ymns of adoration and jubilee.
The case was probably the same when at the death of our Lord, so many
holy souls re-entered their bodies, and appeared in the Temple and in
different parts of Jerusalem; for it is not likely that the bodies
which they animated were really alive, as in that case they would have
been obliged to die a second time, whereas they returned to their
original state without apparent difficulty; but it is to be supposed
that their appearance in human form was similar to that of our Lord,
when he (if we may thus express it) accompanied his body to the throne
of his Heavenly Father.

At this moment the rock was so violently shaken, from the very
summit to the base, that three of the guards fell down and became
almost insensible. The other four were away at the time, being gone to
the town to fetch something. The guards who were thus thrown prostrate
attributed the sudden shock to an earthquake; but Cassius, who,
although uncertain as to what all this might portend, yet felt an
inward presentiment that it was the prelude to some stupendous event,
stood transfixed in anxious expectation, waiting to see what would
follow next. The soldiers who were gone to Jerusalem soon returned.

I again beheld the holy women: they had finished preparing the
spices, and were resting in their private cells; not stretched out on
the couches, but leaning against the bedclothes, which were rolled up.
They wished to go to the sepulchre before the break of day, because
they feared meeting the enemies of Jesus; but the Blessed Virgin, who
was perfectly renovated and filled with fresh courage since she had
seen her Son, consoled and recommended them to sleep for a time, and
then go fearlessly to the tomb, as no harm would come to them;
whereupon they immediately followed her advice, and endeavoured to
sleep.

It was towards eleven o'clock at night when the Blessed Virgin,
incited by irrepressible feelings of love, arose, wrapped a grey cloak
around her, and left the house quite alone. When I saw her do this, I
could not help feeling anxious, and saying to myself, 'How is it possible
for this holy Mother, who is so exhausted from anguish and terror, to
venture to walk all alone through the streets at such an hour?' I saw her
go first to the house of Caiphas, and then to the palace of Pilate,
which was at a great distance off; I watched her through the whole of
her solitary journey along that part which had been trodden by her