but the angel comforted her, saying: 'Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God[N 1], who hath chosen thee to be mother of a prophet, whom he will send to the people of Israel in order that they may walk in his laws 4a| with truth of heart.' The virgin answered: 'Now how shall I bring forth sons, seeing I know not a man[N 2]?' The angel answered: 'O Mary, God[A 1] who made man without a man is able to generate in thee man without a man, because with him nothing is impossible[N 3].' Mary answered: 'I know that God is almighty[A 2], therefore his will be done.' The angel answered: 'Now be conceived in thee the prophet, whom thou shalt name Jesus[N 4]: and thou shalt keep him from wine and from strong drink and from every unclean meat[N 5], because the child is an holy one of God.' Mary bowed herself with humility, saying: 'Behold the handmaid of God, be it done according to thy word[N 6].' The angel departed[N 7], and the virgin glorified God, saying: 'Know, my soul, the greatness of God, and exult, my spirit, in God my Saviour[A 3]; for he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden, insomuch that I shall be called blessed by all the nations, for he that is mighty hath made me great, and blessed be his holy name. For his mercy extendeth from generation to generation of them that fear him. 4b| Mighty hath he made his hand, and he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of his heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. Him who hath been hungry hath he filled with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away. For he keepeth in memory the promises made to Abraham and to his son[N 8] for ever.'
II. The warning of the angel Gabriel given to Joseph concerning the conception of the Virgin Mary.
Mary having known the will of God, fearing the people, lest they should take offence at her being great with child, and should stone her as guilty of fornication[N 9], chose a companion of her own lineage[N 10], a man by name called Joseph, of blameless life: for he as a righteous man feared God and served him with fastings
