Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/105

 “Thou art as a wandering bird cast out of the nest,” he said. “Thou canst find no shelter, and thy spirit fluttereth on the earth. But no foot shall trample on thee; for have I not taken thee unto my bosom? There I will cherish thee, and thou shalt be at rest.”

“There, if ever,” replied Mary: “for none knoweth as thou how great cause I had for hope and for glory. Call me not proud that I glory even now; and, O my son! marvel not that I ask if there is yet hope. Of none but thee do I ask; but,—rememberest thou certain of his words which none could understand?”

She raised herself on the couch, but again sank down when the disciple sighed, saying,

“Alas! what hope?”

“I know not. Well I know that his sepulchre is sealed, and that we shall behold him no more; but in his name may not glory arise to our nation? I would still my grief, if our people rejoiced through him; I would go into the synagogue and the temple to hear men give thanks unto Jehovah concerning him.”

“His works live after him,” replied John, “and the remembrance of them shall never die; but he is with our fathers. He shall no