(Vol. viii., p. 648., &c.)
I agree with your learned correspondent Mr. Margoliouth, that the authorship of the lines alluded to must be ascertained by comparing the whole, and not by a single expression. It seems to me highly probable that they were suggested, either by the Chaldee hymn quoted by your correspondent, or by the lines of Chaucer, quoted "N. & Q.," Vol. viii., p. 180. I cannot, however, agree that the popular lines in question are a are a translation of the Chaldee hymn. The improbability will appear, if we compare them (as given "N. & Q.," Vol. viii., p. 127.) with the following version of the hymn; which, although metrical, will be found sufficiently literal:
"To write the eternal power of God, no effort would suffice;
Although, such writing to contain, the volume were the skies;
Each reed a pen; and for the ink, the waters of the sea;
And though each dweller on the earth, an able scribe should be."
This hymn, I admit, is more succinct than the popular lines; but at the same time I cannot but think that its author was indebted to the passage in the Koran ("N. & Q.," Vol. viii., p. 422.), immediately, or through Chaucer; who has not only the general sentiment as there found, but also—
"Eche sticke a pen, eche man a scrivener able."
I am equally convinced, that Mahomet himself took the thought from the passage in the New Testament, as suggested by your correspondent E. G. R. Each successive writer appears to have added something to what he borrowed. But when the Evangelist, John, had said, "The world itself would not be able to contain the books that should be written," it was easy for one writer to suppose an inkstand capacious as the sea; and for another to supply parchment, pens, and scribes ad libitum. That the phrase in the Koran should now be common in the East, is not wonderful, considering the extent to which Mahomedanism has prevailed there. After all, I do not think that the additions are any very great improvements. Without disputing about tastes, I may say at least that, for my own part, I greatly prefer the simplicity of the original idea, as expressed by the beloved disciple.
J. W. Thomas.