Page:Barlaam and Josaphat. English lives of Buddha.djvu/179

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For by the rule of planets they did ſee, Such things as would not with the King agree. Four of them ſaid, what ſhall we do alas! For thro' this child ſtrange things will come to paſs; Therefore we muſt diſſemble with our King, And tell him, 'twill be well in every thing.

Now when the wiſe men came in the King's view! He ſaid, what have you found, pray tell me true? Four of them ſaid, fortune has on you ſmil'd. For you are bleſt with a ſweet hopeful child.

In every thing he will obey your will. And crown your days with joy and comfort ſtill: To hear theſe things the King was pleaſed in mind; The wiſeſt man he fear'd, and ſtaid behind.

Then from the King theſe wiſe men did depart: He for the other ſent, and ſaid, thou art The wiſeſt man, and therefore tell thou me. What you concerning of my child did ſee?

I am afraid to tell you, he reply'd, Becauſe, O King! you'll be diſſatisfied; Let it be good, or ill, ſpeak, ſaid the King, For thee I will believe in every thing.

He ſaid, O King! thoſe men did flatter you; What they have ſaid, indeed it is not true:

For

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