The Texture of the Divine: Imagination in Medieval Islamic and Jewish Thought

Appendix: Hay ben Meqitz: An Initiatory Tale by Abraham ibn Ezra

Appendix IN WHAT FOLLOWS I PROVIDE THE FIRST COMPLETE ENGLISH TRANSLATION of ibn Ezra’s H . ay ben Meqitz. I base my translation on the critical edition of the Hebrew text as provided by Levin.1 Keeping with my main argument of this study—namely, that these tales were composed in a certain form for particular philosophical purposes —I have tried to avoid producing a literal and wooden translation of what is a very vibrant original. In like manner, I have refused to translate what is a very poetical text into a prose narrative. My rendition, therefore, attempts to present the essential meaning of every line but in a way that recreates, in English, the aesthetic dimension of the original. My translation attempts both to retain the tenor of the original Hebrew images or metaphors and to present them in ways that communicate the brevity and force of the original language. However, there is no way of recreating the rhyme and rhythm of the original in English without resorting to the most awkward and artificial constructions . In fact, I have had to emend the Hebrew into readable English in just about every line. A consultation of the original Hebrew text, however , will make this readily apparent. Similarly, I have also avoided “translating” the poem into scientific prose. This would, once again, go against my phenomenological reading of the work. Rather than taking every section of the poem and saying that it corresponds to a particular feature of ibn Ezra’s larger corpus, I have kept my comments in the notes to the translation to a minimum. My main concern in these notes is to point out the biblical matrix2 from which ibn Ezra’s poem derives its potency. H . AY BEN MEQITZ AN INITIATORY TALE BY ABRAHAM IBN EZRA Listen, O wise men, to my words Those versed in knowledge pay heed.3 Men, young and old, understand 26001-Appendix.qxd 10/8/03 16:17 Page 189 190 APPENDIX Ignoramuses and youth listen up. Truth will my mouth pronounce 5 Uprightness will issue from my lips.4 I have abandoned my house Walked away from my possessions.5 I left my home My birthplace, my people. 10 The sons of my mother put me in charge But they did not let me attend to my vineyard.6 I arose to travel In search of tranquility. My spirit7 called out for relaxation 15 My sou18 demanded peace I was in need of seclusion.9 With me were my friends Fellow companions on life’s journey. An old man was walking in the field10 20 Praising God, giving thanks. His appearance was like that of kings An aura surrounding him, shining like the angels. Seasons had not changed him Years seemed not to pass him. 25 His eyes shone like those of a dove11 His brow gleamed as a slice of pomegranate.12 Neither distortion in his height Nor weakness in his strength. Neither darkness in his eyes 30 Nor was his vigor unabated.13 His fragrance was wondrous Like that of spikeman.14 His mouth was delicious, All of him was delightful.15 35 I called out to him: Your physical state prospers You will never perish. Whose son are you, what is your name? What is your occupation? Is this place your home? 40 In words he answered me16 Full of stones and gems.17 In words arranged Like thummim and urim.18 He said to me: “May God enrich your name19 45 26001-Appendix.qxd 10/8/03 16:17 Page 190 May your prosperity be like a river.20 May He always be your trust Preventing your feet from slipping.21 H . ay ben Meqitz is my name The Holy City is my home. 50 My work is what you see I toil and do not grow weary. I wander throughout cities and states Searching every nook and cranny. My father guides me in the way of wisdom22 55 He teaches me understanding and counsel.23 I am with Him as a confidant24 In Baal Hamon.25 In the coolness of his shade I delight to sit.26 60 I will not leave Him For His fruit is sweet to my mouth.”27 While we were talking his words opened up. Extended to those who desire to understand 65 the true nature of things and to searchers of the straight path. He said, “The countenance...