When threatened with defeat in battle, Gallicanus is converted by John and Paul, Grand Almoners to Constance. He is immediately baptized and takes a vow of celibacy.
Later he is exiled by order of Julian the Apostate, and receives the crown of martyrdom. John and Paul are put to death by the same prince and buried secretly in their own house. Not long after, the son of their executioner becomes possessed by a devil. He is cured after confessing the crime committed by his father. He bears witness to the merits of the martyrs, and is baptized, together with his father.
Characters in Part I
- THE EMPEROR CONSTANTINE.
- GALLICANUS.
- CONSTANCE (Daughter of Constantine).
- ARTEMIA (Daughter of Gallicanus).
- ATTICA (Daughter of Gallicanus).
- JOHN (Grand Almoner to Constance).
- PAUL (Grand Almoner to Constance).
- LORDS OF THE COURT.
- BRADAN (King of the Scythians).
- TRIBUNES.
- ROMAN SOLDIERS.
- SCYTHIAN SOLDIERS.
- HELENA (Mother of Constantine).
Characters in Part II
- JULIAN (The Apostate).
- GALLICANUS.
- TERENTIANUS.
- JOHN.
- PAUL.
- CONSULS.
- CHRISTIANS.
- SOLDIERS.
Gallicanus—Part I
Scene I
CONSTANTINE. Gallicanus, this tries my patience. You have delayed the offensive against the Scythians too long. The only nation which boldly resists our power and refuses to make peace with Rome! You know well enough that you were chosen because of your energy in your country’s service.
GALLICANUS. Most noble Constantine, I have served you hand and foot, ungrudgingly, devotedly, and have always striven to repay your trust in me with deeds. I have never shirked any task.