Tuesday, September 02, 2008

The Festival Of Constellations

The following excerpt is taken from scroll fragments 21p. It has been enumerated for quick reference.









12 After some time passed, we agreed among us never again to mention [our experience] with the Behemoth of Patsos Gorge
13 And we journeyed still further, arriving in Vrisynas on the ninth day following [our ordeal].
14 Upon arrival, we were welcomed warmly by the few remaining brothers of the sanctuary there and learned that our [dating calculations] had been in error.
15 having hoped upon hope to join in the Festival of Constellations, we instead were a Sabbath too late.
16After our amazement [at this] subsided, we [queried] the brothers why it was that so few remained within the community.
17 One of the brothers, Indulgius the Wise, relayed to us the events [that had transpired].
18 And these were the words of Indulgius the wise.
19 "On the first Sabbath after the Nativity of St John the Baptist, we were in due course of celebrating the Festival of Constellations
20 When the Archway of the Heavens grew darker than night and the stars did disappear, though there were no clouds
21 And we trembled in fear at the sight of it, thinking the great and terrible day had come [prematurely].
22 Yet there was no blast and no shout, so we peered into the darkness to [discern its form]
23 And our eyes beheld nothing, and it spread vast over the Archway of the Heavens
24 And did encompass us and shroud our [view] so that no man could see his brother
25 And as we stumbled, there arose loud shouts and cries of pain from the darkness
26 And we cowered all the more, thinking some evil wind had despised our sanctuary.
27 But the darkness prevailed in this manner for what [we figured] to be six days and nights
28 And when the darkness subsided, we became aware that the Festival of Constellations was at an end
29 And our hearts sank for we were unable to celebrate in due course
30 Neither were we able to [make] the seasonal offering of raising standards that bore the name of our favorite star.
31 No, we were downcast and full of sorrow, but we were not [overcome], for brothers Republus and Democrus [reminded] us that it was but two moons Sabbath until the Day of Atonement,
32 Thought they quarreled about the meaning of the day of who should come henceforth
33 Still, our hearts were encouraged at the words they spoke, so that many therefore decided to go into the countryside and [nearby] villages and declare unto them the Advent, saying:"

34 'For unto us a King arises
35 Unto us a blessing is given
36 And the government shall be upon his shoulders
37 And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor
38 Mighty Conqueror
39 Prince of the Ages
40 Savior of Mankind
41 And he shall deliver us from all our sinfulness
42 By the authority of his sword and the stroke of his quill
43 And he shall prolong the days of our blessing
44 For we have cast upon him our voices
45 And in his goodness he has heard us
46 And will surely deal bountifully with us
47 Until the Festival of Constellations returns
48And our voices are heard once more.

Our team of scholars has made every attempt to render the most direct translation of this passage. Several portions were repleat with erroneous spellings and poor grammar, which we have attempted to adjust with utmost care for the integrity of the text. These portions are indicated within the text by parenthesis.

1 comment:

Lisa of Longbourn said...

I've heard Brian say that you are sad when no one comments on your blog. I feel this way too, and so was very pleased to receive your comment.

I visited your blog before, but confess that I generally allow myself the dignity of silence in my ignorance. My skills do not range into poetry or true scholarship, and my sense of humor is somewhat limited. In light of this, allow me to suggest a parallel blog: The Safer Travels of St. Upid in which he highlights key points and punchlines of this blog.

In other words, I don't get it. Or at least I get a couple things, but believe there is more.

Perhaps there is a November follow up to this translation of the scroll?

To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn

PS: Your profile says you like the Talmud. Your comment on my blog said you were formerly a Calvinist. What do you call yourself now?