Once a governor came to see Abba Simon. When the elder heard of it, he took a belt and went to a palm tree to prune it. When the visitors came near, they called out, “Old man, where does the anchorite live?” He answered, “There is no anchorite here.” Hearing this, they went away.
Another time a different governor came to see Abba Simon. The clergy went ahead and told him, “Abba, get ready, for the governor has heard about you and is coming to receive your blessing.” He said, “Yes, I will get ready.” He put on his patched garment, took bread and cheese in his hands, got up, and sat at the doorway eating. The governor arrived with his attendants, but when they saw him they despised him and said, “Is this the solitary we heard about?” And they immediately turned back.