# Plays — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

- [Translator's Note](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/translator-s-note.md): The translator acknowledges the primary sources and scholarly works consulted for the translation of Hrotsvitha's plays, including editions by Celtes, Winterfeld, and Schurzfleisch, as well as critical studies by Magnin 
- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/dedication.md): Roswitha of Gandersheim dedicates her work to Gerberg, the Illustrious Abbess, explaining the difficulties she faced in chronicling the deeds of the Emperor and her reliance on Gerberg's command and guidance.
- [The Plays of Roswitha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/the-plays-of-roswitha.md): This chapter introduces the six plays of Roswitha, a 10th-century nun, focusing on their themes, structure, and dramatic qualities. It discusses Gallicanus, Dulcitius, Callimachus, Abraham, Paphnutius, and Sapientia, hig
- [Prefaces of Roswitha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/prefaces-of-roswitha.md): Roswitha introduces her collection of plays, explaining her purpose and method in writing Christian dramas to replace the pagan works of Terence, and she dedicates her work to her abbess, Gerberg, while acknowledging the
- [Preface to the Plays of Hrotswitha, German Religious and Virgin of the Saxon Race](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/preface-to-the-plays-of-hrotswitha-german-religious-and-virgin-of-the-saxon-race.md): Hrotswitha explains her motivation for writing plays in the style of Terence: to replace pagan licentiousness with Christian chastity. She acknowledges the difficulty of depicting sinful passion but argues that it highli
- [Epistle of the Same to the Learned Patrons of This Book](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/epistle-of-the-same-to-the-learned-patrons-of-this-book.md): Hrotswitha addresses her learned patrons, expressing gratitude for their approval of her work despite her humble status as a woman. She acknowledges that her abilities come from God and that she has woven scraps of philo
- [Plays](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/plays.md): This chapter presents a collection of dramatic works by Roswitha, focusing on the lives and martyrdoms of saints, the power of faith, and the triumph of Christian virtue over pagan persecution and personal temptation.
- [Gallicanus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/gallicanus.md): Plays — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
- [Characters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters.md): This chapter lists the characters appearing in Part I and Part II of the work, including historical and fictional figures such as Constantine, Gallicanus, Julian the Apostate, and various saints and soldiers.
- [Characters in Part I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters-in-part-i.md): This chapter lists the characters appearing in Part I of the play, including the Emperor Constantine, his daughter Constance, the general Gallicanus and his daughters Artemia and Attica, the almoners John and Paul, vario
- [Characters in Part II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters-in-part-ii.md): This chapter lists the characters appearing in Part II, including Julian the Apostate, Gallicanus, Terentianus, John, Paul, Consuls, Christians, and Soldiers, with a reference to Part I.
- [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-i.md): Emperor Constantine confronts Gallicanus about his delay in attacking the Scythians. Gallicanus agrees to go but asks for a reward: the hand of Constantine's daughter, Constance. Constantine hesitates but agrees to consu
- [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-ii.md): Emperor Constantine reveals to his daughter Constance that General Gallicanus wishes to marry her. Constance, having consecrated herself to God, refuses and proposes a plan to delay the marriage by pretending to agree af
- [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-iii.md): Gallicanus anxiously awaits the outcome of the emperor's conference with his daughter, hoping his marriage suit will be accepted. The emperor returns with a serene expression, which Gallicanus and the lords interpret as 
- [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-iv.md): Constantine reassures Gallicanus that his daughter Constance consents to their marriage, arranging for her almoners John and Paul to accompany Gallicanus to learn her ways, while Gallicanus agrees to send his daughters t
- [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-v.md): Constance meets the daughters of Gallicanus, Artemia and Attica, and prays to Christ for Gallicanus to be turned from his unlawful purpose. She exhorts the sisters to virginity and faith, and they respond with devotion. 
- [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-vi.md): Constance instructs John and Paul to go to Gallicanus and gradually teach him the Christian faith, hoping God will use them to convert him.
- [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-vii.md): Gallicanus welcomes John and Paul, who have been sent by Constance to serve him. Gallicanus announces that before departing for battle, they must first go to the Capitol to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods. John and Pa
- [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-viii.md): John and Paul prepare to ride with Gallicanus, having sent their baggage ahead to travel unencumbered.
- [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-ix.md): Gallicanus and his tribunes face a massive enemy army. The tribunes urge surrender, but Gallicanus resists until John promises victory if he becomes a Christian. Gallicanus swears and converts, leading to the enemy's sur
- [Scene X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-x.md): Gallicanus, returning to Rome victorious, acknowledges that his triumph was not due to his own valor or the pagan gods but to the one true God. He decides to bypass the temples and instead go to the Church of the Apostle
- [Scene XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xi.md): Constantine expresses astonishment that Gallicanus has not yet appeared before him, but his soldiers explain that Gallicanus went directly to Saint Peter's Church to give thanks for his victory. Constantine finds this ha
- [Scene XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xii.md): Gallicanus returns from battle and recounts his conversion experience to Constantine, describing how he was defeated, then aided by a heavenly figure after vowing to the Creator. He explains that he has been baptized and
- [Scene XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-i-scene-xiii.md): Gallicanus, now converted, reassures Constance and her virgins that he supports their vow of chastity. He renounces his claim to Constance, recognizing divine will, and decides to give away his wealth, free his slaves, a
- [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-i.md): Emperor Julian the Apostate expresses his discontent with the freedom Christians enjoy in the Empire, accusing them of falsely claiming to obey laws from Constantine's time. He orders soldiers to strip Christians of thei
- [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-ii.md): Julian the Apostate's soldiers return prematurely from their mission to seize Gallicanus's castle, reporting that any who crossed the threshold were struck with leprosy or madness. Julian orders them to return and force 
- [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-iii.md): Gallicanus rejects all worldly advice and declares his intention to retire to Alexandria for the sake of Christ, hoping to achieve martyrdom.
- [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-iv.md): Soldiers report to Julian that Gallicanus has been executed in Alexandria, while John and Paul continue to defy Julian by distributing Constance's fortune. Julian orders them brought before him.
- [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-v.md): Julian the Apostate confronts John and Paul, who refuse to serve him due to his renunciation of Christianity. They praise the Christian emperors Constantine, Constantius, and Constance, and denounce Julian's idolatry. Ju
- [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-vi.md): Julian the Apostate orders Terentianus to secretly compel John and Paul to sacrifice to Jupiter, and if they refuse, to execute them privately due to their former palace office.
- [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-vii.md): Terentianus, on behalf of Emperor Julian, commands John and Paul to worship a golden statue of Jupiter or face death. John and Paul defiantly profess their allegiance to Christ alone, welcoming martyrdom. Terentianus ord
- [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-viii.md): Terentianus witnesses his son possessed by a devil after defiling the tombs of the martyrs John and Paul. He confesses his guilt and is urged to seek baptism for pardon.
- [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-ix.md): Terentianus prays to the martyrs John and Paul for his son's recovery, and the Christians announce that his son has been healed through their intercession. Terentianus praises God for the miracle.
- [Dulcitius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/dulcitius.md): Plays — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
- [Characters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters.md): A list of characters for the play, including the Emperor Diocletian, the sisters Agape, Chionia, and Irena, Governor Dulcitius, soldiers, Sisinnius, and members of Dulcitius's household.
- [Dulcitius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/dulcitius.md): The chapter presents the martyrdom of the three sisters Agape, Chionia, and Irena under the Roman emperors Diocletian and the governor Dulcitius. The sisters steadfastly refuse to renounce their Christian faith or sacrif
- [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-i.md): Diocletian interrogates the three sisters Agape, Chionia, and Irena, demanding they renounce Christianity and marry court nobles. They steadfastly refuse, defending their faith and purity, leading Diocletian to order the
- [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ii.md): Dulcitius, captivated by the beauty of the imprisoned Christian women, plots to woo them with sweet words or torture. He orders them locked in a room near the kitchen pots and pans so he can visit them frequently.
- [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iii.md): Dulcitius, the governor, approaches the prison where the Christian women are held, intending to force himself upon them, while his soldiers guard the doors.
- [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iv.md): Agape, Chionia, and Irena observe Dulcitius making a fool of himself by embracing kitchen pots and pans, believing he is kissing them. His face and clothes become blackened with soot, and the women mock his absurdity, in
- [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-v.md): Dulcitius, befouled by kitchen pots, is mistaken for a devil by his soldiers, who flee in terror. He resolves to report the insult to the palace.
- [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vi.md): Dulcitius, now appearing in filthy rags, attempts to gain entry to the Emperor but is beaten and thrown down the steps by the ushers. Confused and unaware of his own appearance, he seeks his wife for an explanation, only
- [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vii.md): Dulcitius, having been befouled by kitchen pots, is confronted by his wife who questions his sanity. He realizes the Christian women have tricked him and vows to have them stripped and exposed naked in public as revenge.
- [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-viii.md): Soldiers complain about their futile efforts to strip the holy women, noting that their chief Dulcitius has fallen into a deep sleep from which he cannot be roused. They decide to report the situation to the Emperor.
- [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ix.md): Emperor Diocletian expresses his anger over the humiliation of Governor Dulcitius by the Christian maidens and vows to punish them for blaspheming the gods. He assigns Count Sisinnius to carry out his vengeance.
- [Scene X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-x.md): Sisinnius orders his soldiers to separate Irena from her sisters Agape and Chionia, believing she may be more easily influenced if interrogated alone.
- [Scene XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xi.md): Sisinnius confronts Agape and Chionia, demanding they sacrifice to the gods. They refuse, professing their faith in the true God. Sisinnius orders them thrown alive into flames, but miraculously the fire does not harm th
- [Scene XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xii.md): Sisinnius threatens Irena with torture and defilement in a brothel if she does not yield, but Irena remains steadfast in her faith, declaring that suffering brings glory and that the soul's consent is what matters, not b
- [Scene XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xiii.md): Sisinnius confronts the soldiers who were supposed to take Irena to a brothel, but they explain that two strangers intervened and led Irena to a mountain instead, prompting Sisinnius to ride there himself.
- [Scene XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xiv.md): Sisinnius and his soldiers are confounded by enchantment as they pursue Irena. Sisinnius orders an archer to shoot her, but Irena rebukes him, embracing her martyrdom and virginity as she looks forward to her heavenly re
- [Callimachus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/callimachus.md): Plays — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
- [Characters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters.md): This chapter introduces the key characters of the narrative, including Callimachus, his friends, Drusiana, Andronicus, Fortunatus, and the Apostle John.
- [Callimachus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/callimachus.md): Callimachus confesses his sinful love for Drusiana to friends, then to Drusiana herself, who rejects him and prays for death. After her death, Callimachus attempts to violate her corpse but is struck down by a divine vis
- [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-i.md): Callimachus asks his friends for a private word, and they agree to find a quieter place to speak.
- [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ii.md): Callimachus confesses his love for Drusiana to his friends, who warn him that his pursuit is hopeless because she is a devout Christian and the wife of Prince Andronicus. Despite their advice, Callimachus resolves to pur
- [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iii.md): Callimachus confesses his passionate love for Drusiana, who rebuffs him with indignation and disgust. She declares she has renounced even her husband's bed and will not yield, while Callimachus vows to pursue her relentl
- [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iv.md): Drusiana, tormented by Callimachus's unwanted love and fearing the consequences of revealing it, prays for death to preserve her chastity and avoid causing another's spiritual ruin. She dies suddenly, and Andronicus disc
- [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-v.md): Andronicus informs John of Drusiana's death, expressing deep grief. John consoles him, emphasizing the peace of her soul and the need for proper funeral rites. They decide to lay her body in a marble tomb guarded by Fort
- [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vi.md): Callimachus, consumed by his love for the deceased Drusiana, bribes Fortunatus to allow him to view her body in the tomb.
- [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vii.md): Callimachus, urged on by Fortunatus, approaches the body of Drusiana with lustful intent, but a monstrous serpent appears, causing Callimachus to curse Fortunatus and die from terror and remorse.
- [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-viii.md): John and Andronicus go to Drusiana's tomb to pray, and a divine vision reveals that God will raise Drusiana and the man lying outside her tomb to glorify His name.
- [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ix.md): John and Andronicus discover the open tomb of Drusiana with the bodies of Callimachus and Fortunatus entwined in a serpent's coils. John raises Callimachus from the dead, who confesses his sinful passion for Drusiana and
- [Abraham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/abraham.md): Plays — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
- [Characters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters.md): A list of characters appearing in the play, including Abraham, Ephrem, Mary, a friend to Abraham, and an innkeeper.
- [Abraham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/abraham.md): Abraham, a hermit, seeks counsel from Brother Ephrem about his young niece Mary, whom he has adopted. With Ephrem's guidance, Mary chooses a life of chastity and devotion, and Abraham builds her a cell near his hermitage
- [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-i.md): Abraham confides in Brother Ephrem about his anxiety over his young niece Mary, whom he has taken in after her parents' death. He fears for her beauty and virtue, and seeks Ephrem's counsel on raising her to be a bride o
- [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ii.md): Abraham and Ephrem instruct the young Mary on the meaning of her name and the importance of chastity, leading her to dedicate herself to a life of purity and religious devotion. Abraham decides to build a cell near his h
- [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iii.md): Abraham, in deep distress, confides in Brother Ephrem that his adopted daughter Mary has been seduced and has fled their hermitage to return to the world. He recounts a prophetic vision of a dragon devouring a dove, foll
- [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iv.md): Abraham learns from his friend that his niece Mary has become a prostitute. Determined to rescue her, he plans to disguise himself as a soldier and lover to gain entry to the brothel.
- [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-v.md): Abraham, disguised as a traveler, arrives at an inn and asks the innkeeper to allow him to dine with the beautiful girl living there, claiming he has heard of her beauty and wishes to see her.
- [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vi.md): Abraham, disguised as a gallant, visits Mary in the brothel where she has been living for two years. He conceals his identity and grief, engaging in flirtatious banter while Mary is momentarily moved by a familiar fragra
- [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vii.md): Abraham reveals himself to Mary, who is overwhelmed with shame and despair over her sins. Through gentle persuasion and assurances of divine mercy, Abraham convinces her to repent and return to a virtuous life, leading h
- [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-viii.md): Abraham and Mary arrive at her former cell, where Mary expresses shame and reluctance to enter the place of her sin. Abraham guides her to an inner cell for penance and announces he will share the news of her return with
- [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ix.md): Abraham returns to Ephrem with the joyful news that he has found his lost niece Mary and brought her back to the fold. He describes her rigorous penance, including wearing a hair shirt, fasting, and continual prayer for 
- [Paphnutius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/paphnutius.md): Plays — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
- [Characters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters.md): This chapter lists the characters appearing in the play, including the hermit Paphnutius, the courtesan Thais, the Abbess, Thais's lovers, Paphnutius's disciples, and the hermits Antony and Paul.
- [Paphnutius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/paphnutius.md): Paphnutius, a hermit, is distressed by the sinful life of the harlot Thais and resolves to rescue her. Disguised as a lover, he gains entry to her house, reproaches her, and leads her to repent. Thais burns her wealth, e
- [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-i.md): Paphnutius explains to his disciples the cause of his sadness: the harlot Thais, whose beauty leads many men to ruin. He then engages in a philosophical discussion about the harmony of the world, the quadrivium, and the 
- [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ii.md): Paphnutius, lost in the city, seeks directions to find the harlot Thais. He encounters young men in the marketplace who, after some hesitation, reveal Thais's location and warn him that she values wealth as much as beaut
- [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iii.md): Paphnutius confronts Thais, a wealthy courtesan and secret Christian, rebuking her for her sinful life and awakening her to remorse. Thais resolves to burn her ill-gotten wealth and follow Paphnutius into penance, demons
- [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iv.md): Thais calls her lovers to witness her burning of the treasures they gave her, declaring her rejection of her former life of sin and her intention to leave them forever.
- [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-v.md): Thais declares her readiness to obey Paphnutius, having renounced her worldly possessions and lovers. Paphnutius reassures her and guides her toward a spiritual union with her Heavenly Lover, while Thais expresses her de
- [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vi.md): Paphnutius brings Thais to a monastery of holy virgins and arranges for her to begin her penance there. Thais expresses weariness but submits to his guidance, and the Abbess comes out to meet them, having been informed o
- [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vii.md): Paphnutius brings the repentant Thais to an abbess, requesting she be enclosed in a narrow cell for penance. Despite Thais's initial reluctance and concern over the harsh conditions, Paphnutius insists on rigorous discip
- [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-viii.md): Paphnutius returns to his disciples and reports that Thais has abandoned her sinful life and is now doing penance in a narrow cell, weeping over her sins.
- [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ix.md): Paphnutius, after three years of Thais's penance, remains uncertain whether her sorrow has found favor with God. He decides to seek the intercession of his brother Antony, hoping God will reveal the truth through him.
- [Scene X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-x.md): Paphnutius visits the aged hermit Antony in the desert, recounting his mission to convert the harlot Thais. He describes how he disguised himself as a lover, confronted her, and ultimately led her to a life of penance in
- [Scene XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xi.md): Paphnutius visits Antony and learns from Paul's vision that Thais has been forgiven and a heavenly reward awaits her. Antony instructs Paphnutius to end her penance and comfort her with hope.
- [Scene XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xii.md): Paphnutius visits Thais in her cell, where she has spent years in penitence. He reassures her of God's forgiveness, not for her harsh penance but for her love of Christ. He tells her that in fifteen days she will pass to
- [Scene XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xiii.md): Thais, on her deathbed, pleads with Paphnutius not to leave her. Paphnutius comforts her, prays with her, and after her death, he commends her soul to God and speaks of the resurrection of the body.
- [Sapientia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/sapientia.md): Plays — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
- [Characters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/characters.md): A list of characters appearing in the plays of Roswitha, including Antiochus, Hadrian, Sapientia, Faith, Hope, and Charity, along with various matrons.
- [Sapientia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/sapientia.md): Sapientia's three daughters—Faith, Hope, and Charity—are martyred one by one under Emperor Hadrian for refusing to renounce Christ. After their deaths, Sapientia buries them and prays to die and join them in heaven.
- [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-i.md): Emperor Hadrian and his advisor Antiochus discuss the threat posed by a Christian woman and her three daughters, who are converting Roman wives and causing domestic discord. Hadrian orders the woman brought before him.
- [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ii.md): Sapientia is summoned by the Emperor Hadrian through Antiochus. She fearlessly declares her Christian faith and her trust in divine protection, agreeing to go to the palace with her daughters.
- [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iii.md): Emperor Hadrian and Antiochus interrogate Sapientia and her daughters, Faith, Hope, and Charity. Sapientia engages in a complex discourse on arithmetic and number theory, refusing to worship the gods. Hadrian, unable to 
- [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-iv.md): Sapientia encourages her daughters Faith, Hope, and Charity to remain steadfast in their faith despite imprisonment and impending torture, emphasizing the eternal reward of virginity and martyrdom over earthly marriage.
- [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-v.md): Sapientia and her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Charity, are brought before Emperor Hadrian and Antiochus. Despite threats and brutal tortures, the daughters remain steadfast in their Christian faith, performing mira
- [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vi.md): Hadrian questions Antiochus about his failed torture of Charity, who miraculously survived scourging and a fiery furnace, killing five thousand men instead. Antiochus reports that Charity played unharmed in the flames wi
- [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-vii.md): Sapientia prepares her daughter Charity for martyrdom, urging her to embrace the sword with faith. Charity willingly submits, and Sapientia commends her soul to Christ, expressing joy and relief at her daughter's spiritu
- [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-viii.md): Sapientia, accompanied by noble matrons, prepares to bury her daughters. The matrons offer to help with the funeral rites and agree to follow the bodies to the burial site three miles outside the city.
- [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-ix.md): Sapientia chooses a burial place for her martyred daughters, thanks the matrons for their support, and prays fervently for her own death so she may be reunited with her children in Christ.
- [A Note on the Acting of the Plays](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/a-note-on-the-acting-of-the-plays.md): This chapter discusses the evidence and possibilities for staging Roswitha's plays, arguing against a condescendingly primitive approach and advocating for imaginative, sympathetic productions that respect the plays' dra
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/endnotes.md): The endnotes provide editorial commentary on translations, manuscript sources, performances, and textual decisions regarding Roswitha's plays, including references to productions of 'Callimachus' and 'Paphnutius' and the

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters