XXXVI
Here it is told how a cruel king persecuted the Christians
There was once a most cruel king[1] who persecuted God’s people. And his power was passing great, and yet he could achieve nothing against that people, for God loved them. [[103]]
This king spoke with Balaam the prophet, and said: tell me, Balaam, how comes this matter with my foes? Am I indeed more powerful than they, and yet can do them no harm?
And Balaam answered: Sire, because they are God’s people. But I will do in this way, that I will go unto them and will curse them, and you shall attack them and shall win the victory.
So this Balaam mounted his ass, and went up on to a mountain.
The people were almost all down in the valley; and he went up to curse them from the mountain[2].
Then the angel of God went before him, and did not let him pass. And he pricked his ass, thinking it was frightened, and it spoke and said: do not beat me, for I see here the angel of the Lord with a sword of fire in his hand, and he will not let me pass.
Then the prophet Balaam looked and beheld the angel. And the angel spoke and said: why are you going to curse God’s people. You shall bless them straightaway, just as you desired to curse them, unless you wish to die. [[104]]
The prophet went and blessed God’s people, and the king said: what do you do? This is not cursing.