Scene
II
Abraham
Mary, my child by adoption, whom I love as my own soul! Listen to my advice as to a father’s, and to Brother Ephrem’s as that of a very wise man. Strive to imitate the chastity of the holy Virgin whose name you bear.
Ephrem
Child, would it not be a shame if you, who through the mystery of your name are called to mount to the stars where Mary the mother of God reigns, chose instead the low pleasures of the earth?
Mary
I know nothing about the mystery of my name, so how can I tell what you mean?
Ephrem
Mary, my child, means “star of the sea”—that star which rules the world and all the peoples in the world.
Mary
Why is it called the star of the sea?
Ephrem
Because it never sets, but shines always in the heavens to show mariners their right course.
Mary
And how can such a poor thing as I am—made out of slime, as my uncle says—shine like my name?
Ephrem
By keeping your body unspotted, and your mind pure and holy.
Mary
It would be too great an honour for any human being to become like the stars.
Ephrem
If you choose you can be as the angels of 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!