Barlaam

For how could I tell you how many costly and precious stones and pearls I have seen?

For if anyone not having these two good things should rashly look upon this precious stone, he would lose even the very power of sight that he has, and his wits besides.

From where he came and from what family I cannot say, but he made his dwelling in a certain utter wilderness of the land of Senaar, and had been perfected in the grace of the priesthood.