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R2

Variant b can be considered the more difficult reading since the imperfect follows the present verbs in v. 22 (ἔρχεται and πίπτει). This, and that Mark prefers the historical present, could explain the multiple occurrences of the present in the attestation of variant a. On the other hand, the imperfect may be an accidental repetition of παρεκάλει in v. 18 or a harmonization with Luke 8:41.