The story's protagonist Cecilie is a Roman noblewoman who has been raised as a Christian since infancy. She is a virtuous and pious woman. She lives at a time in which Christianity is illegal in the Roman Empire and Christians are persecuted. Tiburce and Valerian are executed for refusing to pay homage to Jupiter. Maximus sees angels carry the two men's souls to Heaven. He begins preaching to others and converts many more people to Christianity. As punishment, Maximus is whipped to death.