The Oracles of Leo the Wise

The manuscript page is enclosed within a rectangular border of blue vines and floral motifs. A matching vertical divider separates the two columns. At the top of the left column, a large decorative initial 'Π' (P) is set in a blue square frame with gold line work. At the top of the right column, a large decorative initial 'M' is set in a reddish-brown square frame. Subsequent sections begin with slightly enlarged initial letters, often in red ink.

Concerning the Bear and the King

You hide many evils beneath a wretched skin,
For by imitating a versatile appearance,
You hide a path-making delusion within.
But time will reveal your true thought,
While in your mind you nourish young dogs—
Terrifying dogs in the midst of dangers—
But the serpent will swiftly consume all with its poison.
You wag your tail, you grumble, and you rejoice wretchedly,
Stretching out your hands and twisting your feet,
As if pulling yourself out from external troubles,
But the Lord will expose your hypocrisy.
For what evil can you do, you dog-faced one,
Who are mixed with the bite of another?
How then will you bring any good to this life,
You who have opened your mouth to deceivers?
How will you utter a good word for the city?

Concerning the City

O City of Bronze original: "Χαλκοῦ πολὶς" (Chalkous polis). This likely refers to Constantinople, specifically the "Chalke" or Bronze Gate of the Great Palace., receive the barbarians once again.
For when you see the mother of the bear-dogs,
Lament most piteously for the multitude of people,
So that you may receive the grace of your God.
Understand the number of two or three thousand
When they bring the end along with the seventh;
A blonde race Xanthos genos: A recurring figure in Byzantine apocalyptic literature, often identified with various northern invaders or liberators. is stirred up against Byzantium,
Perhaps you shall be reclaimed as a relative of kings.

Concerning the Peloponnese

Alas for you, Peloponnese, when you are conquered in war,
Not by a stranger's gain, but by your own kin.
Very many limbs remain at the Isthmus,
The whistling of the Goths or the sons of Hagar The Greek text here is somewhat obscured, but the parallel Latin text identifies the "sons of Hagar," a medieval term for Islamic forces.:
Alas, speaking of triple-suffering in the light.
Due to the calamities of the island of Greece,
The first of all creation shall drink most brilliantly.

To the Bear or the King

You endure many miseries, most wretchedly, in your skin,
For imitating an easily changeable appearance,
You hide a troubling deception within.
But time will show your thought,
O how you nourish young, well-meaning dogs,
Dogs that are supporters of dangers in your midst,
But the serpent will consume everyone swiftly.
You wag your tail, you are glad, and you rejoice unhappily,
And you expand your hands and turn your feet aside,
As if drawing yourself out from loathsome things,
But the Lord reveals the pretense.
For what evil will you do, O you with the face of a dog,
Who are tempered by the bite of another!
How will you bring good to life,
You who have opened your mouth to the defiled?
How will you pour forth a good word for the city?

To the City

O City of Bronze, receive the barbarians again.
For when you see the bear, the mother of dogs,
Lament most miserably for the breadth of the common people,
That you may obtain the grace of your God.
Understand the number of two or three thousand
When they have brought the end with the seventh;
A blonde race is stirred up toward Byzantium.
Perhaps you will be exalted as a kinsman of kings.

To the Peloponnese

Heu! Alas for you, Peloponnese, when you have been conquered,
Not as if by a foreigner, but by your own danger.
Very many limbs wait at the Isthmus,
The whistling of the Goths, unless it be the sons of Hagar:
Under the leader of triple battles of the Alpheus itself,
Because of the calamities of the island of grace,
The drink is especially for the first of all creation.