8 Thecla then standing behind him, cried out in the following words: O sovereign Lord Creator of heaven and earth, the Father of thy beloved and holy Son, I praise thee that thou hast preserved me from the fire, to see Paul again.
9 Paul then arose, and when he saw her, said, O God, who searchest the heart, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I praise thee that thou hast answered my prayer.
10 And there prevailed among them in the cave an entire affection to each other; Paul, Onesiphorus, and all that were with them being filled with joy.
11 They had five loaves, some herbs and water, and they solaced each other in reflections upon the holy works of Christ.
12 Then said Thecla to Paul, If you be pleased with it, I will follow you whithersoever you go.
13 He replied to her, Persons are now much given to fornication, and you being handsome, I am afraid lest you should meet with greater temptation than the former, and should Not withstand, but be overcome by it.
14 Thecla replied, Grant me only the seal of Christ, and no temptation shall affect me.
15 Paul answered, Thecla, wait with patience, and you shall receive the gift of Christ.
CHAPTER VII.
1 Paul and Thecla go to Antioch. 2 Alexander, a magistrate, falls in love with Thecla: 4 kisses her by force: 5 she resists him: 6 is carried before the governor, and condemned to be thrown to wild beasts.