would rather die than take a husband.
Then the daughter saw her father's trouble,
and spake to him thus with pure intention,
' I know that God will never forsake me,
cast away thy solicitude, and promise me to the general,
that he may take me after the war,
after he shall by victory conquer the Scythians.
For sake of this promise I will have his daughters,
Attica and Arthemia, in my companionship,
until our nuptials are prepared.
Let him have forth with him on the expedition
John and Paul, those who are most faithful to me,
that they may tell him of my ways,
and I through his daughters will learn his ways.'
It was so done, that she took the daughters,
and the general departed with the expedition.
Then straightway Constantia besought God
with great fervour that He would hear her prayers j
'O Thou Almighty God, Who for Agnes' intercession,
Thy great Martyr, hast healed my leprosy,
and to myself hast revealed Thy true love,
and Who hast promised us in Thy holy Gospel,
" Verily I say unto you. My Father will give you
whatsoever ye ask Him here in My Name,"
I beseech Thee, my Lord, that Thou wilt gain to Thyself these maidens,
and their father Gallicanus, who desireth to take me from Thee,
associate (him) to the purity of Thy faith.
Open the ears of their hearts to the salutary lore,
that they may love Thee only, and desire no earthly things,
and attain with burning love Thy bridal-bed.'
After this prayer the maidens bowed
to holy baptism ere the father came,
and were consecrated to the Saviour's chastity.
Then became Gallicanus likewise converted to God,
and straightway prayed with true faith
