Kenach’s Little Woman 73

woman no less than to redeem man. Not
less did He suffer for the sake of woman
than for the sake of man. Women gave
service and tendance to Him and His
Apostles. A woman it was who bore Him,
else had men been left forlorn. It was a
man who betrayed Him with a kiss; a
woman it was who washed His feet with
tears. It was a man who smote Him with
a reed, but a woman who broke the alabaster
box of precious ointment. It was a man
who thrice denied Him; a woman stood by
His cross. It was a woman to whom He
first spoke on Easter morn, but a man thrust
his hand into His side and put his finger in
the prints of the nails before he would believe.
And not less than men do women enter the
heavenly kingdom. Why then  shouldst
thou drive my little child and me from thy
hermitage ?”

Then Kenach, who had heard all that was
said, came forth from the cave, and blessed
the woman. ‘ Well hast thou spoken, O
daughter; come, and bring the small child
with thee.” And, turning to the young
monk, he said, “O soul, O son, O Diar-
mait, did not God send His Angel out of