The shepherds who, at the passage of the Nazarene, watered their flocks at the fountain, also arrived; and when all this crowd, silent and attentive, was thus assembled at the foot of the mount, Jesus of Nazareth ascended the little hill, that he might be better heard by all.
The rising sun, shedding its lustrous beams on the figure of the son of Mary, attired in his white tunic and his blue mantle, made his celestial visage to appear resplendent, and casting its rays on his long chestnut hair, seemed to encircle it in a golden aureole. Then addressing these simple in heart, whom he loved equally with the little children, Jesus said to them, in his tender and sonorous voice:
'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
'Blessed are those who are gentle, because they possess the earth!
'Blessed are those who weep, for they are consoled!
'Blessed are those who show mercy, for they will obtain mercy for themselves!
'Blessed are those who are pure in heart, for they will see God!
'Blessed are the peaceful, for they shall be called peaceful!
'Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice's sake, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
'But woe to you, rich, for you would take away your consolation!