Page:Goldenlegendlive00jaco.djvu/57

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
SS. Adrian and Natalie
43

lady; for I have not fled the martyrdom as thou weenest, but I am come to call thee, as I promised to thee.' And she believed it not, but said to him: 'See how this traitor renegade deceiveth me! Why liest thou, that other Judas? Flee, thou unhappy, from me or I shall slay myself, and then thou shalt be full sorry.' And while she tarried to open the door, he said: 'Open anon, for I must go, and then thou shalt see me no more, and then shalt thou weep that thou hast not seen me tofore my death. I have laid to pledge for me the holy martyrs, and if the ministers seek me and they find me not, they shall cause the saints to suffer their martyrdom and mine also.' And when she heard that, she opened the door, and they then embraced and kissed each other. And went together to the prison, and there Natalie, cleansed, seven days during, the wounds of the saints with precious cloths. And then the emperor commanded them to be brought to him, and they were so broken with the pains that they might not go, but were borne as beasts. And Adrian certainly was bound, his hands behind him, and spake to Natalie, and was borne upon the torment of eculee and presented to Cæsar. And Natalie joined her to him, and said to him: 'My lord, beware that thou tremble not for none adventure when thou shalt see the torments; thou shalt not suffer here but a little, but thou shalt be anon enhanced with the angels.' And then Adrian would not sacrifice, and was beaten right grievously. And then Natalie ran to the saints that were in the prison, and said: 'My lord hath begun his martyrdom.' And the king warned