AGATHA, a Sicilian Martyr, A. D, 251,
Was of a noble family at Palermo. Her beauty inspired Quintius, governor of Sicily, under the emperor Decius, with the most violent love: and, being a Christian, he employed not only intreaties, but menaces, to seduce her; till, wearied out by the obstinacy of her virtue, he thought only of vengeance. Her body was cruelly mangled, and afterwards rolled on burning coals and broken potsherds. She was then carried back to die in prison: and her name is still ranked in the list of saints in the Roman calendar.
AGNES,
Canonized in the Romish church, whose history is at present nearly lost in obscurity. Some particulars are, however, related, which bear much affinity to the preceding article.
AGNES, Wife of Andrew III. King of Hungary. Died 1364.
The daughter of Albert, emperor of Germany. She distinguished herself by her address and political abilities; but appears to have had more of Machiavelian policy, than true greatness of mind. After the death of her father, she resided in Switzerland, where her finesse was of great service to her brother Albert II. with whom these people were at war.
AGNEZI, (MARIA GAETANA).
A Celebrated female mathematician, on whom a Pope, equally distinguished for his understanding and knowledge, Benedict XIV. bestowed the place of Apostolical
