A selection of Q’ene

‘We do not respect an angel for his wings…’

We do not respect an angel for his wings
or because he covers his face with his wings.
After all, birds and insects have wings.
We do not respect an old man for his white hair.
After all, wood may turn white in cold air.
We respect a man for his wisdom, not his white hair.

~ Liqoo Kefle Yohannes, trans. by Chris Beckett

‘Mount Tabor’

~ Anonymous (Zeamlakye Q’ene from one of the Gondar scholars), trans. by Chris Beckett

Translator’s note: A reference to the Transfiguration of Jesus, where God speaks to Peter, James and John from a cloud, saying “This is my beloved Son: hear him.” (Mark, 9:2-8)

‘One teacher bows to another…’

One teacher bows to another.
Finger and thumb are unequal brothers.

~ Anonymous (an “ancient Gondar Gubae Cana”), trans. by Chris Beckett

Translator’s note: The lesson is humility amongst church scholars, for whom Jesus is the ultimate teacher, the thumb without which the fingers cannot function properly.