And thence they came to the spot where the church now stands, and the angel said to them: “This is the place.”
“Thank you, My Lord,” said the youngest joyously.
VIII. How the three ladies saw a green island, with sweet flowers and birds thereon.
At that time it was thirteen days past the feast of the Kings; snow had fallen heavily and set hard in frost after, by reason of a north wind which was blowing.
And the three ladies saw before them, among the snow, as it were a green island.
And this island was girt about with a cord of purple silk.
And upon the island the air was fresh as in spring, and roses were blowing, with violets and jessamine, whose smell is like balm.
But outside was naught but storm, north wind, and terrible cold.
Towards the middle, where now stands the grand altar, was a holm-oak, covered with blossom as if it had been a Persian jessamine.