Acts of Paul and Thecla

Historical source scan page 164

THE HISTORY OF THECLA. 137 sitting there and looking on, and saying:* “The lioness too, which was helping Thecla, is dead.” And again, lo, they let in upon her” many beasts. And when Thecla, standing (there),° saw that they were letting in upon her many beasts, she spread out her hands‘ and stood* praying. And when she had finished her prayer, she turned backwards, and saw a reservoir which was full of water.’ And Thecla answered and saith: “Lo then, it is time to wash myself.” And she lifted up her hands and saith: “In the name of Jesus the Messiah, lo, to-day, the last day, I am baptised.” And when the women, who were sitting (there), saw (this), and the whole people, they wept and say to her: “Do not cast thyself into that water, for evil are the beasts that are in 16.7 And the hégemén too, when he saw her, wept, that the beasts, who were in that water, should devour this beauty. (\io) And Thecla leaped, and fell into the water. And the beasts, which were there, when they saw the flash of light,* died, and floated upon the surface of the water. And there was around her, and overshadowing her, a cloud of lightning, 0 that Thecla could not be seen (to descry) whether she was naked, And when the women, who were sitting in the theatre, saw that other beasts were being let in at Thecla, which * D. and the women, who were seated (there) and looking on, were saying. > D. upon Theela. ° D. omits these words. 4 adds in the form of the Cross. ܘ‎ Here a leaf is wanting in D. £ C. omits of water. 8 C. of fire, and adds in the midst of the water.