The Wedding Banquet

Chorus

I cannot come to the banquet, don't bother me now.
I have married a wife; I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum.
Pray hold me excused; I cannot come.

A certain man held a feast on his fine estate in town.
He laid a festive table and wore a wedding gown (!).
He sent invitations to his neighbors far and wide,
But when the meal was ready each one of them replied,
"I cannot come."

Chorus

The master rose in anger, called his servants by name.
"Go into the town," he said, "bring the blind and lame.
Fetch the peasant and the pauper, for this I have willed:
My banquet must be crowded and my table must be filled."

Chorus

When all the poor had gathered, there was still room to spare,
So the master commanded, "Go search everywhere!
To the highways and the byways—you must compel them in.
My table must be filled before the banquet can begin."

Chorus