The Blessed Saint Catherine was careful to reassure her.[745] She likewise had disputed with doctors and confounded them.

True, those doctors were heathen, but they were learned and their minds were subtle; for in the life of the Saint it is written: "The Emperor summoned fifty doctors versed in the lore of the Egyptians and the liberal arts.

And when she heard that she was to dispute with the wise men, Catherine feared lest she should not worthily defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But an angel appeared unto her and said: 'I am the Archangel Saint Michael, and I am come to tell thee that thou shalt come forth from the strife victorious and worthy of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the hope and crown of those who strive for him.' And the Virgin disputed with the doctors."[746] [Footnote 744: There can be no reason for suspecting this lady of not living up to her reputation, for nothing is known of her, not even whether she were Maitre Jean Rabateau's first or second wife, for he had two.

The first was the daughter of Benoit Pidelet.Cf.