Hymn_of_the_Pearl

=Hymn of the Pearl=

Within the //Hymn of the Pearl//, a poem within the non-canonical //Acts of Thomas//, a few lines of poetry may be a reference to images contained on a burial shroud. These lines are translated and can be understood in many ways. Many scholars agree that the //Hymn of the Pearl//, at least as it was written down in the //Acts of Thomas//, originated in the Mesopotamian city of Edessa. It was in Edessa, in 544 CE, that the Edessa image-bearing cloth was discovered.

Various translations:
Translation by Hans Jonas //(The Two Images Segment)//**

it seemed to me suddenly to become a mirror-image of myself: myself entire I saw in it, and I saw that we were two in separateness, and yet again one in the sameness of our forms…And the image of the King of kings was depicted all over it. Translation by M. R. James //(The Two Images Segment)//**

but suddenly, [when] I saw the garment made like unto me as it had been in a mirror. And I beheld upon it all myself (or saw it wholly in myself) and I knew and saw myself through it, that we were divided asunder, being of one; and again were one in one shape. Yea, the treasurers also which brought me the garment I beheld, that they were two, yet one shape was upon both, one royal sign was set upon both of them. Translation by William Wright //(The Two Images Segment)//**

on a sudden, when I received it, the garment seemed to me to become like a mirror of myself. I saw it all in all, and I to received all in it, for we were two in distinction and yet gain one in one likeness. And the treasurers too, who brought it to me, I saw in like manner to be two (and yet) one likeness, for one sign of the king was written on them (both),


 * From a version edited by Quaker scholar Hugh McGregor Ross //(The Two Images Segment)//**

But suddenly when I saw my garment reflected as in a mirror, I perceived it was my whole Self as well, and through it I recognized and saw myself. For, though we derived from one and the same we were partially divided; and then again we were One, with a single form.


 * Unknown Popular Translation** **//(The Two Images Segment)//**

But all in the moment I faced it This robe seemed to me like a mirror, And in it I saw my whole self Moreover I faced myself facing into it. For we were two together divided Yet in one we stood in one likeness.