At that time there lived in Jerusalem, the royal city, a man who was perfectly happy.

He had everything that makes life pleasant: great wealth, powerful friends, and beautiful women who daily crowned his head with wreaths of roses.

He was still young, every one of his wishes was fulfilled, and it seemed as if things would always be the same.

And yet, sometimes, amid all the joy and gladness there would be a quiet hour in which he thought over and measured his good fortune, and then he felt afraid.

Yes, he was greatly troubled, for every day he saw, on all hands, how property vanished, and how the coffins of those who the day before had been enjoying life were carried to the grave.
Then this man, who, although he was happy, was yet beset with fears, heard that there was a prophet out in the wilderness who had eternal life.