CHAPTER XX. On The Lamentable Separation of the Grave
The Servant.--Now, tender Lady, put an
end to thy sorrow and thy sad recital, and tell me how thou didst separate from
thy Beloved.
Answer.--It was a misery to see and hear.
Alas, all was yet supportable, while I had my Child with me; but when they tore
my dead Child from my blighted heart, from my embracing arms, from my face
pressed to His, and buried Him, what a wailing I set up in that hour would
hardly be believed; and then when it came to the separation, oh, what an agony,
what woe, were seen in me! For when they separated me from my Beloved, the
separating wrestled with my heart like bitter death. Supported by their hands
who led me away, I walked with tottering steps, for I was robbed of all
consolation, my heart longed woefully to return to my Love, my confidence was
wholly set in Him, I rendered Him alone of all mankind entire fidelity and true
attachment, even to the grave.
The Servant.--Oh, affectionate and tender
Lady, for this do all hearts greet thee, all tongues praise thee, since all the
good that the Fatherly heart has vouchsafed to give us, flowed through thy
hands. Thou are the beginning, thou art the means, thou shalt also be the end.
Alas, pure and tender Mother, let me remind thee today of thy miserable
separation; think of thy bitter separating from thy tender Child, and help me
that I may not be separated either from thee or from His joyous countenance.
Yes, pure Mother, even as my soul now stands by
thee with compassionate sympathy, and embraces thee with ardent desire, and, in
contemplation with heartfelt desire, with thanksgiving and praise, leads thee
from the sepuchre through the gate of Jerusalem back again to thy house, so do
I crave that, at my last departure, my soul may be again led by thee, O pure
and tender Mother, to its Fatherland, and there be confirmed in everlasting
bliss. Amen.