Chapter V.-The Reward of
Virginity.
These, O fair virgins, are
the orgies of our mysteries; these the mystic rites of those who are initiated
in virginity; these the "undefiled rewards"18 of
the conflict of virginity. I am betrothed to the Word, and receive as a reward
the eternal crown of immortality and riches from the Father; and I triumph in
eternity, crowned with the bright and unfading flowers of wisdom. I am one in
the choir with Christ dispensing His rewards in heaven, around the unbeginning
and never-ending King. I have become the torch-bearer of the unapproachable
lights,19 and I join with their company in the new song of
the archangels, showing forth the new grace of the Church; for the Word says
that the company of virgins always follow the Lord, and have fellowship with
Him wherever He is. And this is what John signifies in the commemoration of the
hundred and forty-four thousand.20
Go then, ye virgin band of
the new ages. Go, fill your vessels with righteousness, for the hour is coming
when ye must rise and meet the bridegroom. Go, lightly leaving on one side the
fascinations and the pleasures of life, which confuse and bewitch the soul; and
thus shall ye attain the promises, "This I swear by Him who has shown me
the way of life." This crown, woven by the prophets, I have taken from the
prophetic meadows, and offer to thee, O Arete.
Agathe having thus
admirably brought her discourse to an end, she said, and having been applauded
for what she had uttered, Arete again commanded Procilla to speak. And she,
rising and passing before the entrance, spoke thus.
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