had some fruit, as it were;312 and those men whose branches were found to be of that kind were exceedingly joyful. And the angel was exultant because of them; and the Shepherd also rejoiced greatly because of them. Chap. II. And the angel of the Lord ordered crowns to be brought;313 and there were brought crowns, formed, as it were, of palms; and he crowned the men who had returned the branches which had offshoots and some fruit, and sent them away into the tower. And the others also he sent into the tower, those, namely, who had returned branches that were green and had offshoots but no fruit, having given them seals.314 And all who went into the tower had the 40 same clothing—white as snow.315 And those who returned their branches green, as they had received them, he set free, giving them clothing and seals. Now after the angel had fin- ished these things, he said to the Shepherd, “I am going away, and you will send these away within the walls, according as each one is worthy to have his dwelling. And examine their branches carefully, and so dismiss them; but examine them with care. See that no one escape you,” he added; “and if any escape you, I will try them at the altar.”316 Having said these words to the Shepherd, he departed. And after the angel had departed, the Shepherd said to me, “Let us take the branches of all these and plant them, and see if any of them will live.” I said to him, “Sir, how can these withered branches live?” He answered, and said, “This tree is a willow, and of a kind that is very tenacious of life. If, therefore, the branches be planted, and receive a little moisture, many of them will live. And now let us try, and pour water317 upon them; and if any of them live I shall rejoice with them, and if they do not I at least will not be found neglectful.” And the Shepherd bade me call them as each one was placed. And they came, rank by rank, and gave their branches to the Shepherd. And the Shepherd received the branches, and planted them in rows; and after he had planted them he poured much water upon them, so that the branches could not be seen for the water; and after the branches had drunk it in, he said to me, “Let us go, and return after a few days, and inspect all the branches; for He who created this tree wishes all those to live who received branches318 from it. And I also hope that the greater part of these branches which received moisture and drank of the water will live.” 312 Num. xvii. 8. [Willows are chosen, perhaps, with reference to Isa. xliv. 4; but Ezekiel’s willow supplies the thought here (Ezek. xvii. 5, 6).] 313 2 Esdras ii. 43. 314 [Eph. i. 13, iv. 30.] 315 [Rev. xix. 8.] 316 [Rev. viii. 3; Num. xvii. 7.] 317 [Ezek. xxxix. 29.] 318 [Rom. xi. 16.] 81 Similitude Eighth. The Sins of the Elect and of the Penitent are of Many…