Bs : 2860 .P62 1904 1 Bible. 1 The gospel of the childhood of Our Lord Jesus Christ THE CHILDHOOD OF CHRIST Of this edition of'* The Childhood of Christ'' one thousand copies have been printed on Cheltenham wove paper. An edition of twenty five copies has also been specially printed on Japanese vellum for subscribers. 'Situ . fvl.T Ayocryp THE GOSPEL OF THE CHILDHOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN BY HENRY COPLEY ^GREENE WITH ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE MANU- SCRIPT AT THE MONASTERY OF SAINT WOLFGANG, AN INTRODUCTION BY ALICE MEYNELL, AND A COVER AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY CARLOS SCHWABE ^^mucr^ V JUL IB 1924 NEW YORK: SCOTT-THAW CO. LONDON: BURNS AND OATES MCMIV A^ :±-'*^ THE CHfLDHOOD OF j|r lor S CH Copyright, 1904, by Scott-Thaw Co. Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England. The Heintzemann Press y Boston ^ U. S. A. Illustrations Et statim muta locuta est . , , pj Alter altera sicut pilas sidera jaciebat . lo^ Jesus manum suam extendit super fluvios . i6j And straightway the dumb spake . . g^ One to another they threw, like balls, the stars of the firmament . . . io6 Jesus inclined the stem toward the waters of the river ...... i68 Dormi, Jesu! mater ridet Quae tarn dulcem somnum videt, Dormi, Jesu ! blandule ! Si non dermis, mater plorat. Inter fila cantans orat, Blande, veni, somnule. Sleep, sweet Babe ! my cares beguiling : Mother sits beside Thee smiling ; Sleep, my Darling, tenderly ; If Thou sleep not, mother mourneth. Singing at the wheel she turneth : Come, soft slumber, balmily ! Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Introductory HE Schools of Painting of the four- teenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth cen- turies show to the tourist and the student a long series of scenes and actions from some unknown and unaccredited New Testament. The Masters, from the first art of Florence to the last of Venice, are busy with it. Giotto has its incidents by heart, and they are the selfsame as Titian painted when the whole history of Italian design and colour was about to be perfected, completed, and closed. The Masters would have been infinitely surprised had they been taught the modern idea of indifference to the " subjects'' of the painter. That idea has doubtless its value ; it has its place in the linked chain of the thoughts of man upon his arts — the various record of which has given to literature one of her brilliant activities. But in the great ages when design, when decoration, when [^3] Introductory colour, when the touch of the brush, were in a technical perfection whereof little was said, of the subject of a picture much was thought. That was, to all minds, the natural thing, the matter to be discussed, the painter's motive, and the interest of the public — the congregation. The Great Masters would have had assuredly a certain pang — the wound of the misunderstood and the virtu- ally neglected — if they had known how little the future analyser of their colours, the measurer of their brushmarks, would care what things they painted. For their sub- jects, unnamed or barely named in catalogues, have, in fact, passed before unrecognizing modern eyes. Not even the constant recur- rence of one scene, one incident, is enough to evoke a question. What little doubt or surmise may flicker in the absent mind of a tourist, say in Padua, is satisfied by the ex- planation: ''It is some tradition." Much more than a tradition was the lit- erature from which the Masters painted. [H] Introductory Every gallery in Europe, every gallery in America in which are old Italian paintings, of whatever century, has its illustrations of the Apocryphal Gospels. Those writings must have formed the lighter religious read- ing of the nations. ^* The fairy-story of Scripture,'' M. Catulle Mendes has called them. They were in part the fairy story of a time that gravely believed in dragons. The fairy story of our children was the adult romance of our forefathers, which explains why the romantic fairy-story is a love-story and does not relate the adventures of chil- dren. But the Old Master took his Apoc- ryphal Gospels more gravely than any ro- mance. They were doubtless the burden of his nurse's songs and his mother's tales; and, simple-minded painter, he paid them life- long attention, and held nothing better, after the Nativity and the Crucifixion according to the canonical Evangelists, for the theme of his art, than their gentle tales. There did Giotto find the long series of [15] Introductory the Nativity of the Virgin, and so, before him, did the earliest sculptor of the Middle Ages, who brought the latest Greece into Italy ; so did Ghirlandajo, and so did many and many a Florentine, a Sienese, a citizen of the outlying cities with their scattered schools. To the Apocryphal Gospels Raph- ael went for that **Sposalizio'* which shows the neatest and most dapper classic building in all art. To them Titian turned his august eyes in search of his little Virgin, lapped from head to foot in her nimbus, scaling the Temple steps ; and Tintoretto painted her there, as the Gospels of the Infancy described her. The Apocryphal names were familiar as household words in all Italian homes — Jo- achim, Anne, Abiathar the priest, whose son broke his budless rod, Judith the hand- maid, the women Zalemiand Salome, Demas the thief who repented, and Gestas who re- viled the Lord. The names of Mary and Anne, daughter and mother, piously united, became in England the very commonplace [i6] Introductory of baptism, a compound name so ordinary that George Eliot, for instance, did not bear it willingly. One incident which occurs in the Gospels of the Infancy has even been adopted in an orthodox litany — not a litur- gical litany, but one composed for the private devotion of Catholics. This is the overthrow of the idols in the temples of Egypt by the coming of the fugitive Child. ** Infant, over- thrower of idols,'* runs an invocation of the litany in question, and this — besides the preservation of the names of Joachim and Anne — is the only vestige of the Apocry- phal Gospels to be found in the modern popular prayer-book. The word fairy-story is in part justified by the quite distinctive quality of imagination perceptible in these writings, and especially in this beautiful Gospel once attributed to Saint Peter. It was not Saint Peter, nor any Hebrew disciple of Christ, but a poet of an- other inspiration, who wrote in the fourth chapter : **He saw the pole-star stopped, . . . [17] Introductory and the wind held his peace . . . He saw a bowl full of meats, and labourers sitting whose hands were in the bowl ; but, on the point of eating, they did not eat ; . . . and in the fields sheep wandered not;... and at a river Joseph saw rams whose beards touched the water, but the rams drank not. For heaven and earth and all living things were waiting.'' Again, the miracle of the dumb bride, with the sweet indulgence of the close, seems rather to refer us not to Hebrew feeling but to the beginnings of the ages called *'dark'' — to their tenderness, and to the freshness of the heart of the world rising young from the ruins of Antiquity. What- ever the origin of the Gospel according to Saint Peter, it seems to have been retouched by some suggestion from the wilder North, or at least by some prophecy of that new vitality. The Latin text of this version of The Gospel of the Infancy according to St. Pe- ter, found some years ago in the ancient [i8] Introductory Abbey of Saint Wolfgang in the Salzkam- mergut, has no discoverable origin. The evidence it bears to itself is all we have. Mr. Henry Copley Greene, to whom we owe this fine translation, thinks that the ref- erence to " hyperphysics '' and some other passages may suggest a Gnostic source, un- less they should have been borrowed from another Gospel of the Holy Childhood — the better known "Arabic.'' A comparison of Saint Peter's with other apocryphal Gos- pels — the ** Arabic" and thoseof James and Matthew (''The Nativity of Mary"), of Joseph the Carpenter, and of Thomas, shows a close relation. Not one of the important incidents in these seem to be omitted from Saint Peter's. But the most lyrical passages of all — for example, the scene between the Child and Pharaoh — are found in this Gos- pel alone. Mr. Greene thinks that although it may possibly be a Latin translation of an early Arabic or Coptic work, it is much more probably a mediaeval "harmony" of [19] Introductory the other apocryphal Gospels, rewritten and sometimes extended in a spirit almost Fran- ciscan. The Christ of Saint Peter is far more tender and merciful than the Christ of Saint Thomas. Mr. Greene's translation has achieved a difficult success. Simple English, an English having the calm of a language no longer in the restless current of service, was needed here ; and yet few readers in America or England would look in a pseudo-Gospel for English purely Biblical ; — that is not apoc- ryphal, but canonical. Without effort, and yet without that false ease which gives lev- ity to the phrase, he has taken a moderate course. It has been said that metre should confess, but not suffisr from, its difficulties; and it is so with translation. The difficulty has a value of its own; it is friction — fric- tion of water to the oar, and of air to the pinion. In this admirable form the translation of these scriptures, dear to our ancestors through [20] Introductory centuries, has now given us another share in the traditional record of the parentage, the growth, the laughter, the troubles, and the miraculous play of "the little Master." Alice Meynell. [ai] THE CHILDHOOD OF CHRIST N nomine Dei unius in sua essentia et trini in suis per- sonis, Adjuvante Uno-Trino. Petrus, in quam petram aedifica- bitur Ecclesia, nonnunquam divae Mariae de Unigenito in prima aetate narrantis auditor, huncce verborum et miraculorum Heri parvuli, qui nominetur Evangelium Infantiae, librum scripsimus in pace Domini. [^4] N the name of God, one in His essence and threefold in His persons, By the aid of Three-in-One, We, the rock Peter, upon which rock the church shall be built, hav- ing often heard the divine Mary tell of the only begotten Son in His earliest years, have written, concern- ing the words and miracles of the little Master, this book, called the Gospel of the Childhood, in the peace of the Lord. [^S] Caput t^rimum ^^^j^OMINA gloriosa et semper virgo Maria fonte David orta. Mariae pater Joachim et Anna materin civitate Nazareth, justicon- juges, Deo grati. Unam tripartiti vectigalis sui templo et templi mini- stris, aliam peregrinis et pauperibus, tertiam, quae minima, familiae usibus sibique impendebant partem. Nam scyphus aquae unicus, si eum inve- nerit homo in saeculo futuro, prae- [26] Cl^e ^im €t)aptn ^^^HE glorious Lady and ever YmL\C^ virgin Mary came forth from the fount of David. Joachim m the father of Mary, and Anna her mother, were a just pair in the city of Nazareth, and pleasing to God. Of their revenues, divided in three parts, they bestowed the first upon the temple and the ministers of the temple, another upon wayfarers and the poor, the third, which was the least, upon the family's needs and upon their own. For a single cup of water, if a man find it in the time to come, shall be more profitable and [^7] Evangelium Infanttae stantior et major cunctis divitiis hujus totius mundi, et locus pes unus in domo Patris major et excellentior omnibus opibus terrae. Attamen infecunda dolebat Anna conjux. Sola in horto conspiciens per laurum passeris nidum ubi pulli pipilabant, flevit, dicens, Omnipo- tens Domine, quo benevolente sunt avibus aviculi et piscibus pisciculi et anguibus anguiculi et feris catuli, famulae tuae inspice misericors in- felicitatem vacuae! Cui Angelus Domini, sole nitidior, apparuit, et [28] T'he Childhood of Christ greater than the entire riches of this whole world; and the space of one foot in the Father's house is greater and more excellent than all the goods of the earth. Nevertheless Anna the wife grieved, for she was barren. Alone in her garden, considering, in a bay- tree, a sparrow's nest where the young were chirping, she wept, say- ing. Almighty God, through whose good will the birds have little birds, and the fishes little fishes, and the serpents little serpents, and the wild beasts cubs, mercifully look down upon the misfortune of thine un- fruitful servant. And an angel of the Lord, more brilliant than the sun, [29] Evangelium Infantiae clamavit, Ne doleas, Anna, nam soboles tua in consiliis Dei aeternum vixit et quae ventre tuo exorietur super omnes mulierum filias usque ad ultimum saeculum expletum be- nedicetur filia. Et fuerat Angeli lumen. Igitur concepit Anna et filiam peperit quae Maria vocata est. Et eodem die omnes rubentes in campis et sentibus Israel albescerunt rosae, et trans coelum corvi albedine visi sunt columbina vestiti. [30] T'he Childhood of Christ appeared and cried aloud, Grieve not, Anna; for in the councils of God thy seed hath lived forever, and the daughter that shall come forth from thy womb shall be blessed above all the daughters of women, even unto the end of the last generation. And the light of the angel was not. Accordingly Anna conceived and brought forth a daughter who was called Mary. And on that same day all the red roses in the fields and the paths of Israel grew white; and in the sky crows were seen clothed with the whiteness of doves. [31] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^ecuntium* UM vix ablactatam in tem- plum earn attulerunt Joa- chim Annaque ut inter puel- las quae in laudibus Domini florent liliesceret virgo, ilia diva Maria cur- rendo et saltando quindecim altaris gradus ascendit. Nee retro conspi- ciebat nee parentes petebat more infantium; nam ad verum patrem aeternum Deum currebat parvulis- sima. Et Maria sicut columba educa- batur in sacro et e manibus Ange- lorum cibum accipiebat. Salutato- [3^] T'he Childhood of Christ HEN Joachim and Anna brought her to the temple, to grow up a virgin lily among the maidens that flower in the praises of the Lord, that divine Mary, though hardly v^eaned, went up the fifteen steps of the altar, run- ning and leaping. And she neither looked back nor sought her parents, as children are wont to do. For she ran to God the Eternal, her true father, while very young. And Mary was brought up like a dove in the sanctuary, and out of the hands of angels she received her Evangelium Infantiae ribus respondebat urbana piaque: Gratias agamus Deo! Inde homi- num Deo gratias respondere salu- tantibus in consuetudinem venit. Postea, cum adoluit Maria, ponti- fex Abiathar magnifica munera attu- litut filio Mariam sponsam obtineret. At Maria negans: Sicut lac aurei canthari in lutum effundi non solet nee allii spica misceri in turibulo, hand mihi licitum hominem cognos- cere vel ab homine cognosci. Sum nivis semita solis pedibus Dei. Tunc presbyter: Ecce Maria no- [34] T'he Childhood of Christ food. Courteous and devout, she made answer to those that saluted her, Let us give thanks to God! Thence it became a custom among men to answer those that saluted them, Thanks be to God! Thereafter, when Mary had grown in years, the high priest Abiathar brought magnificent presents to win Mary for his son to wife. But Mary denied him, saying, As it is not meet to pour milk from a golden goblet into the mire, nor to set a clove of garlic in a censer, it is not at all permitted me to know man or to be known of man. I am a path of snow for the feet of God alone. Then said the priest, Lo, [35] Evangelium Infantiae vum Dei adorandi modum instituit et virginitate gaudebit Dominus. Sed, quia quatuordecim annos expleverat,nonlicebatMariaelongius in sacro incolere, et, tempore advento justum eligendi cui virgo servanda traderetur, pontificibus placuit ut veniret quicumque sine sponsa vir, et in manu virgulam ferret. Quippe interrogatus responderat Deus: Ex una virgula evolabit ad coelum tur- turella et magistro virgulae e qua columba evolaverit servanda virgo Maria tradatur. T*he Childhood of Christ Mary hath set up a new manner of worshipping God, and the Lord shall rejoice in virginity. But since she had ended her four- teenth year, Mary might no longer dwell in the sanctuary; and the time having come to choose a just man to whom she should be given over to keep a virgin, it was pleasing to the priests that every man without a wife should draw near, and that he should bear in his hand a wand. For God, being questioned, had made answer. From one wand a young turtle-dove shall fly toward heaven, and to the master of the wand from which the dove hath flown, let Mary be given over to keep a virgin. [37] Evangelium Infantiae Inter juvenes Joseph viduus forte adiit, qui lignarius erat, et senex inopsque videbatur; et in manu virgulam portabat. Ecce erant apud altare ter mille virgulae, et ex nulla evolavit turtur. Idcirco, maximus presbyter Abiathar, postquam sacerdotalia ornamenta cum duodecim campanulis induit, in sacrum sacrorum intravit, et sacri- ficium obtulit, et Angelus Dei ap- paruit, dicens: Conspice banc mi- nimam virgulam quam sicut nihil intuitus es; ex ea manifestabitur sig- num. Et ilia virgula Joseph erat. Quia senex et miserabilis, non repetebat virgam, ne Mariam accipe- [38] T^he Childhood of Christ Among the men there came by chance Joseph, a widower who was a carpenter, and seemed old and poor; and in his hand he carried a wand. Lo, there were three thousand wands, and from none of them had flown a turtle-dove. Wherefore the high priest Abiathar, after he had put on the sacred ornaments with twelve bells, entered into the holy of holies, and offered sacrifice; and the angel of God appeared, saying, Consider this smallest wand which as naught thou hast regarded. From this shall the sign be made manifest. And that wand was Joseph's. Because he was old and wretched, he did not reclaim his wand, lest he [39] Evangelium Infantiae ret, Sed cum pontifex Abiathar clamavit: Venite et virgulas vestras recognoscite, Joseph, in corde ti- mens, manum tetendit ut virgam caperet, et e virgula evolavit tur- turella albissimis albior et venustate splendens quae sub tholis aliquando se libravit et evanuit in coelis. Tunc populus gratulatus est Jo- seph, at iste: Vetulus sum et filios habeo. Cur mihi datis istam juve- nem? Attamen accepit illam; et, cum ilia, quinque virgines ut essent in domo sicut Mariae sorores, Et vo- cabantur virgines Rebecca, Saphora, [40] T'he Childhood of Christ should receive Mary. But when the high priest Abiathar cried out, Come and claim your wands, Joseph, fearing in his heart, stretched out his hand to take the wand; and from the wand there flew a young turtle-dove, whiter than the whitest and resplendent with beauty; and it soared for a time beneath the vaults, and vanished in the heavens. Then the people congratulated Joseph; but he answered, I am an old man, and have sons. Why do ye give me this maiden? Never- theless he received her and with her five virgins, to be in his house . as sisters to Mary. And the virgins were called Rebecca, Sephora, Su- [41] Evangelium Infantiae Suzanna, Abigeia et Zahel. Quibus pontifices serica dederunt et linum et purpuram, ne otiosae manerent. Inter se sortitae sunt virgines quis unicuique foret labos et sors Mariam elegit ut purpuram texeret. Aliae virgines: Quomodo junior meruit purpuram? Et ridebant illam vir- ginum reginam. At Angelus, auro nitidior: Quod dixistis non risus, sed verum succedet. Et purpura repente manibus invisis texta fuit in humero virginis regale pallium, dum aves super [4^] The Childhood of Christ zanna, Albigeia and Zahel. And the priests gave them silk and linen and purple, that they might not re- main idle. The virgins drew lots among them- selves for what work should fall to each; and chance chose Mary to weave the purple. The other virgins asked one another, How hath the youngest deserved the purple? And laughingly they called her the queen of virgins. But an angel more bril- liant than gold said to them, What ye have said is no pleasantry, but in truth shall come to pass. And sud- denly the purple, woven by unseen hands, was a royal robe upon the Virgin's shoulders, while birds held [43] Evangelium Infantiae frontem ejus coronam sustinebant adamantinam stellis lucidiorem. Attamen Maria, inspiciens in via aliquam vetulam mendiculis indu- tam, exiit domo et vetulae dedit pallium. [44] T'he Childhood of Christ above her forehead a diamond crown brighter than the stars. Nevertheless Mary, seeing on the road a certain old woman clothed in rags, went forth from the house, and gave the old woman her robe. [45] Evangelium Infantiae Caput Certium* ^^gOSEPH, qui in Capharnao lignarius per sex menses la- ' boraverat, rediit ad domum suam. Et gravem vidit Mariam. Et gemuit: Domine, Domine, accipe spiritum meum, nam mihi melius mori quam vivere! Quomodo ante Deum me culpa purgarem ? Hanc virginem e templo Domini accepi, et virginem non servavi. Quis in domo mea facinus patravit et corru- pit virginem? Et Joseph de pera se attollens in quam se ejecerat, dixit Mariae: Vir- [46] T'he Childhood of Christ OSEPH, who had worked in Capharnaum as a carpenter for six months, returned to his house. And he saw that Mary was with child. And he moaned, Lord, Lord, receive my spirit; for it is better for me to die than to live! How may I purge myself of sin be- fore God ? I received this virgin out of the temple of the Lord, and I have not kept her a virgin. Who in my house hath committed the crime and sullied the virgin? And Joseph, rising up from the sack on which he had thrown himself, [47] Evangelium Infantiae go tanti pretii oculis Domini, quae cibum accipiebas e manibus angelo- rum, cur isto modo egisti? Tamen virgines quae cum Maria erant : Scimus nullus cognovit il- 1am; nam a Deo servata fuit nee domo exiit. Ipsa Maria plorans: Munda sum, nee hominem cognovi. Et Joseph dixit eae: Quomodo eve- nit ut gravis sis? Maria respondit: Vivat Dominus Deus meus! nescio quomodo istud factum est. Hoc audiens Joseph in animo volvebat an Mariam dimitteret. At [48] The Childhood of Christ said unto Mary, Virgin of so great worth in the eyes of the Lord, that thou hast received thy food out of the hands of the angels, why hast thou conducted thyself after this fashion? But the virgins who were with Mary said. We are certain that no man hath known her; for she has been kept of God, and she hath not gone forth out of the house. Mary herself said wailing, I am clean, and have known no man. And Joseph said unto her, How is it come to pass that thou art with child? Mary made answer. As the Lord my God liveth, I know not how this thing hath been done. Hearing this, Joseph debated in his mind whether he should put Mary [49] Evangelium hifantiae vox dulcissima: Ecce Patre et Spiri- tuSancto volentibusin ventre Mariae conceptus fui, aeternus Deus, salva- tor gentium et redemptor peccato- rum mundi. Et vox erat partus in materna vir- gine. Et in eodem tempore per sil- vas terrae et per desertos montes, omnes in integro ovo cecinerunt im- plumes aviculi et omnes in lateribus leaenarum fremuerunt suaviter ca- tuli. Tunc Joseph dixit Mariae: Pec- cavi, nam ad te adjunxi suspicionem. [50] "The Childhood of Christ away. But a very soft voice was heard saying, Lo, by the will of the Father and of the Holy Ghost I have been conceived in Mary's womb, Eternal God, Saviour of the Nations and Redeemer of the sins of the world. And it was the voice of the young child within the virgin mother. And at the same time, through the forests of the earth and through the desert mountains, all the featherless little birds in the unbroken eggs sang aloud, and within the flanks of the lioness- es all the cubs roared sweetly. Then Joseph said unto Mary, I have sinned, for I have cast suspicion upon thee. And after these things, [51] Rva?tgelium I?ifa?itiae Et postea nunquam ad sponsam vir- ginem incessit nisi sicut aram ventrem gravidum salutaret, in quo Deus se hominem faciebat. [5^-] T'he Childhood of Christ never did he draw nigh unto his vir- gin v^ife without saluting, like an al- tar, the pregnant womb in which God was making himself man. ui^. Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^uartum. N eo tempore, jussit Augus- tus imperator unumquemque inscribi in publicis tabulis na- talis civitatis; et cum filiis suis et Maria Joseph profectus est Bethleem. Et asinam straverat et Maria in asina sedebat. Joseph, respiciens, vidit Mariam dolentem et ait: Forte quod in ilia est vexat illam. Sed, iterum res- piciens, vidit Mariam ridentem etait: Cur modo doles nunc rides, Maria? Maria respondit: Quia oculis duos [54] 'The Childhood of Christ T that time the Emperor Au- gustus decreed that every man should be inscribed in the public archives of his native city; and Joseph, with his sons and with Mary, went forth to Bethlehem. And he had saddled an ass, and Mary was seated upon the ass. Joseph looking back, saw Mary grieving, and said. Perchance that which is within her grieveth her. But looking back once more, he saw Mary laughing, and said. How is it that thou dost grieve and again laugh, Mary? Mary answered: Because I [55] Evangelium Infantiae video populos, unum lacrymosum et gementem, alterum laetantem et in gaudio exultantem. Joseph dixit eae: Sede in asina, nee supervacua emitte verba. Tunc aquila quae caelum trans- volabat stetit alis apertis, et dixit Jo- seph: Cur supervacuum existimas quod Maria emittit de hisce duobus populis? Populum Israel lacrymo- sum vidit quia a Deo Domino suo secessit et Gentilium populum gau- dentem quia Deo Domino suo pro- pinquavit sicut patribus vestris pro- missum est Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, et tempus advenit ubi benedictio in fa- [S6] The Childhood of Christ see with mine eyes two peoples, one weeping and sighing, the other making merry and exulting in joy. Joseph said to her. Sit still upon the ass, and utter not empty words. Then an eagle that was flying across the sky stopped, with out- stretched wings, and said to Joseph, Why deemest thou empty what Mary hath uttered concerning these two peoples? The people Israel she saw weeping because they have de- parted from God their Lord, and the people of the Gentiles rejoicing, be- cause they have drawn nigh to the Lord their God, as was promised to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, Ja- cob: and the time cometh when His [57] Evangelium Infantiae milia Abraham se extendet in omnes gentes. Et aquila involavit ad di- vum solem. Sed Maria dixit Joseph: Submove me ab asina, quod est in me nimis urget. Et Joseph submovit illam ab asina et dixit: Quo te adducam, nam desertus est Elocus? t adduxit Ma- riam in speluncam tenebrosissimam in quam lumen coeli nunquam in- gressum est. Et Mariae filium suum reliquit ut custodiret illam, et Beth- leem petiit quaerens obstetricem. Et incedens vidit sistentem polum et fixas in aere nubes et stantes in [SB] "The Childhood of Christ blessing upon the tribe of Abraham shall stretch forth over all nations. And the eagle flew away to the di- vine sun. But Mary said to Joseph, Lift me down from the ass: that which is within me distresseth me greatly. And Joseph lifted her from the ass, and said. Whither shall I lead thee; for this place is desert? And he led Mary into a very shadowy cave into which the light of heaven had never entered. And he left his son with Mary to watch over, and he sought Bethlehem, asking for a mid- wife. And as he went, he saw the pole- star stopped, and the clouds fixed in [59] Evangeiium Infantiae coelo aves; et ventus tacebat. Pos- tea in terrain lumina vertens, vidit oUam pulpamentis plenam et opifi- ces sedentes, quorum manus in olla erant; sed jamjam manducaturi non manducabant et manibus extensis nihil capiebant, et omnes ad coelum oculos tenebant. Nee oves in campis vadebant, sed manebant immotae ; et, cum pastores super torpescentem gregem sublevabant pedum, manus eorum non se demittebant; et apud ilumen Joseph vidit hircos quorum barba aquam tangebat, at non bibe- bant hirci. Nam coelum et terra et omnes viventes expectabant. [60] "The Childhood of Christ the air, and the birds motionless in the sky; and the wind held its peace. Thereafter, turning his eyes to the earth, he saw a bowl full of meats, and laborers sitting whose hands were in the bowl, but on the point of eat- ing, they did not eat; and with their outstretched hands they took noth- ing, and all kept their eyes toward Heaven; and in the fields the sheep wandered not, but remained motion- less; and when the shepherds raised their staves over the dozing herd, their hands did not fall; and at a river, Joseph saw rams whose beards touched the water, but the rams drank not. For heaven and earth and all living things were waiting, [6i] Evangelium hifantiae Joseph regressus est ad speluncam, et cum eo veniebant duae obstetrices, una nomine Zelemi, altera nomine Salome. Et tota spelunca caelesti lumine splendebat, nam Maria jam genuerat puerum, et volitantesangeli Stellas et rosas effundebant in sinum Mariae in quo ridebat mirabilis in- fans. Et Stella ingens, a vespere usque ad mane, splendebat super spelun- cam; cujus magnitudo nunquam visa fuerat ab origine mundi. [6.] The Childhood of Christ Joseph returned to the cave; and with him came two midwives, one Zalemi by name, and the other Sa- lome. And the whole cave was re- splendant with heavenly light ; for Mary had already brought forth the boy, and flying angels scattered stars and roses on Mary's breast where the w^ondrous child lay laughing. And a burning star shone over the cave, from evening even unto morning; and never since the beginning of the w^orld had so great a star been seen. [63] Evangelium Infantiae Caput :©uintum* T ridebat divus puer in ulnis Mariae, et adorabant angeli, et pastores venere qui testas lactis portabant et florum herbarum- que fascicules; et dixerunt: Ecce agnus novellus, qui pastores mittet in pascua salutis, Et numerosus tumultus circa spe- luncam sonavit, sicut camelorum et servorum agitantium arma et salta- torum qui sufflant in tubas et sistrant vel cymbalizant. Nam ex ultimo [64] The Childhood of Christ ND the divine boy lay laugh- ing in Mary's arms; and the angels worshipped him; and there came shepherds carrying pots of milk and bunches of flowers and of herbs; and they said, Lo, the new- born lamb that shall lead the shep- herds into the pastures of salva- tion! And around the cave resounded a numerous tumult, as of camels and of servants shaking weapons and bells, and of dancers who blow in trum- pets and play on sistrums or cymbals. For forth from the farthest Orient the [65] Evangelium Infantiae Oriente orientes, accurrebant reges Magi quos duxit sideris signum. Et interrogabant : Ubi rex qui nobis natus est, ut eum adoremus ? Et divae Mariae munera obtulerunt, unus auri, alius thuris, et myrrhae ter- tius; sed unigenito dabant pupas se- rico vestitas et minimas diadematum imagines sceptraque minuta et thro- nes exiguos, ut eis crepundiis gaude- ret infans hominum dominus et diadematum, sceptrorum throno- rumque debellator. [66] The Childhood of Christ royal Magi were hastening, led by the sign of the star. And they asked: Where is the king who is born to us, that we may worship him ? And to the divine Mary they offered gifts, one of gold, another of frankincense, and the third of myrrh; but to the only begotten Son they gave dolls arrayed in silk, and very small images of diadems, and little sceptres and tiny thrones, that the child, lord of men and sub- duer of sceptres and thrones, might delight in these playthings. [67] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^ertum* TTAMEN, cum rex Hero- des audivit Filium Dei regem Judaeorum natum esse in spelunca apud Bethleem, jussitut in- terficerentur omnes novelli masculi in Bethleem et in vicinis. At Angelus Domini in somno Joseph apparuit, dicens: Accipe Mariam et Jesum et trans desertum abi ad terram Aegypti, Et profecti sunt. Advenerunt paulo ante noctem in locum intra duos montes, quem solis furibus dicebant hospitalem; et cum [68] The Childhood of Christ lEVERTHELESS, when He- rod the king heard that the Son of God, King of the Jews, was born in a cave at Bethlehem, he decreed that all newly born men- children, in Bethlehem and round about, should be slain. But the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in his sleep, saying. Take Mary and Jesus, and flee across the desert into the land of Egypt. And they departed. A little before night they came to a place, between two mountains, which men said was hospitable to robbers only. And there was a virgin with [69] Evangelium Infantiae Maria in asina sedente et in sinu fili- olum ferente, una virgo erat, et cum Joseph qui pedibus ibat tres juvenes erant. Intremuerunt peregrini propter famosum locum intra montes et du- bitabant an iter in tenebris seque- rentur. Tunc loquens Infans: Ne timeatis, nam contra fures nobis erit comitatus fortior regum praesidio. Et, in brachiis Virginis, puerili voce et labiis vixagitatis,imitatusestlevem garritum hirundinis quae hirundines ut veniant appellat. Non venerunt aviculi, sed e mon- [70] The Childhood of Christ Mary, who, seated upon an ass, was holding the little Son at her breast; and with Joseph, who went on foot, there were three young men. The wayfarers trembled because of this ill-famed place between the mountains, and they knew not whether they should continue their journey in the darkness. Then the child spake, saying. Be not afraid, for against robbers we shall have an escort stronger than a King's guard. And in his childish voice, and with lips hardly moving, he imitated, in the Virgin's arms, the light note of swans calling other swans to draw near. No birds drew near; but forth [71] Evangelium Infantiae tium speluncis et nigris sentibus orti, et latrantes et frementes et atrocem gulam aperientes, lupi, leones dra- conesque qui oculis flammas ejicie- bant. Et tremuerant Joseph et Maria et juvenes qui cum eo erant et virgo qui cum ea erat. Sed bestiis arrisit Infans et dixit illis: Adorate Domi- num Coeli, qui estis in terra, lupi, leones draconesque. Et adoraverunt ilium. Et intra montes sequebantur peregrinos ne fures eos vexarent, et intermisceban- tur amici bovibus et asinis et ovibus etiam quos Maria et Joseph secum [72] T'he Childhood of Christ from mountain caves and black paths, barkingand roaring and opening their frightful mouths, came wolves, lions and dragons, that darted flames from their eyes. And Joseph and Mary quaked, and the young men that were with him, and the virgin that was with her. But the child smiled upon the beasts, and said to them. Worship the Lord of Heaven, ye wolves, lions, and dragons that are upon earth. And they worshipped him. And they followed the wayfarers between the mou n tains, lest robbers should vex them; and they mingled in friendly wise with the cows and the asses and the sheep also, which Joseph and Mary had led forth with them out of their [73] Evangelium Infantiae e terra patriae adduxerant; nee no- cebant feroces teneris et lea ubera praebuit agnellae cujus mater prop- ter viae laborem occiderat. Hoc modo perfectum est quod propheta nuntiaverat: Lupi pascent in agnorum pascuis; bos et leo ejus- dem coenae socii erunt. Vero,tertio die itineris, Maria lan- guebat in deserto propter majorem solis ardorem, et aspiciens palmam, dixit Joseph: Sistamus, homo, si pla- cet, sub illius arboris umbra. Joseph duxit illam sub umbram et, ex asina descensa, Maria, sedens in herbis, [74] The Childhood of Christ own country; and the wild beasts did no hurt to the tender ones, and a lioness offered her teats to a lamb whose mother had died from the pains of the road. Thus was fulfilled what theprophet had made known: Wolves shall browse in the sheep's pastures: the ox and the lion shall sup together. Now, on the third day of their journey, Mary languished in the des- ert because of the sun's extreme heat; and seeing a palm, she said to Joseph, If it please thee, husband, let us halt in the shadow of this tree. Joseph led her into the shadow; and when she had come down from the ass, and was seated on the ground, Mary saw the [75] Evangelium Infantiae aspexit palmae culmen quod fructi- bus grave erat et ait: Utinam unum e fructibus illis manducare possem! At Joseph: Cur, ir go, talia locuta es, cum istius palmae in alto aere rami vacillant? Mihi est urgentior cura, nam nee in vasibus nee in utri- bus manet aquae gutta et nescio quomodo se explebitur sitis nostra. Haec audiens Jesus infans qui in sinu Virginis Mariae ridebat, locutus est palmae: Arbor, incurva ramos et fructibus tuis satia matrem meam. Statim palma incurvavit culmen suum usque ad Mariae pedes; et om- nes manducaverunt fructus. At palma [76] T'he Childhood of Christ top of the palm heavy with fruit, and she said, Would that I might eat of one of those fruits. But Joseph asked of her. Why, Virgin, dost thou say such things,when the branches of that palm wave high in the air? I have a more pressing trouble, for neither in the pitchers nor in the skins is a drop of water left, and I know not how our thirst may be quenched. Hearing these things, the child Jesus, who lay laughing on the Virgin Mary's breast, said to the palm. Bend down thy branches, tree, and content my mother with thy fruits. Straightway the palm bent down its top even unto Mary's feet; and all ate of its fruit. But the palm re- [77] Evangelium Infantiae incurvata manebat, exspectans, ut se erigeret, vocem Domini. Et Jesus: Subleva te, palma,et so- cia esto mearum arborum quae sunt in Paradiso patris mei; sed e radici- bus tuis surgat fons in terra abscon- dita ut aqua sit nobis qua nostra sitis expleatur. Et se levavit palma, et, se solo evellens, evolavit, ramis sicut alis extensis, ad Coelum Domini. Et ex cavis ubi fuere radices exsilierunt et fluerunt fontes quorum aqua cla- rior erat liquido adamante et dulcior melle monticolarum apium. [78] The Childhood of Christ mained bent, waiting for the voice of the Lord before raising itself up. And Jesus said, Lift thyself up, palm, and be a companion to my trees which are in my Father's Para- dise; but from thy roots let a spring, hidden in the earth, flow forth, that we may have water wherewith our thirst may be quenched. And the palm lifted itself up, and tore itself from the soil, and with its branches spread like wings, flew away to the Lord's heaven. And from the hollow where the roots had been, springs leapt forth and flowed; and their water was clearer than liquid dia- monds, and sweeter than the honey of mountain bees. [79] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^epttmum* lOSTEA ingressi sunt in ur- bem famosissimam divitiis incolarum et palatiorum splendore. Et Infante volente, lupi, leones draconesque per desertum eva- sere ne cives terrerent; nam magna pars ignorant quantum sit dulcitu- dinis in ferarum animis. Et in hacce civitate erat eo tem- pore aliqua mulier daemoniaca, quam fugiebant pueri, feminae ho- mines etiamque. Olim cum, nocte ascendente,aquam hauriebat e puteo [80] The Childhood of Christ FTER these things they en- tered into a city very famous for the riches of its inhabi- tants and the splendor of its palaces. And by the Child's will, the wolves, lions and dragons fled away through the desert, lest they should frighten the citizens; for many know not how y much gentleness dwells in the souls of wild beasts. And at that time there was in the city a certain woman possessed of a devil; and boys and women fled from her, and men also. Once while at twi- light she was drawing water from her [8i] Evangelium Infanttae horti, nomini Domini maledixerat quia situlus de manibus ceciderat; et malus Spiritus in earn sese immi- serat per OS apertum; et nunc furiosa vagabatur per urbem, damans, bra- chia torquens, crinibus erectis, et nudam carnem propriis dentibus la- cerans. Nee in domo habitabat, et vincu- lis evadebat, et per vias errabat et nunquam sedebat, nisi in coemeteriis super petram sepulturarum; et non- nulli viderunt eam sub luna juxta tumulos violatos sese pascentem tabe quae inhaeret recentium mortuorum ossibus. [8a] The Childhood of Christ garden well, she had blasphemed the name of the Lord, because the pail had slipped from her hands; and an evil spirit had dashed into her by her open mouth; and now, with hair on end, she roved furiously through the city, crying aloud, waving her arms, and tearing her bare flesh with her own teeth. And she dwelt not in any house; and she escaped from chains, and wandered through the streets, and never rested, save on tombstones in graveyards; and some saw her by moonlight, near violated tombs, sat- ing herself with the foulness which clings to the bones of men not long dead. [83] Evangelium Infantiae Cum istam daemoniacam vidisset, Virgo Maria miserta est et filio dixit: Quoniam bestias montium subjicis, filiole mi, cur non istam daemoniacam mulierem placares ? Et subrisit Jesus dicens : Fiat volun tas tua, virgo mater; voca vesanam feminam et me tenerum in ejus bra- chia impone ut sanescat. At mater tremuit. Tunc Jesus: Dolorosa Dei genitrix, innumerabilia mala propter me tibi promissa sunt; et flebis et lugebis et videbis crucifixum corpus [84] The Childhood of Christ When she had seen this woman possessed of a devil, the Virgin Mary took pity on her, and said to her son, Since thou makest the beasts of the mountain subject to thee, my little son, why dost thou not pacify this woman possessed of a devil? And Jesus smiled, saying. Thy will be done. Virgin Mother; call this wild woman, and tender as I am, place me in her arms, that she may be healed. But his mother trembled. Then said Jesus, Sorrowful mother of God, numberless ills are promised thee because of me; and thou shalt weep and mourn, and this body born of thee, thou shalt see crucified. Be- come acquainted already with peril [B5] Evangelium Infantiae nati tui; jam periculum et terrorem et tristitiam disce, mater mea! Et filiolo obedivit Maria Virgo. In furiosae brachia daemoniacae In- fantem imposuit pallida et tremens. Et mulier Jesum corripuit sicut tigris orygem et gaudens fremebat. At parvis digitis Jesus daemoniacae frontem blanditus est et basio oculos ejus lente delibavit. Statim furiosa subrisit infanti et pax erat in ilia et ex ore operto ut Dominum laudaret evasit malus spiritus in-formae porci aligeri, et [86] The Childhood of Christ and with terror and with anguish, my mother! And the Virgin Mary obeyed her little son. Pale and trembling, she placed the Child in the wild arms of the woman possessed of a devil. And the woman seized on Jesus as a tiger on a gazelle, and she roared rejoicing. And Jesus with his lit- tle fingers caressed the forehead of the woman possessed of a devil, and slowly he touched her eyes with a kiss. Straightway the furious woman smiled on the Child, and within her was peace; and from her mouth, as she opened it to praise the Lord, the evil spirit escaped in the shape of a [87] Evangelium Infantiae clamabat: Vaemihi! Vae mihi prop- ter te, Maria, et propter filium tuum. Attamen salvata mulier rediit in domum suam et vestes induit et di- cebat civibus: Filius Dei a me dae- monem evulsit sicut hortulanus e solo malam herbam rejicit; et flos salutis in me floret dulcis et aeter- nus. Quod audientes, veniebant ad puerum daemoniaci et infirmi et paralytici ut sani fierent. At puer respondebat: Quoniam, Filius Dei, infans sum adhuc, matri obedio et [88] T^he Childhood of Christ winged pig, and it cried out, Woe is me, woe is me, Mary, because of thee and of thy Son! Nevertheless the woman that was saved returned into her house, and put on her garments, and said ta the citizens, The Son of God hath torn the demon from out of me as a gardener casts out weeds from the soil; and the flower of salva- tion blooms within me, sweet and eternal. And hearing this thing, men pos- sessed of devils, and the halt, and the stricken came to the Boy to be made whole. But the Boy answered. Since I, the Son of God, am as yet a child, I am obedient to my mother, and I [B9] Evangelium Infantiae sanabo quos volet sanatos esse. Et omnes sanabantur, nam bona Virgo volebat. [90] T'he Childhood of Christ will make whole those whom she wills shall be made whole. And all were made whole, for the kind Vir- gin willed it. [91] Evangelium Infantiae Caput €)ctabum^ T fama erat per totam gen- tem divi infantis qui aegros sanabat et daemoniacos libe- rabat; et advenerunt Jesus et Maria cum Joseph in urbe vicina in qua cives festum agitabant propter nup- tias regis. Nam puellam divitissimam et venustissimam rex uxorem elege- rat. Et illam vehementer diligebat. At cum ad thalamum eam duxisset et cum ilia loqui coepissit, ut mos est amantium, sponsa sponso non [9^] ET STATIM MUTA LOCUTA EST. AND STRAIGHTWAY THE DUMB SPAKE. The Childhood of Christ ND the fame of the Divine Child who healed the sick and delivered them that were possessed of devils went forth through the whole nation; and Jesus and Mary, with Joseph, came to a neighboring city where the citizens were holding a feast because of their King's wedding. For the King had chosen as his wife a very rich and beautiful maiden, and was greatly in- clined toward her. But when he had led her to the bed-chamber and had begun to talk with her after the manner of lovers, the wife made no Evangelium Infantiae respondit quia muta facta erat. Et rex sese conflictabat quod sibi caram vocem non licebat audire; et male- ficio daemonis muta erat uxor. Vero mulier serva dixit regi: Cur non Jesum infantem Dei filium ad te vocas ut sanet uxorem tuam? Et placuit regi Jesum vocare; et voca- tus apparuit infans in ulnis Mariae. At eum videns, rex flebiliter risit: Quomodo isto puello tenero in sinu matris fortes propellere fas esset dae- mones, et qua potestate verbum mu- tis daret? [96] The Childhood of Christ answer to her husband, for she had been struck dumb. And the King was greatly troubled because he might not hear her beloved voice; and it was through an ill deed of the devil that his spouse was dumb. Now, a serving woman said to the King, Why dost thou not call unto thee the child Jesus, Son of God, to make thy wife whole ? And it pleased the King to call Jesus; and the Child, when he was called, appeared in Mary's arms. But seeing him, the King mocked mournfully. How should it be possible for this tender child at his mother's breast to drive out strong devils : and by what power should he give speech to the dumb? [97] Evangelium Infantiae Apud thalamum autem aviarium erat in quo volitabant pipilabantque multi aviculi; et cum ad eos Jesus dextram porrexisset, aviculi statim, vocem humanam mittentes, coeper- untcanere laudes miraculosi infantis, dicentes: Ecce filium Dei animarum aucupem, qui animas capit ut ex aviario peccati ad salutem evolent! Et Jesus regi locutus est: Nonne mutis vocem reddet qui verbum de- dit avibus? Tunc rex credidit in ilium; et Jesus: Die quod verbum primo ex [98] The Childhood of Christ Near the bedroom, moreover, was a bird-cage wherein many small birds were flying and chirping; and when Jesus stretched out unto them his right hand, the birds, giving utter- ance straightway with human voices, began to sing the praises of the mirac- ulous child, saying, Behold the Son of God, snarer of souls, who taketh souls that they may fly from the cage of sin unto salvation! And Jesus said to the King, Shall He not give back utterance to the dumb, who hath given speech to birds ? Then the King believed in him: and Jesus said. Speak, What word chooseth thou to hear first from thy [99] Evangelium Infantiae ore uxoris audire optes? Rex respon- dit: Quod verbum e carissimo ore conjugis primo audire optarem, nisi nomen meum amatorie prolatum? At divus infans ira incensus: Vae tibi qui nomen Domini patris mei ex muto ore primo audire non op- tavisti! Et muta manebit conjux nee unquam tibi amatorie loquetur. Et frustra rex flevit, manus supplices porrigens, et oculi infantis flammas fulgure terribiliores ejiciebant; et erat sub tecto sicut incendium. At Virgo Maria flentis miserta: [lOO] T*he Childhood of Christ wife's mouth? The King answered, What word should I choose to hear first from my spouse's very dear mouth saving my own name uttered lovingly? But the Divine Child, burning with anger, answered him, Woe unto thee who didst not choose to hear first from the mouth of the dumb, the name of the Lord my Father! And dumb shall thy wife re- main, nor shall she ever talk lovingly to thee. And the King wept in vain, stretching out his hands in supplica- tion; and the Child's eyes shot out flames more terrible than lighting; and beneath the roof it was as if there were fire. But the Virgin Mary, taking pity [lOl] Evangelium Infantiae Cur, filiole, tantam iram contra huncce hominem ostendis? mos est amantium amatorium verbum uxoris qualicumque verbo anteponere; et subrisit eis Dominus misericors. Et Jesus: Fiat voluntus tua, mater, in qua est cor dulce. Et statim muta locuta est, dicens nomen conjugis. Et in scalis regiae domus, servi et servae qui sequebantur Jesum in bracchiis Mariae discedentem, inter sedicebant: Ecce filium Domini Dei quo sponsae amatoria verba profe- runt in thalamo nuptiarum. [102] "The Childhood of Christ on him that wept, asked, Why little son, showest thou such anger against this man ? It is the wont of lovers to prefer a loving word from their wives to all other words whatsoever; and our merciful Lord smiles upon them. And Jesus answered,Thy will bedone, mother, whose heart is gentle. And straightway the dumb spake, saying her husband's name. And on the stairways of the royal dwelling, the men-servants and the maid-servants, who followed Jesus as he went down in Mary's arms, said among themselves, Lo, the Son of the Lord God, through whom wives pronounce loving words in the wedding bed-chamber! [103] Evangelium Infanttae Caput il^onum* ERSAEPE, dum vel in her- bis viae vel sub hospitali tecto agricolae vel in regum palatiis dormitabant Maria et Joseph, non dormitabat Jesus infans; et de gremio matris sese amotens, per campos aut sylvas ibat, oblectatus nunc luce cicendularum intra folia, nunc lusciniolarum cantu, nunc fon- tis susurro in rupe decliva. Et quadam nocte sub luna sede- bat; et tres angeli e coelo descende- [104] CAaiOX SCHWAgE ''''lf,7T'-^'''^#f ALTER ALTERO SICUT PILAS SIDERA JACIEBAT. 1 ) Mwm ONE TO ANOTHER THEY THREW, LIKE BALLS, THE STARS OF THE FIRMAMENT. The Childhood of Christ HERY often, while Mary and Joseph were sleeping either in the grass on the road, or under the roof of an hospitable farmer, or in the palaces of kings, the Child Jesus did not sleep; and leaving his mother's lap, went through the fields or the woods, de- lighted, now by the light of the fire- flies among the leaves, now by the song of the nightingales, now by the murmur of waters on a steep rock. And on a certain night he sat be- neath the moon; and three angels came down from heaven; and they [107] Evangelium Infantiae runt; et cum Jesu infante, infantes ipsi, loquebantur et jocabantur ut mos est puellorum. At eis crepundia erant quae non sunt terrestrium filiolis; nam alter altero sicut pilas sidera jaciebat quae e firmamento attulerant angeli aut sese quatuor manibus apprehenden- tes salatorium orbem vertebant; aut jocum agebant plumas angelicarum alarum numerare, et pretium joci, numerante Jesu, erat cui nullam plumam in iteribus per coelos aut stellarum flamma cesserat aut ami- serat ventis abyssi. At inter jocos Jesus interrogans: [io8] "The Childhood of Christ themselves children, they talked and played with the Child Jesus after the manner of young children. But they had playthings which the little sons of men have not; for one to another they threw, like balls, stars which the angels had brought from the firmament; or taking each other all four by the hand, they turned in a dancing circle; or they played the game of counting the feathers in their angelic wings; and when Jesus counted, the prize in the game was his, who on his journey through the heavens had burnt in the flame of the stars, or dropped in the winds of the abyss, no single feather. But between the games Jesus asked [109] Evangelium Infantiae Quomodo Pater meus dum in me partitus et totus humane puerascit, in regno coeli mecum toto et partito divine viget ? Et qualem sortem coe- lestium et terrestrium in Filio hu- manus, in Patre divinus, cogitat aeternus in duobus Spiritus sanctus? At, modo ludi, ita loquebatur; scie- bat enim aeterne quodcumque fuit erat eritique Pater, Filius et Spiritus in uno. Et docebat angelos: Regnabat olim in longinqua regione rex potens sapiensque cui providentissimus minister erat et dilectissimus filius. Et filius abiit ut per gentes longe [no] T^he Childhood of Christ them, While my father, divided and yet whole, waxeth humanly in me a boy, how, one and yet divided, can He flourish with me divinely in the kingdom of heaven ? And what fate for things celestial and terrestrial doth the Holy Ghost, human in the Son, divine in the Father, meditate in both eternal? But it was in sport that he so spake; for Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in one. He knew eternally whatever had been, was, and shall be. And he taught the angels, saying, There reigned once, in a far coun- try, a wise and mighty King who had a minister of great foresight and a very dear son. And the son went forth to journey far and wide among [III] Evangelium Infantiae lateque peregrinaretur. Et dicebant regis amici: Sine dubio magna tristi- tia torquetur genitor quoniam uni- genitus abiit et nescimus qua ratione illi permisit iter. At pater non dole- bat splendens in pace gloriae suae et juxta thronum providens minister sedebat contentus. Et terris ubi filius peregrinabatur venerunt nuntii tristiores casus nuntiantes; inops et infirmis divitibus praepotentibusque invisus languebat sicut per inimicos natus regis; et soli ei coenam offere- bant qui panem vix habebant et soli The Childhood of Christ the nations. And the King's friends said, Without doubt the father will be tormented with grief because his his only begotten son hath gone hence, and we know not for what reason he hath granted him this journey. Yet the father mourned not, resplendent in his glory's peace. And hard by his throne the minis- ter of great foresight sat well con- tented. And from the lands where his son was journeying came messen- gers, bearing grievous news; poor and weak, hateful to the rich and most mighty, the King's son was languishing as if among enemies; and those only offered him meat who hardly had bread; and those Evangeltum Infantiae ei hospitium praebebant quibus domus sine tecto erat, et soli eum defendebant qui nemine defende- bantur. Regis amici dicebant: Malae res regi nuntiantur. At pater non dolebat, splendens in pace gloriae suae et juxta thronum providens minister sedebat contentus. Et terris ubi filius peregrinabatur venerunt nuntii tristiores casus nuntiantes. Judices sicut furem et maleficum filium regis condemnaverant, et in carcerem ejecerant, et ab ipsis deser- tus qui nuper eum amabant seque- banturque, nihil habebat nisi mortem The Childhood of Christ only proffered him hospitality whose houses were roofless; and those only defended him who by no man were defended. The King's friends said, 111 tidings are brought to the King. Yet the father mourned not, res- plendent in his glory's peace; and hard by his throne the minister of great foresight sat well contented. And from the lands where the son was journeying came messengers bringing more grievous news. Judges had condemned the King's son as a robber and evil doer, and had thrown him into prison; and aban- doned by even those that had lately loved and followed him, he had naught to hope for saving death. [115] Evangelium Infantiae quod speraret. Regis amici dixerunt: Res pejores reginuntiantur. At pater non dolebat, splendens in pace gloriae suae, et juxta thronum provi- dens minister sedebat contentus. Et terris ubi filius peregrinabatur vene- runt nuntii tristissimos casus nun- tiantes. Regis filius, virgis verberatus et lapidibus, per clamores populi, omnibus cruciatibus laceratus, ulti- ma tandem supplicia subiverat. Regis amici dixerunt: Pessimae res regi nuntiantur. At pater in sublimitate gloriae suae gaudebat et exultabat, et providens minister cum magnificis verbis celebrabat sortem expletam. "The Childhood of Christ The King's friends said, More evil tidings are brought to the King. Yet the father mourned not, resplendent in his glory's peace; and hard by his throne the minister of great fore- sight sat well contented. And from the lands where the son was jour- neying, came messengers bearing most grievous news. The King's son, smitten with wands and with stones and torn by all torments, had suf- fered the final punishment. The King's friends said. Most evil tidings are brought to the King. Yet the father rejoiced and exulted in the sublimity of his glory, and the min- ister of great foresight celebrated, in magnificent words, the fulfilment Evangelium Infantiae Et inter se regni incolae: Nonne sunt insani qui talibus calamitatibus tanta intemperantia laetantur? Sed die nova e terris ubi late et longe peregrinatus erat rediit filius, et au- reum diadema erat in fronte ejus. Et purpura ornabat ilium et scep- trum pretiosissimis gemmis factum per aera attollebat, et cum filio venie- bant cantantes et saltantes, et laudes suas furiose clamantes, omnes totius orbis principes et potentes et divites et servi et pauperes etiam et cuncti viventes a filio adducti ingredieban- tur in regnum patris. [ii8] The Childhood of Christ of fate. And the inhabitants of the kingdom said one to another, Are they not mad, who so immoderately rejoice in such calamities? But on the morrow the son came again from the lands where he had journeyed far and wide, and upon his brow was a diadem of gold. And he was adorned with purple, and he held in the air a scepter made of very pre- cious stones; and singing and danc- ing and furiously crying aloud his praise there came with the son all the princes of the whole world, and the mighty and the rich and the slaves and the poor also; and all men living, led by the son, entered into the father's kingdom. Evangelium Infantiae Et Jesus infans dixit angelis: Rex potens sapiensque Pater meus est qui est in coelis et providens minister Spiritus sanctus est. Et Patris sum Filius qui morte resurgens omnes gentes in regnum coeli congregabo. Et Jesus angelique jocos repetie- runt, et alter altero sicut pilas jacie- bat sidera firmamenti. [120] T'he Childhood of Christ And the Child Jesus said to the angels, The wise and mighty King is my Father which is in heaven, and the minister of great foresight is the Holy Ghost. And the Father's Son am I, who, in rising again from death, shall gather all nations together in- to the kingdom of heaven. And Jesus and the angels began again their games; and they threw one to another, like balls, the stars of the firmament. [i2i] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ?©ec(mum^ T venierunt peregrini ad sy- comorum quae nunc Matarea dictur; et totus circa arbo- rem vacuus erat campus; nee messes nee flores in hocce loco terra affere- bat. At cum ad sycomorum incederunt Maria et Jesus quos Joseph sequeba- tur, sol ardebat nimium; divus puer in arena recubuit, sudans propter nimium solis ardorem; odorans hu- mor fluebat a membris dormientis; et nunc ilia regio balsamis abundat, gratia sudoris Nostri Domini Dei. [122] The Childhood of Christ ND the travellers came unto a sycamore which now is 3 called Matarea; and about the tree the whole field was barren; in this place the earth bore neither harvests nor flowers. But as Mary and Jesus, whom Jo- seph was following, drew nigh unto the sycamore, the sun was exceed- ing hot. The Divine Boy lay down upon the sand, sweating because of the sun's exceeding heat. As he slept, a perfumed humor flowed from his limbs; and now that region abounds in balsam, thanks to the sweat of Our Lord God. [123] Evangelium Infantiae Caput aintiecimum* ROXIMA die, e isto loco abierunt; cumiiseratpuella, quam Jesus lepra sanaverat; in vicinia civitatis viderunt tres mu- lieres, quae in sepulchrum lacrymas multas profundebant. Aspiciens eas, Maria dixit puellae: Roga mulierum nomen et doloris causam. Interrogantinon respondere at interrogaverunt ipsae dicentes: Qui estis alienigeni? etundeetquo? Nam dies jam cecidit et nox fit. [124] The Childhood of Christ HE next day they departed from that place. With them was a maiden whom Jesus had healed of leprosy. In the neigh- borhood of the city they saw three women shedding many tears in a sepulchre. Perceiving them, Mary said to the maiden, Ask the women's name and the cause of their grief. When she questioned them they made no answer, but themselves asked ques- tions, saying. Who are ye, strangers, and whence come ye, and whither do ye go? For the day hath died Evangelium Infantiae Puella respbndit: Peregrinos videtis et quaerimus deversorium ut in tuto pernoctemus. Illae autem: Nobis- cum venite et pernoctate apud nos. Peregrini secuti sunt mulieres, et ingressi sunt in domum novam, spa- tiosam et diversis supellectilibus or- natam; et cum intrasset puella in cubiculum mulierum, illae adhuc dolebant flebantque. Et apud eas stabat mulus aureo operimento ob- tectus et tintinnabulis ornatus; et pabulum propeeum in faliscis argenti et eboris spragebatur; et mulieres lacrymosae osculabantur mulum. Tunc puella: O dominae, quam [126] The Childhood of Christ already, and night draweth nigh. The maiden answered, We are travellers that ye behold, and we seek an hos- telry that we may pass the night in safety. Then said they, Come withus, and pass the night among us. The wayfarers followed the wo- men, and entered into a house, new, spacious and adorned with divers fur- nishings; and as the maiden entered into the women's chamber, they still grieved and wept. And hard by them stood a mule, covered with a golden saddle-cloth and adorned with bells; and fodder was spread near him in bins of silver and ivory; and the tear- ful women kissed the mule. Then said the maiden, Oh my [127] Evangelium Infantiae pulcher apparet iste mulus! Et re- tulerunt: Mulus quern vides est fra- ter noster, matre nostra natus; pessima incantatrix quam uxorem ducere noluerat, maleficiis experta, formosum juvenem in istam bestiae formam vertit. Et nos causa fraterni amoris lamentamur; et corde tristi ad patris tumulum imus et super tu- mulum flemus; et deinde, semper flentes, redimus apud fratrem mulum. Cum puella ista verba audisset: Macte, dominae! nam malo vestro vicinum est remedium; leprosa fui; at quum vidissem hancVirginem Mariam et hunc Puerum Jesum, cum [-8] T'he Childhood of Christ ladies, how beautiful is this mule ! And they answered, The mule which thou seest is our brother, born of our mother; a most evil enchant- ress whom he would not take to wife, being practised in ill deeds, hath changed the fair young man into the form of that beast. And we, because of our sisterly love, lament; and with a heavy heart we go to our father's tomb; and thereafter, ever weeping, we return to the mule, our brother. When the maiden had heard these words, she said to them. Take courage, my ladies ! for the cure for your trouble is at hand. I was a leper; but when I saw this Virgin Mary and this Boy Jesus, while the Evangelium Infantiae aqua fluissit super corpus meum, in qua Virgo Puerum laverat, mundata sum. Tunc mulieres ad Mariam curren- tes dixerunt: O Maria, domina nos- tra, miserere servarum tuarum, nam principe orba est nostra familia et non patrem nee fratrem habemus qui prae nobis vel intret vel exeat. Istum mulum vides fratrem nostrum quem in mulum vertit incantatrix. Ergo te precamur utnostrimiserearis. Et Virgo miserta est et posuit Jesum in dorsum muli et dixit: Euh! filiole mi, age novum miraculum et mulus fiat homo qualis ante erat. Statim in virum rediit et pulcher- [130] The Childhood of Christ water in which the Virgin had washed the Boy flowed over my bodv, I was cleansed. Then running to Mary, the women said, O Mary, our lady, take pity on thy servants; for our family is bereft of its head, and we have no father nor brother to come in or go out before us. Thou seest this mule, our brother, whom an enchantress hath turned into a mule. Therefore we pray thee, take pity on us. And the Virgin took pity on them, and placed Jesus upon the mule's back, and said, Ah ! my little son, perform a new miracle, and let the mule be made man, as he was aforetime. Straightway he turned again into [131] Evangelium Infantiae rimus erat et nulla in illo deformi- tas. Et mulieres adorabant Virginem Mariam et brachiis tollentes divum Puerum laetabantur et vociferabant: Beatissimo mater tua, o Jesu Deo nate, salvator mundi! et puellus si- milis es soli novo qui jam vix oriens tenebras propulsat. Deinde dixerunt: Quoniam frater noster recuperavit naturalem imagi- nem, Domino volente, et hacce puella suadente, decet, credimus, fratrem nostrum uxorem hancce pu- ellam ducere. Et juvenis, puellam uxorem duxit. The Childhood of Christ a man, and he was very fair, and in him was no blemish. And the women worshipped the Virgin Mary, and bearing in their arms the Divine Boy, they were glad, and cried aloud. Most blessed is thy mother, Jesus, Son of God, Sa- viour of the world! and thou art a young child like the dawning sun, which, though hardly risen, already driveth away the darkness. Thereafter they said, Since our brother hath regained his natural semblance by God's will and through this maiden's counsel, we deem it fitting that our brother should take this maiden to wife. And the young man took the [ m ] Evangelium Infantiae Et fuerunt usque ad noctem in domo festi cantus et saltationes et nuptialis coena vinis et cibis copiosa. Et divus Puer per laetantes voces, subridens in ulnis Virginis, insusurravit ad au- rem ejus: Juvenis, in mulum versus, nemo est nisi populus Israel, usque ad vilem bestiam peccato abjectus, dum leprosa puella gentilium turba erat idolarum cultu immunda; at ego populum Israel in primam in- nocentiam restituam et gentilium turbam idolis sanabo et conjugaliter laetificabuntur in domo Patris mei. [134] The Childhood of Christ maiden to wife. And even until night there were songs of holiday in the house, and dances and a marriage supper abounding in wines and meats. And in the midst of glad voices the Divine Boy, smiling in the Virgin's arms, whispered in her ear, The young man, turned into a mule, is none other than the people Israel, brought down by sin even unto a vile beast; the maiden, while a leper, was the crowd of gentiles uncleansed from the service of idols; but I will again establish the people Israel in their first innocence, and the crowd of the gentiles will I heal of their idols, and as husband and wife they shall be glad together in my Father's house. Evangelium Infantiae Caput J^uoOectmum* N hacce urbe, vivebant duae mulieres ejusdem hominis sponsae. Et una Sephora vo- cabatur et alia Kaljufa. Et Kaljufa sterilis detestabatur Sephoram quae filium pepererat. Quodam die Se- phora ut farinam quaererat reliquit natum suum prope furnum ardentem et cum rediit vidit puerum in furno. At furnus exstinctus erat ne infanti focus nocerat. Sephora conjectavit inimicam suam istud facinus tentavis- se et ad Mariam Virginem accurit et [^36] The Childhood of Christ N this city lived two women, wives to the same man. And one was called Sephora and the other Kaljufa. And Kaljufa, who was sterile, hated Sephora who had borne a son. On a certain day Se- phora left her child near a burning furnace, that she might go in search of flour; and when she returned she saw the boy in the furnace. But the furnace had gone out, lest the fire should harm the child. Sephora divined that her enemy had essayed this crime, and she ran to the Vir- gin Mary, and made the thing known [137] Evangelium Infantiae rem nuntiavit. Tunc Virgo: Tace quod actum est, nam tibi metuo pejorem casum nisi taceas. Post aliquas dies, improba Kaljufa puteum petens ut aquam hauriret vidit filium rivalis jocantem prope puteum et sola corripuit infantem et eum ejecit in puteum et fugit. At quidam caementarii, in huncce locum adventi ut aquam haurirent,viderunt filium Sephorae, qui sedebat intac- tus in aqua et funibus eum e puteo attraxerunt. Sephora conjectavit ini- micam suam istud facinus tentavisse et ad Virginem Mariam accurit et [138] T^he Childhood of Christ to her. Then said the Virgin, Be si- lent concerning that which hath passed; for I fear for thee a worse chance unless thou art silent. After a few days the wicked Kal- jufa, seeking the well to draw water, saw her rival's son playing near the well; and being alone, she seized the child, and threw him into the well, and fled. But certain masons, who came to that place to draw water, saw Sephora's son sitting un- hurt upon the water; and they pulled him out of the water with cords. Sephora divined that her enemy had essayed this crime, and she ran to the Virgin Mary, and made the thing known to her. Then [139] Evangelium Infantiae rem nuntiavit. Tunc Virgo: Tace quod actum est, nam tibi metuo pejorem casum nisi taceas. Sed, haec audiens Jesus : Qui ma- lum fecit malum patietur; et postera die, Kaljufa ad puteum rediens pedes per funes irretivit et cecidit in puteum et clamati succurrentes viderunt ca- put ejus petris conquassatum. Et sic prophetae verbum expletum est: Pu- teum foderunt et terram in altum ejecerunt, at in fossam cecidere quam paraverant. Tunc Virgo Maria divo Infanti [140] The Childhood of Christ said the Virgin, Be silent concerning that which hath passed; for I fear a worse chance for thee unless thou art silent. But hearing these things, Jesus said, He that hath done evil shall suffer evil. And the next day, Kal- jufa returning to the well, entangled her feet in the cords, and fell into the well; and those that hurried to her when she cried out saw that her head was crushed against the stones. And thus was fulfilled the word of theprophet: They have digged a well, and thrown up earth on high; but they are fallen into the ditch which they have prepared. Then said the Virgin Mary to the [HI] Evangelium Infantiae locuta est: Cur bonus, filiole mi, hancce mulierem tarn severiter pu- nisti? At Jesus: Qui Patre meo ma- ledixit, si paeniteat, absolvebitur; qui fratrem occidit, si paeniteat, absolvebitur; qui fratris uxorem adulteravit, si paeniteat, absolvebi- tur; qui pecudes aut messes aut pecuniam vicini surripuit, si paeni- teat, absolvebitur: at qui puero no- cuit sive tantum nocere tentavit, paeniteat vel non paeniteat, non ab- solvebitur. [h^] The Childhood of Christ Divine Child, Being kind, my little boy, why hast thou so severely pu- nished this w^oman? But Jesus an- swered. Whoso hath blasphemed my Father, if he repent, shall be for- given; whoso hath led his brother's wife into adultery, if he repent, shall be forgiven; whoso hath stolen herds or harvests or money from his neigh- bor, if he repent, shall be forgiven ; but whoso hath harmed a child or hath attempted to harm him, whether he repent or repent not, shall not be forgiven. i^\2L Evangelmm Infantiae Caput Ccrtiumtiecimum* T decebat Puerum jam pati qui vir ultra virorum vires patieretur; etquadamnocte per desertum, bovibus et ovibus amissis, et utribus aquae vacuis, sub arena et vento errabant peregrini. Et nox nigra et terribilis erat; et fame et siti et afflictione torti geme- bant nescientes qui auxiliarentur eos. In tenebris stabat arbor et Jesus dixit: In banc arborem ascendam ut videam si aliquis fenestra vel lon- [H4] The Childhood of Christ lUT it was meet that the boy should already suffer who, as a man, was to suffer be- yond the power of men; and on a certain night, the cows and sheep being lost, and the skins empty of water, the travellers wandered in sand and wind. And the night was black and terrible; and tormented with hunger and thirst and afflic- tion, they moaned, knowing not who should succor them. In the darkness stood a tree, and Jesus said, I will climb up into this tree to see whether any window is shin- [H5] Evangelium Infantiae ginque vel propinque in umbra lu- ceat. Et in arborem ascendit et Maria divo Infanti: Nonne vides lucere fenestram domi? At Jesus respondit: Solam video noctem. Post momen- tum Maria rursus ait: Nonne domi fenestram lucere vides? Tunc Jesus retulit: Video minimum lumen lon- ginquissime, at dubito an sit stellae per nubes sive fenestrae. Et ad lumen perrexerunt. Et lux domi erat, et, cum ante domum ad- veniere, Joseph pugno januam pul- [146] The Childhood of Christ ing far or near in the darkness. And he climbed up into the tree, and Mary asked the Divine Child, Dost thou not see the window of a house shining? But Jesus answered, I see the night only. After a moment Ma- ry said once more. Dost thou not see the window of a house shining? Then Jesus made answer, I see an exceeding small light afar off, and I know not whether it be from a star in the clouds or from a window. And they went forward to the light. And the light was from a house; and when they were come before the house, Joseph smote on the door with his fist; and when the [147] Evangelium Infantiae savit et, janua aperta, quaedam vetula apparuit, lampadem ferens. Et Maria dixit: Domina, permitte nos in domo tua dormire usque ad solem novum, nam ventus nos lace- rat et arena nos ardet et sumus sine tecto nee via, senex et mulier et bimulus infans. At vetula: Fugite, fugite, miseri, nam conjux mens qui Titus vocatur terribilior et atrocior est omnibus furibuslatronibusque; et gaudet oc- cisis peregrinisquos spoliavit. Fugite, fugite, nam stat in coenacula et, si audieret vestram vocem, malum vobis adveniret. [148] The Childhood of Christ door was opened, there appeared a certain old woman bearing a lamp. And Mary said, Lady, grant us to sleep in thine house even unto the dawning of the sun; for the wind teareth us and the sand burneth us, and we are without road or shelter — an old man and a woman and a child of two years. But the old woman answered, Flee, flee, unhappy ones: for my hus- band, who is called Titus, is more ter- rible and fierce than all other robbers and thieves, and he rejoiceth over the slain wayfarers that he hath despoiled. Flee, flee; for he standeth in the dining-chamber; and if he hear your voice, harm will come to you. [149] Evangelium Infantiae Et his verbis vix dictis, apparuit ipse Titus, ore niger, crinibus hirsu- tus, et vociferans sicut leones fremunt et operiens in horrida barba minacem gulam bestiae, et dixit: Fortunatam noctem quae peregrines istos in meam domum duxit et eos nudabo et eos verberabo, et, si prandium quod me paravit mulier non mihi gratum est, forsan carne illius homi- nis aut meliore illius virginis famem meam satiabo. Et tremebant pere- grini. At, quum furiosus fur divum In- fantem vidisset,venustum etdebilem, [150] T^he Childhood of Christ And hardly had she said these words, when Titus himself appeared, black of face, hair on end, and cry- ing out as lions roar, and opening behind his bristling beard the threatening mouth of a beast; and he said, '^Fortunate is the night, which hath led these travellers into mine house, and I will strip them, and I will scourge them, and if the meal which this woman hath pre- pared for me pleaseth me not, per- chance on the flesh of this man or the more goodly flesh of this virgin, will I satisfy my hunger. And the travellers trembled. But when the furious robber had seen the Divine Child, so comely [151] Rvangelium Infantiae dulcitudo in sua tota facie sese efFu- sit et oculi sui boni erant; et os benignum ridebat in barba et ait: Venite, senex et virgo, intrate in domum meam et coenate et dormite et nihil nisi bonum vobis faciam et nullam mercedem rogabo nisi ali- quantulo hunc puerum totis homi- num filiis amoeniorem et jucundio- rem super mea genua tenere et una vice ilium osculari, si barbam non timet, Et ingressi sunt; et coenavere et dormierunt; et fur, luminibus caritate emollitis, mirabatur parvu- lum et tenerum hospitem. Sole novo, cum peregrini Titum [152] The Childhood of Christ and helpless, gentleness spread over his whole face, and his eyes were kind, and a friendly mouth laughed within his beard, and he said, Come, old man and virgin, enter into my house, and sup and sleep ; and I will do you nothing but good; and I will ask no recompense unless to hold for a little time upon my knees this Boy, who is more lovable and delightful than all the sons of men, and to kiss him once, if he fear not my beard. And they entered; and they supped and they slept: and the robber, his eyes softened with chari- ty, marvelled at his young and tender guest. At dawn, when the travellers had Evangelium Infantiae salutaverunt et jam iter perseque- bantur, fur stans in limine portae dolebat et lugebat et lacrymabat quod nunquam puellum revideret. At Jesus, ad eum caput vertens, dixit in osculo digitis misso: Tite, terribilis omnibus et mihi infanti dulcis, tu me revidebis, tibi dice in nomine Patris mei. Et post multos annos, Titus fuit bonus latro in cruce dex- tera. [154] The Childhood of Christ taken leave of Titus and were already continuing their journey, the robber standing on the threshold of his door, grieved and moaned and wept, be- cause he should never again behold the young child. But Jesus, turning his head toward him, said, while throwing a kiss with his fingers, Ti- tus, terrible to all men and gentle to me a child, thou shalt again be- hold me. I say it to thee in my Father's name. And after many years, Titus was the good thief on the cross at his right hand. Uss^ Rvangelium Infantiae Caput :©uartumtiecimum* T peregrini pergebant ad ter- rain Aegypti; et longo iti- nere cruciati, dolebant sine pane nee aqua nee tecto. Joseph divo Infanti dixit: Cur non in nave trans aequor viam quaerimus ad ter- ram Aegypti? Nam ecce pedes post tantos passus sanguinem mittunt. At Jesus: Ne timeas, Joseph; iter coarc- tabo et quam per triginta dies viam non expleres in una perages. [156] The Childhood of Christ ND the wayfarers went for- ward toward the land of Egypt: and being torment- ed by the long journey, they suf- fered without bread or water or shelter. Joseph said to the Divine Child, Why do we not seek our way in a ship across the water to the land of Egypt? For after so many steps, behold our feet are bleeding. But Jesus answered. Fear not, Joseph; I will shorten the road, and a road that in thirty days thou couldst not have accomplished, thou shalt finish in one. [157] Evangelium Infantiae Quum adhuc loquebatur, viderunt montes et urbes Aegypti et gauden- tes ingressi sunt in civitatem quae Sotina dicebatur. Neminem cognos- centes qui eos hospites acciperat in- traverunt in templum quod incolae hujusce regionis Capitoliumnomina- bant. Et in hoc templo in acropodiis vel auri vel argenti stabant innume- rabiles idolae, capita taurorum aut leonum erigentes et rubentes gemmas loco oculorum in marmore faciei ha- bentes. Et cum beata Maria cum filio apud altare incessit, innumera- biles idolae trementes et titubantes ad solum sese projecerunt in terribli [158] The Childhood of Christ While he yet spake, they saw the mountains and towns of Egypt, and they entered rejoicing into a city which was called Sotina. Knowing no man who should receive them as guests, they went into a temple which the inhabitants of this region named the Capitol. And in this temple there stood on pedestals of gold or silver, numberless idols bear- ing bulls' or lions' heads, and having, in their marble faces, glowing gems in place of eyes. And when the bless- ed Mary went forward with her Son toward the altar, the numberless idols threw themselves trembling and stag- gering in a terrible tumult to the Evangelium Infantiae tumultu; et prostratae manebant propter Puellum. Per totam terram Aegypti fama fuit deorum marmoreorum qui In- fantem adoraverant; et timuit in palatio Pharao in se cogitans : Forsan iste puer qui Judaea ortus est similis erit antique Judaeo qui Aegyptum plagis afBixit et per quern liberati servi e nostra terra exierunt. His cogi- tatis, jussit puerum cum matre prae se adduci. Cum Jesus infans in regiam aedem ingressus est, multitude satellitum formidandis armis armatorum thro- [i6o] The Childhood of Christ ground; and they remained pros- trate before the young Child. Throughout the whole land of Egypt the fame went forth of the marble gods that had worshipped the Child. And Pharaoh in his pal- ace was afraid, considering within himself, Perchance this boy, which is come up out of Judea, will be like the Jew of old who afflicted Egypt with plagues, and through whom our slaves went forth free out of our land. After considering these things, he ordained that the boy and his mother should be led before him. When the Child Jesus had come into the royal dwelling, a multitude of courtiers, armed with formidable [i6i] Evangelium Infantiae numcircumdabant et in gradis throni quatuor dracones miraculosi custo- des gulis oculisque flammas emitte- bant. At Infans non timuit et draconum jubam parvulis digitis blandiebatur sicut puerorum mos est cum familiaribus catulis jocare. Tunc Pharao: Nonne es infans quern Filium Dei dicunt et ad pedes cujus sese projiciunt numina mar- morea, similis isto antique Mosi qui hocce regnum cruciavit spoliavitque? Sine dubio contra nos fers iram et crudelis Domini vindicationem. [162] The Childhood of Christ weapons, surrounded the throne, and on the steps of the throne, four drag- ons, its miraculous guard, flashed flames from their mouths and eyes. But the Child was not afraid, and with his little fingers he stroked the dragons' manes, as is the wont of boys playing with little household dogs. Then said Pharaoh, Child, whom men call the Son of God, and at whose feet the marble gods threw themselves down, art thou not like that Moses of old, who tormented this kingdom and despoiled it? With- outdoubt thou bringest anger against us, and the vengeance of a cruel Lord. [163] Evangelium Infantiae At Jesus, qui in manu tollebat stipitem lilii, respondit amoeno ore subridens: Post Mosem, in nomine Patris et Spiritus Sancti incedo,velut sol novus post noctem; et in nocte siderum lux erat, at non diei lumen; nee iram nee vindicationem fero, at caritatem et peccatorum redemptio- nem; et regiones, per quas transeo, similes factae sunt horto nuper arido ubi urticae spinaeque in rosas florent tristium oculis gratas vel in fructus maturant salutares siti miserorum. [164] The Childhood of Christ But Jesus, who bore in his hand the stem of a lily, answered, with a smile on his lovable mouth. In the name of the Father and the Holy Ghost, I come after Moses like dawn after the night; and in the night was the brightness of stars, but not the light of day. I bring neither anger nor vengeance, but charity and the salvation of sinners; and the regions through which I pass are made like a once arid garden where nettles and thistles flower with roses grateful to the eyes of the sorrowful, or ripen with fruits refreshing to the thirst of the unhappy. [165] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^umtumDectmum* T Pharao non apposuit cor; et quia malus daemon in eo erat, ut Jesus tentaretur, dixit Jesu : Sane ilium stipitem quem in manu habes ad fluminis aquam incurvabis et vertetur aqua in san- guinem, Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris, cui est cor dulce, ad fluminis aquam in- curvavit stipitem et in lac praedulce versa est; et in ripis Aegyptii gaude- bant praedulce lac bibere. [i66] JESUS MANUM SUAM EXTENDIT SUPER FLUVIOS JESUS INCLINED THE STEM TOWARD THE WATERS OF THE RIVER The Childhood of Christ |UT Pharaoh laid this not to heart; and because an evil spirit was in him, he said to Jesus, to tempt him, Surely that stem which thou holdest in thine hand, thou wilt incline it toward the river, and the waters shall be turned to blood. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart isgentle, inclined the stem toward the waters of the river; and they were turned to very sweet milk; and on the banks, the Egyptians rejoiced in drinking this very sweet milk. [169] Evangeltum Infantiae Nee Pharao apposuit eor, et dixit Jesu: Sane extendes manum tuam super iluvios et paludes et educes ranas super terram Aegypti. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris, cui est cor dulce, manum suam extendit super iluvios et paludes et pisces in- numeri ex aqua salierunt et sponte sua sese in retes omnium piscatorum ejecerunt; et magna fuit laetitia in tota regione quia pauperrimis famen satiare licuit. Nee Pharao etiam hac vice cor apposuit, et dixit Jesu: Sane hunc [170] 'The Childhood of Christ And Pharaoh laid not this to heart, and he said to Jesus, Surely thou wilt stretch forth thine hand over the riv- ers and ponds, and thou vi^ilt cause frogs to come up over the land of Egypt. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, stretched forth his hand over the rivers and ponds: and numberless fishes leaped out of the water, and threw themselves of their own accord into the nets of all the fishermen; and there was great gladness in the whole region, because even the poor- est might satisfy their hunger. And this time also Pharaoh laid it not to heart; and he said to Jesus, [171] Evangelium Infantiae stipitem ad pulverem flectes et erunt scinifes in universa terra Aegypti. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui est cor dulce, stipitem flexit ad pul- verem et pulvis versa est in inexpu- tabiliasemina quae ventis sparsa totos campos fecundarunt; et fructibus et oleribus et messibus ditandi laeta- bantur agricolae. Induratumque est cor Pharaonis, et dixit Jesu: Sane ecce immittes in me et in servos meos et in popu- lum meum et in domos meas omne [172] The Childhood of Christ Surely thou wilt bend this stem toward the dust, and there shall be lice throughout all the land of Egypt. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, bent the stem toward the dust, and the dust was turned to countless seeds which, when the winds had scattered them, made all the fields fertile; and the husbandmen, enriched with fruits and herbs and crops, were exceeding glad. And Pharaoh's heart was hard- ened, and he said to Jesus, Lo, surely thou wilt send upon me and upon my servants, and upon my people, and upon mine houses, all kinds of [173] Evangelium Infantiae genus muscarum et implebuntur domus Aegyptiorum muscis diversi generis et universa terra. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui est cor dulce, infinites populos ali- gerous apium ex omnibus partibus coeli evocavit; et implerunt agros Aegyptietuniversae terrae et alvearia instruxerunt; et homines sese delec- tabant tanta copia mellis. Et ingravatum est cor Pharaonis, et dixit Jesu: Sane ecce manus tua erit super agros meos; et super equos et asinos et camelos et boves et oves pestis valde gravis. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui [174] The Childhood of Christ flies, and the houses of the Egyptians and all the earth shall be filled with divers kinds of flies. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, called from all parts of heaven the endless winged peoples of the bees, and they filled the fields of Egypt and of all the earth; and they built hives; and men were delighted at such an abun- dance of honey. And Pharaoh's heart grew heavy, and he said to Jesus, Lo, surely thine hand shall be over my fields; and upon my horses and asses and cam- els and cattle and sheep shall be a very grievous murrain. Now Jesus, in the arms of his [^75] Evangelium Infantiae est cor dulce, porrexit manum super agros; et statim in praesepiis stabu- lisque omnes equae et asinae et ca- melae et vaccae et oves vel non graves sicut graves pepererunt et fuit pe- cuariis fons abondans divitiarum. Et ingravatum adhuc cor Pharao- nis, et dixit Jesu: Sane tolles plenas manus cineris camini et sparges ilium in coelum coram me, eritque cinis super omnem terramAegypti; erunt- que in hominibus et jumentis ulcera [176] The Childhood of Christ mother, whose heart is gentle, stretched forth his hand over the fields: and straightway, in the barns and stables, all the mares and she- asses and camels and cows and sheep, even those that were not with young, brought forth as if they had been with young; and for the herds- man it was a plenteous fountain of riches. And still Pharaoh's heart was heavy, and he said to Jesus, Surely thou wilt take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and thou wilt sprinkle them toward heaven in my sight, and there shall be ashes over all the land of Egypt; and upon men and beasts of burden there shall be boils and [177] Evangelium Infantiae et vesicae turgentes, in universa terra Aegypti. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui est cor dulce, sustulit manus cineris plenas camini et sparsit ilium in coe- lum coram Pharaonem et vix cinis tetigerat eos cum omnes homines jumentaque ulceribus vel vesicis aegri sanati sunt; et gratias agebant muli Aegyptiipropter semetipsos bes- tiasque mundatos. Induratumque magis et magis cor Pharaonis, et dixit Jesu: Extendes manum tuam in coelo et fiet super herbas arboresque talis grando qua- [178] The Childhood of Christ breaking blains throughout all the land of Egypt. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, took handfuls of ashes from the furnace, and sprinkled it toward heaven in the sight of Pharaoh; and hardly had the ashes touched them when all men and beasts of burden that had been sick with boils or with blains were healed; and many Egyptians gave thanks that themselves and their beasts were made clean. And Pharaoh's heart was hard- ened more and more, and he said to Jesus, Surely thou wilt stretch forth thine hand toward heaven ; and upon the herbs and trees, smiting their [179] Evangelium Infantiae tiens flores et poma et omne lignum regionis confringens qualis ante nun- quam apparuit in universa terra Aegypti. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui est cor dulce, extendit stipitem in coelum et Dominus dedit grandinem ac discurrentia fulgura super terram; sed vix grando tetigerat herbas et arbores turn quisque grandinis globu- lus ad quamque festuculam in rosam et ad quemque ramum in fructum versus est ita ut nunquam ver tantos rosas nee autumnus tantos fructus habuerit et discurrentibus fulguribus aperti montes et campi superbas quercus et frondosasulmosemiserunt [i8o] The Childhood of Christ flowers and fruits, and breaking every tree of the country, there shall be a hail such as never before hath ap- peared in all the land of Egypt. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, stretched forth the stem toward heaven, and the. Lord sent hail and thunderbolts running upon the earth; but hardly had the hail touched the plants and trees, when at every lit- tle leaf each hailstone was turned into a rose, and at every branch into fruit, so that never a spring had seen so many roses, nor autumn so much fruit; and the mountains and fields, tilled by the running thunderbolts, brought forth superb oaks and leafy [i8i] Evangelium Infantiae et vigens immensaque silva terram Aegypti adumbravit. Et ingravatum est cor Pharaonis et induratum nimis, et dixit Jesu: Sane extendes manum tuam super terram Aegypti ad locustas ut ascen- dant super earn et devorabunt gra- men omne quo vescuntur armenta. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui est cor dulce, extendit stipitem super terram Aegypti et ex Oriente venie- runt innumerabiles aves, quae super armenta volitarunt, in luce nitidae plumis et jucunde canentes dum pe- [182] "The Childhood of Christ elms, and a thriving and great forest overshadowed the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh's heart was heavy and hardened beyond measure, and he said to Jesus, Surely thou wilt stretch forth thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon it; and they shall eat all the grass on which our herds pasture. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, stretched forth the stem over the land of Egypt, and from the east came countless birds which flew over the herds, their feathers brilliant in the light and they singing happily, while [183] Evangelium Infantiae cudes pascebantur pinguius et sapi- dius gramen. Nee minus induratum est cor Pha- raonis, et dixit Jesu: Sane extendes manum tuam in coelum et erunt tenebrae super terram Aegypti tarn densae ut palpari queant. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui est cor dulce, extendit manum in coelum et aperto firmamento ita re- lucens splendensque ruit lumen e pa- radisic ut homines crederent usque ad hancce diem per tenebras vixisse et erat sicut magnificentia div solis prima vice super terram orientis. [184] The Childhood of Christ the flocks browsed upon thicker and more savory grass. And Pharaoh's heart was hard- ened none the less, and he said to Jesus, Surely thou wilt stretch out thine hand toward heaven, and there shall be a darkness over the land of Egypt, so thick that it may be felt. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, stretched out his hand toward heaven, and the firmament being opened, a light burst forth, so radiant and re- splendent that men thought they had lived in darkness even unto that day; and it was like the magnificence of a divine sun dawning upon the earth for the first time. [i8s] Evangelium Infantiae Induratum autem cor Pharaonis, et dixit Jesu : Sane maledices Aegyp- to et morietur omnis primogenitus in terra Aegyptiorum a primogenito meo qui sedet in solio meo usque ad primogenitum ancillae quae est ad molam. Eritque clamor magnus in universe Aegypto genitorum ge- nitriciumque. Vero Jesus, in brachiis matris cui est cor dulce, benedixit Aegyptum et omnes pueri qui intra terram mor- tui dormiebant, e terra surrexerunt viventes et ridentes et fuit magnus clamor gaudentium et exultantium [i86] The Childhood of Christ Pharaoh's heart moreover was hardened, and he said to Jesus, Sure- ly thou wilt curse Egypt, and all the first-born of the land of Egypt shall die, from my first-born who sitteth on my chair of state, even unto the first-born of the maid-servant that is at the mill. And there shall be a great cry from fathers and mothers throughout all Egypt. Now Jesus, in the arms of his mother, whose heart is gentle, blessed Egypt; and all the boys that slept dead within the earth rose up from the earth alive and laughing, and in Egypt there was a great cry of rejoic- ing and exulting from fathers and Evangelium Infantiae in Aegypto genitorum genitricium- que. Et Jesus ait: Nam sum Vita. Tunc e Pharaone evasit malus spi- ritus in forma tenebrosae aquilae et fugit cum furiosis vociferationibus et disparuit; nam Mors erat. Et Pharao prostratus et satellites rejicientes arma et dracones lenitis gulis et oculis adoraverunt Jesum In- fantem Dei Filium in brachiis Mariae cui est cor dulce. [i88] The Childhood of Christ mothers. And Jesus said, For I am Life. Then the evil spirit escaped from out of Pharaoh in the form of a dark eagle, and fled away with furious clamorings, and disappeared; for he was Death. And Pharaoh falling on his face, and his courtiers casting away their arms, and the dragons with their mouths and eyes softened, worshipped the Child Jesus, the Son of God, in the arms of his mother whose heart is gentle. [189] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^eytumtiecimum* TTAMEN post tres annos, Maria et Joseph cum Jesu liquerunt Aegyptum ut fo- ret expletum verbum prophetae: Vo- cavi filium meum de Aegypto. At quum ad Judaeum prope ac- cesserunt, Joseph dubitavit an in patriam regrediretur; nam dixerunt ei Herodem mortuum esse et filium ejus Archelaum in throno sedere. Sed Angelus Domini Joseph apparuit et dixit: O Joseph, intra in urbem [190] The Childhood of Christ lEVERTHELESS, after three years, Mary and Joseph de- parted with Jesus out of Egypt, that the word of the prophet might be fulfilled, From Egypt have I called my Son. Yet as they drew nigh unto Judea, Joseph questioned within himself whether he should return into his own country; for he had heard that Herod was dead, and that his son Archelaus was seated upon the throne. But the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, and said, O Joseph, enter into the town of Nazareth, and dwell C191] Evangelium Infantiae Nazareth et in ilia urbe habita cum ma-tre et filio. Dubitabat adhuc Joseph, quia cru- deliorem Herode Archelaum formi- dabat. Puer autem ait: Quid refert Patri meo malus malo pejor? Quos vult devincere quiqui sint evincit, Et Jesus monstravit Joseph vepreculam siccis spinis hirsutam et ait : Aude- resne trans istam vepreculam ince- dere ? Joseph respondit : Auderem, nam siccis spinis ista veprecula mihi nocere non posset. Tunc Jesus mon- stravit Joseph vepreculam vivis viri- dibusque spinis horridam et ait: Au- [192] The Childhood of Christ in that town with the mother and her son. Still Joseph questioned within himself, for he dreaded Archelaus as more cruel than Herod. But the Boy said, What matters to my Father an evil man worse than an evil man? Those whom he wills to vanquish, whosoever they be, he vanquisheth. And Jesus showed Joseph a little brier-bush,hairy with withered thorns, and said, Wouldst thou dare to pass through this little brier-bush? Jo- seph answered, I would, for with its dry thorns, this little brier-bush could do me no hurt. Then Jesus showed Joseph a little brier-bush bristling with green and living thorns, and said, [193] Evangeltum Infantiae deresne trans istam vepreculam incedere ? Joseph respondit : Non auderem nam vigentibus spinis ista veprecula mihi valde noceret. Jesus autem ignem fecit sub veprecula et foco torsae virides spinae ceciderunt et in cinerem evanuerunt et divus Infans : Credisne iram patris mei mi- nus fortiorem cantra formidabilissi- mum regum quam ilamma in spinam urticae. Et intellexit Joseph et in urbem ingressi sunt. [194] The Childhood of Christ Would'st thou dare to pass through this brier-bush? Joseph answered, That would I not, for with its living thorns, this little brier-bush would do me much hurt. But Jesus made a fire beneath the little brier-bush; and twisted in the flame, the green thorns died and vanished into ashes; and the Divine Child said, Thinkest thou the wrath of my Father less strong against the most formidable of kings than flame upon the thorn of a nettle? And Joseph understood, and they entered into the city. [195] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^eptimumtiecimum^ jv^^JUADAM die, Jesus infans, ^^^i qui in eo tempore quinquen- nis erat, jocabat in npa flu- minis cum pluribus puellis; et isti profundebant in parvulis sulcis aquam quam intra manus ceperant. Et divo' Puero non necesse erat in manu aquam capere, quippe signo aqua velut sponse sua veniebat in sulcum quem foderat, Et terra aquae mixta finxit aves et ilia dies erat dies Sabbati. Aliquis Judaeus vidit quod Jesus [196] The Childhood of Christ IN a certain day the Child Jesus, who was then five years of age, played on a riv- er bank with several young children; and these poured into little ditches water which they had taken up be- tween their hands. And the Divine Boy had no need to take up the wa- ter in his hands, for at a sign from him the water came of its own ac- cord into the ditch that he had digged. And he fashioned birds of earth mixed with water, and that day was the Sabbath day. A certain Jew saw what Jesus did; [197] Evangelium Infantiae agebat et ad Joseph accurrens dixit ei: Ecce tuus filius jocans in ripa fluminis, et finxit aves terra aquae mixta et Sabbatum violavit. Joseph venit ergo ad ripam ubi In- fans cum aliis pueris ludo indulge- bat et videns sua vice quod fecerat Jesus clamavit: Cur agis quod nefas? Cur die Sabbati laboras in jocis? Et primo Jesus non respondit et habebat in manus aves quas finxerat. Rursus Joseph: Cur agis quod nefas, male pusio? Cur die Sabbati laboras? Nee [198] The Childhood of Christ and hastening to Joseph, said to him, Behold thy son playing on the river bank, and of earth mixed with water he hath fashioned birds, and he hath broken the Sabbath. Joseph came therefore to the bank where the Child was joining in games with other boys, and seeing in turn what Jesus had done, he cried out. Why doest thou a forbidden thing? Why dost thou work in playing on the Sabbath day? And Jesus an- swered not at first; and he had in his hands the birds that he had fash- ioned. Joseph said again, Why doest thou a forbidden thing, evil wretch? Why dost thou do work on the Sab- bath day? And Jesus answered not, [199] Evangelium Infantiae respondit Jesus et novas aves terra aquae mixta intra digitos fingebat. Ira incensus, Joseph brachium sus- tulit ut inobedientem puerum casti- garet. At Jesus, bile mota, caput sublevavit et pede solum pulsavit et terra factas aves in aer furiosus ejecit. Et aves levibus alis evolaverunt in Coelum Domini. [ 200] The Childhood of Christ and between his fingers he fashioned new birds of earth mixed with water. Burning with anger, Joseph raised his arm to chastise the unyielding Boy. But Jesus, moved to wrath, lifted up his head, and stamped upon the ground with his foot, and the birds made of earth he threw furious- ly in the air. And the birds flew, with outstretched wings, into the Heaven of our Lord. [201] Evangelium Infantiae Caput flDctabumDectmum* N quadam civitate dolebat ma- ter cujus filius trimulus dae- moniacus erat; et in illo ve- hementer furebat Satanas et iste miserabilis infans quosquos videbat mordere tentabat et, cum solus erat, mordebat proprias manus suas et brachia et, proclinatus, pedes. Hujusce pueri mater, audiens quod dicebatur de Maria et Jesu, ad eos perrexit, daemoniacum contra se tenens. Et forte cum intravit in [ 202 ] The Childhood of Christ N a certain city mourned a mother whose three-year-old son was possessed of a devil; and Satan raged vehemently within him; and this unhappy child sought to bite whomsoever he saw, and when he was alone, he bit his own hands and his arms and, stooping, his feet also. When the mother of this boy heard what was said concerning Mary and Jesus, she went unto them, holding against herself the child possessed of a devil. And as she entered into the inn where the divine wayfarers had [203] Evangelium Infantiae diversorium, in quo pernoctaverant diviperegrini, Jesus in lecto dormie- bat. Quem videns, furiosus puer cla- mavit horribili voce et manus por- rexit et atroces dentes monstravit; et, si mater sua non coercuisset eum, Jesum devoravisset. Tamen Virgo Maria non depulit daemoniacum et ad filiolum suum sese incurvans: Quoniam tibi cedunt daemones,dae- monem expulsa e corpore istius pu- elli. Vero Jesus dormiebat nee e som- no suscitabatur. Maria rursus ait : Quoniam tibi cedunt daemones, dae- monem expulsa e corpore istius pu- [204] The Childhood of Christ passed the night, Jesus by chance was in his bed asleep. Seeing him, the furious boy cried out in a terrible voice, and stretched forth his hands, and showed his fierce teeth; and he would have devoured Jesus if his mother had not restrained him. Yet the Virgin Mary rejected not this boy possessed of a devil, and bending down to her little son, she said to him. Since the devils are sub- ject to thee, drive the devil from the body of this young child. Now Jesus slept, nor was he roused from sleep. Mary said again. Since the devils are subject to thee, drive forth the devil from the body of this young child. [205] Evangelium Infantiae elli. At Jesus semper dormiebat nee e somno suscitatus est. Tunc mater daemoniaci cum mi- serabili puero abiit; sola vice Jesus matri dolorosae remedium negave- rat; et daemon manuit in corpore trimuli infantis et nunquam ex isto corpore evasit ut res perficierentur secundum prophetias. Nam ille puer nominabatur Judas. [206] The Childhood of Christ But Jesus slept on, nor was he aroused from sleep. Then the mother of the child pos- sessed of a devil departed with the miserable boy. Once only Jesus had denied relief to a sorrowing mother; and the devil abode in the body of the three-year-old child, and never did he depart from out that body, that all things might be accomplished according to the prophecies. For that boy was named Judas. [207] Evangelium Infantiae Caput l^onumtiecimum* LIAdie,in menseAdar, Jesus pueros congregavit et eos or- dinavit ita ut rex eorum es- set; et vestes in solo extenderunt ut in textis sederet et in frontem ejus florum coronam posuerunt et, sicut satellites qui regem circumdant, dex- tra sinistraque stabant reverenter. Et si quidam subveniebant, pueri ilium apprehendebant et dicebant : Veni et saluta regem ut tibi sit iter fortu- natum. Tunc subvenerunt homines qui [208] The Childhood of Christ NOTHERday,in the month of Adar, Jesus gathered boys together, and placed them in order as if he had been their king; and they spread out their garments on the ground, that he might be seated upon stuffs; and upon his brow they put a crown of flowers; and as courtiers surround a king, they stood reverently on his right hand and on his left. And if any man passed that way the boys caught him, and said. Come and hail the King, that thy journey may prosper thee. Then there passed that way men [ 209 ] Evangelium Infantiae ferebant adolescentulum in lectica. Iste adolescentulus iverat per mon- tem cum sodalibus ut lignum colli- geret et, invento nido perdicis, ma- num injecit credens ova capere. At serpens qui se in nido absconderat momordit ilium. Et nunc moribun- dus in lectica ad urbem ferebatur. Pueri, qui Dominum Jesum sicut regem circumdabant, occurrerunt lecticariis, dicentes: Venite et salutate regem. Et Jesus ipse appropinquavit, interrogans cur adolescentulum por- tarent. Et responderunt serpentem ilium momordisse, et tunc Dominus [210] The Childhood of Christ who were bearing a youth upon a litter. This little youth had gone with friends over a mountain to gath- er wood; and coming upon a part- ridge nest, he had thrust in his hand, thinking to take out eggs. But a ser- pent which had hidden itself in the nest stung him. And now, nigh unto death, he was brought to the town upon a litter. The boys who surrounded the Lord Jesus as their king, ran to the litter- bearers, saying. Come and hail the King. And Jesus himself drew nigh, asking why they were carrying the youth. And they answered that a ser- pent had stung him; and then the [211] Evangelium Infantiae Jesus pueris : Eamus et serpentem occidamus. Cum ad nidum accesserunt, se- quentibus lecticariis divus Infans di- xit : Nonne hie sese abseondit ser- pens ? Et homines responderunt : Hie sese abseondit. Tunc Jesus vo- cavit serpentem qui statim e nido ortus est et sese Unigenito subjecit. Et Dominus : I et venenum suge quod in venulis adolescentuli profu- disti. Et serpens suxit omne vene- num quod pro fuderatetemortuus est; at sanatus est adolescens et ploranti [212] The Childhood of Christ Lord Jesus said to the boys, Let us go and slay the serpent. When they were come to the nest, the Divine Child said to the litter- bearers following him, Is it not here that the serpent hath hidden himself? And the men answered. Here hath he hidden himself. Then Jesus called the serpent, which came forth straightway from his nest, and was subject to the Only Begotten Son. And the Lord said, Go and suck the venom that thou hast poured forth into the veins of the little youth. And the serpent sucked all the ven- om that he had poured forth, and perished; but the youth was made whole; and as he wept, Jesus said to Evangelium Infantiae Jesus dixit : Ne plores, nam eris dis- cipulus meus. Et postea dictus est hie puer Simo Cananaeus. [214] The Childhood of Christ him, Weep not, for thou shalt be my disciple. And the boy thereafter was called Simon the Canaanite. [215] Evangelium Infantiae Caput i^icejSimum* i^^^JUADAM die, Maria Virgo i^^R Mater jusserat Domino Jesu ut iret ad puteum, aquam hausiturus. Nam Mariae, quae se dili- genter domi curis praebebat, aqua opus erat ad parietes coenaculi et liminis scansilia lavanda. Et quaesi- vit puteum Dominus Jesus et rediit, portans seriam aquae plenam. At dum rediebat, seria quam in capite ferebat fracta est ; et Infans timuit ne mater sua cui aqua opus erat ilium objurgaret et pallium ex- [216] The Childhood of Christ %\^t Ctoentfetl^ Ci^apter* ^^^^N a certain day the Virgin Mary had commanded Jesus to go to the well to draw ^ water. For Mary, who was busying herself diligently with the care of the house, had need of water to wash the walls of the dining-chamber and the threshold steps. And the Lord Jesus sought the well, and came again carrying a pitcher full of water. But as he returned, the pitcher which he bore upon his head, brake and the Child was afraid that his mother, who had need of water, would chide him; and he stretched out his [aiy] Evangelium Infantiae tendit et totam aquam quae, rupta seria, fluebat, in pallio recepit. Hoc viso, Virgo Maria stupuit quia inter laxum textile aqua non meabat. Tamenlavavitcoenaculipa- rietes et scansilia liminis; et lignum parietum aurum factum est et mar- mor liminis saxum. Postea reliquum aquae sparsit in hortum ; quo aqua cecidit magnum lilium statim exstitit et una gutta bi- bita coluber qui intra herbas repta- bat, subito dissiluit. [ai8] The Childhood of Christ mantle, and caught again in it all the water that flowed from the bro- ken pitcher. Seeing this, the Virgin Mary was astonished, because the water did not pass through the loose cloth. Never- theless she washed the walls of the dining-chamber and the threshold steps; and the wood of the walls was made gold, and marble the stone of the threshold. After these things she scattered the rest of the water in the garden. Where the water fell, there grew up straightway a great lily; and having drunk one drop, an adder that was crawling through the grass burst sud- denly asunder. [219] Evangelium Infantiae Caput l^nmum et i^icejsimum^ ji^Sg-J UADAM die, multae muli- i^^W eres quae filios habebant ad- hue infantulos inter se lo- quebantur, uti mos est matrum, de rebus quas sors natis suis afferret, Et Virgo Maria cum iis erat. Et una filium suum interrogans : Quis in tempore futuro esse velles, carum caput ? Et respondit puer : Tinctor esse vellem; nam mihi pla- ceret pannos diversis et nitidis colo- ribus pingere. Et secunda filium in- terrogans : Quis in tempore futuro [ 220] The Childhood of Christ CtDentt'fitjit Cl^aptet* ^r^j^N a certain day many women who had sons that as yet were little children, talked one with another, after the manner of mothers, concerning those things which chance should bring to their offspring. And the Virgin Mary was with them. And one asked her son. What wouldst thou be in the time to come, dear heart? And the boy made an- swer, I would be a dyer; for it would please me to tint garments with divers and brilliant colors. And a second asked her son. What wouldst thou [221] Evangelium Infantiae esse velles, carum caput ? Et respon- dit puer : Margaritarius esse vellem, nam mihi placeret cum gemmis ada- mantibusque jocare qui lucent sicut minima sidera. Et tertia etiam filium interrogavit et respondit puer: Mi- les esse vellem ut per populos ince- dam sonantibus armis ornatus et in tuba horrifice sufflans. Et quarta eti- am filium interrogavit et respondit puer : Hortulanus esse vellem, nam rosae et alii flores grati sunt oculis et mihi placeret odorem liliorum odorari sicut thus thuribuli. Et alii matribus aliis pueri diverse responde- bant. [ 222 ] The Childhood of Christ be in the time to come, dear heart? And the boy made answer, I would be a jeweller; for it would please me to play with gems and diamonds, which shine like very small stars. And also a third asked her son, and the boy made answer, I would be a soldier, to go among the people adorned with clankingarms and blow- ing terribly in a trumpet. And also a fourth asked her son, and the boy made answer, I would be a gardener; for roses and other flowers are grate- ful to mine eyes, and it would please me to smell the scent of lilies like in- cense in a censer. And the other boys, when their mothers asked them, made divers answers. [223] Evangelium Infantiae Et cum Maria Unigenitum in- terrogans dixit : Quis in tempore futuro esse velles, filiole mi ? divus Infans respondit : Volo fieri qui Pa- tre volente futurus sum et gentes me adorabunt regem Judaeorum. Omnes matres riserunt et Maria risit ipsa propter arrogantiam puelli qui se regem Judaeorum salutandum crederet. Et quaedam mulier per lu- dibrium : Sane ex auro aut argento aut ebore factus erit thronus in quem ascendes. At Unigenitus: Nee ebore nee argento nee auro sed ligno, et, si me sequi non nolite, vobis mon- [224] The Childhood of Christ And when Mary, in asking the Only Begotten Son, said, What wouldst thou be in the time to come, my little son? the Divine Child made answer, I will be what, by my Fath- er's will, I am to be; and nations shall worship me as King of the Jews. All the mothers laughed, and Mary herself laughed, because of the young child's vainglory, who thought to be hailed King of the Jews. And a cer- tain woman said, to mock him. Sure- ly of gold or of silver or of ivory shall the throne be made which thou shalt mount upon. But the Only Begotten Son said. Neither of ivory nor of silver nor of gold, but of wood; and if ye refuse not to follow me, I [225] Evangelium Infantiae strabo arborem ex qua factus erit thronus meus. Et matres omnes cum Maria secutae sunt ilium attonitae et velut aliquid mirabile visurae, nam loquebatur cum moestitia et cum auctoritate. Et duxit eas per campos et vicu- los usque ad tenebrosam silvam in qua quercus adhuc tenera e terra vix oriebatur prope fluentem aquam. Et dixit divus Infans: Ecce futurum thronum ! Et lacrymavit Dominulus Jesus. Nee matres nee Maria intellige- bant rationem propter quam pro- fundebat lacrymas. Ignarae totarum gentium orbis terrae cruce salvan- darum. [226] The Childhood of Christ will show you the tree of which my throne shall be made. And all the mothers with Mary followed, aston- ished, and as if about to see some marvellous thing; for he spake in sadness and with authority. And he led them through fields and by-ways even to a dark forest in which a still tender oak was just com- ing up out of the earth near flowing water. And the Divine Child said, Behold the throne that shall be! And the little Lord Jesus wept. Neither the mothers nor Mary understood wherefore he shed tears, knowing not that all nations of the world should be saved by the Cross. [227] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^ecttttnum et i^icejSimum^ lAEPISSIME, Virgo Maria mirabatur quoniam in domo quam nulla serva cu- rabat omnia disposita et ordinata erant sicut a duodecim servis soler- tibus et diligentibus. Scilicet mane intrans in aulam ubi lintea ut siccarentur extenderat Virgo Maria non reperiebat lintea; sed jam in armariis domus erant convenienter siccata et recte plicata. Alias jam fla- grantem loci flammam videbat, quem non accenderat ipsa; aut si agebat ut fercula coenae condiret, jam fer- [228] The Childhood of Christ ERY often the Virgin Mary marvelled because, in the house which no servant tend- ed, all things w^ere disposed and set in order as if by twelve dextrous and diligent servants. Thus, entering at morning into a court where she had spread her linen to dry, the Virgin Mary found not the linen; but it was already in the wardrobes ofthehouse, properly dried and rightly folded. At other times she saw the fire of the furnace burn- ing, which she herself had not kin- dled; or if she set about preparing [229] Evangelium Infantiae cula condita erant, ac olera quae foliis truncare volebat ut intritam faceret,jam defoliata erant; aut cum ante noctem tempus erat lectorum sternendorum jam in cubili lecta strata erant, aut luce oriente cum e thalamo surgeret ut scopa verreret tabulamenta domus, jam munda et pura tabulamenta nitebantur. Et Maria Virgo non intelligebat a quo ista hocce modo fierent et non animadvertebat Infantem Jesum ri- dentem in angulis sicut puer qui ma- litiosum ludum exhibuit. Joseph ipsum qui modicus ligna- [230] The Childhood of Christ dishes for supper, the dishes were al- ready prepared, and the vegetables whose leaves she wished to cut off to make soup were already leafless; or when, toward night, it was time to spread the beds, the beds were already spread in the bedrooms; or at the dawn of day, when she came forth from her bed-chamber to sweep the floors of the house, the floors shone already clean and pure. And the Virgin Mary understood not by whom these things were done after this fashion; and she regarded not the Child Jesus laughing in cor- ners like a boy who has played a knavish trick. Joseph himself, who was but a [231] Evangelium Infantiae rius erat, adjuvabat Dominus Jesus; lignum serra secans vel tabulas run- cinans, dum senex adhuc in lecto dormiebat, et resurgens opifex, qui non operaverat, vel mensam vel ca- thedram perfectam videbat. Et dice- bat attonitus: Forte sum similis istis aegris per somnum ambulantibus aut forte hesternae coenae nimio vino motus apte laboravi in vini anhelitu. Et in angulo officinae subridebat Je- sus Infans, Attamen opera quae Joseph assue- tis emptoribus tradebat tam egregia [232] The Childhood of Christ modest carpenter, the Lord Jesus aided, cutting wood with a saw, or planing boards, while the old man still slept in bed; and when he arose, the workman who had not worked found either a table or a chair quite finished. And he said in astonish- ment, I am perchance like those sick persons that walk in their sleep, or moved perchance by too much wine at yesterday's supper, I have worked skilfully in the fumes of wine. And in a corner of the shop the Child Jesus was smiling. Nevertheless the works which Jo- seph gave over to his accustomed purchasers were so unusual, that he Evangelium Infantiae erant ut famam acceperit excellen- tissimi lignariL Rex Hierosolymae advocavit il- ium et dixit: Jubeo, Joseph, ut mihi thronum fingas secundum men- suram loci in quo soleo sedere. Joseph obediit. Et per duos annos in regia aede manuit ad thronum fingendum; at cum thronus allatus fuisset in locum cui applicandus erat, omnibus appa- ruit una et altera parte brevior dua- bus spithamis. Tunc rex ira incen- sus est in Joseph. Et lignarius regis [^34] The Childhood of Christ gained the reputation of a most ex- cellent carpenter. The King of Jerusalem summoned him, and said, I command thee, Jo- seph, to fashion for me a throne according to the measure of the place where I am accustomed to sit. Joseph obeyed. And for two years he abode in the royal house- hold to fashion the throne; but when the throne was carried to the place where it should be set, it was manifest to all men that, on one side and on the other, it was short by two spithames. Then the King was kindled to anger against Joseph. And the carpenter, dreading the Rvangelium Infantiae iram formidans nequivit edere et cubitavit jejunus. Curjesu interrogante jejunus re- cubabat, Joseph respondit opus quod per duos annos operaverat perditum esse. At Jesus : Bibe et manduca absque metu. Ego una, tu altera parte istum thronum attrahamus ut sit conveniens loco. Et quod dice- bat Jesus factum est, et cum Jesus una, Joseph altera parte regiam ca- thedram attraxerunt, thronus obse- cutus est et mensuram exactam con- tigit. Et omnes stupuerunt qui istud miraculum videre et Deum adora- verunt. The Childhood of Christ King's anger, could not eat, and lay down fasting. When Jesus asked him why he lay down fasting, Joseph answered that the work was lost on which he had labored for two years. But Jesus said, Drink and eat without fear. I on one side, thou on the other, let us draw out this throne to fit the place. And what Jesus said was done. And when Jesus on one side and Joseph on the other had drawn out the royal seat, the throne yielded, and reached the just measure. And all they that saw this miracle were astonished, and wor- shipped God. [237] Evangelium Infantiae Vero is thronus fabricatus erat e ligno cedri sub qua in silva Libani sederat Salomo filius David; et lig- num ornatum erat diversis formis figurisque. [238] The Childhood of Christ Now this throne was made of wood from the cedar under which Solomon, son of David, had sat in the forest of Lebanon; and the wood was adorned with divers forms and figures. {.'^^91 Evangelium Infantiae Caput Certium et a^icejsimum i^^gyUADAM die, Dominus Jesus yjj^g^l erat cum pueris in tecto vil- ^^ lae et jocabant pueriliter. Et unus e pueris a tecto cecidit et caput suum in saxum efFregit. Evaserunt collusores; Jesus ma- nuit solus in tecto et parentes mor- tui videntes Jesum dixerunt ei cum clamoribus et minis: Tu es qui fi- lium nostrum occidisti. Jesus respon- dit : Filium vestrum non occidi et cecidit, a nemine pulsatus. At pa- rentes in majoribus vociferationibus : [240] "The Childhood of Christ Cl^e Ctaent^^l^irD Ci^apter* ^^^^N a certain day Jesus, with [l^NyjM other boys, was on the roof 'r?^— :^iJ of a country-house, and they were playing boyishly. And one of the boys fell from the roof and broke his head against a stone. His playmates fled; Jesus alone remained upon the roof; and the parents of the dead boy seeing Jesus, said to him with outcries and threats. It is thou that hast slain our son. Jesus made answer. Your son did I not slay, and he fell pushed by no one. But the parents an- swered with yet greater clamorings, [241] Evangelium Infantiae Tu es occisor filii nostri quern a tec- to pulsavisti. Jesus respondit iterum: Non sum et si mihi hoc non credi- tis, interrogemus puerum ipsum. Et Dominus Jesus descendit et pronus in caput mortui dixit forti voce: Zeinon, Zeinon, quis te a tecto pul- savit? Mortuus respondit: Tu me pulsavisti, fili lignarii Joseph. Haec audiens, parentes et paren- tium servi in Jesum ruerunt cum fustibus et armis ut eum interfice- rent. At divus Infans cum subrisu: Non locutus est Zeinon ipse, at qui [242] 'The Childhood of Christ Thou art the slayer of our son whom thou hast pushed from the roof. Jesus again made answer, That I am not, and if in this ye be- lieve me not, let us question the boy himself. And the Lord Jesus came down; and stooping over the face of the dead, he spake in a loud voice, saying, Zeinon, Zeinon, who pushed thee from the roof? The dead made answer. Thou didst push me, son of Joseph the carpenter. When they heard these words, the parents and the parents' men- servants threw themselves upon Jesus with staves and with arms to kill him. But the Divine Child said with a smile, Zeinon himself hath not [243] Evangelium Infantiae in Zeinonem, anima evolata, intra- vit. Vade e corpore mortui spiri- tus male. Tunc statim e corpore mortui evasit daemon in forma ni- gri et crocientis corvi; et mortuus puer: Non es qui me occidisti, Jesu Dei fili, et cecidi a nemine pulsatus. Et tacuit aeterno. Tunc parentes et servi credide- runt quod Jesus dixerat et adorave- runt Infantem qui daemones com- pellit et per quem Veritas resurgit in ore mortuorum. [244] T'he Childhood of Christ spoken, but he that entered into Zeinon when his soul flew forth. Evil spirit, go out from the dead body. Then straightway the evil spirit went out from the dead body, in the form of a black and cawing crow; and the dead boy spake, say- ing, Thou art not he that slew me, Jesus, Son of God; and I fell pushed by no one* And he held his peace forever. Then the parents and their ser- vants believed what Jesus had said, and worshipped the Child who driveth forth devils, and through whom the truth is raised again in the mouth of the dead. [^45] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^Juatttttn et aatcejsimum. LIA die, Dominus Jesus, qui luserat in via cum iis- dem parvis sociis, ad domum redibat propter horam coenae; puer currens obviavit illi et violenter illi offendit. Paene prostratus est divus Infans, et moestissime ploravit. Quod videns, Maria, stans in li- mine domus, dixit filio suo: Qua ratione ploras, filiole mi? EfFun- [146] 7he Childhood of Christ MOTHER day the Lord Jesus, who had been play- ing in the road with the same little comrades, returned to the house, because it was time for supper; and a boy encountered him in running, and violently dashed against him. The Divine Child was wellnigh overthrown. And he bewailed him- self most sorrowfuly. And seeing it, Mary, who was standing on the threshold of the house, said to her son, Wherefore dost thou bewail thyself, my little son? Dost thou [247] Evangelium Infantiae disne lacrymas mali causa quod tibi fecit iste puer? Tunc Jesus: Non ploro quia malum mihi inflixum est, sed quia malum altero inflixurus sum. Et puero dixit: Euh! frater mi, quantum in corde meo dolent caritas et amor! Euh! me miserum! Utinam fuissem qui peccatum fecit ut solus peccati poenam tollerem? Et iterum ploravit. Tandem manum super frontem pueri extendens: Quoniam pulsavis- [248] The Childhood of Christ shed tears because of the hurt which this boy hath done thee? Then Jesus said, I bewail myself, not be- cause a hurt hath been done unto me, but because I must do a hurt unto another. And he said to the boy, Alas ! my brother, how greatly do charity and love grieve within my heart! Alas! Woe is me! Would that I were he that committed the sin, that I alone might bear the penalty of sin! And yet again he bewailed himself. At length, stretching forth his hand over the boy's brow he said, Since thou hast struck, fall; and since, in running, thou hast dashed [249] Evangelium Infantiae ti, cade, et quoniam vitae in me cur- rens ofFendisti, siste in morte, Statim in terram cecidit puer et mortuus est. At per duodecim dies lacrymavit et gemuit et sese pugnis pectus verberavit Dominus Jesus et nolebat consolari. Quia justitiam egerat. [250] The Childhood of Christ against the life within me, stand still in death. Straightway the boy fell to the earth, and he was dead. But for twelve days the Lord Jesus wept and sighed and smote upon his breast with his fists, and would not be com- forted, because he had dealt justice. [^51] Evangelium Infantiae Caput :©utntttm et ©tceisimum* NTERDUM erat Hierosoly- mae quidam magister qui Zacchaeus vocabatur; et multi discipuli sequebantur et vene- rabantur eum, quia nullius scientiae ignarus erat. Pertinentissime loquebatur de physica et metaphysica et hyper- physica et hypophysica; sciebat corporum virtutes et istorum hu- mores effectusque et numerum membrorum ossiumque, arteriarum nervorumque; distinguebat diversa temperamenta, calidum et siccum [252] The Childhood of Christ EANWHILE there was in Jerusalem a certain teacher called Zacchaeus; and many disciples followed and revered him, because he was ignorant of no knowledge. He discoursed very pertinently concerning physics and metaphysics and hyperphysics and hypophysics; he knew the virtues of bodies and their humors and eifects, and the number of their members and bones, of their arteries and nerves : he dis- tinguished the divers temperaments, the hot and dry, or the cold and [253] Evangelium Infantiae vel frigidum et humidum; et prae- cipue cognoscebat numina littera- rum. Et celeberrimus florebat per totam urbem Hierosolymam. Senex Joseph, qui aliquam pecu- niam operibus lignarii quaesiverat, dixit Virgini Mariae: Nonne tempus est nostrum filiolum Jesum ad scholam ducere ut discat bonasscien- tias homini utiles? Annuente Maria, dixit Domino Jesu Joseph: Tempus est; veni mecum apud magistrum Zacchaeum. At puer noluit ire ad scholam. Quod videns, Joseph ira in- census auriculam Infantis pervulsit! Et Jesus: Cur me torques, insane senex, scisne me tuum esse? et ne- [^54] The Childhood of Christ humid: and especially was he ac- quainted with the power of letters. And great was his renown through the whole city of Jerusalem. The old man Joseph, who had gained some little money by his works of carpentry, said to the Vir- gin Mary, Is it not time to take our little son Jesus to school, that he may learn goodly knowledge that is useful to a man? And with Mary's assent, Joseph said to the Lord Jesus, It is time: come with me to Zac- chaeus, the teacher. But the boy re- fused to go to school. And Joseph, kindled to anger, boxed the Child's ear. And Jesus said. Why tormentest thou me, mad old man; knowest thou Evangelium Infantiae mini suo nocere decet. Attamen quia obediens parentibus erat, Joseph ad scholam secutus est. Primo magister Zacchaeus inter- rogans Jesum: Scisne, puer, proferre litteram Aleph? Dominus Jesu re- spondit: Hoc scio. Et protulit: Aleph. Tunc magister interrogans: Scisne, puer, proferre litteram Beth? Dominus Jesus respondit: Hoc scio; sed Beth non proferam nisi antea ex- plicaveris quas res Aleph significat. Haec audiens, Zacchaeus discipulum verberare voluit. At Infans clara [^56] The Childhood of Christ not that I am thine? And no one should do injury to his own. Never- theless, because he was obedient to his parents, he followed Joseph to the school. At first when the teacher Zac- chaeus asked Jesus, Boy, canst thou pronounce the letter Aleph? The Lord Jesus answered, I can. And he pronounced Aleph. Then, when the teacher asked him. Boy, canst thou pronounce the letter Beth? the Lord Jesus answered, lean; but I will not pronounce Beth until thou hast first explained what things Aleph signi- fieth. And hearing these things, Zacchaeus would have scourged his disciple. But in a clear voice the [^57] Evangelium Infantiae voce explicavitquas res litterae Aleph et Beth significant, et quarum litte- rarum forma recta est et quarum obliqua et quae litterae duplices et quae punctis comitatae aut punctis carentes; et multas res docebat prorsus quas nunquam magister au- diverat nee in libris legerat. Et cum dixisset: Attende animum ad verba mea, et Aleph et Beth et Gimel et Daleth recitavit et omnes litteras usque ad finem alphabeti. Tunc Zacchaeus: Euh! me miserum, qui in scholam accepi scientiae meae flagitium; et senex magister habeo puerum magistrum. Reduce filiolum [258] The Childhood of Christ Child explained what things the let- ters Aleph and Beth do signify, and of what letters the form is upright, and of which slanting, and which letters are double, and which are accompanied with dots or devoid of dots; and many things he taught further which the teacher had never heard nor read in books. And when he had said. Take heed to my words, and had recited Aleph and Beth and Gimel and Daleth and all the letters even to the end of the alphabet, then said Zacchaeus, Alas ! woe is me that, in my school, I have suffered disgrace to my knowledge; and I, an ancient teacher, have a boy for my teacher. Take back thy lit- [259] Evangelium Infantiae tuum, frater Joseph. Nam nescio pad roborem argumentorum suorum nee toUere mentem meam usque ad suam doctrinam. Iste puer super terram non natus est; forte imperium habet super focum vel terrae vel fir- mamenti, forte generatus est ante creationem mundi. Nee initium nee finem istius infantis cognosco. Igitur reduce ilium in domum tuam, frater Joseph; quippe est aliquid maxi- mum et formidandissimum, vel Deus vel angelus. Et cum reducto in domum filiolo haec audivisset Virgo Maria ploravit [260] The Childhood of Christ tie son, brother Joseph; for I cannot endure the strength of his arguments nor lift up my mind unto his doc- trine. This boy was not born on earth: perchance hath he dominion over the earth's fire or the firma- ment's; perchance was he begotten before the creation of the world. Of this Child I know neither the be- ginning nor the end. Therefore take him back to thine house, brother Joseph. Of a surety he is something very great and very dreadful, whether God or an angel. And after the little Son was brought back to the house, the Vir- gin Mary, when she had heard these things, bewailed herself most sorrow- [261] Evangelium Infantiae moestissime; nam vel Deus vel an- gelus infans mox a gremio matris aversurus. [262] The Childhood of Christ fully; for whether God or an angel, the Child must soon turn from his mother's knee. [263] Evangelium Infantiae Caput ^e]ctum et i^icessimum |UER autem crescebat, et confortabatur, plenus sapi- entiae; et gratia Dei erat in illo. Et ibant parentes ejus per omnes annos in Hierosolymam, in die so- lemni Paschae. Et cum factus esset annorum duodecim, ascendentibus illis Hierosolymam secundum con- suetudinem diei festi, consummatis- que diebus, cum redirent, remansit Jesus in Hierosolymae et non cog- noverunt parentes ejus. Existimantes autem ilium esse in comitatu, vene- runt iter diei et requirebant eum [264] The Childhood of Christ ND the Child grewand waxed strong, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. And his parents went to Jerusa- lem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up into Jeru- salem after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, and his parents knew not of it. And they, supposing him to be in the company, went a day's journey, and sought him among their [265] Evangelium Infantiae inter cognatos et notos, Et non in- venientes, regressi sunt in Hierosoly- mam requirentes eum. Et factum est, post triduum, invenerunt ilium in templo, sedentem in medio doc- torum, audientem illos et interro- gantem eos. Et videns matrem dixit illae: Quid est quod me quaerebatis? Nesciabatis quia in his, quae Patris mei sunt, oportet me esse? FINIS. ]^^G(^^^ T^he Childhood of Christ kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem seeking him. And it came to pass that, after three days, they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And seeing his mother, he said unto her. How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? THE END. [267] APPENDIX NOTE. The following passages y omitted from the text for reasons of taste, are added here for the sake of completeness. Appendix Caput ^uartum* * ^^^NGRESSA est cum Joseph Zelemi ob- ^l^ stetrix et dixit Mariae : Permitte mihi ut tangam te. Et cum permisit Maria se tangi, obstetrix clamavit magna voce: Domine, Domine, miserere! adhuc hoc nee audivi nee in suspicione habui ut mamilla virginalis plena sit lacte et natus masculus matrem suam virginem ostendat. Nulla pol- lutio in nascentem, nullus dolor in parturi- ente ; virgo concepit, virgo peperit et virgo permanet. Audiens hanc vocem, alia obste- trix nomine Salome ingressa est et dixit : Quod ego audio non credam nisi forte ipse probavero. Et Mariae: Permitte ut tangam te. Cum Maria permisit se tangi misit manum suam Salome, et cum misit et tetigit, statim exaruit manus. Prae dolore coepit flere vehc- mentissime et angustiari et clamare et dicere: [270] Appendix Domine, Domine! ecce misera facta sum propter incredulitatem, quia ausa fui temp- tare virginem tuam ! Sed ex angelis qui voli- tabant super efFusas rosas unus ait: Accede ad infantem, et adora eum, et continge manu tua, et sanabit illam, quia ipse est Salvator saeculi et omnium operantium in se. Et confcstim ad infantem accessit Salome, et adorans eum tetigit fimbrias panuorum in quibus infans involutus erat, et statim sanata est manus ejus. Caput Uuintum* * ^^^EINDE, cum fuit tempus circumci- jt^^^ sionis, id est octavo die, Joseph circum- cidit in spelunca virginis natum, et Zelemi, una duarum obstetricium, praeputium ac- cepit et indidit eum in alabastrum nardo odoriferum. Vero obstetrix filium habebat, qui ungucn- [271] Appendix tarius erat in urbe Magdala. Filio vas dedit, dicens: Cave ne vendas vas illud nardo ple- num etsi divitissimus emptor tibi trecentos denarios offert. Filius respondit: Non ven- dam illud. Attamen, multo post meretrix quaedam prope tabernulam unguentarii decembulans cum juventibus vino et cibo saturis adspexit alabastrum nardo odorantem, in quo jacebat divi Infantis praeputium et ut ilium obtineret trecentos denarios obtulit. Sed unguentarius negavit. Tunc meretrix, quae pulcherrima erat, unguentario ultra trecentos denarios basium unum pollicita est si alabastrum do- naret. Et unguentarius annuit. Meretrix autem Maria Magdalene dice- batur et, multos post annos, vas illud nard plenum et suaviore odore efFusit in pedes Domini. Nam munus nullum, aroma vel anima, eo dignum est, nisi suum. [272] Princeton Theological Seminary Libraries 1 1012 01185 0155 I DATE DUE ■4=f^-^ oi?:fu*#.. GAYLORD #3523PI Printed in USA