NEUOFFENBARUNG← The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Contents
The governor's embarrassment due to a deputation of the foremost and noblest citizens of the city. Cyrenius invites the deputation to a meal. The curse of money. 18 June 1844
01] As Joseph's house was thus supplied with wood in this way and Joseph's sons were energetically preparing the midday meal,
02] a glittering delegation of prominent citizens came from the city to greet the supreme governor.
03] For this time no one in the city had learnt of Cyrenius' presence, as he wanted to be here strictly incognito.
04] However, people saw the familiar servants, as well as Joseph's sons, in the city in the morning, and hence assumed the presence of the governor.
05] They therefore assembled in the city and came out in all splendour, which was, on this occasion, most inconvenient to Cyrenius.
06] The commander and the familiar captain were naturally at the head of the large company comprising the foremost and noblest citizens of the city of Ostracine.
07] The commander profusely apologized for his late knowledge, and that only by a lucky coincidence, of the Imperial Consular Highness' supreme presence honouring this region.
08] Cyrenius, however, almost turned back in his secret annoyance at this for him highly untimely visit.
09] He nevertheless had to put on a brave front out of political considerations and therefore responded to his greetings with equally pleasant words.
10] After a while, however, he said to the commander: "Dear friend, being great men of the world has unpleasant consequences sometimes!
11] A common man can go wherever he wants and he will remain incognito;
12] we, however, only need to take a step onto the threshold, and our incognito is torn to shreds.
13] I heartily accept your stately greeting in the name of my brother;
14] but it should not detract from the fact that I am strictly incognito here!
15] That is to say in other words, my presence here is unofficial and should not be reported to Rome under any circumstances!
16] If I should learn that someone has dared to report my presence here to Rome, indeed, he will fare badly! – For bear in mind that I am here in strict incognito for the world!
17] Why? – I know the reason, and no one needs to ask me about it.
18] Now go home and change to ordinary clothes, and come out here again for the midday meal that will take place in approximately three hours before sunset!"
19] Here the deputation bowed before the governor and departed.
20] Thereupon Joseph went over to Cyrenius and said:
21] "See, this is already the first consequence of the money that you gave me in such
abundance!
22] Your servants had to buy a chest for it, and they were recognized – and your presence here was betrayed.
23] As I always say: Gold and silver still bear the ancient curse of God!"
24] The Infant, who was close to Joseph, added with a smile:
25] "Therefore, one cannot heap greater insult on the proud gold and the conceited silver than by distributing it fairly among the beggars.
26] You however, my dear Joseph, do this all the time; hence the old curse will do you, as well as Cyrenius, little harm.
27] Oh, I am not at all anxious about this gold; for here it is already in the right place!"
28] These words once again soothed Joseph and Cyrenius, and they now awaited the invited guests in very happy spirits. –