University of Virginia Library

THE ARGUMENT:

Polyeuctus and Nearchus were two Cavaleirs straightly tyed together in Amity; they lived in the year 250. under the Empire of Decius; their aboad was in Melitene, Capital City of Armenia, their Religion different, Nearchus was a Christian, and Polyeuctus following yet the Sect of the Gentiles; but having all the qualities worthy of a Christian, and a great inclination to become so: The Emperour having caused an Edict to be published very rigorous against the Christians, this Publication gave a great trouble to Nearchus; not for feare of the punishments wherewith he was threatned, but for the apprehension which he had, that their Amity might suffer some separation or coldness by this Edict, seeing the punishments that were proposed therin to those of the Religion, and the Honours promised to those of the contrary party; He conceived therat so great a displeasure, that his Friend perceived it, and having obliged him to tell him the cause therof, he took the occasion to open his heart unto him. Fear not, said he, that the Emperours

Edict should dis-unite us: I saw this night the Christ which you adore, he took from me a filthy Robe, to apparel me with a Luminous one, and made me mount upon a winged Horse to follow him. This Vision hath resolved me wholly to do that which I long time meditated: the name of a Christian is only wanting to me, and you your selfe as often as you have spoken unto me of your great MESSIAS, might have observed that I alwaies hearkned unto you with respect, and when you read unto me his Life and Doctrine, I alwaies admired the Sanctity of his Actions and Discourses. O Nearchus if I thought not my self unworthy to come unto him without being initiated with his Mysteries, and to have received the Grace of his Sacraments, how you should behold the Ardor break forth, which I have to dye for his Glory and the support of his Eternall Truths! Nearchus having cleered him of the scruple wherin he was, by the example of the good Thief, who in a moment merited Heaven, though he had not received Baptisme; presently our Martyr full of a holy Fervour, took the Emperours Edict, spit upon't, and tore it in peices, which he cast unto the Wind, and seeing the Idols which the people carried upon the Altars to adore them, he snatch'd them away from those that bare them, brake them against the ground, and trod them under his feet, astonishing all the World, and his friend likewise, by the heat of that Zeal, which he expected not.

His Father-in-Law Felix, who had the Emperours Commission to persecute the Christians, having seen himself what his Son-in-law had done, seized with grief to see the hope and prop of his Family lost, endeavoured to shake his constancy, first by fair words, then by threatnings, lastly by stroaks, which he made his Executioners to give him on the face: But not able to prevail herewith, for a last attempt he sent unto him his Daughter Paulina, to see if her tears had not more power upon the Spirit of a Husband, then the Artifices and Rigours had had: He gained nothing by that, on the contrary, seeing that his firmness had converted many Pagans, he condemned him to loose his head; this Sentence was executed presently, and the holy Martyr without other Baptisme then of his blood, went to take possession of the Glory which God hath promised to those that renounce themselves for the love of him.

See in few words the true story of Polyeuctes Martyrdom; the dream of Paulina, the love of Severus, the effectuall Baptisme of Polyeuctes, the Sacrifice for the Emperours Victory, the dignity of Felix, whom I make Governour of Armenia, the death of Nearchus, the conversion of Felix, and of Paulina, are the Inventions and Embellishments of the Stage, only the Victory of the Emperour against the Persians

hath some foundation in the History, and without seeking for other Authors, it is reported by Monsieur Coëffoteau in his Roman History; but he sayes not, neither that he imposed tribute on them, nor that he sent to make Sacrifices of thanks in Armenia.

If I have added these Incidents and Particularities according to Art, or no, the Judicious shall censure it; but my aime is not to justifie them, but only to advertise the Reader of that which he may beleive.