How the vizier brought the Christians into doubt and perplexity.
Then I will say (to them), ‘I am secretly a Christian. O God who knowest (all) things hidden, Thou knowest me.
The king was informed of my (Christian) faith and from bigotry sought to take my life.
I wished to hide my religion from the king and profess his religion,
(But) the king got a scent of my inmost beliefs, and my words were suspected (when I stood) before the king.
He said, “Your words are like a needle in bread (specious but pernicious); there is a window between my heart and yours.
Through that window I have seen your (real) state: I see your state and will not heed your words.”
Had not the spirit of Jesus been my aid, he would in Jewish fashion have torn me to pieces.
For Jesus' sake I would yield my life and give my head and lay on myself (confess) myriads of obligations to him.
I do not grudge Jesus my life, but full well am I versed in the knowledge of his religion.
Grief was coming over me (it seemed to me a pity) that that holy religion should perish amongst those who are ignorant (of it).
Thanks be to God and to Jesus that I have become a guide to the true faith.
I have escaped from Jews and Judaism so (entirely) that I have bound my waist with a (Christian) girdle.
The (present) epoch is the epoch of Jesus. O men, hearken with your souls unto the mysteries of his religion!’”
The king did to him that deed (mutilation) which he had proposed: the people remained in amazement at his deed.
He (the king) drove him away to the Christians. After that, he (the vizier) began to proselytise.
