Synopsis: The narrator tells of his encounters with a man who lived as a hermit in a forest in southern Germany. He had formerly been a distinguished diplomat; but he had taken into his head the idea that he was the martryed monk Serapion (2nd century AD), having miraculously survived his martyrdom. He lived in the forest which he believed was the North African desert, and was respected by the country folk. The narrator initially intends to convince the former diplomat to abandon his delusions, and tells him so. Serapion replies with some well-chosen remarks on madness, time, space, perception, and the power of God. The narrator is so impressed by Serapion's peaceful, happy life that his attitude changes from pity to admiration. The story is followed by a debate about madness between the narrator and his friends.