Chapter 20. On The Lamentable Separation of the Grave (A Little Book of Eternal Wisdom) (Suso, Henry)

The Servant. Now, tender Lady, put an end to your sorrow and your sad recital, and tell me how you didst separate from your Beloved.

Answer. It was a misery to see and hear. Alas, all was yet supportable, while I had my Child with me; but when they tore my dead Child from my blighted heart, from my embracing arms, from my face pressed to His, and buried Him, what a wailing I set up in that hour would hardly be believed; and then when it came to the separation, oh, what an agony, what woe, were seen in me! For when they separated me from my Beloved, the separating wrestled with my heart like bitter death. Supported by their hands who led me away, I walked with tottering steps, for I was robbed of all consolation, my heart longed woefully to return to my Love, my confidence was wholly set in Him, I rendered Him alone of all mankind entire fidelity and true attachment, even to the grave.

The Servant. Oh, affectionate and tender Lady, for this do all hearts greet you, all tongues praise you, since all the good that the Fatherly heart has vouchsafed to give us, flowed through your hands. You are the beginning, you are the means, you will also be the end. Alas, pure and tender Mother, let me remind you today of your miserable separation; think of your bitter separating from your tender Child, and help me that I may not be separated either from you or from His joyous countenance.

Yes, pure Mother, even as my soul now stands by you with compassionate sympathy, and embraces you with ardent desire, and, in contemplation with heartfelt desire, with thanksgiving and praise, leads you from the sepuchre through the gate of Jerusalem back again to your house, so do I crave that, at my last departure, my soul may be again led by you, O pure and tender Mother, to its Fatherland, and there be confirmed in everlasting bliss.

Amen.