"It is the Book of Destiny," replied the hermit, "would you like to read it?"
He handed it to Zadig; but the latter, though he knew a dozen languages, could not understand a word of it. His curiosity increased.
"You appear to be in trouble," said the kindly hermit.
"Alas!" said Zadig, "I have cause to be so."
"If you will allow me," said the hermit, "I will accompany you. Perhaps I may be useful to you. I am sometimes able to console the sorrowful."
THE MYSTERIOUS SCROLL.
Zadig felt a deep respect for the appearance, the white beard, and the mysterious scroll of the old hermit, and perceived that his conversation was that of a superior mind. The old man spoke of destiny, of justice, of morality, of the chief good of life, of human frailty, of virtue and of vice, with so much power and eloquence, that Zadig felt himself attracted by a kind of charm, and besought the hermit not to leave him until they should return to Babylon.
"I ask you the same favour," said the hermit. "Promise me that, whatever I may do, you will keep me company for several days."
Zadig gave the promise; and they set forth together.