CHARITY. Can we forget what we learned there? Never.
SAPIENTIA. I gave you milk. I nourished and cherished you, that I might wed you to a heavenly bridegroom, not to an earthly one. I trusted that for your dear sakes I might be deemed worthy of being received into the family of the Eternal King.
FAITH. For His love we are all ready to die.
SAPIENTIA. Oh, children, your words are sweeter to me than nectar!
HOPE. When we come before the tribunal you will see what courage our love will give us.
SAPIENTIA. Your mother will be crowned by your virginity and glorified by your martyrdom.
CHARITY. Let us go hand in hand to the tyrant and make him feel ashamed.
SAPIENTIA. We must wait till the hour comes when we are summoned.
FAITH. We chafe at the delay, but we must be patient.
HADRIAN. Antiochus, bring the Greek prisoners before us.
ANTIOCHUS. Step forward, Sapientia. The Emperor has asked for you and your daughters.
SAPIENTIA. Walk with me bravely, children, and persevere with one mind in the faith. Think only of the happiness before you—of the martyr’s palm.
HOPE. We are ready. And He is with us for Whose love we are to be led to death.
HADRIAN. The three days’ respite which of our clemency we granted you is over. If you have profited by it, obey our commands.
SAPIENTIA. We have profited by it. It has strengthened our determination not to yield.
ANTIOCHUS. It is beneath your dignity to bandy words with this obstinate woman. Have you not had enough of her insolence and presumption?
HADRIAN. Am I to send her away unpunished?
ANTIOCHUS. Address yourself to the little girls. If they defy you, do not spare them because of their tender years, but have them put to death. That will teach their obstinate mother a lesson.
HADRIAN. Faith, there is the venerated statue of the great Diana. Carry a libation to the holy goddess, and you will win her favour.
FAITH. What a foolish man the Emperor must be to give such an order!
HADRIAN. What are you muttering there? Behave yourself and do not laugh.
FAITH. How can I help laughing? Such a lack of wisdom is ludicrous.
ANTIOCHUS. You dare to speak to the Emperor so!
FAITH. What is it but folly to tell us to insult the Creator of the world and worship a bit of metal!