Page:The Apocryphal Acts of Paul, Peter, John, Andrew and Thomas.djvu/148

 John to make use of what was set before them. But he said that he was very tired and in want of sleep more than any food. And as he did this every day, all the soldiers were struck with amazement, and were afraid lest John should die, and involve them in danger. But the Holy Spirit showed him to them as more cheerful. And on the seventh day, it being the Lord's day, he said to them: Now it is time for me also to partake of food. And having washed his hands and face, he prayed, and brought out the linen cloth, and took one of the dates and ate in the presence of all.

7. And when they had ridden a long time they came to the end of their journey, John thus fasting. And they brought him before the king and said: Worshipful King, we bring to thee John, a god, not a man; for, from the hour in which we apprehended him, to the present, he has not tasted bread. At this Domitian being amazed, stretched out his mouth on account of the wonder, wishing to salute him with a kiss; but John bent down his head, and he kissed his breast. And Domitian said, "Why hast thou done this? Didst thou not think me worthy to kiss thee?" And John said to him: It is right to adore the hand of God first of all, and in this way to kiss the mouth of the king; for it is written in the holy books: "The heart of the King is in the hand of God." Prov. XXI, 1.—The Vatican recension narrates that John kissed the King's head and breast. The King says to him: "Why did you kiss me; I am only a man, and thou teachest,