CHAPTER III The balance becomes unequal on the question of adopting the monastic life
CHAPTER III
The balance becomes unequal on the question of adopting the monastic life
4. But when the time was come for my dear friend to adopt the monastic life, and the true philosophy, this our balance was no longer equal, inasmuch as his scale became light and went up, while I, still fettered by the desires of the world, drew mine down, and was forced to stay below, burdening it with youthful fancies.
5. Here, for the rest, our friendship continued firm as before; but our intercourse was interrupted, because it was impossible for such as were not zealous in the same pursuits, to have a common rendezvous.
6. But when I myself lifted up my head a little above the storm of life, he seized me with both his hands. Even thus, however, we were unable to preserve our former equality; for, having got the start of me in point of time, and having displayed great alacrity, he was again carried above me, and borne to a great elevation.