Kebra Nagast

them hast prophesied also what shall happen to the two cities, the brides of Christ, the Churches Nestasya and 'Arkadya, and Marena, and Ethiopia, the great cities of God, wherein pure sacrifices and offerings shall be offered up at all times. May God show us His grace The blessing of all the saints and martyrs [be with us] for ever and ever Amen. Christ is our King, and in Christ is our life for ever and ever. Amen. And Amen." ! ! COLOPHON " In the Arabic text it is said We have turned [this book] into Arabic from a Coptic manuscript [belonging to] the throne of Mark the Evangelist, the teacher, the Father of us all. We have translated it in the four hundred and ninth year of mercy in the country of Ethiopia, in the days of Gabra Masltal the king, who is called Lalibala, in the days of Abba George, the good bishop. And God neglected to have it translated and : interpreted into the speech of Abyssinia. And when I had pondered this Why did not 'Abal'ez and Abalfarog who edited (or, copied) the book translate it ? I said this It went out in the days of Zagua, and they did not translate it because this book says Those who : : reign not being Israelites are transgressors of the Law. Had they been of the kingdom of Israel they would have edited (or, translated) it. And it was found in Nazret." " And pray ye for me, your servant Isaac the poor man. And chide ye me not because of the incorrectFor I have toiled ness of the speech of the tongue. much for the glory of the country of Ethiopia, and for the going forth of the heavenly Zion, and for the glory And I consulted the upright of the King of Ethiopia. and God-loving governor Ya'ebika 'Egzi'e, and he approved and said unto me, Work.' And I worked, God helping me, and He did not requite me according to my And pray ye for your servant Isaac, and for those sins. ' 228