In A Roman Garden (1913)

• 65%
• 1913
• Donald MacDonald

Marius is a wealthy young Roman patrician. He is weary of the pomp and splendor which surrounds him, weary of the fanning of those who seek to favor or propitiate. With a trusted friend he seeks adventure, and discovers a beautiful maid. The beautiful young Christian woman's ingenuity and loveliness appeal to the grosser passions of the patrician and desiring her, he does not hesitate to carry her off. The girl, Lygia, carries with her a wooden cross bound with thongs, a talisman against this powerful man. He takes her to his Roman mansion. When he approaches her, instead of the reproaches he expects and the fury of a beautiful girl, she appeals to his finer qualities, and when he would take her in his arms, she quietly raises the wooden cross and prays to her god to change him. He finds himself unable to exercise his power and will and that some power he cannot fathom prevents him from taking her in his arms. Instead he lashes her with his tongue and leaves her in uncontrollable anger. He goes to the reception hall and stands and watches a moment. His friends, rich men and influential, are taunting the girl. He strides forward, and reviles and dismisses them. She thanks him simply and the scales fall from his eyes as she tells him of the man of sorrows and he listens fascinated. He takes her to her home and slowly retraces his steps. He sits awhile and in a wonderful vision he accepts conversion and is happy.