grief, what dolors can we imagine she then did suffer? angels of peace come and lament with this blessed Virgin, lament heaven, lament stars, lament all creatures of the world. She embraced the mangled body of her Beloved Son, she hugged him in her arms, (for love administered this strength,) she thrust her face amongst the thorns to come to kiss his mouth, whereby she wounded her face with the sharp pricks which she washed with flowing tears.
O sweet Mother, is this thy Beloved Son? is this he whom thou didst conceive with great glory, and bring forth with great joy? is this that bright mirror in which thou wert wont to see thyself? all that were present did likewise mourn, the other Mary's, which were there, mourned, the noblemen lamented, heaven and earth, with all creatures, mourned with the Blessed Virgin.
That holy Evangelist lamented, who often embracing the body of his dear Master, said, my good Lord and Master, who shall hereafter teach and instruct me? with whom now shall I consult on doubtful occasions? upon whose lap shall I now rest myself? who shall now reveal unto me celestial secrets? what sudden change is this? yesterday I rested upon thy sacred breast, where thou didst communicate to me the joys and glory of everlasting life, and now in recompense of that benefit I embrace thee dead in my arms? is this that countenance which I beheld glorious and trans-
