Basilius’s troubles begin in book I of The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia, with his attempts to avoid the fate which was foretold by the Oracle of Delphos. This begs the question: If Basilius had followed the advice provided in passage 14 of Frs. Barsanupius and John’s Directions in Spiritual Work, would he have embraced his fate and avoided the misfortune that awaited him?

For context, the mentioned passage urges the reader to face affliction and tribulation head on as the saints have in the past (Philokalia, 349). It explains that by acquiring the steadfastness and patience of the saints, and by expecting greater earthly suffering, one can reach ultimate peace (Philokalia, 349). Basilius, rather understandably, does not do this when he the Oracle tells him the horrid things that would happen to him. He instead does his best to change the outcome by retiring away to sheep country with his family. This echoes a trope found frequently in literature where one meets their fate on their path to avoid it. Based on how this theme is explored in other works, such as Shakespeare’s Macbeth, I wonder if the subsequent events that occur in the novel would have happened at all if Basilius had decided to accept what the Oracle had told him. My mind then goes to the passage from the Philokalia, and whether part of the Arcadia‘s message parallels the virtues of acceptance and sturdiness in the face of pain.