4
But the mother quenched so many and such great emotions by devout reason.
5
Consider this also: If this woman, though a mother, had been fainthearted, she would have mourned over them and perhaps spoken as follows:
6
"O how wretched am I and many times unhappy! After bearing seven children, I am now the mother of none!
7
O seven childbirths all in vain, seven profitless pregnancies, fruitless nurturings and wretched nursings!
8
In vain, my sons, I endured many birth pangs for you, and the more grievous anxieties of your upbringing.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.