Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/157

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OF CELEBRATED WOMEN.
143

After she had endured stripes, the tearing of the beasts, and the iron chair (which was heated to scorch their limbs), she was inclosed in a net, and thrown to a bull. Even her enemies confessed, that no woman among them had ever suffered so much. These sufferers of Lyons disclaimed the name of martyrs, as too glorious for them, but shewed a constancy, mildness, and charity, almost apostolical. They reproached not those who fell away from the faith; but prayed to God for them; and many, who had shrunk back from the punishment inflicted on those who bore the name of Christ, like Peter, repented of their falsehood, and came back, voluntarily declaring they were Christians.

Milner's Christian Church.



BLEMUR, (MARY JAQUELINE DE) a Benedictine Nun of noble Family; born 1618; died at Chatillon, 1696.

A pious woman, who composed a work called the Benedictine Nun, in seven quarto volumes; also the Lives of the Saints in two vols, besides other similar works.

El Theatro Critico.



BLESILLA, Daughter of Paula, a celebrated Roman Lady, and Sister of Eustochium. Died at Rome in 389, aged 20.

A woman of great sensibility, piety, and learning. She was very beautiful, and, in the early part of her life, had spent much time and care in adorning her person; but becoming more deeply impressed with religious

ideas.,