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Anonymous. "The Sultan's Daughter in the Flower Garden." Global Medieval Sourcebook.Transcription by Johannes Bolte .
Die Sultanstochter im Blumengarten | The Sultan's Daughter in the Flower Garden
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Die Sultanstochter im Blumengarten | The Sultan's Daughter in the Flower Garden
by Anonymous
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- Transcription by Johannes Bolte
- Translation by Sara S. Poor
- Introduction by Sara S. Poor
- Encoded in TEI P5 XML by Dante Zhu
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Transcriptions and translations are encoded in XML conforming to TEI (P5) guidelines. The original-language text is contained within <lem> tags and translations within <rdg> tags.
Texts are translated into modern American English with maximum fidelity to the original text, except where it would impair comprehension or good style. Archaisms are preserved where they do not conflict with the aesthetic of the original text. Scribal errors and creative translation choices are marked and discussed in the critical notes.
The Middle High German text supplied here is based on Johannes Bolte’s 1890 edition, published in the Zeitschrift für deutsches Altertum (volume 34, pages 18-31), which is a diplomatic transcription of the Berlin manuscript (fols. 160r–170v). I have adopted Bolte’s diacritics where possible. These include the regular umlaut as well as an accent aigu (´), which Bolte also used to indicate an umlauted vowel (presumably because the superscript e in the manuscript looks more like an accent than an e). Dipthongized vowels like a, u, and o, which in the manuscript are indicated with superscripts, have been written out as av, uo, and ov. Superscript abbreviations for er, en, and em have been written out as well. The manuscript often uses a v to represent the vowel u and when this is umlauted, that is also indicated with what looks like an accent (instead of the umlaut or an e over the vowel). In the transcription here, these have been changed to ú (as in úmmer and úber). Bolte’s suggestions for emendations have been adopted and appear in square brackets. My own interjections appear in parentheses. I have also consulted, where necessary, both manuscripts as well as Vizkeletey’s edition of the Budapest manuscript published in 2013 (András Vizkelety, “‘Die Sultanstochter im Blumengarten’ in einer ehemaligen Güssinger Handschrift (A szultánkisasszony a virágok közt. Verses novella egy Németújvárról elszármazott kódexben); Tanulmányok Mollay Károly születésének 100. évfordulójára [Studien zum 100. Geburtstag von Karl Mollay],” Soproni Szemle [Ödenburger Rundschau] 4 (2013): 440–53), as indicated in the footnotes.
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Die Sultanstochter im Blumengarten The Sultan's Daughter in the Flower Garden
In der statt zuo Babilon In the city of Babylon
da sass ain herre rich vnd schún, lived a wealthy and handsome lord
der selb was gar ain erlich man who was a very honorable man,
vnd gewaltig — —
c
as well as powerful. Critical note:
Bolte suggests that the line is incomplete and offers “als ain soldan” as a completion. The Budapest manuscript for this line is: “gewaltig vnd säldenreich” (powerful and fortunate).
5
der hett ain dochter, die was kluog, This lord had a daughter who was clever, zúchtig was siú genuog, and also very well-mannered.
onmavssen schún vnd tugentrich, Immeasurably beautiful and rich in virtue,
in allen landen was ir nit gelich. there was no one like her in the whole world.
in sinen hof ain bömgart was, In the lord’s courtyard, there was a garden
10
da sprungent bluoman vnd öch gras, where flowers grew as well as grass. der was wonneclich vnd schún, It was delightful and beautiful —
die fogel sungent süss gedoen, The birds sang sweet melodies, while
vil rosen dar in sprungent, many roses were sprouting and
[vil gilgen us dem grase drungent,]
c
[many lilies pressed up through the grass]. Critical note:
As with this verse, text appearing inside square brackets hereafter indicates an addition or emendation by the editor, Johannes Bolte, that is not present in the Berlin manuscript.
15
der bavm bluot was rovt vnd wiss, The blossoms of the plants were red and white; es was ain irdesch paradiss. it was an earthly paradise.
dú iunkfrovw dáglich dar in gieng, The maiden went there daily.
ir gebett siú allweg anfieng, She always began her prayers there,
mit guoter andavcht sú das lass, and read them with devotion,
20
als sú das gelert was. just as she had been taught. da warent gilgen vnd rosen vil There were many lilies and roses
vnd ander bluoman [als man wil]. and other flowers [as is said].
diu junkfrow schûn vnd zart The beautiful and tender maiden
ainem hochen herren sú gemáchelt ward, was betrothed to a noble lord
25
der kam mit ainem her dar schuon, Who was coming there with a great army. des ward im trurun benomen: His sadness was being taken away,
er wund, er sólt frólich hochzit havn, for he thought he was going to have a happy marriage;
es mocht im nit also ergavn. but in the end, this wasn’t possible for him.
vil schún in ir vatter empfieng, Her father received him very well.
30
haimlich sú zuo dem vatter gieng, Unbeknownst to him (the suitor)c
, she went to her father Critical note:
Insertions in parentheses are my clarifications.
flisseclich sú in batt, and eagerly asked him
dz er ir erlopti ain haimlich statt, for permission to go to a hidden place
da sú ir bett avn allen spot where she could say her prayers
spráchin irem herren got. to her lord God without reproach.
35
er sprach: vil liebunn tochter min, He said, my dearest daughter, es sol dir erlovpt sin. yes, you may.
des selben mavls diu iunkfrovwe rain At once this pure maiden
gieng in den garten aber allain, went into the garden again, alone —
siú wolt niement mit ir lavn; she did not want to have anyone with her;
40
schún rosen sach siú bi ir stavn, Standing near her she saw beautiful roses, si fand da ainen gilgen stok, and among them she found a great lily stalk
dar vz gewachsen ain michel zog, out of which grew
vil gilgen schún die warent her, many beautiful lilies — they were glorious.
dar an kam ir gedank vil ser, Her thoughts then turned in earnest to the fact
45
das niemand anderst wárin got, that, if she could, she wanted to do the bidding kúnd si, si wolt tuon sin gebott. of no other than the true God.
sú gedavcht: ach got, wie schún der ist, She thought: “Ah God, how beautiful is he
der des gewalt havt vnd den list, who has the power and intelligence
das es das schópfen kan! to be able to create this!
50
ach got, sách ich den selben man, Ah, God, if I saw this man, ich welt in anbetten fúr got I would pray to him as to a God
vnd welt ovch gern behalten sin gebott, and would also gladly follow his commands,
ich welt im uff die trúwe min I would truly
úmmer vndertánig sin. always want to be subject to him.”
55
dz fúgt er wol in kurczer frist: God brought this to pass a short time later: nun merkent, wem got genádig ist, now, please take note: to whomever God is merciful,
wem gnavd von im geschechen sol, and on whomever he bestows his grace,
dz kan er bald fúgen wol. He can certainly make this happen quickly.
dz merk ich bi dem wunder wol, This is definitely what I take from the miracle
60
wie es der selbun magt ergieng. that happened to this maiden. es was ir desmavls vmb kainen spott, Her words were not in jest:
ir gefiel recht wol der gilgen got, she really did like the God of the lilies.
ir kam von himel ain liechter schin, A bright radiance then came down to her from heaven —
got der wolt ir genádig sin: it was God who wished to bestow grace upon her —
65
ain schúner engel kam do dar. and a beautiful angel appeared. do siú des engels ward gewar, When she became aware of the angel,
von siner schúni si erschrak, she shrank back in fear from his beauty
dz siú vf der erde lag; falling to the earth;
do gefiel er ir ie bas, but then he pleased her more and more,
70
das was sinemc
recht wissent daz which he found well and good, since he knew Critical note:
Bolte misreads the manuscript here as “siú”, but what he read as a u is clearly an n, which would make the diacritic an abbreviation for, in this case, em. This reading is confirmed by the other manuscript witness (which was unknown to Bolte), which for this line reads: “Das auch seinem recht was vnd ist” (emphasis added).
das guot gaist liebent sich. that good spirits love one another
die boesen [aber] laident sich. while evil ones hate each other.
der engel nam si bi der hand The angel took her by the hand
— — — — — — — — —
c
— — — — — — — — —Critical note:
A series of em-dashes indicates a line that is missing.
c
Critical note:
In the Budapest manuscript, line 74: “ir was gen ym gemant” (she was driven towards him)?
75
do siú den erst ansach, When she first looked at him directly, vil zúchteklich si zuo im sprach: She spoke to him very courteously:
eya, vil lieber herren min, “Ah, my very dear lord,
tuo mir uff siner gnavden schin reveal (explain?) the light of His grace to me
vnd hab mir es nit fúr ainen spott: and don’t make fun of me:
80
sag mir, bist du der hailig got? Tell me, are you the holy God? wan so wil ich dir dienen wol, For if so, I wish verily to serve you,
darnavch stavt mins hertzen begierd. My heart’s desire is set on this.”
er sprach: nain, ich bin sin knecht. He said: “No, I am his servant.
junkfrow kluog, gesich mich recht Clever maiden, behold me truly
85
vnd merk, wie ain tropf múg gesin and observe how (small) a drop (of water) is in comparison gen dem mer vnd gen den Rin, to the sea and to the Rhine.
noch klainer ist die schúni min Even smaller is my radiance
gen dem liebsten edeln herren min. in comparison to my dearest noble lord.
ob du im geren dienen wilt If you really want to serve Him
90
vnd dich sines dienstes nit beuilt, and you do not commend yourself to his service, dz ravt ich dir vff die trúwen min, Then I counsel you truly
des soltu mir gefölgig sin. To do as I say.”
des engels schúni ducht si gröss, She thought the angel’s glow was glorious,
wie lútzel si der red verdross. how little she was burdened
c
by his speech! Critical note:
Also possible, “bored.”
95
si sprach: vil lieber herre min, She said: “my very dear lord ich wil dir gern gefölgig sin; I will gladly do as you say:
wist ich nun, wz im wär gezám. if only I knew what would be suitable for Him,
oder was dienstes er von mir nám, or what service He would accept from me!
des welt ich úmer haben ruom For this (service) I would wish always to have renown forever
100
vnd welt es willenclichen tuon. and would do it willingly.” er sprach: so solt du kúnsch sin. He said: “Then you must be chaste.”
si sprach: ach sússer herre min, She said: “Ah, my sweet lord,
ich fúrcht, es si versummet gar, I fear, it is too late,
man wil hinacht [min] nemen war There is someone who intends to take me right after this;
c
Critical note:
“War nemen” in this context also means to know physically, as in have sex with.
105
er ist ietz hie vff minen schaden, he is here now, to my detriment. ich welt, ich wár im entladen. I wish, I were released from him.”
c
Critical note:
“Ich welt, ich wár im entladen…” literally, I wish I was unloaded from him, as in property (the verb is used both in connection with unloading a horse, and also the unloading of one’s emotions such as sorrow and guilt).
er sprach: ich gib dir noch wol rät, He said: “I will tell you what to do
ob es an dinem willen stät; if that is your will;
glob mir, ich hilff dir uss [der] novt! Believe me, I will help you out of this fix!”
110
ir baid hend sy im dar bott: She offered him both her hands: ich wil dir úmmer gehorsam sin “I will be obedient to you forever
úmer [unz] vff das ende min. and ever until my death.”
er graiff ir linden an ir hand, He took her gently by the hand,
vff zoch er si ze hand, and whisked her off immediately,
115
er fuort si in ainer clainer wil moving her in a short span of time me denn trútusent mil. more than three thousand miles away.
es ducht si gar ain kurtzer weg, Yet it seemed to her a very short journey,
si kam weder vff brugg noch vff steg. for she tread on neither bridge nor path.
vil zart vnd súss was sin ler. Very tender and sweet was the teaching
120
die er si lert vff dem ker, that he taught her on the way. in ain closter er si bravcht. He brought her to a cloister.
dz hett ir gemachel nit gedavcht. This would not have occurred to her betrothed!
er wolt ir mit fróden niemen
c
war, He truly wanted to have the joy of knowing her,Critical note:
“niemen” is clearly a variant spelling of “nemen” here.
c
Critical note:
See above, note 5.
sin fród was im gezukt gar, but his joy was wrenched away from him.
125
irem vatter er do wider seit, To her father he then said dz er in betrogen hett, that he had betrayed him
an tavber
c
fuor er von dannan. and then he left the castle and departed from that place. Critical note:
Bolte misreads the initial letter as c and in his edition where he has “cáber [?].” The manuscript clearly shows a t in “taber” (here with a dipthongized vowel, “tavber”) means “fortress/castle” (fol. 163r).
ir vatter was ain trurig man Her father was a sad man
vnd tett im des von herczen novt. and this matter gave him great pain.
130
er wust, das si nun lang wer tovt, Yet only when he realized that she was probably long dead, erst huob sich sin novt. did he really begin to grieve.
Disen haiden súllen wir trurun lavn We should let this heathen mourn
vnd wider zuo der iunkfröwun gan. and return (our attention) to the maiden.
nun hórent aber gern dz: Now listen to this!
135
der engel, der fieng an The angel, he began vnd seit ir vil súss, to tell her very sweetly
wie got die kúnschen magt grúst, how God greets chaste maidens,
vnd wie vil gnavden diú kúnschait havt, And how much grace is in the chastity
der si mit rainen
c
herczen treit. that they bear in a pure heart. Critical note:
Bolte’s “ramen” has been corrected to “rainen” after consulting the manuscript (fol 163b).
140
er sprach: Kúnschait ist min schwester, He said: “Chastity is my sister — — — — — — — — — — — — —
vnd der engel dre in dem himelrich sint, and also (the sister) of the angels who are in heaven,
siú ist der gilgen gottes kind, and she is the child of the God of the lilies.
Kúnsch ist des obrosten gemachel, Chastity is the most supreme spouse,
145
Liebin ist vil sterker denn stachel. love is stronger than a stinger.” er seit ir sússikait noch gar vil, He told her many more sweet things,
wie hoch got die kúnschait setzen wil: like how high God wishes to elevate Chastity:
got nimpt si vornan an den tantz, God chooses her before all others in the dance;
kúnschait ist aller tugent ain krantz. Chastity is a crown of all the virtues.
150
von got vnd von Maria zart Of God and of tender Maria kunt er, wie diú sin muoter ward he informed her: how she became His mother
vnd in enpfieng vn ovch gebar, and conceived and also bore Him;
ir leben vnd ir liden gar, of her life and all her suffering, and
wie got an dem crútz erstarb, how God died on the cross
155
da mit er ´vns vil gnavd erwarb; so that He could attain grace for us. von got vnd aller himel schar He told her of God and
seit er ir, von ordnung gar of the entire heavenly throng and of the whole order of things;
er was ir ain wiser vor. He was a wise mentor to her.
er fuort si in zu dem tor He took her to the tower
160
des fröwen closters in der nacht, of a convent during the night. daz tett er als mit gottes macht He did this with God’s might
durch gantz wand mit beschlossener túr: through thick walls and locked door:
ain vil grovss wunder ich spúr. In this I detect a very great miracle!
vil lins er si da nider liess, He lowered her down gently
165
fuor den altavr er sie do sitzen hiess, in front of the altar and then bid her sit down. an di guoten statt He bade her to sit still
still (sy) sitzent er si battr, in this good spot
bis das die frowen kámen until the ladies came
vnd disiú már vernáment. and heard her tale.
170
sie tett alles das, das er sie hiess. She did everything he asked. ainen liehten schin er vmb si liess, He [then] surrounded her in a bright light,
ainen brieff gab er ir do in die hand, and in her hand, he put a letter
dar an menig schún geschrift was that contained much beautiful writing —
dz edel wunder avne wank, this noble miracle tale in its entirety;
175
ir baider red kurcz vnd lang what each of them said, the angel and the good maiden, dez engels vnd der iunkfrovwun guot, whether brief or lengthy;
vnd was sie hett in irem muot, what she had in her mind;
vnd wer si vor was vnd wie si kam dar, and who she was before and how she came there.
dz was schún geschriben an All that was beautifully written down
180
mit rotem gold, vnd wer es las, in red gold letters, and whoever read it der sach, daz si ain haidin was saw that she was a heathen
vnd den tovff noch nie empfieng. and had not yet been baptized.
der engel si vor dem altar lie; The angel left her in front of the altar.
dise red, die er mit ir tett, She found the teaching that he had given her
185
ducht si minneclich vnd súss. lovely and sweet. der engel si vil geren sach, She gladly gazed at the angel.
vil zartlich vnd schuon si zuo im sprach: Very tenderly and beautifully she said to him:
ach lieber herr vnd engel min, “Ah, my dear lord and angel,
lavss mich dir enpholchen sin; Allow me to be received by you,
190
ich havn mich dir ergeben gar, I have given myself to you completely, nim min in minen nöten war! Take me in my moment of need!
c
Critical note:
The verb is again “warnemen” and her address here to the angel echoes the language of marriage/sex that she rejected with the earthly lord. No doubt, this serves as evidence for the reader that she is still a heathen, a novice in Christian behavior, and that she still has a lot to learn.
din red ist zuker súss, Your words are as sweet as sugar,
minen herren du mir grúss; Greet my lord for me;
mit dienst bin ich im berait, I am ready to serve Him,
195
mit willeklicher arbait. With willing toil. wan vatter vnd muoter vnd magen min, For your sake I am leaving
die lassen ich durch den willen din, my father, mother, and kin
grossen richtum lavss ich faren. and I am letting go of great wealth.
sag im, er sóll mich wol bewaren! Tell Him to protect me well!
200
vnd [grúss] ovch mir die maget súss, And also greet the sweet virgin [Mary] from me, von der du mir vil havst geseit, about whom you have told me so much,
die die kúnschait des ersten anfieng; and who was the first to be chaste;
sag ir, durch ir kind sitz ich hie Tell her, I have sat down and am sitting here
vnd si allain gesessen, because of her child and her alone,
205
si sol min nit vergessen; and that she should not forget me. dz zimpt iren gnavden wol, That would befit her great compassion well,
wan ich nit waiss, wav ich sol. for otherwise, I do not know where I should (turn).”
vil zartlich schied er do von ir, Then he very tenderly took his leave.
er sprach: wiss, iunkrow, got ist mit dir. He said: “Know this, maiden, God is with you.”
210
Nun wist si nit, wa siú sass, Now, she did not know where she was, diú sprach des landes ir unbekant wz. nor was the language of the land familiar to her.
diú áptissinn des closters da The abbess of the cloister
diu kam gegangen iesa came along just then
navch ir aller gewonhait which was her regular habit —
215
sú was táglich des ersten berait, She was always the first to be ready da man got dienen solt, when it was time to sing the office.
in dem kor si wolt. (And so) she headed to the choir.
do siu aller erst tratt hin in, At the moment she stepped into the choir,
si sach die maget vnd den schin; She saw the maiden surrounded by light;
220
vil bald kert siú sich wider uss, She turned around quickly and went back out. siu liuff bald in das schlavfhuss, She sped to the dormitory
diu frowan siu bald wakt Where she immediately woke the ladies, though calmly
vil schuon, dz si si nit erschrakti. So that they wouldn’t be alarmed.
do siu si all ze samen bravcht, When she had brought them all together,
225
siu seit in, was si sach vnd bedavcht; She told them what she saw and thought; siu sprach: ich wil hiut veriechen, She said: “I want to tell you today,
ich havn Mariun selb gesechen, That I have seen Mary herself,
diu wil úns hiut erun; She wants to honor us today;
zuo der sond wir keren We should return to her
230
vnd sóllent si enphavchen. And should welcome her.” siu begund vor an hin gavchen, She rushed ahead of them,
nach ir was gavch in allen, and all of them rushed after her
si hettent sich navch erfallen. so fast that they almost fell down.
si savchent die iunkfrovwen sin They saw the maiden
235
vil herlich sitzen in iren schin. Sitting nobly in the light. si vielent fúr si an ir knie, They fell to their knees before her,
Salue regina sungent si, [and] sang the Salve Regina,
dz betút: gotwilkomen kúnginn, which means: “God welcome you, Queen.
von vns solt du gegrússet sin. May you receive our greeting!”
240
hie von ich nit me sagen wil. About that I have nothing more to say. der eren was ir doch ze vil, This honor was of course too much for her (the maiden).
súss sungent ir múnd rot, Their red mouths sang sweetly
den brief siu der áptissinen bot. as she offered the letter to the abbess
vil bald siu den úber las who read through it quickly
245
vnd las, wie es ergangen was. and saw how things had gone. diss wunders wavrent sie alle frow, They were all happy about this miracle
dz si got geeret hett also that God had thus honored them
fúr allú klóster in dem land, above all other cloisters in the land
den er sóllich botschaft litzel sant; to which He had sent no such message;
250
vil fród an iren hertzen lag, Their hearts were filled with great joy si erbietten des tags. (while) they waited for the day to dawn.
ir aller sprách was ir vnkund, Their language was entirely unknown to her,
vil schier funden si den fund, and so the sisters very quickly realized
dz si hain santent in die statt that they should send a messenger into the city,
255
ainen botten, der den bischof batt, who would ask the bishop das er kám zuo in dar to come to them
vnd des wunders námi war. and see the miracle.
vil pfaffent er do zuo im nam, The Bishop gathered many clerics around him
mit fróden er do zuo in kam, and then gladly went to them.
260
den brief er do úber lass, He then read through the letter er sach, das si ain haidin was and saw that she was a heathen
vnd das diss alles got wolt, and that God wished
das man si da tóffen solt. her to be baptized.
do er den brief hett vss gelesen, When he had read the letter to the end,
265
er wolt do selb ir tott wesen He himself wanted to be her Godfather vnd töft si selb mit siner hand and he baptized her with his own hand
vff der fart. diú äptissin si tovd fand while he was there. The abbess
an allen sachen, found her dead
c
Critical note:
The Berlin manuscript has “tõd” here, which could be a mis-writing of “totte” or “tottin” (meaning patroness or Godmother). See footnote 11 for the reading of the Budapest manuscript.
als man ain gaistlich mensch in (to?) all things,
270
sol machen. as a spiritual person should be.c
Critical note:
It's possible some lines are missing here. The Budapest manuscript has the following for this passage, which is also somewhat difficult to interpret: “Er pesneid si do in weis gewand/ Das pracht man dar mit list/ Sy stuend czu der selben frist/ vnd auch auf der selben vart/ die aptissin do ir got ward/ Do sy nun was christin worden/ Do gaben sy ir den orden.” (Then he dressed her in white clothing -- that was cleverly done -- She stood at the same time and at the same time, the abbess then became her Godmother. When she had become a Christian, the abbess gave (taught) her the rule.)
do si was crastan worden, When she had become a Christian,
do gab siu ir den orden she (the abbess) then gave her the rule
vnd die pfrúnd zem kloster. and her dowry to the cloister.
da man schloft sy in gewand, Then they dressed her in a robe
275
daz wz graw — — — —c
That was gray. — — — Critical note:
Bolte assumes missing text here, as well as an additional missing line (not included in the line count).
si wavrent all des wunders frow, They were all happy about the miracle
Te deum laudamus sungent si do, and then they sang Te deum laudamus,
die priester alt vnd iung all the priests, old and young
vnd di gantz samnung, and the whole assembly.
280
diss lob si sungent avne spott They sang this earnestly der rosen vnd der gilgen got. to the God of roses and lilies.
dar navch hiess man si leren, After that they had her taught –
ir hail dz wolt sich meren; her holiness wanted to grow!
siu gelernet in kurtzer frist, She learned in a short time
285
dz siu kund aller hand list that she had all kinds of ability singen, lesen vnd schriben, In singing, reading, and writing,
— — — — — — — — — — — — —
ir tugent was mengualt vnd grovss, Her virtue was manifold and great:
allú wisshait ir zuo floss. all wisdom flowed to her.
290
diu áptissin dar navch starb, Soon thereafter, the abbess died. ir lútzel navch ir ampt warb, Few of the sisters applied for her office,
wan si ducht allgemain, For it seemed to them all
wie disiu iunkfrow rain that this pure maiden
vnder in diu best wár úber all; was the best of all among them.
295
dar zuo gäben si die wal, For this reason, they voted dz si diu áptissin sólt sin, that she should be the abbess
diu da vor was ein ha[i] who had previously been a heathen.
niement hie voll sagen kan, No one here can really say
wes glúks dz kloster do gewan how much good fortune the convent won
300
an eren vnd an guot, in honor and in goodness because of this. dz geschuof diu wolgemuot; This created an atmosphere of good will and well-being.
mit wishiat kund siu des klosters pflegen, She was able to manage the cloister with wisdom,
got der het ir sinen segen for God had sent her his blessing
vnd alles hail zuo gesent. and everything holy.
305
wie schön si das wolt, si lert As beautifully as she wanted, she taught si all tugend nacht vnd tag, them all the virtues night and day;
wie lútzel si dar an erlag. How little she lay down on the job!
von kúnschait lert si zuo aller zit, She taught of chastity at all times:
siu lert, was genavd dar an lit; She taught about the grace that is inherent in it;
310
von der kúnschait besunder and of chastity in particular, seit siu menig wunder, she told many miracle stories,
wan dz was ir vil wol kunt for these were made known to her
worden von des engels mund. by the angel’s mouth.
ir ler was guot vnd rain, Her teaching was good and pure
315
noch sússer denne der huonig sain, even sweeter than honey. siu lert si allen, das si sturben, She taught them all, so that when she died
dz si gottes huld erwurben. She would attain God’s favor.
siu was áptissin drissig iar, She was abbess for thirty years,
siu dienot got avn alle swavr. serving God without any difficulty.
320
der engel dar navch zuo ir kam, At the end of this time, the angel who had der si dórt vss dem garten nam, taken her out of the garden came to her
er sprach: iunkfrow, diu zit ist hie, and said: “Maiden, the time has come,
du havst misstretten nie, You have never had a misstep,
du havst behalten min gebott; and have followed my orders;
325
der rosen vnd der gilgen got The God of roses and lilies havt mich gesant zuo dir, has sent me to you —
her navch dir stavt mins hertzen begir. my heart’s desire is longing for you.
du solt dich cristanlich bewaren, See that you keep Christian rule
so wil ich bald navch dir faren and I will come for you soon,
330
von hút an dem dritten tag, three days from today. da von merk eben, was ich dir sag. Mark you well what I tell you now:
so erzaig wir dir, das ich dir verhiess, in this way we will fulfill the promise I made you
do du den haiden faren liest. When you left the heathen.”
dú iunkfrow ward der red frow, This speech made the maiden happy,
335
sinem sússen rat folget siu do, and so she followed his sweet counsel die frowan hiess si kommen dar. and called the ladies to her.
do kament si vnd nament war, When they came and heard
was siu in seit an der stund, what she said at that moment,
in ward ain laidiges már kunt. a sad tale was made known to them.
340
siu gab in do iren getrúwen ravt, She gave them her true counsel, si hiess si baidú frú vnd spavt she bid them love God diligently
got flisseclichen minnen both morning and night
mit hertzen vnd sinnen with heart and mind,
vnd mit fliss all tugent havn, and keenly uphold all the virtues,
345
so mócht es in och wol ergavn. so that it would go well for them. ir aller iavmer der was grovss, Their shared grief was so great
das wasser inen vss den ovgen floss that tears flowed out of their eyes,
sie wundent all ir hend; and they wounded all of their hands (from wringing).
hie nam ir gewalt ain end, Thus ended her rule (as abbess):
350
des dritten tags do lag si tovd, On the third day she lay dead, also schied sy von aller novt. and she departed from all sorrow.
des selben tags kam der engel On the same day, the angel came
vnd nam ir sel zartlich mit im and gently took her soul with him
und fuort si in das himelrich and led her to heaven
355
zuo andren mágten minneclich, to the other loving maidens. da ward er all ir fród gantz, In this way, he became the fulfillment of all their joy:
er fuort si an der iunkfrowan tantz. He brought her to the dance of the virgins.
gross iamer sich hie huob, Great lament arose here (on earth)
vil erlich man si do begruob, as they buried her with honor
360
ob irem grab si sungen: and sang over her grave: ir ist recht wol gelungen. She had had a great success:
got selber gen ir gie God himself had gone to her;
gar wunneclich vnd minneclich er sie empfieng, joyfully and full of love he had received her
er fuort si an der engel schar: and led her to the host of angels.
365
got helff vns allen zuo ir dar. God help us all to join her. Diss sol man geren hóren lesen, This [tale] should be gladly heard told
der der kúnschait dester hólder well wesen; To anyone who wishes to be that much more beholden to chastity;
wan wer die kúnschait lieb havt, For whoever holds chastity dear,
dem mag es hie och wol ergavn, for him it will go well in this life,
370
wer sich ir versummet havt, Whoever neglects it, dem wil ich geben den ravt, him I would counsel
das er si geren behalt; to preserve it gladly;
wan got der kúnschait walt For God governs chastity
vnd die vil lieb muoter sin, and His very dear mother,
375
die hoch himel kúnigin vnd kaiserin, the high Queen and Empress of heaven, die wz die erst, die kúnschait erkos, she was the first to choose chastity.
da von ir hail ist worden grovss, because of which her holiness has greatly increased
dar nach vil menig iunkfrow her, and after which very many maidens followed her,
dis von ir havnd genomen ler. (that is, they followed) this lesson from her hand.
380
den kúnschen git si hochen lon, She gives high praise to the chaste ones, sie setzt in vff der mágte kron. she places the maidenly crown upon their heads.
wer aber sich ir versummet havt, However, he who has neglected it,
der tuo sich der vnkúnsch wider ab if he rids himself once again of corruption
vnd hab dar an vil státten muot, and then is very steadfast in this,
385
so mag sin ding noch werden guot. then things can improve for him. wer unkúnsch lavt, e das sú in laut, Whoever relinquishes corruption, before it spoils him,
eye wie wol es im ergavt! ah, how well it will go for him!
dz sag ich mannen vnd wiben, This I say to men and women:
das si vil stát dar an beliben that they remain steadfast in this
390
vnd folgen miner lere [n] and follow my teaching vnd sich da von kere [n]. and turn away from corruption.
her Salomon gesprochen havt, Lord Solomon has said
das fliechen si der beste ravt. that being clean is the best advice.
c
Critical note:
Cleanliness is next to Godliness?
wer kúnsche beliben well vnd das mag tuon, Whoever wants to and is able to remain chaste,
395
dem git got grovssen luon. God will give him great praise. got der git im die obrosten kruon God will give him the highest crown
in sinem hóchsten tron. in his highest throne.
da mit havt diss buoch ain end, Herewith the book is at an end,
got vns sinen hailigen segen send may God send us His holy blessing
400
vnd verlich vns allen ain guotes end. Amen and solemnly grant us all a good end. Amen Die Sultanstochter im Blumengarten The Sultan's Daughter in the Flower Garden
In der statt zuo Babilon In the city of Babylon
da sass ain herre rich vnd schún, lived a wealthy and handsome lord
der selb was gar ain erlich man who was a very honorable man,
vnd gewaltig — —
c
as well as powerful. Critical note:
Bolte suggests that the line is incomplete and offers “als ain soldan” as a completion. The Budapest manuscript for this line is: “gewaltig vnd säldenreich” (powerful and fortunate).
5
der hett ain dochter, die was kluog, This lord had a daughter who was clever, zúchtig was siú genuog, and also very well-mannered.
onmavssen schún vnd tugentrich, Immeasurably beautiful and rich in virtue,
in allen landen was ir nit gelich. there was no one like her in the whole world.
in sinen hof ain bömgart was, In the lord’s courtyard, there was a garden
10
da sprungent bluoman vnd öch gras, where flowers grew as well as grass. der was wonneclich vnd schún, It was delightful and beautiful —
die fogel sungent süss gedoen, The birds sang sweet melodies, while
vil rosen dar in sprungent, many roses were sprouting and
[vil gilgen us dem grase drungent,]
c
[many lilies pressed up through the grass]. Critical note:
As with this verse, text appearing inside square brackets hereafter indicates an addition or emendation by the editor, Johannes Bolte, that is not present in the Berlin manuscript.
15
der bavm bluot was rovt vnd wiss, The blossoms of the plants were red and white; es was ain irdesch paradiss. it was an earthly paradise.
dú iunkfrovw dáglich dar in gieng, The maiden went there daily.
ir gebett siú allweg anfieng, She always began her prayers there,
mit guoter andavcht sú das lass, and read them with devotion,
20
als sú das gelert was. just as she had been taught. da warent gilgen vnd rosen vil There were many lilies and roses
vnd ander bluoman [als man wil]. and other flowers [as is said].
diu junkfrow schûn vnd zart The beautiful and tender maiden
ainem hochen herren sú gemáchelt ward, was betrothed to a noble lord
25
der kam mit ainem her dar schuon, Who was coming there with a great army. des ward im trurun benomen: His sadness was being taken away,
er wund, er sólt frólich hochzit havn, for he thought he was going to have a happy marriage;
es mocht im nit also ergavn. but in the end, this wasn’t possible for him.
vil schún in ir vatter empfieng, Her father received him very well.
30
haimlich sú zuo dem vatter gieng, Unbeknownst to him (the suitor)c
, she went to her father Critical note:
Insertions in parentheses are my clarifications.
flisseclich sú in batt, and eagerly asked him
dz er ir erlopti ain haimlich statt, for permission to go to a hidden place
da sú ir bett avn allen spot where she could say her prayers
spráchin irem herren got. to her lord God without reproach.
35
er sprach: vil liebunn tochter min, He said, my dearest daughter, es sol dir erlovpt sin. yes, you may.
des selben mavls diu iunkfrovwe rain At once this pure maiden
gieng in den garten aber allain, went into the garden again, alone —
siú wolt niement mit ir lavn; she did not want to have anyone with her;
40
schún rosen sach siú bi ir stavn, Standing near her she saw beautiful roses, si fand da ainen gilgen stok, and among them she found a great lily stalk
dar vz gewachsen ain michel zog, out of which grew
vil gilgen schún die warent her, many beautiful lilies — they were glorious.
dar an kam ir gedank vil ser, Her thoughts then turned in earnest to the fact
45
das niemand anderst wárin got, that, if she could, she wanted to do the bidding kúnd si, si wolt tuon sin gebott. of no other than the true God.
sú gedavcht: ach got, wie schún der ist, She thought: “Ah God, how beautiful is he
der des gewalt havt vnd den list, who has the power and intelligence
das es das schópfen kan! to be able to create this!
50
ach got, sách ich den selben man, Ah, God, if I saw this man, ich welt in anbetten fúr got I would pray to him as to a God
vnd welt ovch gern behalten sin gebott, and would also gladly follow his commands,
ich welt im uff die trúwe min I would truly
úmmer vndertánig sin. always want to be subject to him.”
55
dz fúgt er wol in kurczer frist: God brought this to pass a short time later: nun merkent, wem got genádig ist, now, please take note: to whomever God is merciful,
wem gnavd von im geschechen sol, and on whomever he bestows his grace,
dz kan er bald fúgen wol. He can certainly make this happen quickly.
dz merk ich bi dem wunder wol, This is definitely what I take from the miracle
60
wie es der selbun magt ergieng. that happened to this maiden. es was ir desmavls vmb kainen spott, Her words were not in jest:
ir gefiel recht wol der gilgen got, she really did like the God of the lilies.
ir kam von himel ain liechter schin, A bright radiance then came down to her from heaven —
got der wolt ir genádig sin: it was God who wished to bestow grace upon her —
65
ain schúner engel kam do dar. and a beautiful angel appeared. do siú des engels ward gewar, When she became aware of the angel,
von siner schúni si erschrak, she shrank back in fear from his beauty
dz siú vf der erde lag; falling to the earth;
do gefiel er ir ie bas, but then he pleased her more and more,
70
das was sinemc
recht wissent daz which he found well and good, since he knew Critical note:
Bolte misreads the manuscript here as “siú”, but what he read as a u is clearly an n, which would make the diacritic an abbreviation for, in this case, em. This reading is confirmed by the other manuscript witness (which was unknown to Bolte), which for this line reads: “Das auch seinem recht was vnd ist” (emphasis added).
das guot gaist liebent sich. that good spirits love one another
die boesen [aber] laident sich. while evil ones hate each other.
der engel nam si bi der hand The angel took her by the hand
— — — — — — — — —
c
— — — — — — — — —Critical note:
A series of em-dashes indicates a line that is missing.
c
Critical note:
In the Budapest manuscript, line 74: “ir was gen ym gemant” (she was driven towards him)?
75
do siú den erst ansach, When she first looked at him directly, vil zúchteklich si zuo im sprach: She spoke to him very courteously:
eya, vil lieber herren min, “Ah, my very dear lord,
tuo mir uff siner gnavden schin reveal (explain?) the light of His grace to me
vnd hab mir es nit fúr ainen spott: and don’t make fun of me:
80
sag mir, bist du der hailig got? Tell me, are you the holy God? wan so wil ich dir dienen wol, For if so, I wish verily to serve you,
darnavch stavt mins hertzen begierd. My heart’s desire is set on this.”
er sprach: nain, ich bin sin knecht. He said: “No, I am his servant.
junkfrow kluog, gesich mich recht Clever maiden, behold me truly
85
vnd merk, wie ain tropf múg gesin and observe how (small) a drop (of water) is in comparison gen dem mer vnd gen den Rin, to the sea and to the Rhine.
noch klainer ist die schúni min Even smaller is my radiance
gen dem liebsten edeln herren min. in comparison to my dearest noble lord.
ob du im geren dienen wilt If you really want to serve Him
90
vnd dich sines dienstes nit beuilt, and you do not commend yourself to his service, dz ravt ich dir vff die trúwen min, Then I counsel you truly
des soltu mir gefölgig sin. To do as I say.”
des engels schúni ducht si gröss, She thought the angel’s glow was glorious,
wie lútzel si der red verdross. how little she was burdened
c
by his speech! Critical note:
Also possible, “bored.”
95
si sprach: vil lieber herre min, She said: “my very dear lord ich wil dir gern gefölgig sin; I will gladly do as you say:
wist ich nun, wz im wär gezám. if only I knew what would be suitable for Him,
oder was dienstes er von mir nám, or what service He would accept from me!
des welt ich úmer haben ruom For this (service) I would wish always to have renown forever
100
vnd welt es willenclichen tuon. and would do it willingly.” er sprach: so solt du kúnsch sin. He said: “Then you must be chaste.”
si sprach: ach sússer herre min, She said: “Ah, my sweet lord,
ich fúrcht, es si versummet gar, I fear, it is too late,
man wil hinacht [min] nemen war There is someone who intends to take me right after this;
c
Critical note:
“War nemen” in this context also means to know physically, as in have sex with.
105
er ist ietz hie vff minen schaden, he is here now, to my detriment. ich welt, ich wár im entladen. I wish, I were released from him.”
c
Critical note:
“Ich welt, ich wár im entladen…” literally, I wish I was unloaded from him, as in property (the verb is used both in connection with unloading a horse, and also the unloading of one’s emotions such as sorrow and guilt).
er sprach: ich gib dir noch wol rät, He said: “I will tell you what to do
ob es an dinem willen stät; if that is your will;
glob mir, ich hilff dir uss [der] novt! Believe me, I will help you out of this fix!”
110
ir baid hend sy im dar bott: She offered him both her hands: ich wil dir úmmer gehorsam sin “I will be obedient to you forever
úmer [unz] vff das ende min. and ever until my death.”
er graiff ir linden an ir hand, He took her gently by the hand,
vff zoch er si ze hand, and whisked her off immediately,
115
er fuort si in ainer clainer wil moving her in a short span of time me denn trútusent mil. more than three thousand miles away.
es ducht si gar ain kurtzer weg, Yet it seemed to her a very short journey,
si kam weder vff brugg noch vff steg. for she tread on neither bridge nor path.
vil zart vnd súss was sin ler. Very tender and sweet was the teaching
120
die er si lert vff dem ker, that he taught her on the way. in ain closter er si bravcht. He brought her to a cloister.
dz hett ir gemachel nit gedavcht. This would not have occurred to her betrothed!
er wolt ir mit fróden niemen
c
war, He truly wanted to have the joy of knowing her,Critical note:
“niemen” is clearly a variant spelling of “nemen” here.
c
Critical note:
See above, note 5.
sin fród was im gezukt gar, but his joy was wrenched away from him.
125
irem vatter er do wider seit, To her father he then said dz er in betrogen hett, that he had betrayed him
an tavber
c
fuor er von dannan. and then he left the castle and departed from that place. Critical note:
Bolte misreads the initial letter as c and in his edition where he has “cáber [?].” The manuscript clearly shows a t in “taber” (here with a dipthongized vowel, “tavber”) means “fortress/castle” (fol. 163r).
ir vatter was ain trurig man Her father was a sad man
vnd tett im des von herczen novt. and this matter gave him great pain.
130
er wust, das si nun lang wer tovt, Yet only when he realized that she was probably long dead, erst huob sich sin novt. did he really begin to grieve.
Disen haiden súllen wir trurun lavn We should let this heathen mourn
vnd wider zuo der iunkfröwun gan. and return (our attention) to the maiden.
nun hórent aber gern dz: Now listen to this!
135
der engel, der fieng an The angel, he began vnd seit ir vil súss, to tell her very sweetly
wie got die kúnschen magt grúst, how God greets chaste maidens,
vnd wie vil gnavden diú kúnschait havt, And how much grace is in the chastity
der si mit rainen
c
herczen treit. that they bear in a pure heart. Critical note:
Bolte’s “ramen” has been corrected to “rainen” after consulting the manuscript (fol 163b).
140
er sprach: Kúnschait ist min schwester, He said: “Chastity is my sister — — — — — — — — — — — — —
vnd der engel dre in dem himelrich sint, and also (the sister) of the angels who are in heaven,
siú ist der gilgen gottes kind, and she is the child of the God of the lilies.
Kúnsch ist des obrosten gemachel, Chastity is the most supreme spouse,
145
Liebin ist vil sterker denn stachel. love is stronger than a stinger.” er seit ir sússikait noch gar vil, He told her many more sweet things,
wie hoch got die kúnschait setzen wil: like how high God wishes to elevate Chastity:
got nimpt si vornan an den tantz, God chooses her before all others in the dance;
kúnschait ist aller tugent ain krantz. Chastity is a crown of all the virtues.
150
von got vnd von Maria zart Of God and of tender Maria kunt er, wie diú sin muoter ward he informed her: how she became His mother
vnd in enpfieng vn ovch gebar, and conceived and also bore Him;
ir leben vnd ir liden gar, of her life and all her suffering, and
wie got an dem crútz erstarb, how God died on the cross
155
da mit er ´vns vil gnavd erwarb; so that He could attain grace for us. von got vnd aller himel schar He told her of God and
seit er ir, von ordnung gar of the entire heavenly throng and of the whole order of things;
er was ir ain wiser vor. He was a wise mentor to her.
er fuort si in zu dem tor He took her to the tower
160
des fröwen closters in der nacht, of a convent during the night. daz tett er als mit gottes macht He did this with God’s might
durch gantz wand mit beschlossener túr: through thick walls and locked door:
ain vil grovss wunder ich spúr. In this I detect a very great miracle!
vil lins er si da nider liess, He lowered her down gently
165
fuor den altavr er sie do sitzen hiess, in front of the altar and then bid her sit down. an di guoten statt He bade her to sit still
still (sy) sitzent er si battr, in this good spot
bis das die frowen kámen until the ladies came
vnd disiú már vernáment. and heard her tale.
170
sie tett alles das, das er sie hiess. She did everything he asked. ainen liehten schin er vmb si liess, He [then] surrounded her in a bright light,
ainen brieff gab er ir do in die hand, and in her hand, he put a letter
dar an menig schún geschrift was that contained much beautiful writing —
dz edel wunder avne wank, this noble miracle tale in its entirety;
175
ir baider red kurcz vnd lang what each of them said, the angel and the good maiden, dez engels vnd der iunkfrovwun guot, whether brief or lengthy;
vnd was sie hett in irem muot, what she had in her mind;
vnd wer si vor was vnd wie si kam dar, and who she was before and how she came there.
dz was schún geschriben an All that was beautifully written down
180
mit rotem gold, vnd wer es las, in red gold letters, and whoever read it der sach, daz si ain haidin was saw that she was a heathen
vnd den tovff noch nie empfieng. and had not yet been baptized.
der engel si vor dem altar lie; The angel left her in front of the altar.
dise red, die er mit ir tett, She found the teaching that he had given her
185
ducht si minneclich vnd súss. lovely and sweet. der engel si vil geren sach, She gladly gazed at the angel.
vil zartlich vnd schuon si zuo im sprach: Very tenderly and beautifully she said to him:
ach lieber herr vnd engel min, “Ah, my dear lord and angel,
lavss mich dir enpholchen sin; Allow me to be received by you,
190
ich havn mich dir ergeben gar, I have given myself to you completely, nim min in minen nöten war! Take me in my moment of need!
c
Critical note:
The verb is again “warnemen” and her address here to the angel echoes the language of marriage/sex that she rejected with the earthly lord. No doubt, this serves as evidence for the reader that she is still a heathen, a novice in Christian behavior, and that she still has a lot to learn.
din red ist zuker súss, Your words are as sweet as sugar,
minen herren du mir grúss; Greet my lord for me;
mit dienst bin ich im berait, I am ready to serve Him,
195
mit willeklicher arbait. With willing toil. wan vatter vnd muoter vnd magen min, For your sake I am leaving
die lassen ich durch den willen din, my father, mother, and kin
grossen richtum lavss ich faren. and I am letting go of great wealth.
sag im, er sóll mich wol bewaren! Tell Him to protect me well!
200
vnd [grúss] ovch mir die maget súss, And also greet the sweet virgin [Mary] from me, von der du mir vil havst geseit, about whom you have told me so much,
die die kúnschait des ersten anfieng; and who was the first to be chaste;
sag ir, durch ir kind sitz ich hie Tell her, I have sat down and am sitting here
vnd si allain gesessen, because of her child and her alone,
205
si sol min nit vergessen; and that she should not forget me. dz zimpt iren gnavden wol, That would befit her great compassion well,
wan ich nit waiss, wav ich sol. for otherwise, I do not know where I should (turn).”
vil zartlich schied er do von ir, Then he very tenderly took his leave.
er sprach: wiss, iunkrow, got ist mit dir. He said: “Know this, maiden, God is with you.”
210
Nun wist si nit, wa siú sass, Now, she did not know where she was, diú sprach des landes ir unbekant wz. nor was the language of the land familiar to her.
diú áptissinn des closters da The abbess of the cloister
diu kam gegangen iesa came along just then
navch ir aller gewonhait which was her regular habit —
215
sú was táglich des ersten berait, She was always the first to be ready da man got dienen solt, when it was time to sing the office.
in dem kor si wolt. (And so) she headed to the choir.
do siu aller erst tratt hin in, At the moment she stepped into the choir,
si sach die maget vnd den schin; She saw the maiden surrounded by light;
220
vil bald kert siú sich wider uss, She turned around quickly and went back out. siu liuff bald in das schlavfhuss, She sped to the dormitory
diu frowan siu bald wakt Where she immediately woke the ladies, though calmly
vil schuon, dz si si nit erschrakti. So that they wouldn’t be alarmed.
do siu si all ze samen bravcht, When she had brought them all together,
225
siu seit in, was si sach vnd bedavcht; She told them what she saw and thought; siu sprach: ich wil hiut veriechen, She said: “I want to tell you today,
ich havn Mariun selb gesechen, That I have seen Mary herself,
diu wil úns hiut erun; She wants to honor us today;
zuo der sond wir keren We should return to her
230
vnd sóllent si enphavchen. And should welcome her.” siu begund vor an hin gavchen, She rushed ahead of them,
nach ir was gavch in allen, and all of them rushed after her
si hettent sich navch erfallen. so fast that they almost fell down.
si savchent die iunkfrovwen sin They saw the maiden
235
vil herlich sitzen in iren schin. Sitting nobly in the light. si vielent fúr si an ir knie, They fell to their knees before her,
Salue regina sungent si, [and] sang the Salve Regina,
dz betút: gotwilkomen kúnginn, which means: “God welcome you, Queen.
von vns solt du gegrússet sin. May you receive our greeting!”
240
hie von ich nit me sagen wil. About that I have nothing more to say. der eren was ir doch ze vil, This honor was of course too much for her (the maiden).
súss sungent ir múnd rot, Their red mouths sang sweetly
den brief siu der áptissinen bot. as she offered the letter to the abbess
vil bald siu den úber las who read through it quickly
245
vnd las, wie es ergangen was. and saw how things had gone. diss wunders wavrent sie alle frow, They were all happy about this miracle
dz si got geeret hett also that God had thus honored them
fúr allú klóster in dem land, above all other cloisters in the land
den er sóllich botschaft litzel sant; to which He had sent no such message;
250
vil fród an iren hertzen lag, Their hearts were filled with great joy si erbietten des tags. (while) they waited for the day to dawn.
ir aller sprách was ir vnkund, Their language was entirely unknown to her,
vil schier funden si den fund, and so the sisters very quickly realized
dz si hain santent in die statt that they should send a messenger into the city,
255
ainen botten, der den bischof batt, who would ask the bishop das er kám zuo in dar to come to them
vnd des wunders námi war. and see the miracle.
vil pfaffent er do zuo im nam, The Bishop gathered many clerics around him
mit fróden er do zuo in kam, and then gladly went to them.
260
den brief er do úber lass, He then read through the letter er sach, das si ain haidin was and saw that she was a heathen
vnd das diss alles got wolt, and that God wished
das man si da tóffen solt. her to be baptized.
do er den brief hett vss gelesen, When he had read the letter to the end,
265
er wolt do selb ir tott wesen He himself wanted to be her Godfather vnd töft si selb mit siner hand and he baptized her with his own hand
vff der fart. diú äptissin si tovd fand while he was there. The abbess
an allen sachen, found her dead
c
Critical note:
The Berlin manuscript has “tõd” here, which could be a mis-writing of “totte” or “tottin” (meaning patroness or Godmother). See footnote 11 for the reading of the Budapest manuscript.
als man ain gaistlich mensch in (to?) all things,
270
sol machen. as a spiritual person should be.c
Critical note:
It's possible some lines are missing here. The Budapest manuscript has the following for this passage, which is also somewhat difficult to interpret: “Er pesneid si do in weis gewand/ Das pracht man dar mit list/ Sy stuend czu der selben frist/ vnd auch auf der selben vart/ die aptissin do ir got ward/ Do sy nun was christin worden/ Do gaben sy ir den orden.” (Then he dressed her in white clothing -- that was cleverly done -- She stood at the same time and at the same time, the abbess then became her Godmother. When she had become a Christian, the abbess gave (taught) her the rule.)
do si was crastan worden, When she had become a Christian,
do gab siu ir den orden she (the abbess) then gave her the rule
vnd die pfrúnd zem kloster. and her dowry to the cloister.
da man schloft sy in gewand, Then they dressed her in a robe
275
daz wz graw — — — —c
That was gray. — — — Critical note:
Bolte assumes missing text here, as well as an additional missing line (not included in the line count).
si wavrent all des wunders frow, They were all happy about the miracle
Te deum laudamus sungent si do, and then they sang Te deum laudamus,
die priester alt vnd iung all the priests, old and young
vnd di gantz samnung, and the whole assembly.
280
diss lob si sungent avne spott They sang this earnestly der rosen vnd der gilgen got. to the God of roses and lilies.
dar navch hiess man si leren, After that they had her taught –
ir hail dz wolt sich meren; her holiness wanted to grow!
siu gelernet in kurtzer frist, She learned in a short time
285
dz siu kund aller hand list that she had all kinds of ability singen, lesen vnd schriben, In singing, reading, and writing,
— — — — — — — — — — — — —
ir tugent was mengualt vnd grovss, Her virtue was manifold and great:
allú wisshait ir zuo floss. all wisdom flowed to her.
290
diu áptissin dar navch starb, Soon thereafter, the abbess died. ir lútzel navch ir ampt warb, Few of the sisters applied for her office,
wan si ducht allgemain, For it seemed to them all
wie disiu iunkfrow rain that this pure maiden
vnder in diu best wár úber all; was the best of all among them.
295
dar zuo gäben si die wal, For this reason, they voted dz si diu áptissin sólt sin, that she should be the abbess
diu da vor was ein ha[i] who had previously been a heathen.
niement hie voll sagen kan, No one here can really say
wes glúks dz kloster do gewan how much good fortune the convent won
300
an eren vnd an guot, in honor and in goodness because of this. dz geschuof diu wolgemuot; This created an atmosphere of good will and well-being.
mit wishiat kund siu des klosters pflegen, She was able to manage the cloister with wisdom,
got der het ir sinen segen for God had sent her his blessing
vnd alles hail zuo gesent. and everything holy.
305
wie schön si das wolt, si lert As beautifully as she wanted, she taught si all tugend nacht vnd tag, them all the virtues night and day;
wie lútzel si dar an erlag. How little she lay down on the job!
von kúnschait lert si zuo aller zit, She taught of chastity at all times:
siu lert, was genavd dar an lit; She taught about the grace that is inherent in it;
310
von der kúnschait besunder and of chastity in particular, seit siu menig wunder, she told many miracle stories,
wan dz was ir vil wol kunt for these were made known to her
worden von des engels mund. by the angel’s mouth.
ir ler was guot vnd rain, Her teaching was good and pure
315
noch sússer denne der huonig sain, even sweeter than honey. siu lert si allen, das si sturben, She taught them all, so that when she died
dz si gottes huld erwurben. She would attain God’s favor.
siu was áptissin drissig iar, She was abbess for thirty years,
siu dienot got avn alle swavr. serving God without any difficulty.
320
der engel dar navch zuo ir kam, At the end of this time, the angel who had der si dórt vss dem garten nam, taken her out of the garden came to her
er sprach: iunkfrow, diu zit ist hie, and said: “Maiden, the time has come,
du havst misstretten nie, You have never had a misstep,
du havst behalten min gebott; and have followed my orders;
325
der rosen vnd der gilgen got The God of roses and lilies havt mich gesant zuo dir, has sent me to you —
her navch dir stavt mins hertzen begir. my heart’s desire is longing for you.
du solt dich cristanlich bewaren, See that you keep Christian rule
so wil ich bald navch dir faren and I will come for you soon,
330
von hút an dem dritten tag, three days from today. da von merk eben, was ich dir sag. Mark you well what I tell you now:
so erzaig wir dir, das ich dir verhiess, in this way we will fulfill the promise I made you
do du den haiden faren liest. When you left the heathen.”
dú iunkfrow ward der red frow, This speech made the maiden happy,
335
sinem sússen rat folget siu do, and so she followed his sweet counsel die frowan hiess si kommen dar. and called the ladies to her.
do kament si vnd nament war, When they came and heard
was siu in seit an der stund, what she said at that moment,
in ward ain laidiges már kunt. a sad tale was made known to them.
340
siu gab in do iren getrúwen ravt, She gave them her true counsel, si hiess si baidú frú vnd spavt she bid them love God diligently
got flisseclichen minnen both morning and night
mit hertzen vnd sinnen with heart and mind,
vnd mit fliss all tugent havn, and keenly uphold all the virtues,
345
so mócht es in och wol ergavn. so that it would go well for them. ir aller iavmer der was grovss, Their shared grief was so great
das wasser inen vss den ovgen floss that tears flowed out of their eyes,
sie wundent all ir hend; and they wounded all of their hands (from wringing).
hie nam ir gewalt ain end, Thus ended her rule (as abbess):
350
des dritten tags do lag si tovd, On the third day she lay dead, also schied sy von aller novt. and she departed from all sorrow.
des selben tags kam der engel On the same day, the angel came
vnd nam ir sel zartlich mit im and gently took her soul with him
und fuort si in das himelrich and led her to heaven
355
zuo andren mágten minneclich, to the other loving maidens. da ward er all ir fród gantz, In this way, he became the fulfillment of all their joy:
er fuort si an der iunkfrowan tantz. He brought her to the dance of the virgins.
gross iamer sich hie huob, Great lament arose here (on earth)
vil erlich man si do begruob, as they buried her with honor
360
ob irem grab si sungen: and sang over her grave: ir ist recht wol gelungen. She had had a great success:
got selber gen ir gie God himself had gone to her;
gar wunneclich vnd minneclich er sie empfieng, joyfully and full of love he had received her
er fuort si an der engel schar: and led her to the host of angels.
365
got helff vns allen zuo ir dar. God help us all to join her. Diss sol man geren hóren lesen, This [tale] should be gladly heard told
der der kúnschait dester hólder well wesen; To anyone who wishes to be that much more beholden to chastity;
wan wer die kúnschait lieb havt, For whoever holds chastity dear,
dem mag es hie och wol ergavn, for him it will go well in this life,
370
wer sich ir versummet havt, Whoever neglects it, dem wil ich geben den ravt, him I would counsel
das er si geren behalt; to preserve it gladly;
wan got der kúnschait walt For God governs chastity
vnd die vil lieb muoter sin, and His very dear mother,
375
die hoch himel kúnigin vnd kaiserin, the high Queen and Empress of heaven, die wz die erst, die kúnschait erkos, she was the first to choose chastity.
da von ir hail ist worden grovss, because of which her holiness has greatly increased
dar nach vil menig iunkfrow her, and after which very many maidens followed her,
dis von ir havnd genomen ler. (that is, they followed) this lesson from her hand.
380
den kúnschen git si hochen lon, She gives high praise to the chaste ones, sie setzt in vff der mágte kron. she places the maidenly crown upon their heads.
wer aber sich ir versummet havt, However, he who has neglected it,
der tuo sich der vnkúnsch wider ab if he rids himself once again of corruption
vnd hab dar an vil státten muot, and then is very steadfast in this,
385
so mag sin ding noch werden guot. then things can improve for him. wer unkúnsch lavt, e das sú in laut, Whoever relinquishes corruption, before it spoils him,
eye wie wol es im ergavt! ah, how well it will go for him!
dz sag ich mannen vnd wiben, This I say to men and women:
das si vil stát dar an beliben that they remain steadfast in this
390
vnd folgen miner lere [n] and follow my teaching vnd sich da von kere [n]. and turn away from corruption.
her Salomon gesprochen havt, Lord Solomon has said
das fliechen si der beste ravt. that being clean is the best advice.
c
Critical note:
Cleanliness is next to Godliness?
wer kúnsche beliben well vnd das mag tuon, Whoever wants to and is able to remain chaste,
395
dem git got grovssen luon. God will give him great praise. got der git im die obrosten kruon God will give him the highest crown
in sinem hóchsten tron. in his highest throne.
da mit havt diss buoch ain end, Herewith the book is at an end,
got vns sinen hailigen segen send may God send us His holy blessing
400
vnd verlich vns allen ain guotes end. Amen and solemnly grant us all a good end. Amen Critical Notes
Transcription
Line number 4
Critical note: Bolte suggests that the line is incomplete and offers “als ain soldan” as a completion. The Budapest manuscript for this line is: “gewaltig vnd säldenreich” (powerful and fortunate).
Transcription
Line number 14
Critical note: As with this verse, text appearing inside square brackets hereafter indicates an addition or emendation by the editor, Johannes Bolte, that is not present in the Berlin manuscript.
Translation
Line number 30
Critical note: Insertions in parentheses are my clarifications.
Transcription
Line number 70
Critical note: Bolte misreads the manuscript here as “siú”, but what he read as a u is clearly an n, which would make the diacritic an abbreviation for, in this case, em. This reading is confirmed by the other manuscript witness (which was unknown to Bolte), which for this line reads: “Das auch seinem recht was vnd ist” (emphasis added).
Transcription
Line number 74
Critical note: A series of em-dashes indicates a line that is missing.
Translation
Line number 74
Critical note: In the Budapest manuscript, line 74: “ir was gen ym gemant” (she was driven towards him)?
Translation
Line number 94
Critical note: Also possible, “bored.”
Translation
Line number 104
Critical note: “War nemen” in this context also means to know physically, as in have sex with.
Translation
Line number 106
Critical note: “Ich welt, ich wár im entladen…” literally, I wish I was unloaded from him, as in property (the verb is used both in connection with unloading a horse, and also the unloading of one’s emotions such as sorrow and guilt).
Transcription
Line number 123
Critical note: “niemen” is clearly a variant spelling of “nemen” here.
Translation
Line number 123
Critical note: See above, note 5.
Transcription
Line number 127
Critical note: Bolte misreads the initial letter as c and in his edition where he has “cáber [?].” The manuscript clearly shows a t in “taber” (here with a dipthongized vowel, “tavber”) means “fortress/castle” (fol. 163r).
Transcription
Line number 139
Critical note: Bolte’s “ramen” has been corrected to “rainen” after consulting the manuscript (fol 163b).
Translation
Line number 191
Critical note: The verb is again “warnemen” and her address here to the angel echoes the language of marriage/sex that she rejected with the earthly lord. No doubt, this serves as evidence for the reader that she is still a heathen, a novice in Christian behavior, and that she still has a lot to learn.
Translation
Line number 268
Critical note: The Berlin manuscript has “tõd” here, which could be a mis-writing of “totte” or “tottin” (meaning patroness or Godmother). See footnote 11 for the reading of the Budapest manuscript.
Translation
Line number 270
Critical note: It's possible some lines are missing here. The Budapest manuscript has the following for this passage, which is also somewhat difficult to interpret: “Er pesneid si do in weis gewand/ Das pracht man dar mit list/ Sy stuend czu der selben frist/ vnd auch auf der selben vart/ die aptissin do ir got ward/ Do sy nun was christin worden/ Do gaben sy ir den orden.” (Then he dressed her in white clothing -- that was cleverly done -- She stood at the same time and at the same time, the abbess then became her Godmother. When she had become a Christian, the abbess gave (taught) her the rule.)
Transcription
Line number 275
Critical note: Bolte assumes missing text here, as well as an additional missing line (not included in the line count).
Translation
Line number 393
Critical note: Cleanliness is next to Godliness?
Sorry, but there are no notes associated with any currently displayed witness.