NOTE: 87

50

One Saturday [evening], [on the eve of] bright Sunday, Forty plowboys gathered together, They went, reached the middle of the field, Took counsel among themselves, Knelt down, wept, called upon God, Made a cross from mint [stalks], Affixed apples to [its] four ends, Wrapped [it] with fig leaves, Stood before [it], made the sign of the cross, Passed [it] to one another, kissed [it], Took [it], and placed [it] on the hemp-cloth. “May I be a servant to the cross of Karos!” They knelt down once more, with one voice Called out, “Lord, have mercy!” Knelt down, wept, and pleaded, Entreated God fervently: “Grant Thou grace to the cross of Karos!”