<p>After trying to rape Cécile (Cecilia), the Roi (King) wants to force Cécile to marry him. Gaymas, the Roi’s partner in depravity, is tasked with telling Cécile about the marriage, and letting her know that the man she loves, Valérien (Valerian), has been banished from the kingdom. The Anges (Angels) comfort Cécile and say that they will protect her. Cécile tells Valérien that she is a Christian and has taken an oath to remain a virgin. She makes Saint Michel (Saint Michael) appear, but Valérien cannot see him because he is a pagan. She sends him to wash the body of a leper; in the name of the Christian God, she gives him a “holy kiss”, after which he will be able to see angels. When he is back from his mission, Valérien can see Saint Michel. Like Cécile, he agrees to forsake the pleasures of the flesh; the two of them are preparing to become martyrs. When the Roi learns that they are Christians, they sentence them to death; however, he refuses to rape Cécile before – which Gaymas advised him to do. The Roi and Gaymas try to come up with torture methods for them, but Gaymas accidentally dies, and only Valérien is tortured. The Roi confesses his love to Cécile and promises that he will let her remain a Christian, even though it is against Roman law. But she demands to be sentenced like Valérien. As the Roi, furious, is about to rape her, Valérien appears, covered in blood; the ground opens and swallows the Roi up. The Geôlier (Gaoler) takes Cécile, to send her to the big cats of the circus. She reappears with Valérien; she is transfigured and surrounded by two angels.</p>

Not specified

France

Paris

Printed

Martyrdom

Eternal punishment

Virginity

Promise

Rape

Carnal love

Renunciation

Torture

Torment

Religious

Tragic

Fantasy

French

Saint Michael

Angel

Saint Cecilia

Proconsul

Jailer

Address to the public

Apparition

Engulfment

Spectacular turn of events

Play in verse

Ascent to heaven

La Légende de sainte Cécile

The Legend of Saint Cecilia