41. The Coptic Manichaean Songbook
ome of the most strikingly beautiful Manichaean literature is po-
etry, presented in songs and hymns. A substantial number of songs
are to be found in the Coptic Manichaean Songbook, or Psalmbook,
which is preserved in Coptic but has only partially been translated and edited.
Here several songs from the Coptic Manichaean Songbook are offered. The
Songs of Thomas may refer to Mani's student of that name and seem to be
based on Mandaean poetry, as Nathaniel Deutsch also mentions above in his
introduction to the Mandaean literature in Part Four. The Song of Herakleides
may recall one of Mani's twelve messengers. The names cited at the conclusion
of some of the songs may be names of saints or martyrs.
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