One dreary September day br Emperor Manuel Komninos br felt his death was near. br The court astrologers -bribed, of course- went on babbling br about how many years he still had to live. br But while they were having their say, br he remembered an old religious custom br and ordered ecclesiastical vestments br to be brought from a monastery, br and he put them on, glad to assume br the modest image of a priest or monk. br br Happy all those who believe, br and like Emperor Manuel end their lives br dressed modestly in their faith. br br br Translated by E. Keeley and P. Sherrardbr br Constantine P.