[113]
88
And again I saw that throughout it motions of knowledge were being sent forth,89
and it was ready to utter speech.90
And I heard it speak ‹with them that had brought it›:91
I am of him that is more valiant than all men, for whose sake I was reared up with the Father himself.92
And I also perceived his stature 1 .93
And all its royal motions rested upon me as it grew toward the impulse of it (And with its kingly motions it was spreading itself toward me).94
And it hastened, reaching out from the hand of ‹him that brought it› unto him that would receive it,95
and me also did yearning arouse to start forth and meet it and receive it.96
And I stretched forth and received it, and adorned myself with the beauty of the colours thereof 2 ,97
and in my royal robe excelling in beauty I arrayed myself wholly.98
And when I had put it on, I was lifted up unto the place of peace (salutation) and homage,99
and I bowed my head and worshipped the brightness of the Father which had sent it unto me,100
for I had performed his commandments, and he likewise that which he had promised,101
and at the doors of his palace which was from the beginning I mingled among ‹his nobles›,102
and he rejoiced over me and received me with him into his palace,103
and all his servants do praise him with sweet voices.104
And he promised me that with him I shall be sent unto the gates of the king,105
that with my gifts and my pearl we may appear together before the king.Acta Thomae. Anonymous. Oxford. 1924.
Funding provided by University of Virginia; Center for Hellenic Studies.