his weary head, which was still crowned with thorns, for a moment, and
then dropped it again in agony of pain; while his parched and torn
lips, only partially closed, showed his bloody and swollen tongue. At
the moment of death his hands, which were at one time contracted round
the nails, opened and returned to their natural size, as did also his
arms; his body became stiff, and the whole weight was thrown upon the
feet, his knees bent, and his feet twisted a little on one side.

What words can, alas, express the deep grief of the Blessed Virgin?
Her eyes closed, a death-like tint overspread her countenance; unable
to stand, she fell to the ground, but was soon lifted up, and supported
by John, Magdalen, and the others. She looked once more upon her
beloved Son--that Son whom she had conceived by the Holy Ghost, the flesh
of her flesh, the bone of her bone, the heart of her heart--hanging on a
cross between two thieves; crucified, dishonoured, contemned by those
whom he came on earth to save; and well might she at this moment be
termed 'the queen of martyrs.'

The sun still looked dim and suffused with mist; and during the time
of the earthquake the air was close and oppressive, but by degrees it
became more clear and fresh.

It was about three o'clock when Jesus expired. The Pharisees were at
first much alarmed at the earthquake; but when the first shock was over
they recovered themselves, began to throw stones into the chasm, and
tried to measure its depth with ropes. Finding, however, that they
could not fathom its bottom, they became thoughtful, listened anxiously
to the groans of the penitents, who were lamenting and striking their
breasts, and then left Calvary. Many among the spectators were really
converted, and the greatest part returned to Jerusalem perfectly