Scenes of the Early Christians

SCENES OF THE
VI.

Sixth Scene.

O Agnes, immaculate and God-betrothed virgin!
How you have pleased your Bridegroom The "Bridegroom" is a traditional mystical title for Jesus Christ, particularly in the context of martyred virgins who "married" Christ through their faith., who loves you,
When you saw yourself attacked on all sides
By the lustful,
And through steadfastness kept your honor unstained,
When you were dragged to the adulterous bed! According to tradition, Agnes was sent to a brothel as punishment for refusing to marry the son of a Roman official, but she was miraculously protected from being touched.
How the people heard you singing,
When one of the young men,
To violate your honor, seized you before everyone's eyes,
Upon which a fierce vulture original: "felle gier"; likely a poetic metaphor for divine retribution or an angel striking the attacker. In standard legends, the attacker was struck blind or killed by a demon. flew in his face!
You did not fear the wolf-teeth A metaphor for the cruel, predatory nature of the persecutors.
Of wicked tyrants;
But sang, and praised God, the highest Majesty,
As the Wedding was prepared for you in Paradise.
How proudly and courageously you spoke!
"The tyrant who so bloodily,
"So terribly stands before me, pleases my soul much more
"Than a young man, who strives for worldly honor,
"Who shows off with many colors,
"And smells of balsamic scents;
"I love the executioner much more, and meet him in spirit;
"Let him freely dye his broadsword in pure maiden's blood!
"That is the way to tread
"The clouds today!
"My soul leaps with joy out of the tortured body,
"Purified of everything earthly, as Jesus' dear Bride,
"In order to, in the Garden of gardens original: "Hof der hoven"; a reference to the celestial Garden of Eden or Heaven.,
"Praise her Bridegroom."