BERTHA, (with the large Foot) Daughter of the Count of Laon, Wife of Pepin the Short, King of France, and Mother of Charlemagne, Died 783.
This princess contributed much to put the crown upon the head of her husband. She held a court of ladies, in imitation of that of the peers or lords of the kingdom.
BESTIA, (APPIA) a rich Lady of Capua,
Who rendered herself illustrious during the wars of Hannibal and the Romans, by exercising, indifferently towards each, hospitality to the wounded, and liberality towards the prisoners of war.
BIBLIS, a Christian Martyr at Lyons, during the Persecution of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius,
At first had the weakness to apostatise from fear; but still a Christian in her heart, she abhorred herself for the crime, and could not conceal the horror and indignation she felt at the rites of paganism. She was again arrested and put to the torture. Believing her to be of intelligence with the Christians, they thought to make her own the crimes they were accused of; amongst others, that of eating children. "How can that be," cried Biblis, "when they are forbidden to shed blood!" Resolute to expiate her former fault; she continued to justify them, and suffered martyrdom.
