"You are called Serapion, and I will tell you what you wish to know.

When I was told that in this temple there were people who had themselves locked into their little chambers never to quit them, taking thought about their dreams and leading a meditative life, I thought they must be simpletons or fools or both at once." "Just so, just so," interrupted Serapion.

"But there is a fourth alternative you did not think of.

Suppose now among these men there should be some shut up against their will, and what if I were one of those prisoners?
I have asked you a great many questions and you have not hesitated to answer, and you may know how I got into this miserable cage and why I stay in it.

I am the son of a good family, for my father was overseer of the granaries of this temple and was of Macedonian origin, but my mother was an Egyptian.