[Openap-cvs] Iastical themes, he could not work out all

[McClee]

Eligion and charity. Under her teaching many of her people were
converted to the faith. It was a happy kingdom until the Emperor
Maxentius chanced to visit the royal city. He was a tyrant who
persecuted Christians. Upon his arrival he ordered public sacrifices to
idols, and all who would not join in the heathen ceremony were slain.
Then Catherine went boldly to meet the emperor and set forth to him the
errors of paganism. Though confounded by her eloquence he was not to be
convinced by the words of a mere woman. Accordingly he summoned from
divers provinces fifty masters "which surmounted all mortal men in
worldly wisdom." They were to hold a discussion with the queen and put
her to confusion. For all their arguments, however, Catherine had an
answer. So complete was her victory that the entire company declared
themselves Christians. The angry emperor caused them all to be burned
and cast Catherine into prison. [Illustration: ST. CATHERINE READING
_Hampton Court Gallery, London_] Even here she continued her good works,
converting the empress and a prince who came to visit her. A new torment
was then devised for her. Iron wheels were made, bound with sharp
razors, and she was placed between these while they were turned in
opposite directions. "And anon as this blessed virgin was set in this
torment, the angel of the Lord brake the wheels by so great force that
it slew four thousand paynims." Maxentius then commanded that she should
be beheaded, and St. Catherine went cheerfully to her death. Other
virgin martyrs may h