Everywhere in the Scriptures where she appears we see an example of
care and love; with her whole soul she adheres to her Son. Think
how uneasy she became, and sought for Him in the temple--think of
her gentle reproaches! The words of the Son always sounded harsh in
my ears. 'Those are the powerful expressions of the East!' said my
old preacher. The Saviour was severe, severe as He must be! Already
there seemed to me severity in His words! She was completely the
mother; she was it then, even as when she wept at Golgotha.
Honor and reverence she deserves from us!"

"These she also receives!" returned Wilhelm; and striking him upon
the shoulder he added, with a smile, "you are, according to the
Roman Catholic manner, near exalting the mother above the Son! Old
Rosalie has made a proselyte; after all, you are half a Catholic!"

"That am I not!" answered Otto, "and that will I not be!"

"See! the thunder-cloud advances!"
resounded below in the court: the sweet Neapolitan song reached the
ears of the friends. They stepped into the adjoining room and
opened the window. Three poor boys stood below in the wind and
rain, and commenced the song. The tallest was, perhaps, fourteen or
fifteen years old, his deep, rough voice seemed to have attained
its strength and depth more through rain and bad weather than
through age. The dirty wet clothes hung in rags about his body; the
shoes upon the wet feet, and the hat held together with white
threads, were articles of luxury. The other two boys had neither
hat nor shoes, but their clothes were whole and clean. The youngest
appeared six or seven years old; his silvery white hair formed a
contrast with his brown face, his dark eyes and long brown