SCENE II
ABRAHAM. Mary, my child by adoption, whom I love as my own soul! Listen to my advice as to a father's, and to Brother Ephrem's as that of a very wise man. Strive to imitate the chastity of the holy Virgin whose name you bear.
EPHREM. Child, would it not be a shame if you, who through the mystery of your name are called to mount to the stars where Mary the mother of God reigns, chose instead the low pleasures of the earth?
MARY. I know nothing about the mystery of my name, so how can I tell what you mean?
EPHREM. Mary, my child, means "star of the sea"—that star which rules the world and all the peoples in the world.
MARY. Why is it called the star of the sea?
EPHREM. Because it never sets, but shines always in the heavens to show mariners their right course.
MARY. And how can such a poor thing as I am—made out of slime, as my uncle says—shine like my name?
EPHREM. By keeping your body unspotted, and your mind pure and holy.
MARY. It would be too great an honour for any human being to become like the stars.
EPHREM. If you choose you can be as the angels of
