Then entering into her bed-chamber alone, she spoke thus with tears, In what way, my God, I shall act, or what counsel I shall take, I know not.
2Shall I declare the thought that has come upon me?
3I fear the madness and disorder of the city.
4Shall I fly from this impious city?
5I fear the contrivance of the devil for seizing the sheep.
6Shall I await the mercy and swiftness of the Lord?
7Again I fear the untimely snatching away of life, for the death of sinners has no warning.
8Shall I depart and flee away to Rome?
9I fear the length of the journey, being unable to go on foot.
10But while I say these things by conjecture, constrained by my desire (for I cannot speak with surety), may I find pardon with you, my God, and fulfil my desire with excess of right words, and think me but worthy to hear your preacher, for if I say, to see his face, I ask a great thing.
11Blessed is he that is found in the company of your preachers, and is satisfied with their precious countenances.
12Blessed are they that are yoked under the preaching of your commandments.
13Blessed are they that keep your commandments; but where now, Lord, are your mercies to our fathers, that we also may be their successors in love toward you and heirs of faith.
14But behold now, Lord, I cannot find any one that has love for you, that communing with him I might even a little refresh my soul.
15Speed therefore, Lord, to yoke me in desire for you, and keep me under the shadow of your wings, for you alone are God, glorified to all eternity.
16Amen.