three poor wretches became beasts rather than human beings, and wandered insane along the shores of Cos, howling like wolves and foaming at the mouth, and hooted at by the children, who threw shells and stones at them.  They died, and my father buried them with his own hands.  A little later his stomach refused all nourishment, and he died of hunger, though he was rich enough to have bought all the meats and fruits in the markets of Asia.  He was deeply grieved at having to leave me his fortune.  I used it in travels.  I visited Italy, Greece, and Africa without meeting a single person who was either wise or happy.  I studied philosophy at Athens and Alexandria, and was deafened by noisy arguments.  At last I wandered as far as India, and I saw on the banks of the Ganges a naked man, who had sat there motionless with his legs crossed for more than thirty years.  Climbing plants twined round his dried up body, and the birds built their nests in his hair.  Yet he lived.  At the sight of him I called to mind Timaessa, the flute-player, my two brothers, and my father, and I realised that this Indian was a wise man.  ‘Men,’ I said to myself, ’suffer because they are deprived of that which they believe to be good; or because, possessing it they fear to lose it; or because they endure that which they believe to be an evil.  Put an end to all beliefs of this kind, and the evils would disappear.’  That is why I resolved henceforth to deem nothing an advantage, to tear myself entirely from the good things of this world, and to live silent and motionless, like the Indian.”

Paphnutius had listened attentively to the old man’s story.

“Timocles of Cos,” he replied, “I own that your discourse is not wholly devoid of sense.  It is, in truth, wise to despise the riches of this world.  But it would be absurd to despise also your eternal welfare, and render yourself liable to be visited by the wrath of God.  I grieve at your ignorance, Timocles, and I will instruct you in the truth, in order that knowing that there really exists a God in three hypostases, you may obey this God as a child obeys its father.”

Timocles interrupted him.

“Refrain, stranger, from showing me your doctrines, and do not imagine that you will persuade me to share your opinions.  All discussions are useless.  My opinion is to have no opinion.  My life is devoid of trouble because I have no preferences.  Go thy ways, and strive not to withdraw me from the beneficent apathy in which I am plunged, as though in a delicious bath, after the hardships of my past days.”

Paphnutius was profoundly instructed in all things relating to the faith.  By his knowledge of the human heart, he was aware that the grace of God had not fallen on old Timocles, and the day of salvation for this soul so obstinately resolved to ruin itself had not yet come.  He did not reply, lest the power given for edification should turn to destruction.  For it sometimes happens, in disputing with infidels, that the means used for their conversion may steep them still farther in sin.  Therefore they who possess the truth should take care how they spread it.