I hear the voice of a soul

that departs from the body of refuse.

From the body of refuse it departs,

from this world.

It says:

"Naked I was brought into the world,

and empty I was taken out of it.

Empty I was taken out of it,

like a bird that nothing accompanies."

The soul turns round and speaks

to the palace that it has left:

"What shall I do with you, my body,

what shall I do with you in that world?

What shall I do with you, you fair splendour of the body,

which the worms of the grave devour?

What shall I do with you, coat of roses,

which the birds in the Tibil tear to pieces?

Were you a garment of radiance and light,

so that I could put you on, my body,

you would ascend with me to the abode of life.

Were you a girdle of radiance and light,

so that I could bind you on, [my body,]

you would ascend with me to the abode of life.

Were you a turban of radiance and light,

so that I could cover myself with you, my body,

you would ascend with me to the abode of life.

Were you a wreath of radiance and light,

so that I could set you on my head, [my body,]

you would ascend with me to the abode of life.

Were you a staff of radiance and light, my body,

so that I could take you in my hand,

you would ascend with me to the abode of life.

Were you shoes of radiance and light,

so that I could put you on my feet, my body,

you would ascend with me to the abode of life.

What shall I do with you, my body,

you who were formed from a lump of clay?

From a lump of clay you were formed,

and the Seven and the Twelve were your pursuers."

While the soul stands and speaks

to the palace that it has left,

while it stands and speaks to it,

the messengers of the Living God flew and came to it;

the messengers of the Living God came,

the envoys who accept no bribe.

They said to it:

"Come, come, you pearl,

that was brought out of the treasure of life.

Come, come, you fragrant one,

who made the stinking body fragrant.

Come, come, you giver of light,

who lit up the dark house.

Come, come, you nobly born,

who in the dwelling of the wicked was called a servant-girl.

Come, stir yourself, put on your garment

and set on your resplendent wreath.

Ascend, dwell in the dwellings

among the angels, while they sit there."

Blessed be the Great Living God, and blessed be the name of the Living God

in the place of light.