PAPHNUTIUS. She chose to live in chastity. She consented to be enclosed in a narrow cell. She accepted her penance with sweetness and humility.
ANTONY. I am rejoiced by what you have told me! All the blood in my old veins exults and rejoices!
PAPHNUTIUS. That is because you are a saint.
ANTONY. Brother, you cannot mean that you are sad?
PAPHNUTIUS. I rejoice immeasurably in her conversion. Yet at times I am uneasy. I fear that the penance may have been too long and severe for a woman of such delicate frame.
ANTONY. That does you no wrong. Where true love is, loving compassion is not wanting.
PAPHNUTIUS. I came to beg yours for Thais. Of your charity give me your prayers. I beg you and your disciples to join with me in praying for a sign. Let us persevere in prayer until it is shown us from heaven that the penitent’s tears have moved the divine mercy to indulgence.
ANTONY. Brother Paphnutius, I have never granted a request more gladly. Come, we will gather together my disciples.
PAPHNUTIUS. I know that God will listen to his good servant Antony.
ANTONY. Thanks be to God! The gospel’s promise is fulfilled in us!
PAPHNUTIUS. What promise, blessed Antony?
ANTONY. Those who unite in prayer can obtain whatever they desire.
PAPHNUTIUS. What miracle has happened? What is it?
ANTONY. My disciple Paul has had a vision.
ANTONY. He is here. Paul, my son, tell our brother, Paphnutius, the wonders you have seen.
PAUL. Father, I saw in my vision a splendid bed. It was adorned with white hangings and coverings, and a crown was laid on it, and round it were four radiant virgins. They stood there as if they were guarding the crown. There was a great brightness round the bed, and a multitude of angels. I, seeing this wonderful and joyful sight, cried out, “This glory must be for my master and father Antony!”
ANTONY. Son, did you not know Antony was unworthy of such honour?
PAUL. But a divine voice answered me, saying, “This glory is prepared, not, as you think, for Antony, but for the harlot, Thais!”
PAPHNUTIUS. O sweet Christ! How shall I praise Thee for so lovingly sending comfort to my sad heart?
PAPHNUTIUS. Then farewell, Brother Antony. I must go at once to my captive.
ANTONY. You must indeed. It is time her valiant penance ended. You should assure her that her pardon is complete; you should fill her with hope, and speak to her only of the beatitude in store for her.