It is a bit late on April 23-Shakespeare’s probable birth day and anniversary of his death, but I’ve had a busy day.

Anyway, a little treat for Shakespeare lovers.

If  you who don’t already know it, here is one of those weird facts about the mysterious Mr Shakespeare.

Anyone who has read a biography of Shakespeare will realize that of all the world’s literary figures this most famous one is also one of the most mysterious. We don’t really know that much about him. The evidence we have is odd, doesn’t seem to fit, and then suddenly seems to fit.

So here is a puzzle that adds to the mystery:

The King James Bible was published the year Shakespeare was 46 years old.

Get a copy of the King James Bible. Look up Psalm 46. Count 46 words from the beginning, then count 46 words from the end. (not counting “Selah” which is a notation)

Here it is for those who don’t have a KJV

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 

Crazy!

Nobody can quite explain it.