Mary said: "As thou wilt, my son."
But the holy women said: "How sadly will the hours pass when thou art far from us."
Then Jesus spoke to his mother and said, "Mother, mother, for the tender love and motherly care which thou hast shown to me for the three and thirty years of my life, receive the warmest thanks of thy son." And stooping down he kissed her. Then raising his head, he said, "The Father calls me. Fare thee well, best of mothers."
Mary asked him: "My son, where shall I see thee again?"
And Jesus replied: "There, beloved mother, where the Scripture shall be fulfilled: 'He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and he opened not his mouth.'"
Mary sobbing, cried aloud, "Jesus, thy mother, oh! Oh, God, my son!"
Half fainting she was held up by the holy women, who exclaimed, "O beloved, faithful mother!"
The disciples departed, muttering, "We cannot endure it. What will be the end of all this?"
Then burst from their lips the despairing cry, "Alas, what affliction lies before us all?"
But Jesus said, "Sink not in the first conflict. Hold fast by me."