened after certain years, that as the king went forth on a
certain day to a place called Dirmarom to recreate himself with hunting,
that Galip his captain found a certain man praying in a solitary place.
And he demanded of him, and said: “Friend, what art you, from whence
came you, or whither wilt you.”

And that man answered him saying: “I am a Jerusalemite, for I was born
in Jerusalem, and I have been conversant many years with a certain
hermit in the mountains of Jerusalem. But while I stayed there, I heard
how King Calid unceasingly searched and inquired who could show unto
him the Magistery of Hermes, and after I heard this of the king I
presently departed from my country, that I might show this thing unto
King Calid, for I know the man to be most learned in this Magistery,
which I greatly desire to show unto the king.”

Then Galip said: “Hold thy peace, brother. Let this suffice you that you
have spoken, for I had rather that you should live than die; for there have
been many come unto the king, which have professed themselves to
know this Magistery, which when it came to prove they could not do,
they have been put to death by the king. Therefore I fear that if you shall
stand before the king, and use such words, that he will cause you
likewise to be put to death.”

Then said that man, “Doubt not that, nor defer no time to bring me to the
sight of the king.”

Therefore Galip said: “This pleases me well, but have a care that you
shorten not your life.”

Then Galip led the man and brought him before the king and said: “O
king behold the man that feared not death.”

Therefore so soon as the king had fixed his eyes upon him, and well
beheld him he said: “What art thou?”

And he answered saying: “I am a man of Jerusalem, and being
conversant in the mountains with a certain hermit, I heard of many men
the fame of your name and goodness, and how incessantly you seek after
wise and learned men who may perfectly instruct you in the Magistery of
Hermes. Therefore O king, I come unto you: that you may content
yourself with my counsels, and be made to partake of your desire. For I

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