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The vision which Dante sees is a foreshadowing of Matilda and Beatrice in the Terrestrial Paradise. In the Old Testament Leah is a symbol of the Active life, and Rachel of the Contemplative; as Martha and Mary are in the New Testament, and Matilda and Beatrice in the Divine Comedy .

“Happy is that house,” says Saint Bernard, “and blessed is that congregation, where Martha still complaineth of Mary.”

“Happy is that house,” says Saint Bernard, “and blessed is that congregation, where Martha still complaineth of Mary.”