Page:Callimachus (Roswitha, Lambert 1923).djvu/23

Rh nicus comes sadly to Saint John.

ST. JOHN. Why, Andronicus, why are you so downcast? What are you shedding tears for?

ANDRONICUS. Oh, sir, I am weary of my life!

ST. JOHN. But what is the matter?

AND. Drusiana, your disciple -

ST. JOHN. What? Has she departed this life?

AND. Alas, she has. (sobbing.)

ST JOHN (patting him on the back). Come, come - it is quite wrong to shed tears for those whose souls we believe are rejoicing in their heavenly rest.

AND. Though I have no doubt that, as you say, her soul is now enjoying eternal bliss, and that her body will some day rise again uncorrupted, yet I am still grievously tormented by one thought - and that is, that in my hearing she herself prayed for death, and so brought it nearer.

ST. JOHN. But have you any idea what the reason was?

AND. I have, and will reveal it to you, if ever I recover from my sorrow.