|
The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Barlaam and Ioasaph by St. John of Damascus: lavishness of the sacrifice. Now, therefore, it is time for thee
to fulfil thy promises, and to deliver from the error of the
Christians my son that hath rebelled against our religion, and to
reconcile him to our gracious gods. For, though I have left no
device and deed untried, yet have I found no remedy for the
mischief, but I perceive that his will is stronger than all.
When I have dealt gently and kindly with him, I have found that
he payeth me no regard whatsoever. When I have treated him
harshly and severely, I have seen him driven the quicker to
desperation. To thy wisdom for the future I leave the care of
this calamity that hath befallen me. If then I be delivered from
|
