16 And as the cortege neared the door, the child observed a wounded bird in sore distress; a cruel hunter’s dart had pierced its breast.
17 And she left following the dead, and went to help the living bird.
18 With tenderness and love she folded to her breast the wounded bird; then hurried to her place.
19 And Jesus said to her, Why did you leave your dead to save a wounded bird?
20 The maiden said, This lifeless body needs no help from me; but I can help while yet life is; my mother taught me this.
21 My mother taught that grief and selfish love, and hopes and fears are but reflexes from the lower self;
22 That what we sense are but small waves upon the rolling billows of a life.
23 These all will pass away; they are unreal.
24 Tears flow from hearts of flesh; the spirit never weeps; and I am longing for the day when I will walk in light, where tears are wiped away.
25 My mother taught that all emotions are the sprays that rise from human loves, and hopes, and fears; that perfect bliss cannot be ours till we have conquered these.