“She was greedy of punishment, as a man in a fever is greedy of the bitter potion, which cools his blood.  And, by the crucified Lord!  I have found more noble humanity among sinners, than in many just men in priestly garb.  Through the presence of Magdalen, the prison recovered its sanctity in my eyes.  Before this I had frequently quitted it full of deep contempt, for among the imprisoned Christians, there were too often lazy vagabond’s, who had loudly confessed the Saviour only to be fed by the gifts of the brethren; there I had seen accursed criminals, who hoped by a martyr’s death to win back the redemption that they had forfeited; there I had heard the woeful cries of the faint-hearted, who feared death as much as they feared treason to the most High.  There were things to be seen there that might harrow the soul, but also examples of the sublimest greatness.  Men have I seen there, aye, and women, who went to their death in calm and silent bliss, and whose end was, indeed, noble—­more noble than that of the much-lauded Codrus or Decius Mus.

“Among all the prisoners there was neither man nor woman who was more calmly self-possessed, more devoutly resigned, than Magdalen.  The words, ’There is more joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine that need no repentance,’ strengthened her greatly, and she repented—­yea and verily, she did.  And for my part, God is my witness that not an impulse as from man to woman drew me to her, and yet I could not leave her, and I passed the day by her side, and at night she haunted my soul, and it would have seemed to me fairer than all in life besides to have been allowed to die with her.

“It was at the time of the fourth decree of persecution, a few months before the promulgation of the first edict of toleration.

“He that sacrifices, it is said, shall go unpunished, and he that refuses, shall by some means or other be brought to it, but those who continue stiff-necked shall suffer death.  For a long time much consideration had been shown to the prisoners, but now they were alarmed by having the edict read to them anew.  Many hid themselves groaning and lamenting, others prayed aloud, and most awaited what might happen with pale lips and painful breathing.

“Magdalen remained perfectly calm.  The names of the Christian prisoners were called out, and the imperial soldiers led them all together to one spot.  Neither my name nor hers was called, for I did not belong to the prisoners, and she had not been apprehended for the faith’s sake.  The officer was rolling up his list, when Magdalen rose and stepped modestly forward, saying with quiet dignity, ‘I too am a Christian.’

“If there be an angel who wears the form and features of man, his face must resemble hers, as she looked in that hour.  The Roman, a worthy man, looked at her with a benevolent, but searching gaze.  I do not find your name here,’ he said aloud, shaking his head and pointing to the roll; and he added in a lower voice, ‘Nor do I intend to find it.’