And Probus arose from his couch with a very gloomy countenance, for in his sleep he had seen a dream, and was greatly troubled concerning it.
2But the porter seeing him about to issue to the market-place, having his countenance thus troubled, was greatly afraid, Lest, said he, he know what has happened, and will miserably destroy me.
3Probus, however, having gone forth and signified to those in the market what was fitting for the day and season, speedily returned into the house, and said to his servants, Call me quickly the wise men Barandus and Gnosteas.
4When they were summoned he said to them, I have seen a very terrible vision, and what appeared in it is difficult for our power to interpret.
5This, however, do ye disclose to me, as being the most excellent of all the world.
6Expound it to me when I tell it you.
7Barandus says to him, If the vision can be interpreted by our wisdom, we shall explain it to you, but if it be of the faith that is now spoken of we cannot expound it to you, for it is of another wisdom and understanding.
8However, let our lord and master tell the dream, and let us see if there is any explanation for it.
9Probus says to Gnosteas, Wherefore do you answer nothing?
10Gnosteas said, I have not heard the dream, and what can I say but whatever it may be, if it is by reason of Paul?
11Tell me now, and you will find it so.
12Probus said, I thought I was standing in a certain unknown and strange country, and that there sat there an Ethiop king, who ruled over all the earth and seemed never to have any successor.
13There stood beside him multitudes of servants, and all hastened to destruction and had mastery far and wide.
14And when that Ethiop seemed to have gained his purpose, there arose a raven and standing above him croaked with a pitiful voice.
15And straightway there arose from the eastern parts an eagle, and seized his kingdom, and his power was made vain, and those standing by him fled to the eagle.
16Then that king strove against those that fled to the eagle, but the eagle carried it up into heaven, and, behold, there came a helper to those that fled to the eagle and left his staff to them.
17Then they laying hold of it were not overcome by the violence of that king.
18So many as ran to those who had the staff, he washed them in pure water, and they that were washed had power over his kingdom.
19And by that staff the enemies of the king were put to flight, therefore capable men laying hold of the staff turned to themselves great multitudes.
20And that king strove against them, and had no might at all, but he hindered many from believing in him that sent out the men into the world to bear witness, and for that reason many were grieved.
21Nevertheless, this one did not constrain any like the other, for he himself was ruler of all light.
22This then was the end.