# Scene IX explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Intervention and Miracles

The healing of Terentianus's son through the intercession of the martyrs demonstrates divine power working through the saints.

### Martyrdom and Suffering

The martyrs' lifeless bones are said to work miracles, testifying to their sanctity and the grace of Christ.

## Character check-ins

### Terentianus

A father who prays to the martyrs for his son's healing and witnesses the miracle.

### Paul

One of the martyrs invoked by Terentianus; his intercession is credited with the healing.

### John

One of the martyrs invoked by Terentianus; his intercession is credited with the healing.

## Key lines

> Glorious witnesses of Christ, John and Paul, follow the example and commandment of your Master, and pray for your persecutors.

Terentianus calls on the martyrs John and Paul to imitate Christ by praying for those who persecute them.

_Terentianus invokes the martyrs' intercession, echoing Christ's command to pray for enemies._

> Not only do their souls rejoice in heaven, but in the depths of the sepulchre their lifeless bones work astounding miracles, testifying to their sanctity and to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth!

The martyrs' souls are joyful in heaven, and even their dead bones perform miracles from the tomb, proving their holiness and the power of Christ.

_Terentianus praises God for the miracle, affirming the belief that relics of saints can channel divine grace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters