Iambic Verses on the Holy Ladder

I gaze upon the strange nature and setting of the ladder.

Its stairs consist of virtues

and it leads to heaven in a strange manner,

as the ladder divides the length of such a long track upwards

into only thirty steps.                                                                             5

Also, take a look at the chasm between the rungs,

you who are willing to ascend this ladder safely.

Although it is yawning widely, this still goes unnoticed.
If the separations between the rungs

are abysses that deceitfully present themselves as steps,             10

then they suddenly throw down into the mouth of hell

those who risk placing their feet in such gaps.

This being the case, it is necessary to have a guide,

who places your feet on the true stairs,

and who calls you back from the delusion of the deep pit.           15

That way, you will escape the fall with much effort

as you transcend the earth and reach for heaven.

. . .

Other Verses on the Same Book

This elongated ladder seems to me a strange thing

since it leads mortals from the earth to the height of

the inaccessible places in heaven. What is this ladder? Tell me.

“It is risky to ascertain.” Come, explain more.

You do not speak of the ladder of Jacob, do you?                            5

The one which leads the angels down from heaven,

those who wrestle against humans of material substance?

“Of course not of that one. I speak of the ladder set up by a craftsman,

who, with his experienced, fine, mystical workmanship,

his solid grasp of skill,                                                                           10

has reached the summit of craftsmanship.

He has placed the top of the ladder as far as heaven,

fixed its fundaments most precisely,

and has devised it to be passable for mortals,

thus showing that its ascent is easy.”                                                 15

. . .

Other Verses on the Same Book

A man who strove to arrive from the earth

at the exalted heavenly height,

has set up a strange ladder consisting of virtues,

which extends even to the heavenly gates

high in the sky, and which arrives close to God,                               5

a ladder having such unutterable steps.

. . .

Other Verses on the Same

If you want to arrive at the heavenly height

and to behold, O man, the delights of heaven,

the choirs of saints, of hierarchs, of martyrs,

the assembly of prophets, of fathers, of apostles,

the immaterial ranks of angels, of archangels,

and if you want to participate in the pleasures of that place,

then vigorously ascend this ladder,

with the cross as a leader and a guide

. . .