NEUOFFENBARUNG← The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Contents
Cyrenius' doubts about the consecration of the marriage through a high priest of Hymen. Joseph's good advice and Cyrenius' great joy. 4 January 1844
01] And Cyrenius, completely satisfied by Joseph's assurance, then said to Joseph:
02] "Exalted friend! Now every one of my wishes has been fulfilled, and there is nothing more that I desire!
3] Only one critical circumstance prevails over my great good fortune, which is as follows:
04] Tullia, the heavenly one, is indeed now my lawful wife with God's blessing; but see, I am outwardly still a Roman and must also, for the sake of the people, have it consecrated by a priest!
05] Such a consecration can only be performed by a high priest of Hymen; only then can the alliance be considered legal.
06] But how can such a thing be done here, with only the three lesser priests available?"
07] And Joseph spoke to Cyrenius: "Why do you worry about things that do not matter in the least?
08] If indeed you attach any importance to such a consecration, you will find enough priests on your return to Tyre, who will consecrate you in exchange for money.
09] However, you are better off remaining as you are now; after all, you are also the master of your own law!
10] I recall once having heard a Roman say, that there is a secret law in Rome, which states:
11] 'If a man espouses a maiden in the presence of a mute person, a fool or an under- aged child,
12] and these are good-natured and smiling during the selection, then the marriage is considered perfectly lawful, which should then be notified to the relevant priest,
13] whereby, of course, a small shiny offering should not be lacking.'
14] If this secret law is valid, then what else is necessary?
15] Let the three priests, who are with me, come; they will testify that you have chosen Tullia in the presence of a Child, not yet four months old, who smiled at you and even blessed you!
16] When you have this most innocent witness and a bit of gold, what more can the Roman people possibly want?!"
17] And Cyrenius literally leapt for joy and spoke to Joseph:
18] "Indeed, exalted brother, you are absolutely right! There is really such a law; but at first I could not recall it!
19] Now everything is in the best order; so send for the three priests, and I will confer with them in this matter at once!" – And Joseph asked for the three still silent priests to enter the room.