# Scene VII explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## What happens

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 orders their execution and secret burial, instructing the soldiers to claim they were banished.

## Themes in this chapter

### Martyrdom and Suffering

John and Paul embrace death for Christ, viewing it as a path to eternal joy.

### Christian vs. Pagan Conflict

The direct confrontation between Julian's pagan command and the Christians' unwavering faith.

## Character check-ins

### Terentianus

Delivers Julian's ultimatum and orders the execution of John and Paul.

### Paul

Together with John, refuses to worship Jupiter and accepts martyrdom.

### Julian the Apostate

Referenced as the emperor who commands the idolatrous test.

## Key lines

> John Since Julian is your master, live at peace with him, and enjoy his favour. But we have no master except our Lord Jesus Christ, for Whose love we ardently desire to die that we may the more quickly taste the joys of eternity.

John tells Terentianus that while he may serve Julian, he and Paul serve only Christ, and they long to die for Him to reach heaven sooner.

_Highlights the Christians' rejection of earthly authority in favor of divine loyalty._

> Paul O Christ, receive our souls, which for Thy sake are being driven from this dwelling of clay!

Paul prays for Christ to welcome their souls as they are killed for their faith.

_Emphasizes the theme of martyrdom as a release from the mortal body._

## Links

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