Introduction
According to Pliny the Elder (23-79), a Roman contemporary of St Paul, ‘magi’ were believed to be followers of Zoroaster, interpreters of dreams, worshippers of the stars and secret knowledge, not to mention conjurors and charlatans.
NOT long before King Herod died, astrologers from Persia agreed that an unusual star announced the birth of a Jewish prince. A group of them set off for Jerusalem, no doubt expecting to find Herod’s palace in celebration.
But Herod had already had an heir, Antipater, who had recently attempted to assassinate him; and as Herod was not of Israel’s royal line, but from recent convert stock, and owed his throne to Roman favour, news of a possibly legitimate claimant from the birthplace of King David was unwelcome. So he sent the eager Persians off to find their prince, with instructions to report back.
The star led the magi to a Bethlehem cave, a rough-and-ready stable where they found their prince of David’s line in a manger. Convinced nonetheless, they presented him with the gifts they had brought: gold for a king, myrrh for a mortal, and incense for a god.
Now distrustful of Herod, they returned home without submitting their report.
Précis
A group of magi, Persian Astrologers, believed that stars foretold the birth of a Jewish prince, but, on arriving in Jerusalem they found Herod did not expect or want another troublesome heir. So when they had found Jesus, their prince, lying in a Bethlehem manger, they presented him with their expensive gifts, and left without telling Herod. (57 / 60 words)
A group of magi, Persian Astrologers, believed that stars foretold the birth of a Jewish prince, but, on arriving in Jerusalem they found Herod did not expect or want another troublesome heir. So when they had found Jesus, their prince, lying in a Bethlehem manger, they presented him with their expensive gifts, and left without telling Herod.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 60 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 50 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, because, if, ought, unless, until, whereas, who.
Word Games
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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