all that the virgin was to be espoused to him. When, therefore, the betrothal had been celebrated in the wonted manner, he retired to the city of Bethlehem to set his house in order, and to procure what was required by his marriage. But Mary, the virgin of the Lord, with seven other virgins of like age, and brought up with her, whom she had received from the priest, returned to the house of her parents in Galilee.[1]
CHAPTER IX.
Now in those days, namely, at the time when she first came into Galilee, the angel Gabriel was sent to her from God, to make known to her the Lord's conception, and to explain to her the method or order of the conception. At length, having entered unto her, he filled the chamber where she abode with an immense light, and saluting her most courteously, he said, Hail, Mary! most acceptable virgin of the Lord! Virgin, full of grace, the Lord be with thee; blessed art thou before all women; blessed art thou before all men hitherto born.[2] But the virgin, who already well knew the countenances of angels, and was not unused to heavenly light, was neither terrified by the angelic vision, nor stupefied by the greatness of the light, but was troubled at his word alone; and
