Acts of Paul and Thecla

Historical source scan page 154

THE HISTORY OF THECLA. 197 on the spot where Paul had been sitting bound and teaching the commandments of God. And again of a sudden the hégemén commanded and said: “ Bring Thecla, the betrothed of Thamyris.” And Thamyris ran with many men, and they laid hold of Thecla, and were dragging her up to the hégemén. And when the hége- mén saw her, he was very sorry for her; but Thecla was standing before him * with great joy, and was not sorry. Then of a sudden the whole people cried out and say: “Destroy this magician”; but he (the hégemdn) did not say anything concerning ‘Paul. Then the hégemén sat in council, and he arose, he and his companions, and they called Thecla, and say to her: ‘“ Why art thou not to thy betrothed ܩܡܗ)‎ ( according to the law of the Iconians ?” And Thecla was standing and looking on Paul, and she answered not a word to the hégemén. Then her mother cried out and saith: ‘ Burn the fool in the midst of the theatre, that all the women who see her, those whose doctrine this is, may be afraid.” And when the hégemén heard (this), he was very sorry for her. Then he commanded, and they scourged Paul, and cast him out of the city; and he condemned Thecla to be burned with fire in the midst of the theatre. And the hégemén arose and went to the theatre, he and the whole people, that they might see Thecla being burned with fire. And as a sheep on the mountain seeks its shepherd,” so Thecla too was seeking that she might see ° ® C. omits before him. b C. the shepherd. © C. omits that she might see.