certain Syrian, Alexander by name, an influential citizen of Antioch, seeing Thecla, became enamoured of her, and tried to gain over Paul by gifts and presents. But Paul said, "I know not the woman of which thou speakest, nor is she mine." But he, being of great power, openly embraced her in the street. But she would not endure it, but looked about for Paul. And she cried out bitterly, saying, "Do not force the stranger; do not force the maiden of God. I am one of the chief persons of the Iconians, and because I would not marry Thamyris I have been cast out of the city." And taking hold of Alexander, she tore his cloak, and pulled off his crown, and made him a laughingstock.
27. And he, on the one hand loving her, and on the other ashamed of what had happened, led her before the proconsul; and as she confessed that she had done these things, he condemned her to the wild beasts < Alexander arranging the games >.[1] The women of the city cried out beside the tribunal, "Evil judgment! impious judgment!" And Thecla[2] asked the proconsul to be let alone until she shall fight with the wild beasts. And a rich woman [of royal descent][3] named Tryphaena, whose daughter[4] was dead, took her into keeping and had her for a consolation.
