They had also some bundles of herbs in bags made of parchment or leather, and Joseph carried a box of ointment; but I do not know what this box was made of.

The servants were to carry vases, leathern bottles, sponges, and tools, on a species of litter, and they likewise took fire with them in a closed lantern.

They left the town before their master, and by a different gate (perhaps that of Bethania), and then turned their steps towards Mount Calvary.

As they walked through the town they passed by the house where the Blessed Virgin; St.John, and the holy women had gone to seek different things required for embalming the body of Jesus, and John and the holy women followed the servants at a certain distance.

The women were about five in number, and some of them carried large bundles of linen under their mantles.