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.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.