Annales d'Ethiopie, 2005, vol. XX: 23-28

ABU AL-FARAJ AND ABU AL-'IZZ

Stuart Munro-Hay

The Kebra Nagast, the Ethiopian epic that describes the genesis of the imperial dynasty with Ebna Hakim (Menelik), includes, in some manuscripts, a colophon offering some details about the (supposed) original text:

Colophon: In the Arabic text it is said: We have turned [this book] into Arabic from a Coptic manuscript [belonging to] the throne of Mark the Evangelist, the teacher, the Father of us all. We have translated it in the four hundred and ninth year of Mercy in the country of Ethiopia, in the days of Gabra Masqal the king, who is called Lalibala, in the days of Abba George, the good bishop. And God neglected to have it translated and interpreted into the speech of Abyssinia. And when I had pondered this — Why did not 'Abal'ez and Abal-Farog who edited (or, copied) the book translate it? I said this: It went out in the days ofZagua, and they did not translate it because this book says: Those who reign not being Israelites are transgressors of the Law. Had they been of the kingdom of Israel they would have edited (or, translated) it. And it was found in Nazret.

And pray ye for me, your servant Isaac the poor man. And chide ye me not because of the incorrectness of the speech of the tongue. For I have toiled much for the glory of the country of Ethiopia, and for the going forth of the heavenly Zion, and for the glory of the King of Ethiopia. And I consulted the upright and God-loving governor Yâ'ebîka 'Egzî'e, and he approved and said unto me 'Work'. And I worked, God helping me, and He did not requite me according to my sins. And pray ye for your servant Isaac, and for those who toiled with me in the going out (i.e. production) of this book, for we were in sore tribulation, I, and Yamharana-'Ab, and Hezba-Krestos, and Andrew, and Philip, and Mahari-'Ab. May God have mercy upon them, and may He write their names in the Book of Life in the kingdom of heaven, with those of all the saints and martyrs for ever and ever! Amen. l