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The story is set in the time of the birth of Christ where a Magi named "Artaban", is preparing to set with the famous three wise men to the place where Jesus is born. He tries to convince his fellow Magi to come with him, but they all refuse. Artaban's father, "Abgarus", instructs his servant, "Vasda" to accompany Artaban on this long journey. Artaban reveals that he has sold all of his possessions and has bought three jewels, a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl which he plans to give to the newborn King.
Artaban and Vasda set off and while on the road, they catch sight of an old man who has been beaten and lies almost dead in the road. Artaban stops to help even though Vasda keeps reminding him that he has to hurry if he is to catch up with his fellow Magi. Artaban refuses until the old man is capable of moving. The old man gets better during the night and it is too late to catch up with the caravan. Artaban then gives Vasda the sapphire to fetch camels for the long journey they now have to make across the desert. One jewel gone.
They arrive in Bethlehem, but the city is almost deserted. They see a woman with her child and ask if she has seen men with clothes like Artaban is wearing. She tells him that they have left some time ago along with a strange couple with a newborn baby. Suddenly, Herod's soldiers arrive and we see the slaughter of the innocents. One guard goes over to where Artaban is and asks if there is a child in that house. Artaban offers the guard the ruby in exchange that he leave them alone. The guard leaves saying there is no child there. Two jewels gone.
Artaban and Vasda travel to Egypt where Artaban talks to a "wise man" who tells him that the King he is searching for is not among the rich, but among the poor. He should search for him there and in Jerusalem. On his trek back 33 years have passed, and even though he has helped many along the way, he feels that he has failed. He sends Vasda. He would rather die alone then to die with someone seeing his folly and shame.
Vasda returns saying that while he was on the road to Jerusalem, people were talking about a prophet who heals, raises the dead, etc. Artaban and Vasda know that it must be the King they have been searching for all these years.
They travel off to Jerusalem and it is the feast of the Passover. They bump into some people who are heading off to see Jesus crucified. Artaban figures he can ransom Jesus' life with the pearl he has left. Suddenly, a young girl approaches him and says that she is being led off into slavery because of her father's debts. Artaban, gives the pearl to her and she is set free.
Once this happens, there is an earthquake. A piece of building strikes Artaban right in the head, making him badly injured. After the earthquake ceases, Artaban starts talking to someone who Vasda can not see. Artaban asks the vision "But Lord, when did I see you hungry, thirsty, or heal Your Wounds? For over 33 years I've searched for You, my Lord, and I've not seen you 'till today." The vision replies which the audience hears. "Artaban, what you have done for the least of my brethren, you have done it to me." Artaban then says to Vasda,"Vasda, He has accepted all of my gifts." And with that, he dies.
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