Scene
I
Abraham
Brother Ephrem, my dear comrade in the hermit life, may I speak to you now, or shall I wait until you have finished your divine praises?
Ephrem
And what can you have to say to me which is not praise of Him Who said: “Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am with them”?
Abraham
I have not come to speak of anything which He would not like to hear.
Ephrem
I am sure of it. So speak at once.
Abraham
It concerns a decision I have to make. I long for your approval.
Ephrem
We have one heart and one soul. We ought to agree.
Abraham
I have a little niece of tender years. She has lost both her parents, and my affection for her has been deepened by compassion for her lonely state. I am in constant anxiety on her account.
Ephrem
Ought you who have triumphed over the world to be vexed by its cares!
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.