Pastor de Hermas 79

1E no meio da planície mostrou-me uma grande rocha branca que se tinha erguido da planície. E a rocha era mais alta que os montes, de forma retangular, de modo a ser capaz de conter o mundo inteiro: e aquela rocha era antiga, tendo uma porta talhada nela; e o talhe da porta me pareceu como se feito recentemente. E a porta resplandecia a tal ponto sob os raios do sol que me maravilhei com o esplendor da porta; e ao redor da porta estavam de pé doze virgens.

1And in the middle of the plain he showed me a large white rock that had arisen out of the plain. And the rock was more lofty than the mountains, rectangular in shape, so as to be capable of containing the whole world: and that rock was old, having a gate cut out of it; and the cutting out of the gate seemed to me as if recently done. And the gate glittered to such a degree under the sunbeams, that I marvelled at the splendour of the gate; and round about the gate were standing twelve virgins.

2As quatro que estavam nos cantos me pareceram mais distintas que as outras — todas, porém, eram distintas — e estavam nas quatro partes da porta; duas virgens entre cada parte. E estavam vestidas de túnicas de linho e graciosamente cingidas, tendo os ombros direitos descobertos, como se fossem carregar algum fardo. Assim estavam prontas; pois estavam extremamente alegres e ansiosas.

2The four who stood at the corners seemed to me more distinguished than the others—they were all, however, distinguished—and they were standing at the four parts of the gate; two virgins between each part. And they were clothed with linen tunics, and gracefully girded, having their right shoulders exposed, as if about to bear some burden. Thus they stood ready; for they were exceedingly cheerful and eager.

3Depois que vi estas coisas, maravilhei-me em mim mesmo, porque contemplava visões grandes e gloriosas. E de novo fiquei perplexo com as virgens, porque, embora tão delicadas, estavam de pé corajosamente, como se fossem carregar todos os céus.

3After I had seen these things, I marvelled in myself, because I was beholding great and glorious sights. And again I was perplexed about the virgins, because, although so delicate, they were standing courageously, as if about to carry the whole heavens.

4E o Pastor me disse: “Por que raciocinas em ti mesmo e perturbas a tua mente e te afliges? pois as coisas que não podes compreender, não tentes compreender, como se fosses sábio; mas pede ao Senhor, para que recebas entendimento e as conheças. Não podes ver o que está atrás de ti, mas vês o que está diante.

4And the Shepherd said to me, “Why are you reasoning in yourself, and perplexing your mind, and distressing yourself? for the things which you cannot understand, do not attempt to comprehend, as if you were wise; but ask the Lord, that you may receive understanding and know them. You cannot see what is behind you, but you see what is before.

5O que, então, não podes ver, deixa de lado e não te atormentes por isso: mas o que vês, faze-te senhor disso e não desperdices o teu trabalho com outras coisas; e explicar-te-ei tudo o que te mostro. Olha, portanto, para as coisas que restam.”

5Whatever, then, you cannot see, let alone, and do not torment yourself about it: but what you see, make yourself master of it, and do not waste your labour about other things; and I will explain to you everything that I show you. Look, therefore, on the things that remain.”