Her father, who was weak and
old, and wearied with the long walk, fell, and was unable to do
anything but cry for assistance. Nicetas followed and called the
attention of certain soldiers who were passing, and after a long and
piteous appeal, after reminding them of the proclamation which had
been made against the violation of women, he ultimately succeeded in
saving the maiden. The entreaties would have been in vain if the
leader of the party had not at length threatened to hang the offender.
A few minutes later the fugitives had passed out of the city, and fell
on their knees to thank God for his protection in having permitted
them to escape with their lives. Then they set out on their weary way
to Silivria. The road was covered with fellow-sufferers. Before them
was the Patriarch himself, "without bag or money, or stick or shoes,
with but one coat," says Nicetas, "like a true apostle, or rather like
a true follower of Jesus Christ, in that he was seated on an ass, with
the difference that instead of entering the new Zion in triumph he was
leaving it."
A large part of the booty had been collected in the three churches
designated for that purpose.
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