Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9 · Chapter 10

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.10.1 As I walked with him, I too was cheerful at seeing such good things. The shepherd said to me, “Go and bring lime and finely crushed pottery, so that I may fill the impressions left by the stones that were taken up and put into the building. For everything around the tower must become level.”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.10.2 I did as he commanded and brought them to him. He said, “Help me, and the work will soon be finished.” He filled the impressions of the stones that had gone into the building, and commanded that the area around the tower be swept and made clean.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.10.3 The virgins took brooms, swept, and removed all the rubbish from the tower. They sprinkled water, and the place of the tower became cheerful and most beautiful.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.10.4 The shepherd said to me, “Everything has been cleaned. If the master comes to inspect the tower, he has nothing to blame us for.” Having said this, he wished to leave.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.10.5 But I took hold of his bag and began imploring him by the Lord to explain what he had shown me. He said to me, “I must be occupied for a little while, and then I will explain everything to you. Wait here for me until I return.”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.10.6 I said to him, “Sir, what shall I do here alone?” “You are not alone,” he said, “for these virgins are with you.” I said, “Then entrust me to them.” The shepherd called them and said to them, “I entrust this man to you until I return.” Then he departed.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.10.7 I was alone with the virgins. They were very cheerful and well disposed toward me, especially the four more glorious ones among them.