sacrifice to them, for I am bereaved of my spouse. And what else should I ask of them? for all
my glory is taken away, yet am I a prince and next unto the king in power; but Mygdonia hath
set me at nought, and taken away all these things. (Would that some one would blind one of my
eyes, and that thine eyes would look upon me as they were wont, Syr. which has more clauses, to
the same effect.)
116 And while Charisius spake thus with tears, Mygdonia sat silent and looking upon the
ground; and again he came unto her and said: My lady Mygdonia, most desired of me, remember
that out of all the women that are in India I chose and took thee as the most beautiful, though I
might have joined to myself in marriage many more beautiful: but yet I lie, Mygdonia, for by the
gods it would not have been possible to find another like thee in the land of India; but woe is me
always, for thou wilt not even answer me a word: but if thou wilt, revile me, so that I may only
be vouchsafed a word from thee. Look at me, for I am more comely than that sorcerer: but thou
art my wealth and honour: and all men know that there is none like me: and thou art my race and
kindred; and lo, he taketh thee away from me.
117 And when Charisius had so said, Mygdonia saith unto him: He whom I love is better than
thee and thy substance: for thy substance is of earth and returneth unto the earth; but he whom I
love is of heaven and will take me with him unto heaven. Thy wealth shall pass away, and thy
beauty shall vanish, and thy robes, and thy many works: and thou shalt be alone, naked, with thy
transgressions. Call not to my remembrance thy deeds (unto me), for I pray the Lord that I may
forget thee, so as to remember no more those former pleasures and the custom of the body;
which shall pass away as a shadow, but Jesus only endureth for ever, and the souls which hope in
him. Jesus himself shall quit me of the shameful deeds which I did with thee. And when
Charisius heard this, he turned him to sleep, vexed (dissolved) in soul, saying to her: Consider it
by thyself all this night: and if thou wilt be with me such as thou wast before, and not see that
sorcerer, I will do all according to thy mind, and if thou wilt remove thine affection from him I
will take him out of the prison and let him go and remove into another country, and I will not vex
thee, for I know that thou makest much of the stranger. And not with thee first did this matter
come about, for many other women also hath he deceived with thee; and they have awaked sober
and returned to themselves: do not thou then make nought of my words and cause me to be a
reproach among the Indians.
118 And Charisius having thus spoken went to sleep: but she took ten denarii ( 20 zuze, Syr.), and
went secretly to give them to the gaolers that she might enter in to the apostle. But on the way
Judus Thomas came and met her, and she saw him and was afraid, for she thought that he was
one of the rulers: for a great light went before him. And she said to herself as she fled: have lost
thee, O my unhappy soul! for thou wilt not again see Judas the apostle of [JESUS] the living
[GOD], and not yet hast thou received the holy seal. And she fled and ran into a narrow place
and there hid herself, saying: I would rather choose to be killed (taken) by the poorer, whom it is
possible to persuade, than to fall into the hand of this mighty ruler, who will despise gifts.
The Tenth Act: Wherein Mygdonia receiveth baptism.
119 And while Mygdonia thought thus with herself, Judas came and stood over her, and she saw
him and was afraid, and fell down and became lifeless with terror. But he stood by her and took
her by the hand and said unto her: Fear not, Mygdonia: Jesus will not leave thee, neither will the
Lord unto whom thou hast committed thy soul overlook thee. His compassionate rest will not
forsake thee: he that is kind will not forsake thee, for his kindness' sake, nor he that is good for
ron
(Ron)
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