"Oh, my sister!" said the old man to the woman, who was reposing with him beneath the rustic arbor formed by the tuft of willow-trees; "oh, my sister! how many times during the centuries in which the hand of the Lord carried us onward, and, separated from each other, we traversed the world from pole to pole--how many times we have witnessed this awakening of nature with a sentiment of incurable grief!--Alas! it was but another day of wandering--another useless day added to our life, since it brought death no nearer!"
"But now what happiness, oh, my brother! since the Lord has had mercy on us, and, with us, as with all other creatures, every returning day is a step nearer to the grave.Glory to Him! yes, glory!"
"Glory to Him, my sister! for since yesterday, when we again met, I feel that indescribable languor which announces the approach of death."
"Like you, my brother, I feel my strength, already shaken, passing away in a sweet exhaustion.Doubtless, the term of our life approaches.The wrath of the Lord is satisfied."
"Alas, my sister! doubtless also, the last of my doomed race, will, at the same time, complete our redemption by his death; for the will of heaven is manifest, that I can only be pardoned, when the last of my family shall have disappeared from the face of the earth.To him, holiest amongst the holiest--was reserved the favor of accomplishing this end he who has done so much for the salvation of his brethren!"