Gripla - 20.12.2016, Síða 242

GRIPLA242
the fourth subtheme, i.e. the veneration of a prelate by his subjects, is
left out, although outlined at the beginning of the sermon.34 the closest
scriptural passages that might determine the text are “quicumque sunt sub
iugo servi, dominos suos honore dignos arbitrentur” (1 tm 6:1), and “in
medio fratrum rector illorum in honore” (Sir 10:24).35 Neither of these
verses have been documented as the theme for a full sermon. Since the
sermon does not follow its outline to the end, it seems to have been altered
from its previous state. this is in accordance with what has happened to
other sermons in uppsala uB C 301. In these, we find the careful reduc-
tion in length of almost every sermon, achieved through the omission of
quotations and a shorter, more concise rendering of those quotations that
are included. In some cases (comparable to the Þorlákr sermon), parts of
the argumentation are left out without a corresponding adjustment of the
outline. this suggests that a later redactor modified parts of the collection,
including the Þorlákr sermon.
There is no true summarising end to the Þorlákr sermon, although the
end of the third subtheme might be taken as such. the lack of a conclusion
is, however, frequently found in sermon manuscripts, as Monica Hedlund
has noticed in the works of Peregrinus de opole.36 This might result from
improvisation during performance, and it does not necessarily indicate
that something was left out in transmission. all in all, the Þorlákr sermon
gives the impression of being something of a patchwork. Considering the
different foci of the remaining three sub-themes, the irregularities in their
rhetoric and style, as well as the changing use of supporting quotations,
we might conclude that they could well have been appropriated from dif-
ferent sources.
It is interesting to note that although the theme Est 6:11 could not be
traced back to any sources, the anti-theme of 1 tm 4:5 can be found in one
of nicolas de Gorran’s other works, a commentary on the first Epistle to
timothy. Here, nicolas gives several aspects of honoration:
34 this has not been noticed by Gjerløw, who claims that “[t]hese four themes are developed
with citations from Scripture and from St. ambrose, Galienus, and St. Bernard.” Liturgica
Islandica, vol. 1, 73.
35 1 tm 6:1: “Whosoever are servants under the yoke, let them count their masters worthy of
all honour.” Sir 10:24: “In the midst of brethren their chief is honourable.”
36 Monica Hedlund, “a Vadstena Preacher using ‘Cut and Paste’,” Medieval Sermon Studies
55 (2011): 51.