such Villains as the green Knight, with uncommon Success. In one of his frantick Fits, he put on the green Armour, that had created him such a World of Disgrace. A Merchant happening to pass by, he sold it to him for a Trifle, and took in Exchange nothing more than a Mantle, and a Cap. In this Disguise, he took a solitary Walk along the Banks of the _Euphrates_, every Minute reflecting in his Mind on the partial Proceedings of Providence, which never ceas'd to torment him. CHAP. XVII. _The_ HERMIT. As _Zadig_ was travelling along, he met with a Hermit, whose grey and venerable Beard descended to his Girdle. He had in his Hand a little Book, on which his Eyes were fix'd. _Zadig_ threw himself in his Way, and made him a profound Bow. The Hermit return'd the Compliment with such an Air of Majesty and Benevolence, that _Zadig's_ Curiosity prompted him to converse with so agreeable a Stranger. Pray, Sir, said he, what may be the Contents of the Treatise you are reading with such Attention. 'Tis call'd, said the Hermit, the _Book of Fate_; will you please to look at it. He put the Book into the Hands of _Zadig_, who, tho' he was a perfect Master of several Languages, couldn't decypher one single Character. This rais'd his Curiosity still higher. You seem dejected, said the good Father to him. Alas! I have Cause enough, said _Zadig_. If you'll permit me to accompany you, said the old Hermit, perhaps I may be of some Service to you. I have sometimes instill'd Sentiments of Consolation into the Minds of the Afflicted. _Zadig_ had a secret Regard for the Air of the old Man, for his Beard, and his Book. He found, by conversing with him, that he was the most learned Person he had ever met with. The Hermit harangu'd on Destiny, Justice, Morality, the sovereign Good, the Frailty of Nature; on Virtue and Vice, in such a lively Manner, and in such a Flow of Words, that _Zadig_ was attach'd to him by an invincible Charm. He begg'd earnestly that he would favour him with his Company to _Babylon_. That Favour I was going to ask my self, said the old Man. Swear to me by _Orosmades_, that you won't leave me, for some Days at least, let me do what I please. _Zadig_ took the Oath requir'd, and both pursu'd their Journey.