Veiled beneath the radiant form of woman.
Sweet benediction1 of the eternal curse;
Veiled glory of the lampless universe!
Thou moon beyond the clouds, thou living form;
Thou wonder and thou Beauty——
Thou harmony of nature’s art.”
—Shelley.
“Take that one hour at Bethlehem out of human history, and eighteen centuries of hours are left but partially2 explained.”—Prof. Newman Smyth.
“What so engages thee, daughter?” questioned Rizpah, as they sat together at evening in the old stone house.
“Peerless, indeed; the very queen of women, I think.”
“Oh, then thou must be reading of glorious Rizpah? Now fill me with this matter! I thirst to hear.”
Miriamne, though fearful of further exposing her thoughts and study, obeyed, knowing full well that nothing would so stimulate5 her mother’s curiosity as attempted evasion6.
“I’ve been reading of the orphan girl’s marriage. Shall I go back, or continue from that period? Her[294] name was Mary, and she was a Jewess; that’s the sum of the beginning.”
“Go forward,” sententiously replied the elder.
Miriamne complied:
“The guardians7 and relatives of Mary determined9 that she should early wed10 some proper person to be her protector, and so, according to Jewish custom, they went about the selection of a husband for her as soon as she had reached her fourteenth year. This selection was deemed a pious11 and serious duty by all the participants therein; therefore it was made by an appeal to the Lord with lots. Zacharias, the presiding priest, managed the proceeding13, as follows: He first inquired God’s will in prayer. An angel brought reply, saying: ‘Go forth14; call together all the widowers16 among the people, and let each bring his rod.’
“In truth here is refreshment17! If all weddings were contrived18 under the wisdom of older heads, there would be fewer mad marriages.” Rizpah swayed back and forth as she spoke19. She was remembering, now, the curse of Harrimai that day in Gerash, long years before. She thought him a monster then, but now she was enshrining him in mind by the Angel of the Lots.
“Shall I go on, mother?”
“Go on.”
“He to whom the Lord shall show a sign, let him be husband of Mary,” read Miriamne.
“Ah, the Lord would not trust the youths to draw! He knows that a man is like to harass20 the life out of one woman before he learns to care for another rightly. God was good to Mary in hedging her in to a widower15 if needs be that she must marry.”
By Raphael.
THE MARRIAGE OF MARY AND JOSEPH.
[295]
Miriamne continued:
“There were many splendid youths who rejoiced to be permitted to bring their wands.”
“Oh, ho! then they were suffered to draw for the girl? But what matter—the Angel of Lots presided! He’d not let the youths succeed!” Again Rizpah laughed, and as mockingly as before.
Miriamne again read:
“After prayer each deposited his almond tree with the aged12 Temple priest. In the early morning they anxiously sought the verdict. It was found that all the rods were dead, except that of Joseph, the son of Jacob, the son of Mathan; but his blossomed as that which, ages before, confirmed miraculously22 the priesthood of Aaron’s sons. Then there appeared another miracle, for as Joseph reached forth his hand to take his blooming branch, there issued from among its luxurious23 blossoms, miraculously, a white dove, dazzling as snow. For a moment the dove gracefully24 suspended itself in the air, turning its eyes from one to another of the competitors; then it alighted on Joseph’s head. ‘Thou art the person chosen to take the Virgin27 and keep her for the Lord,’ said the priest, solemnly, to Joseph. All the rivals responded ‘Amen,’ and then the dove flew away toward heaven. Joseph was thirty-three years old, of pleasing countenance28, very modest, graceful25, and of comely29 figure, and a widower.
“When all was told to Mary she modestly replied: ‘I knew it, for the Lord has been with me.’ Zacharias told Mary that Joseph was a true, honest Jew, a carpenter by trade, and trained by a father who fully26 believed the adage30 of Rabbins, which said that ‘He who would not make his son a robber makes him a mechanic.’ ‘Besides this,’ said the Temple priest, ‘thy espoused31 one is like thyself, of the royal house of David. The blood of twenty kings mingle32 in the veins34 of you both. God grant that to that house of David there soon be born another, greater than all before, to deliver our holy nation from foreign masters.’ Mary made no reply, but as a blush of hopefulness passed over her face, she looked very earnestly toward heaven and[296] seemed to be repeating the prayer of the priest to the All Father. The formal betrothal36 then took place. Joseph presented his chosen bride a small token of silver, saying: ‘If thou consentest to be my bride, accept this.’ She took it, smiling affectionately, and then the witnesses signed the usual Jewish compact, which read as follows:
“‘I Joseph, said to Mary, daughter of Jehoikim, become my wife under the law of Moses and Israel. I promise to honor thee; to provide for thy support; thy food and thy clothing; according to the custom of Hebrew husbands, who honor their wives, as is befitting. I give thee at once thy dowry and promise thee besides nourishment37, and clothing, and whatsoever38 shall be necessary for thee, also conjugal39 friendship, a thing common to all nations of the world. Mary consents to become the wife of Joseph,’ The two signed the document.”
“See Miriamne, the Jews were wise; they made the husbands do most of the promising40. They knew that the wives would be all wifely without such pledging.” And Rizpah again bitterly laughed.
“Shall I proceed?”
“Yes, oh, proceed; it’s a Jewish poem.”
“Thereupon Joseph placed a jeweled ring upon Mary’s fourth finger, with a smile and a blush, saying, the ‘physicians say, my beloved, that a nerve and a vein33, reaching the heart together, lay close to the surface of that finger.’ And she understood and was happy. A benediction was pronounced, and then the espoused pair were ready to depart to Joseph’s house. He was to be the guardian8 of the maiden41 from that hour forth. The hereditary42 servants of the families took up the line of march, bearing flaming torches; immediately after these followed a procession of women, richly garbed43 and wearing golden tiaras and pearl bedecked girdles. Behind these attendants of the virgin, followed a goodly company of dexterous44 musicians and singers, discoursing45 rapturously the significant canticles of Solomon. As the latter went on from time to time they broke out of the line of march and disported46 themselves in the eastern star-dance, saying as they did so, to one another, ‘the morning stars sang at creation; the dawn of a new home coming by[297] love, is next to creation the most joyous47 of all events.’ So the dancers went on, and as they rejoiced in poetic48 motions, they thought of the stars which yet tremble as if with the thrilling of that first delight they shouted. Of all, the sweet orphan girl now companioned was the center. She was bedecked with costly49 jewels, the glad tributes of those that loved her; over her was the significant veil, and, so beneath the wedding canopy50, she entered Nazareth to be a wife. Her sky had become very bright, for hers was a heart that took exquisite51 joy from the honeyed petals52 of affection’s flower. No bride ever more fully entered into that supreme53 state, the all exalting54, entrancing, expanding, thrilling period of new married life. She went forward in the proud consciousness that her weakness had overcome a giant, and that while she lead a royal captive, she was supremely55 happy in her utter bestowal56 of her all upon the one only man now became almost next to God in the temple of her soul.”
Miriamne paused, and Rizpah wept a little.
“Shall I go on or pause, mother?”
“Go on, dear.”
“But you weep, are you ill?”
“Oh, no, except in memory. This is sweet sorrow, that beats us back and forth; contrasting dark endings with bright beginnings; heaven high hopings with black disappointments, and happy lives with our own, all interwoven with miseries57. I walked once in the sweet illusions of bridal days, but an utter widowhood came before death called. That’s the worst bereavement58.”
“Some, but not many. That’s the rule. Most of them begin well enough, but wedded60 mates are not as wisely tender as lovers; they too soon entomb all their joys in graves of selfishness and lust61. So then the dove flies from the blossom of espousal never to return.”
[298]
“Perhaps, such as they did not love enough to begin with and so separated?”
“Some who would die for each other before marriage, would die to be quit of each other, after. Hence the brood of suicides, and that blackest crime of all, murder, which often raises its treacherous62, cruel head within the marriage chamber63.”
“How comes this error, trouble, horror?”
“In wedding bodies, without consents or courtings of the souls, if those, who, though mismated, happen to join lives, were only wise, they might yet be happy, growing together. But read more daughter.”
“In the fullness of time, the angel Gabriel, known amid the Seraphim64 as God’s champion, the chosen of Jehovah and His messenger of comfort and sympathy from heaven to man, was commissioned to carry the glorious news to earth. He spread his rainbow pinions65, and with his own radiance to lighten his course, passed from the confines of the august court of the Divine Presence, the companionship of his fellow archangels, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, to go out across the planet-lightened realms of everlasting66 space. His course was watched with throbbing67 interest by the spirits of mercy appointed for ministering to man. Gabriel sped on, with sweeps of power which almost devoured68 distances, nor paused to bask69 for a moment in the many-colored lights of the golden and silvery shielded planets or constellations70 that he passed in his rapid flight. The wheeling suns and rushing worlds, marching and charging along the shoreless oceans of eternal space, had no splendors71 nor powers with which to challenge his high mission; though theirs was grand, his was grander. He traveled at love’s behest, on mercy’s work, to carry to this little earth, rolling along, mostly in shadows, the mandate72 of glory, the news of heaven’s great saving device. He bore proclamation in its substance and its realizations73 forever the manifold wisdom of God; the wonder of all who know to think or reason. And so that voyage passed into the pages of history and the records of eternity74 as well.
[299]
“Mary, whom Gabriel sought, was engaged in evening prayer as was her wont75, with her face toward Jerusalem’s Temple.”
Miriamne paused; she perceived that she had arrived at a part of the manuscript which Father Adolphus had marked with a red line to remind her it was from his Christian76 Bible. She feared to read this portion to her mother.
“Read on, daughter, the words are precious; they are as songs in the night to my soul.”
Miriamne continued:
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
“And the angel came in unto her and said, Hail! thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.
“And, behold77, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”
Miriamne read the last word “Joshua.”
She proceeded:
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.
[300]
“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
“Hold! hold!” cried Rizpah. “What is this? the faith of the Nazarene?”
Miriamne was awed78. She feared she had proceeded too far; but quickly remembering an explanation of Father Adolphus, replied: “Be content, mother, I read but that that appears in our holy prophets, Isaiah, the poetic and vehement79; his words you so much prize have here an echo.”
Rizpah gazed at her daughter, with a puzzled, questioning expression for a moment, and then sententiously said, “Read on.” She was alert, though severe. Her curiosity was ruling, but her prudence80 was conserved81, at least in her own mind. The daughter was anxious, but could not retreat; she knew she must read further or make a futile82 effort to explain her reluctance83. The two were a study; each afraid of the other: each anxious to aid the other to truth; both on guard, and, while professing84 to be all love for each other, attempting to move forward to a fuller fellowship by indirection. The outlines of the cross were appearing in that household, and never was there to be complete accord until there it ruled all hearts.
Miriamne continued to read, but confined herself chiefly to notes made by the old priest on the margin85 of her manuscript.
[301]
“Presently Joseph, the affianced husband of Mary, discovered that his beloved was to become a mother. At first the discovery was like a dagger86 in his heart, for as yet the marriage had not been consummated87. It was a crisis of great import and trial to husband and wife. Joseph, though now a plain man and a mechanic, carried in his veins the noblest blood of his race, being descendant of the ancient kings and in the line of Solomon and David. Besides that, he had all the abhorrence88 of the better Jews for adultery, that their awful law of death as its penalty, implied.”
“Did he help the mob to stone her?” cried Rizpah.
Miriamne was startled by her mother’s angry earnestness.
“Oh! we’ll see.”
She continued reading:
“He met his affianced in the evening on her return from Hebron’s rosy89 hills, whither she had gone to visit her kinswoman, the mother of John, by name Elizabeth. The interview of those two noble women had prepared Mary to tell her betrothed90 all that troubled and rejoiced her. When her espoused met her privately91 and for the last time, as he intended, he found her sweetly, serenely92 singing, as was her wont, a Davidic psalm93. He was at first astonished, not knowing how she could be so happy under such stigma94 as seemed to rest upon her. His patrician95 blood was roused, and for a moment he was ready to denounce her to the Sanhedrim as an adulteress. Then he looked at her, pitifully, questioningly. It could not be, he meditated96, that one so young could be so depraved as to sing God praises, being a criminal. She must be insane! He tore himself from her presence, but instantly returned when she called out: ‘Joseph, God knows all; touch not His anointed.’
“‘Woman!’ he cried ‘explain! explain! Thy seeming sin hangs scorpions97 over my eyes, and turns my heart to ashes. Thy calmness is a wonderment!’
“Joseph was pale, and reverently99 attentive100; but still the sadness of his countenance betokened101 his incredulity.
“Mary, self-possessed102, confident in her own integrity, continued: ‘For three months I have been secluded103 with[302] my kinswoman, Elizabeth. She knows I saw no man, and thou canst testify of the manner of my living since our espousal; but I got words from God, at Hebron. When I first went into my kinswoman’s house.”
“Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
“And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
“And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
“No sooner had Elizabeth finished that salutation, than the Spirit of the Most Holy Ghost possessed me and I, thus, without premeditation prophetically said:
“My soul doth magnify the Lord.
“For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
“And His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
“He hath shewed strength with his arm; He hath scattered106 the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
“He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.
[303]
“He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.
“As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever.”[2]
“I tarried until Elizabeth’s son was born. He is to be the herald108 of mine! Joseph was amazed. The wisdom and stately character of her magnificent description and ascription were unaccountable. But he doubted still her integrity. Yet his wrath109 was softened110 into pity a little. He hesitated, and then, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately.”
“Ha, ha;” laughed Rizpah, bitterly; “I see now, ’tis a beautiful fable111 thou art reading! Put her away privately! a man do that under such circumstances! Bah! rather would a real man parade the woman’s guilt112 from the house tops. In truth, to show that he was sinless because he was such a Nemesis113 of sin; or to get the pity of light-headed fools, who would gladly take the place of the discarded! A pretty, baby face can catch unerringly the man who pities himself well, if she will only gush114 with real or affected115 pity for him. Pity and flatter a man and he’ll be—a Lucifer! But read it all. This is refreshing116; its so absurdly uncommon117!”
The girl continued:
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
“And she shall bring forth a son, thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[304]
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.”
Miriamne again read “Joshua” for Jesus, but yet felt assured that her mother was in heart, recognizing the source of the story. Rizpah, by silence, pretended not to know she was listening to parts of the Christian Bible, for she was very curious now. Miriamne was willing the harmless pretense118 should continue. But they furtively119 observed each other.
“I see; this is a story based upon some of the Christian’s heresies,” interrupted Rizpah. “If the stories be so unnatural120, I’d never fear their sacred books!”
Miriamne was rejoiced, for her mother was becoming interested, and that was nigh being fully persuaded that their home was not contaminated by the hated Christian’s Bible. Miriamne read again:
“Mary now was contented121. She had the approval of God and her conscience, and that for which her young heart greatly yearned122 the approval of the one man of earth whom she loved. It mattered little to her that few others knew her wondrous secret. She knew her position was one of peril123, and yet she felt certain God would be with her to the end. The joy of Joseph was full, and the revulsion of feeling from crushing shame, to lofty hope was unutterable. A while before he was ready to die, as he began tearing from his heart its idol124, and attempting to consign125 her to the tomb like that of death, forgetfullness. Now he perceived himself elect of God to defend, vouch126 for and shelter the woman of women, the highly favored of Deity127.
[305]
“And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from C?sar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)
“To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife.
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished128.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
“How barbarous! They surely could not have been Jews who kept that inn, or a woman in bearing would have had tender welcome. They must have been Christians129; they are the people whose women blush when carrying little life, and, as if ashamed, forgetting that God had royally privileged them, hide themselves. Bah, I’m sick of the thought! I’ve seen Christian husbands ashamed of their pregnant wives;” so soliloquised Rizpah.
“There were no Christians at the time of these events, mother. But shall I read of the company Mary had, to comfort her?”
“Yes, do; I’d like to have been there, just to rail at the inn’s folks.”
Miriamne continued,
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding130 in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
[306]
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
“It is said that even the cave, where Mary was, was filled with supernal131 light,” remarked Miriamne digressingly.
“I believe it on my word. If angels ever come to earth, it must be surely to hold glad torches about the couches where beings, to be at last perchance like themselves, are coming forth to life,” said Rizpah.
“It is thus reported,” continued Miriamne:
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Miriamne substituted Joshua for Jesus in the reading.
“Joshua, ‘Joshua,’ what ‘Joshua’ is that?”
“Joshua means “deliverer;” this one was to be such; for the rest, I’ve not before read it, mother.”
“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
[307]
“And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
“Then Herod, when he had privily133 called the wise men, inquired of them diligently134 what time the star appeared.
“And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
“When they had heard the king, they departed and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”
Miriamne read ‘The Anointed’ where the text said Christ.
“Miriamne, who could these men have been, Rabbins?”
“I think not, mother; I see upon the margin of my ‘megellah’ a note which says, These were light or fire-worshipers of Persia. They, or rather their ancestors had heard, centuries before, from the Jews, then their[308] captives, that there was an expectation, based on wondrous prophecies, that some time, there was to be on earth a man, born of woman, in character like God and in mission the bringer in of the golden age. These Magi were seeking that person, like pious pilgrims.”
“Oh, the Messiah. Alas135! we all long for His coming!” Then Rizpah fell into a revery from which Miriamne roused her with the question: “Art too weary to hear more?”
“No, no; read, on. These things strangely move and rest me.”
Miriamne continued:
“When eight days were fulfilled, they circumcised the Child, calling him Joshua, offering, according to the law, a pair of turtle doves.”
“Circumcised? Ah, I’m glad! They were good Jews, though poor ones, since they offered the gifts of the poor, two pigeons,” exclaimed Rizpah.
“There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout137, waiting for the consolation138 of Israel.
“And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
“And he came by the Spirit into the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child.
“Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God and said:
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
[309]
“Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
“A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
“And Joseph and his mother marveled at these things which were spoken of him.
“And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
“(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also;) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
“How mysterious and contradictory140, and yet how true the old man’s word, Miriamne? He blessed the parents amid their pious services toward their offspring, yet predicted a sword thrust for the mother. Ah, the sword for the mother is ever impending141! But read further.”
Miriamne continued:
“And Anna, a prophetess, who was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
“And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
“What a finished picture, Miriamne,” interrupted Rizpah. “See, a young mother committing her child to God; a blessing142 and a sword of pain revealed; then the finest human sympathy in the form of motherhood chastened by years coming to encourage her. Oh, the years have sadly wrecked143 a true woman[310] if they have put her beyond saying, from her heart: ‘Poor girl, I love thee,’ to her younger sister in her hour of maternal144 trial. But what followed?”
Miriamne replied by again reading:
“The angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
“Ha! the jealous old hypocrite! But I remember, Herod murdered his wife. A man brute145 enough to do that could easily seek the life of an innocent babe. If Apollyon ever be dethroned because of the appearing of one more devilish than himself, the dethroner will be a wife-murderer!” exclaimed Rizpah, almost in a passion.
Miriamne continued:
“Joseph took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.
“And was there until the death of Herod.”
“So Jewry, our Jewry, gave one of its young mothers a stable for a bed chamber, a manger for her babe; then refused her these by making her an exile. Cruel Israel said go or be childless! Oh, Israel! how Pagan Rome defiled146 thee!” passionately147 exclaimed the Jewish matron.
Miriamne paused until the mother questioned:
“Was there a pursuit?”
“A hot one, though a vain one; my manuscript reads as follows:
“Herod had charged the Magi to tell him, on their return from their quest, the abode148 of the Child born under the star. He pretended to desire to pay it homage149, but in[311] heart he was intending to murder it. The Magi, impressed by the goodness and sanctity of mother and Infant, never returned to Herod to betray them.”
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth and slew150 all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
“Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy, the prophet, saying:
“In Ramah there was a voice heard, lamentation151, and weeping, and a great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”
“So a dark wave of misery152 rolled over Bethlehem. Hundreds of women, weeping over their own dead, were led to understand the cruel injustice153 of the spirit that drove the Virgin and her child into exile, and that, until the end of time, there will be sorrow in the homes of the land that does despite to the virtues154 and characteristics exemplified, so well, by that mother and that Child.”
With these words Miriamne rolled up her parchment, saying: “This is all there is written here.”
“All? It is well, for thou art weary, child. We’ll now retire; to-morrow I must speak with thee about the book. Good-night, now.”
“Good-night, mother.”
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1
benediction
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| n.祝福；恩赐 | |
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partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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citadel
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| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
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5
stimulate
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| vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋 | |
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evasion
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| n.逃避，偷漏(税) | |
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guardians
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| 监护人( guardian的名词复数 )； 保护者，维护者 | |
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8
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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9
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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wed
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| v.娶，嫁，与…结婚 | |
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pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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12
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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13
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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14
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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15
widower
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| n.鳏夫 | |
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16
widowers
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| n.鳏夫( widower的名词复数 ) | |
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17
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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18
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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19
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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20
harass
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| vt.使烦恼，折磨，骚扰 | |
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21
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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22
miraculously
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| ad.奇迹般地 | |
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23
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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24
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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25
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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26
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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27
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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28
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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29
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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30
adage
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| n.格言，古训 | |
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31
espoused
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| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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32
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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33
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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34
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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35
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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36
betrothal
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| n. 婚约, 订婚 | |
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37
nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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38
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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39
conjugal
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| adj.婚姻的，婚姻性的 | |
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40
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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41
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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42
hereditary
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| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
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43
garbed
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| v.（尤指某类人穿的特定）服装，衣服，制服( garb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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44
dexterous
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| adj.灵敏的；灵巧的 | |
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45
discoursing
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| 演说（discourse的现在分词形式） | |
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46
disported
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| v.嬉戏，玩乐，自娱( disport的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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47
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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48
poetic
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| adj.富有诗意的，有诗人气质的，善于抒情的 | |
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49
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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50
canopy
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| n.天篷，遮篷 | |
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51
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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52
petals
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| n.花瓣( petal的名词复数 ) | |
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53
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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54
exalting
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| a.令人激动的，令人喜悦的 | |
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55
supremely
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| adv.无上地，崇高地 | |
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56
bestowal
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| 赠与，给与； 贮存 | |
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57
miseries
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| n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 )；痛苦的事；穷困；常发牢骚的人 | |
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58
bereavement
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| n.亲人丧亡，丧失亲人，丧亲之痛 | |
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59
queried
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| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 )；询问 | |
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60
wedded
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|
| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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61
lust
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| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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62
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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63
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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64
seraphim
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| n.六翼天使(seraph的复数)；六翼天使( seraph的名词复数 ) | |
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65
pinions
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| v.抓住[捆住]（双臂）( pinion的第三人称单数 ) | |
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66
everlasting
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| adj.永恒的，持久的，无止境的 | |
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67
throbbing
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| a. 跳动的,悸动的 | |
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68
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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69
bask
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| vt.取暖，晒太阳，沐浴于 | |
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70
constellations
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| n.星座( constellation的名词复数 )；一群杰出人物；一系列（相关的想法、事物）；一群（相关的人） | |
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71
splendors
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| n.华丽( splendor的名词复数 )；壮丽；光辉；显赫 | |
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72
mandate
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| n.托管地；命令，指示 | |
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73
realizations
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| 认识，领会( realization的名词复数 )； 实现 | |
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74
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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75
wont
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|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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76
Christian
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|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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77
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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78
awed
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|
| adj.充满敬畏的，表示敬畏的v.使敬畏，使惊惧( awe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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79
vehement
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|
| adj.感情强烈的；热烈的；(人)有强烈感情的 | |
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80
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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81
conserved
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| v.保护，保藏，保存( conserve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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82
futile
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| adj.无效的，无用的，无希望的 | |
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83
reluctance
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|
| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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84
professing
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| 声称( profess的现在分词 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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85
margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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86
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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87
consummated
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| v.使结束( consummate的过去式和过去分词 )；使完美；完婚；（婚礼后的）圆房 | |
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88
abhorrence
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|
| n.憎恶；可憎恶的事 | |
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89
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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90
betrothed
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|
| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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91
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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92
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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93
psalm
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| n.赞美诗，圣诗 | |
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94
stigma
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| n.耻辱，污名；(花的)柱头 | |
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95
patrician
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|
| adj.贵族的，显贵的；n.贵族；有教养的人；罗马帝国的地方官 | |
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96
meditated
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| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
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97
scorpions
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| n.蝎子( scorpion的名词复数 ) | |
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98
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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99
reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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100
attentive
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|
| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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101
betokened
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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102
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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103
secluded
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|
| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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104
saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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105
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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106
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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107
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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108
herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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109
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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110
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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111
fable
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| n.寓言；童话；神话 | |
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112
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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113
nemesis
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| n.给以报应者，复仇者，难以对付的敌手 | |
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114
gush
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| v.喷，涌；滔滔不绝(说话)；n.喷，涌流；迸发 | |
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115
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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116
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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117
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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118
pretense
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| n.矫饰，做作，借口 | |
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119
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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120
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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121
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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122
yearned
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| 渴望，切盼，向往( yearn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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123
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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124
idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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125
consign
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| vt.寄售（货品），托运，交托，委托 | |
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126
vouch
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| v.担保；断定；n.被担保者 | |
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127
deity
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| n.神，神性；被奉若神明的人(或物) | |
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128
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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129
Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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130
abiding
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| adj.永久的，持久的，不变的 | |
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131
supernal
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| adj.天堂的，天上的；崇高的 | |
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132
tritely
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| adv.平凡地，陈腐地 | |
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133
privily
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| adv.暗中，秘密地 | |
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134
diligently
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| ad.industriously;carefully | |
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135
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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136
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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137
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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138
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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139
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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140
contradictory
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| adj.反驳的，反对的，抗辩的；n.正反对，矛盾对立 | |
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141
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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142
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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143
wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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144
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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145
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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defiled
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| v.玷污( defile的过去式和过去分词 )；污染；弄脏；纵列行进 | |
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147
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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148
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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149
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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150
slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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151
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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152
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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153
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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154
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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