Jean Mielot told how the virgin of Alexandria controverted the subtle arguments of Homer, the syllogisms of Aristotle, the very learned reasonings of the famous physicians AEsculapius and Galen, practised the seven liberal arts, and disputed according to the rules of dialectics.[275] Jacques d'Arc's daughter had heard nothing of all that; she knew Saint Catherine from stories out of some history written in the vulgar tongue, in verse or in prose, so many of which were in circulation at that time.[276] [Footnote 275: J.Mielot, _Vie de sainte Catherine_, text revised by Marius Sepet, 1881, in large 8vo.] [Footnote 276: Gaston Paris, _La litterature francaise au moyen age_, pp.

82, 213.] Catherine, daughter of King Costus and Queen Sabinella, as she grew in years, became proficient in the arts, and a skilful embroiderer in silk.

While her body was resplendent with beauty, her soul was clouded by the darkness of idolatry.

Many barons of the empire sought her in marriage; she scorned them and said: "Find me a husband wise, handsome, noble, and rich." Now in her sleep she had a vision.

Holding the Child Jesus in her arms, the Virgin Mary appeared unto her and said: "Catherine, will you take him for your husband?
And you, my sweet son, will you have this virgin for your bride ?" The Child Jesus made answer: "Mother, I will not have her; bid her depart from you, for she is a worshipper of idols.