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Eufemia is said of eu, that is good, and of femme, that is a woman; that is to wit a profitable, honest and delectable, for in this treble manner she is said good. She was profitable to others by conversation, honest by ordinance of manner, and delectable to God. Or Eufemia is said of euphonia as sweetness of sound. Sweet sound is made in three manners, that is to wit by voice, as in singing, by touching, as in a harp, and by blowing, as in pipes and organs. Thus was the blessed Eufemia sweet sound to God in voice of predication, in touching of good works and in blowing of devotion.
One sees the method. It is a poem, a game, a sermon, anything but a scientific enquiry. As to the particular quibble here indulged in, it had assumed various forms before Caxton took it up, and a full inquiry into its intricacies would lead us outside the scope of these notes.
S. DOROTHY
This legend does not belong to the Legenda Aurea. In even the most ancient forms of it which we possess it is of doubtful historical value, as the Bollandists have pointed out. On the other hand, it contains much which is not only of beauty and interest but is also highly characteristic of the early Christian martyrdoms.
57.
S. NICHOLAS OF MYRA
62.
63.
64.
