DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.49270#0248
166
Alice Webner
The Poem of Mwana Kupona
[Translation]
Come near me, my daughter, do me this little kindness, listen to my last instructions
without delay and follow them.
Sickness has seized me; it has now lasted a whole year; I have not been able to rise (from
my bed) in order to say a good word to you.
Come forward, sit down (beside me) with ink and paper: I have a little story which I wish
to tell you.
Now that you are seated beside me, write: “In the Name of God” — obey Him also, the
Beloved, and all his companions.
5. When you have (thus) acknowledged the name of the Almighty Lord — good! May he
recompense us; God will give us things convenient for us.
The sons of Adam are nothing, and the world is not ours, nor is there any man who shall
remain forever.
My child, take my advice, together with my blessing: God will protect you and remove
misfortune far from you.
Take the amulet I am giving you, tie it carefully on a string, give it to yourself as a
precious thing that you may get to look at it.
I will string for you a necklace of pearls and coral, that I may adorn you, an illustrious
woman when it shines on (your neck).
10. Be pleased to let me give you a clasp, a beautiful one without a joint, that you may
wear it on your neck— you will see that it shall profit you.
If you will take hold of my (counsel), my child, you will pass through this world and enter
eternal life.
In the first place, hold fast to religion: do not neglect the obligatory (observances), and
the optional ones you ought to perform also, if you are able to do so.
In the second place, behave and speak discreetly, and be (like) pleasant food in every
house you enter.
In the third place, speak the truth, so that everything you touch may turn to blessing; —
a person who does not hold fast to justice, you must not follow his steps.
15. Further, my child, behave with discretion before people of rank; in whatever place you
may see them, hasten to rise up before them.
When they enter, rise and let your heart rejoice, and afterwards accompany them part
of the way when they take their leave.
Do not ridicule people by saying untrue things, or make impertinent jokes which people
dislike;
Alice Webner
The Poem of Mwana Kupona
[Translation]
Come near me, my daughter, do me this little kindness, listen to my last instructions
without delay and follow them.
Sickness has seized me; it has now lasted a whole year; I have not been able to rise (from
my bed) in order to say a good word to you.
Come forward, sit down (beside me) with ink and paper: I have a little story which I wish
to tell you.
Now that you are seated beside me, write: “In the Name of God” — obey Him also, the
Beloved, and all his companions.
5. When you have (thus) acknowledged the name of the Almighty Lord — good! May he
recompense us; God will give us things convenient for us.
The sons of Adam are nothing, and the world is not ours, nor is there any man who shall
remain forever.
My child, take my advice, together with my blessing: God will protect you and remove
misfortune far from you.
Take the amulet I am giving you, tie it carefully on a string, give it to yourself as a
precious thing that you may get to look at it.
I will string for you a necklace of pearls and coral, that I may adorn you, an illustrious
woman when it shines on (your neck).
10. Be pleased to let me give you a clasp, a beautiful one without a joint, that you may
wear it on your neck— you will see that it shall profit you.
If you will take hold of my (counsel), my child, you will pass through this world and enter
eternal life.
In the first place, hold fast to religion: do not neglect the obligatory (observances), and
the optional ones you ought to perform also, if you are able to do so.
In the second place, behave and speak discreetly, and be (like) pleasant food in every
house you enter.
In the third place, speak the truth, so that everything you touch may turn to blessing; —
a person who does not hold fast to justice, you must not follow his steps.
15. Further, my child, behave with discretion before people of rank; in whatever place you
may see them, hasten to rise up before them.
When they enter, rise and let your heart rejoice, and afterwards accompany them part
of the way when they take their leave.
Do not ridicule people by saying untrue things, or make impertinent jokes which people
dislike;