Page:The Apocryphal Acts of Paul, Peter, John, Andrew and Thomas.djvu/223

 things, what I meant to tell to thy shame, not to mention the good which I received from thy parents and which thou didst receive from me all our life, I came here, leaving the court, to hear one thing from thee. Answer, therefore, intelligently. If thou wert as formerly, lived with me in an intimate manner, slept with me, and would unite with me to procreate children, I should then please thee in every respect. Yea, I will do still more and set free the stranger whom I have in prison. But if thou refusest, I shall do no harm to thee—for this is not in my power; but him whom thou lovest the most, more than thou lovest me, I shall torment the more. Consider, therefore, both, and give me thy decision to-morrow! For I am fully prepared for it."

5. Having thus spoken, he went away. At the usual hour Maximilla and Iphidamia went to Andrew. And putting his hands before her face, she kissed them, and she told him what Aegeates had said. And Andrew answered: " I understand, Maximilla, my dear child, that thou art so excited and that the demand of conjugal intercourse is repugnant to thee, who wishest to keep away from an impure and filthy conduct. And this separation was enjoined upon thee long ago by thy view. Now thou wishest to have my opinion also for a testimony. I adjure three, Maximilla, do it not! Submit not to the threat of Aegeates! Be not persuaded by him! Fear not his infamous designs! Be not decided by his flattering or winning ways.