XXXVI

MOREOVER we have not got to go far, before a  fresh test of his character is supplied to us ; for presently a messenger presents himself and says: " O Apollonius, the Emperor releases you from these chains, and permits you to reside in the jail where prisoners are not bound " ; whereupon Apollonius,  who is superior to mankind and has foreknowledge of what is coming, and according to the poet

" Hath understanding of the dumb and heareth him who speaks not"

is so overjoyed., as well he might be, at the news, that he suddenly drops out of his gift of foreknowledge, and asks outright : " Who then will get me out of this place ? " and the messenger replied : " I myself, so follow me."