- But the ministers, converted by Cecilia's wise teaching, weep and come to true belief upon her words, and cry more and more.
- They say, "Christ, God's son, who is one and the same with God, is very God – this is all our meaning – who has so good a servant to serve him. With one voice we believe this, though we die."
- Almachius, hearing of this, commands that they bring Cecilia to him, so he can see her.
- This is the first thing he asks: "What kind of a woman are you?"
- Cecilia says, "I am a gentle woman born." (So she's a member of the upper class.)
- "I ask you," says Almachius, "though it grieve you, about your religion and belief."
- "You have begun your question foolishly," says Cecilia, "if you want two answers to one question. You asked unlearnedly."
- Almachius answers, "Where does your rude answer come from?"
- "From where?" says she when questioned. "From conscience, and from genuine good faith."
- Almachius replies, "Don't you have any respect for my power?"
- And she answers him like this: "Your power is not very scary. The power of every mortal man is like a bladder full of air, truly. For when it is pricked with the point of a needle, all its false boasting is punctured and exposed."