the level of weaker mortals if by so doing he can make more sure of rescuing an errant soul.
ABRAHAM. Help me with your prayers. Pray that I may not be caught in the snares of the devil.
EPHREM. May He Who is supreme good itself, without Whom no good thing can be done, bless your enterprise and bring it to a happy end!
SCENE IV
ABRAHAM. Can that be my friend who two years ago went to search for Mary? Yes, it is he!
FRIEND. Good-day, venerable father.
ABRAHAM. Good-day, dear friend. I have waited so long for you. Of late I had begun to despair.
FRIEND. Forgive me, father. I delayed my return because I did not wish to mock you with doubtful and unreliable news. As soon as I had discovered the truth I lost no time.
ABRAHAM. You have seen Mary?
FRIEND. I have seen her.
ABRAHAM. Where is she? Come, sir, speak! Tell me where.
FRIEND. It goes to my heart to tell you.
ABRAHAM. Speak—I implore you.
FRIEND. She lives in the house of a man who trades in the love of young girls like her. A profitable business, for every day he makes a large sum of money out of her lovers.
