Volume 2

124 Life of Jesus Christ
Jesus bade one of the disciples to make room for the man
that was going around people unable to push his way to
the front, and He pointed out a platform nearby to which
he should be conducted. The disciple brought the envoy
forward, and placed him and his attendants where they
could see and hear. They had with them gifts of woven
stuffs, thin plates of gold, and very beautiful larrlbs.
The envoy, overjoyed at being able at last to see Jesus,
at once produced his drawing nlaterials, rested his tablet
on his knee, regarded Jesus with great admiration and attention,
and set to work. The tablet before him was white
as if made of wax. He began by sketching with a pencil
the outlines of Jesus' head and beard. Then it looked as if
he spread over his work a layer of wax in which to
receive the impression of the sketch. After that he
resumed his sketching, touched again and again with his
pencil, again took the impression, and so continued, but
without ever perfecting his work. As often as he glanced
at Jesus, he seemed lost in amazement at the countenance
he beheld, and was forced to begin anew. Luke did not
paint in exactly this way. He used a brush also. The picture
this man was producing appeared to me to be somewhat
in relief; one could trace it by the touch.
Jesus continued His discourse a while longer, and then
sent the disciple to say to the envoy that he might now approach
and deliver his message. The envoy came down
from the platform whereon he was sitting, followed by his
attendants with the presents and lambs. His doublet was
short, almost like those of the Three Kings, and he wore
no mantle. The picture at which he had been working was
hanging by a strap on his left arm. It was like a shield in
the form of a heart. In the right hand he held the king's
letter. Casting himself on his knees before Jesus, he
bowed low, as did also his attendants, and said: "Thy
slave is the servant of Abgarus, King of Edessa. He is
sick. He sends Thee this letter, and prays Thee to accept