ABRAHAM. My only care is her radiant beauty! What if it should one day be dimmed by sin.
EPHREM. No one can blame you for being anxious.
ABRAHAM. I hope not.
EPHREM. How old is she?
ABRAHAM. At the end of this year she will be eight.
EPHREM. She is very young.
ABRAHAM. That does not lessen my anxiety.
EPHREM. Where does she live?
ABRAHAM. At my hermitage now; for at the request of her other kinsfolk I have undertaken to bring her up. The fortune left her ought, I think, to be given to the poor.
EPHREM. A mind taught so early to despise temporal things should be fixed on heaven.
ABRAHAM. I desire with all my heart to see her the spouse of Christ and devoted entirely to His service.
EPHREM. A praiseworthy wish.
ABRAHAM. I was inspired by her name.
EPHREM. What is she called?
ABRAHAM. Mary.
EPHREM. Mary! Such a name ought to be adorned with the crown of virginity.
ABRAHAM. I have no fear that she will be unwilling, but we must be gentle.
EPHREM. Come, let us go, and impress on her that no life is so sweet and secure as the religious one.
