Scene + 

V + 

Soldiers + 

Most noble Constance, the illustrious daughters of Gallicanus are here. They are beautiful, wise and virtuous, and in every way worthy of your friendship. + 

Constance + 

They are welcome. They are introduced with ceremony. O Christ, lover of virginity and fount of chastity! Thou Who through the intercession of Thy holy martyr Agnes hast preserved my body from stain and my mind from pagan errors! Thou Who hast shown me as an example Thy Mother’s virgin bed where Thou didst manifest Thyself true God! Thou Who before time began wast born of God the Father, and in the fullness of time wast born again true man, of a mother’s womb⁠—I implore Thee, true Wisdom, co-eternal with the Father, the Creator, Upholder and Governor of the Universe, to grant my prayer! May Gallicanus, who seeks to gain the love which I can give only to Thee, be turned from his unlawful purpose. Take his daughters to Thyself, and pour the sweetness of Thy love into their hearts that they may despise all carnal bonds, and be admitted to the blessed company of virgins who are consecrated to Thee! + 

Artemia + 

Hail, most noble Constance! Imperial highness, hail! + 

Constance + 

Greeting, my sisters, Artemia and Attica. Stand up, stand up! No, do not kneel. Salute me rather with a loving kiss. + 

Artemia + 

We come joyfully to offer you our homage, lady. We are ready to serve you with our whole hearts, and we seek no reward but your love. + 

Constance + 

We have one Lord Who is in heaven. He alone should be served like that. We owe Him a love and fidelity which must be shown not only with whole hearts but with whole bodies. That is if we would enter His kingdom with the virgin’s palm. + 

Artemia + 

We do not question this. You will find us eager to obey you in all things, but never so eager as when you exhort us to confess our faith and keep our vow of purity. + 

Constance + 

That is a good answer, and one worthy of a noble mind. I see that through divine grace you already have the faith. + 

Artemia + 

How could we poor idolators have any good thought if light had not been given us from above? + 

Constance + 

The strength of your faith makes me hope that Gallicanus too will believe some day. + 

Artemia + 

He has only to be taught. Then he must believe. + 

Constance + 

Send for John and Paul. + 