# Scene XIV explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## What happens

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 reward.

## Themes in this chapter

### Martyrdom and Suffering

Irena welcomes death as a joyful martyrdom, contrasting her calm resolve with Sisinnius's violent desperation.

### Chastity and Virginity

Irena speaks of being adorned with the crown of virginity, linking her physical purity to her spiritual triumph.

## Character check-ins

### Sisinnius

Frustrated and shamed by his inability to capture Irena, he orders her execution.

### Irena

Defiantly confronts Sisinnius, embracing martyrdom and the crown of virginity.

## Key lines

> Take a bow one of you, bend it as far as you can, and loose a shaft that shall pierce this devilish witch.

Sisinnius orders a soldier to shoot Irena with an arrow.

_Sisinnius resorts to lethal force after being thwarted by enchantment._

> To me my death means joy, but to you calamity. For your cruelty you will be damned in Tartarus. But I shall receive the martyr’s palm, and, adorned with the crown of virginity, I shall enter the azure palace of the Eternal King.

Irena declares that her death brings her joy and eternal reward, while Sisinnius faces damnation for his cruelty.

_Irena contrasts her heavenly fate with Sisinnius's hellish punishment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters