SAINTS - AGNES Saint Agnes was a virgin martyr of Rome, who died in the 4th century. Her story is the standard one - she was a beautiful girl who rejected a forceful suitor, because she wished to dedicate her life to Christ. She was allegedly put to death with the sword, which was pushed through her neck. During her period of torture, she is said to have been put into a brothel, where an unfortunate man was struck blind for gazing at her naked body. Process print, from Alban Butler's The Lives of The Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principles Saints, edition of circa 1928.