Knowest thou not how many Christians have fled, and what torments Christians who have been brought here from all Egypt have suffered?
Wouldst thou thy two sons should suffer in like manner ?" "I will go into exile with them," answered the woman.
"How wilt thou leave this, thy beautiful home ?" asked the messenger.
"I will leave it in the care of my kinsmen," she replied.
"It may never be thine again," warned the messenger.
"Hear me, O Christian!", cried the mother passionately "I know not the Christians' God, but the Emperor Severus shall not take away my sons! I care not if he takes my home!" "Come then with us," answered the messenger.

"I trust thee! May the Christian's God cause thee to know Him!" That day there passed through Alexandria's streets a chariot drawn by two mules.

Seated in the chariot a lady and a child rode in state.

The charioteer was only a small lad.
Out of the city by the eastern gate, as they had passed so many times before, Cocce and her mother rode.

Who would hinder so devout worshipers of the gods from taking a pleasure drive?
Alexandria knew nothing yet of Heraklas' defection.
When Alexandria was some distance behind, the lady spoke.
"Stop the chariot," she commanded.
The young lad obeyed.