seeing thou art under the same condemnation.
And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but
this man hath done no evil. Remember thou art now at the point of
death, and repent.' He was enlightened and touched: he confessed his sins
to Jesus, and said: 'Lord, if thou condemnest me it will be with justice.'
And Jesus replied, 'Thou shalt experience my mercy.' Dismas, filled with
the most perfect contrition, began instantly to thank God for the great
graces he had received, and to reflect over the manifold sins of his
past life. All these events took place between twelve and the half-hour
shortly after the crucifixion; but such a surprising change had taken
place in the appearance of nature during that time as to astonish the
beholders and fill their minds with awe and terror.

CHAPTER XLIII.

Eclipse of the Sun.

Second and Third Word of Jesus on the Cross.

A little hail had fallen at about ten o'clock,--when Pilate was passing
sentence,--and after that the weather cleared up, until towards twelve,
when the thick red-looking fog began to obscure the sun. Towards the
sixth hour, according to the manner of counting of the Jews, the sun
was suddenly darkened. I was shown the exact cause of this wonderful
phenomenon; but I have unfortunately partly forgotten it, and what I
have not forgotten I cannot find words to express; but I was lifted up
from the earth, and beheld the stars and the planets moving about out
of their proper spheres. I saw the moon like an immense ball of fire
rolling along as if flying from the earth. I was then suddenly taken
back to Jerusalem, and I beheld the moon reappear behind the Mountain
of Olives, looking pale and full, and advancing rapidly towards the
sun, which was dim and over-shrouded by a fog. I saw to the east of the
sun a large dark body which had the appearance of a mountain, and which
soon entirely hid the sun. The centre of this body was dark yellow, and
a red circle like a ring of fire was round it. The sky grew darker and
the stars appeared to cast a red and lurid light. Both men and beasts
were struck with terror; the enemies of Jesus ceased reviling him,
while the Pharisees endeavoured to give philosophical reasons for what
was taking place, but they failed in their attempt, and were reduced to
silence. Many were seized with remorse, struck their breasts, and cried
out, 'May his blood fall upon his murderers!' Numbers of others, whether
near the