Page:The Apocryphal Acts of Paul, Peter, John, Andrew and Thomas.djvu/40

 ordered her also to be brought to [the tribunal], and she came with an exceedingly great joy. And when Paul had been led forth, the crowd vehemently cried out, "He is a sorcerer, away with him! But the proconsul gladly heard Paul upon the holy works of Christ. And having called a council he summoned Thecla and said, "Why dost thou not marry Thamyris, according to the law of the Iconians?" But she stood looking earnestly at Paul. And when she gave no answer, Theoclia, her mother, cried out saying: "Burn the wicked one; burn her in the midst of the theatre who will not marry, that all the women that have been taught by this man may be afraid."

21. And the proconsul was greatly moved; and having scourged Paul, he cast him out of the city. But Thecla he condemned to be burned. And immediately the governor arose and went away to the theatre. And the whole multitude went out to witness the spectacle. But as a lamb in the wilderness looks around for the shepherd, so Thecla kept searching for Paul. And having looked upon the crowd, she saw the Lord sitting in the likeness of Paul, and said, "As if I were unable to endure, Paul has come to look after me." And she gazed upon him with great earnestness, but he went up into heaven.

22. And the boys and girls brought wood and straw, in order that Thecla might be burned. And