and Mary who had cured him of leprosy in his childhood, and he
exclaimed in a loud and clear voice, 'How can you insult him when he
prays for you? He has been silent, and suffered all your outrages with
patience; he is truly a Prophet--he is our King--he is the Son of God.' This
unexpected reproof from the lips of a miserable malefactor who was
dying on a cross caused a tremendous commotion among the spectators;
they gathered up stones, and wished to throw them at him; but the
centurion Abenadar would not allow it.

The Blessed Virgin was much comforted and strengthened by the prayer
of Jesus, and Dismas said to Gesmas, who was still blaspheming Jesus,
'Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation.
And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but
this man hath done no evil. Remember thou art now at the point of
death, and repent.' He was enlightened and touched: he confessed his sins
to Jesus, and said: 'Lord, if thou condemnest me it will be with justice.'
And Jesus replied, 'Thou shalt experience my mercy.' Dismas, filled with
the most perfect contrition, began instantly to thank God for the great
graces he had received, and to reflect over the manifold sins of his
past life. All these events took place between twelve and the half-hour
shortly after the crucifixion; but such a surprising change had taken
place in the appearance of nature during that time as to astonish the
beholders and fill their minds with awe and terror.



CHAPTER XLIII.

Eclipse of the Sun.