self by all this remorse, her spirit was broken by her excessive grief, and she plunged headlong into the depths of despair -
EPH. Oh, what a pity!
AB. And as by now she had given up all hope of ever being able to earn pardon, she deliberately chose to re-enter the world and minister to its lusts.
EPH. Well, never before have the powers of darkness won such a victory over a hermit!
AB. Yes, we have fallen a prey to demons!
EPH. But what a curious thing that she should have been able to escape without your knowledge!
AB. Previously my thoughts had been disturbed by a nightmare which, had I not been blind, would have warned me of her approaching doom.
EPH. What nightmare? I should like to hear about it.
AB. I dreamed I was standing outside the door of my cell, when suddenly an enormous, foul-smelling snake darted forward at full speed, seized a little white dove that was perched by my side,
