Page:Abraham (Roswitha, Lambert 1922).djvu/18

8 and live a life of unstained chastity, in order to follow in the footsteps of her who was first of all virgins, her whom in name you already resemble?

EPHRAIM. Yes, my daughter, it could never be right that you - who are destined by the mystical significance of your name to shine forth in Heaven among the changeless stars beside Mary, the Mother of God - you should forfeit that place through unworthiness, and sink to the level of mere creatures of earth.

MARY. I see nothing mystical in my name, and I cannot understand what all these roundabout phrases that you use mean.

EPH. 'Mary' signifies 'Stella Maris', that is, the Star round which the whole world with its inhabitants revolves.

MARY. But why is it called 'Stella Maris'?

EPH. Because it never sets, but is always there to point out to sailors the course they must steer.

MARY. And how can I, a poor frail creature made from the dust of the earth, possibly aspire to the glory which, you say, radiates from the mystical meaning