ultitude might be
plainly heard; and a herald at that moment proclaimed in a loud voice,
that three criminals were about to be crucified. The servant opened the
door; the dreadful sounds became more distinct every moment; and Mary
threw herself on her knees. After praying fervently, she turned to John
and said, 'Shall I remain? Ought I to go away? Shall I have strength to
support such a sight?' John made answer, 'If you do not remain to see him
pass, you will grieve afterwards.' They remained therefore near the door,
with their eyes fixed on the procession, which was still distant, but
advancing by slow degrees. When those who were carrying the instruments
for the execution approached, and the Mother of Jesus saw their
insolent and triumphant looks, she could not control her feelings, but
joined her hands as if to implore the help of heaven; upon which one
among them said to his companions: 'What woman is that who is uttering
such lamentations?' Another answered: 'She is the Mother of the Galilean.'
When the cruel men heard this, far from being moved to compassion, they
began to make game of the grief of this most afflicted Mother: they
pointed at her, and one of them took the nails which were to be used
for fastening Jesus to the cross, and presented them to her in an
insulting manner; but she turned away, fixed her eyes upon Jesus, who
was drawing near, and leant against the pillar for support, lest she
should again faint from grief, for her cheeks were as pale as death,
and her lips almost blue. The Pharisees on horseback passed by first,
followed by the boy who carried the inscription. Then came her beloved
Son. He was almost sinking under the heavy weight of his cross, and his
head, still crowned with thorns, was drooping in agony on his shoulder.
He cast a look of compassion and sorrow upon his Mother, staggered, and
fell for the second time upon his hands and knees. Mary was perfectly
agonised at this sight; she forgot all else; she saw neither soldiers
nor executioners; she saw nothing but her dearly-loved Son; and,
springing from the doorway into the midst of the group who were
insulting and abusing him, she threw herself on her knees by his side
and embraced him. The only words I heard were, 'Beloved Son!' and 'Mother!' but
I do not know whether these words were really uttered, or whether they
were only in my own mind.

A momentary confusion ensued. John and the holy women endeavoured to
raise Mary from the gr