Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9 · Chapter 11

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.1 The virgins said to me, “The shepherd is not coming here today.” I said, “What shall I do, then?” They said, “Wait for him until evening. If he comes, he will speak with you; if he does not come, you will remain here with us until he returns.”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.2 I said to them, “I shall wait for him until evening. If he does not come, I shall go home and return in the morning.” They answered me, “You have been entrusted to us; you cannot depart from us.”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.3 I said, “Where, then, shall I stay?” They said, “You will sleep with us as a brother, not as a husband; for you are our brother, and from now on we are to dwell with you, because we love you greatly.” But I was ashamed to stay with them.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.4 The one who seemed to be first among them began kissing and embracing me. When the others saw her embracing me, they too began kissing me, leading me around the tower, and playing with me.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.5 I had become as though younger, and I too began playing with them. Some danced in a chorus, some danced, and some sang. But I kept silent as I walked with them around the tower, and I was cheerful with them.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.6 When evening came, I wished to go home, but they would not allow it and kept me there. I remained with them that night and slept beside the tower.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.7 For the virgins spread their linen tunics on the ground and made me lie down in their midst. They did absolutely nothing except pray, and I prayed with them unceasingly, no less than they did. The virgins rejoiced that I prayed in this way. I stayed there with the virgins until the second hour of the following day.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.8 Then the shepherd arrived and said to the virgins, “Have you done him any outrage?” They said, “Ask him.” I said to him, “Sir, I was glad to stay with them.” He said, “What did you have for supper?” I said, “Sir, I feasted on the Lord's words all night.” He said, “Did they receive you well?” I said, “Yes, sir.”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.11.9 He said, “Now what do you wish to hear first?” I said, “In the order you showed me from the beginning, sir. I ask you, sir, to disclose things to me as I ask you about them.” He said, “I shall explain them to you as you wish, and I shall conceal nothing at all from you.”