Scene
IX
Ephrem
Well, brother! If I am not mistaken, you bring good news.
Abraham
The best in the world.
Ephrem
You have found your lost lamb?
Abraham
I have, and, rejoicing, have brought her back to the fold.
Ephrem
Truly this is the work of divine grace.
Abraham
That is certain.
Ephrem
How is she spending her days? I should like to know how you have ordered her life. What does she do?
Abraham
All that I tell her.
Ephrem
That is well.
Abraham
Nothing is too difficult for her—nothing too hard. She is ready to endure anything.
Ephrem
That is better.
Abraham
She wears a hair shirt, and subdues her flesh with continual vigils and fasts. She is making the poor frail body obey the spirit by the most rigorous discipline.
Ephrem
Only through such a severe penance can the stains left by the pleasures of the flesh be washed away.
Abraham
Those who hear her sobs are cut to the heart, and the tale of her repentance has turned many from their sins.
Ephrem
It is often so.
Abraham
She prays continually for the men who through her were tempted to sin, and begs that she who was their ruin may be their salvation.
Ephrem
It is right that she should do this.
Abraham
She strives to make her life as beautiful as for a time it was hideous.
Ephrem
I rejoice at what you tell me. To the depths of my heart.
Abraham
And with us rejoice phalanxes of angels, praising the Lord for the conversion of a sinner.
Ephrem
Over whom, we are told, there is more joy in heaven than over the just man who needs no penance.
Abraham
The more glory to Him, because there seemed no hope on earth that she could be saved.
Ephrem
Let us sing a song of thanksgiving—let us glorify the only begotten Son of God, Who of His love and mercy will not let them perish whom He redeemed with His holy blood.
Abraham
To Him be honour, glory, and praise through infinite ages. Amen.