In the context of impending martyrdom, the beauty of Thecla’s virgin body connotes dynamis owing less to the eros she evokes and more to the chastity, piety, and resistance she promotes.⁶⁹ That Thecla is also an object of erotic desire, however, is evidenced in men's reactions to her.

Coordinate term: sDMARD

In noble minds some dregs remain, / Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain.

Allowing his description therein to retain and smatche of veritie