NEUOFFENBARUNG← The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Contents
The curiosity of the now pensive Roman commander and his conversation with Cyrenius about the laws of nature and their lawgiver. The return home from the mountain. 5 February 1844
01] After a long while of continual astonishment, the commander approached Cyrenius with great humility and spoke:
02] "Your Highness! I know that you have concerned yourself a lot with natural sciences, just as several other illustrious leaders of Rome have done!
03] As for me, I have always been much more of a soldier than a scholar of nature;
04] but this highly strange phenomenon that occurred here in front of our eyes, compels me to reflect upon it.
05] However, I earnestly do not see any other reason except the miraculous, which can only be explained by the remarkable power of this Jewish Child.
06] Is it possible that there are really no other reasons? Is it not possible, that there are some secret laws of nature, which can produce such a phenomenon, just as the customary rain, hail and snow?
07] O give me a small light, with which I can understand it a little and not stand there like a lost soul!
08] And Cyrenius spoke to the commander: "O friend! You have been ill-advised, that is why you have turned to me in this matter!
09] For I understand as little of this as you; that such a thing most certainly occurred according to a law is certain!
10] However, the constitution of this law is something that can scarcely be known to anyone except the great lawgiver of nature!
11] Whether we mortals are entitled to ask the great lawgiver about the constitution of such laws is absolutely unknown, at least to me!"
12] The commander spoke: "See, your Highness, here is the wise Jew, and there his marvellous Child and the two remarkable youths that have unnerved us so greatly with their brilliant garments!
13] How would it be if we consulted them in this most remarkable matter?"
14] And Cyrenius spoke: "Try it, if you have sufficient courage to do so!
15] On this occasion, I lack the courage for this; for I now see quite clearly, that these beings are of a completely different nature than us!"
16] And the commander spoke: "Lack of courage is not the obstacle in my case;
17] but if Your Highness is of this opinion, then I certainly do not want to be a traitor and will make do with my ignorance!"
18] Joseph now spoke to Cyrenius: "Brother, let us prepare now for departure; for the sun has almost set!"
19] Cyrenius followed this advice, and the departure, which took place without any obstacle, began within a short time. In two hours, they had returned to the villa.