Shlama l'Kulkhon, Here is an example of Aramaic poetry outside of the Peshitta, by Mar Narsai. This one happens to be structed according to an 8-stiche/8-strophe pattern. This is the type of poetry found throughout the New Testament, not the Greek style of poetry. Mar Narsai was one of the greatest of the Nestorian (Assyrian) writers. He was born about the beginning of the 5th century. He went to Edessa where, after completing his studies in Greek and in Biblical and theological subjects, he became the rector of the Edessan school (437-459). In the controversy between the Nestorians and the Monophysites, he sided with the Nestorians who enjoyed the patronage of Ibas, bishop of Edessa. After the death of Ibas, Narsai and his Nestorians colleagues were expelled from Edessa. They went to Nisibis. With the support of Barsauma, bishop of Nisibis, Narsai founded the Nestorian school of Nisibis. He was its rector for about 50 years. He died in 502 A.D. Mar Narsai was a copious writer, both in prose and verse. He dealt with Biblical, theological, liturgical and moral subjects. His works comprise commentaries on the Bible, explanation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Baptism, a book on the corruption of morals, a number of consolatory poems, expositions, canticles, hymns,sermons, and instructions. His style if polished, elegant, rich in elaborate similes, and occasionally decked with rhymes, either in the beginning or at the end of the verses. Many of his works perished. No complete edition of his extant works has been made. Different works were edited by different scholars. The biggest edition is that of Dr. Mingana ("Narsai, homiliae et Carmina", 2 Vols. Mosul 1905).
An Exposition of The MysteriesHe was laid in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes, as Man;
and the watchers extolled Him with their praises, as God.
He offered sacrifices according to the Law, as Man;
and He received worship from the Persians, as God.
Simeon bore Him upon his arms, as Man;
and he named Him 'the Mercy' who showth mercy to all, as God.
He kept the Law completely, as Man;
and He gave His own new Law, as God. He was baptized in Jordan by John, as Man;
and the heaven was opened in honour of His baptism, as God.
He went in to the marriage-feast of the city of Canna, as Man;
and He changed the water that it became wine, as God.
He fasted in the wilderness forty days, as Man;
and watchers descended to minister unto Him, as God.
He slept in the boat with His disciples, as Man;
and He rebuked the wind and calmed the sea, as God. He set out and departed to a desert place, as Man;
and He multiplied the bread and satisfied thousands, as God.
He ate and drank and walked and was weary, as Man;
and He put devils to flight by the word of His mouth, as God.
He prayed and watched and gave thanks and worshipped, as Man;
and He forgave debts and pardoned sins, as God.
He asked water of the Samaritan woman, as Man;
and He revealed and declared her secrets, as God. He sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, as Man;
and He forgave the sinful woman her sins, as God.
He went up into the mountain of Tabor with His disciples, as Man;
and He revealed His glory in their sight, as God.
He shed tears and wept over Lazarus, as Man;
and He called him that he came forth by His mighty power, as God.
He rode upon a colt and entered Jerusalem, as Man;
and the boys applauded Him with their Hosannas, as God. He drew nigh to the fig-tree and shewed that He was hungered, as Man;
and His mighty power caused it to wither on a sudden%
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