knees they settë them adown, With humble heart and sad devotión, And lostë both their headës in the place; Their soulës wentë to the King of grace.
This Maximus, that saw this thing betide, With piteous tearës told it anon right, That he their soulës saw to heaven glide With angels, full of clearness and of light; And with his word converted many a wight. For which Almachius did him to-beat With whip of lead, till he his life gan lete.
Cecile him took, and buried him anon By Tiburce and Valerian softëly, Within their burying-place, under the stone. And after this Almachius hastily Bade his ministers fetchen openly Cecile, so that she might in his presénce Do sacrifice, and Jupiter incénse.
But they, converted at her wisë lore, Weptë full sore, and gavë full credénce Unto her word, and criëd more and more; “Christ, Goddë’s Son, withoutë difference, Is very God, this is all our senténce, That hath so good a servant him to