God, and when at last you cast off the burden of this mortal body they will be near you. With them you will pass through the air, and walk on the sky. With them you will sweep round the zodiac, and never slacken your steps until the Virgin's Son takes you in His arms in His mother's dazzling bridal room!
MARY. Who but an ass would think little of such happiness ! So I choose to despise the things of earth, and deny myself now that I may enjoy it!
EPHREM. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings! A childish heart, but a mature mind!
ABRAHAM. God be thanked for it!
EPHREM. Amen to that.
ABRAHAM. But though by God's grace she has been given the light, at her tender age she must be taught how to use it.
EPHREM. You are right.
ABRAHAM. I will build her a little cell with a narrow entrance near my hermitage. I can visit her there often, and through the window instruct her in the psalter and other pages of the divine law.
EPHREM. That is a good plan.
MARY. I put myself under your direction, Father Ephrem.
EPHREM. My daughter! May the Heavenly Bridegroom to Whom you have given yourself in the tender bud of your youth shield you from the wiles of the devil!
