Baring-Gould’s sources: Gallican Martyrologies. Authority: — A Life written after 1070.] Maxellend, a maiden of the neighbourhood of Arras, daughter of Humolin and Ameltrude, persons of rank, devoted herself early to the religious life. A young noble named Hardwin asked her hand of her parents, and they promised her in marriage, regardless of the protestations of the maiden. “ If you desire to serve God,” they said, “ is it not possible to do so in the state of marriage ?” “I have resolved to dedicate myself to a life of virginity,” she answered, “ and nothing shall turn me from my purpose.” They disregarded her protest, and made everything ready for the marriage. The day came; Hardwin arrived with his relations and followers, and found a stubborn bride, who would not be forced to accept him. In vain did her father storm and threaten, in vain did Hardwin entreat, and then rage with disappointment. She was inflexible, and the intended bridegroom was obliged to retire baffled and offended. Shortly after Humolin and his wife left home to attend a feast at the house of one of their friends, and took with them all their servants, leaving Maxellend alone with her nurse. It was arranged between them and Hardwin that he should ji * Hinitbprl hv Nov. i>] S. Nicolas /.

…carry the girl off by force, and it was thought that when humbled she would no longer refuse to give him her hand. Accordingly the young man came to the house with a party of followers, and sought admission. Maxellend hid herself in a chest, and implored her nurse not to reveal her hidingplace. Hardwin broke in and ransacked the house. The box was opened, and the screaming maiden drawn out. She struggled, fought, wrenched herself away, was caught again, defended herself with desperation, and so successfully, that Hardwin, in a fit of ungovernable rage, struck her such a blow that he killed her. His attendants, aghast at what he had done, ran away. She was buried first at Caudry. Her relics [the bodily remains of a saint, or objects they used, kept with honor] were translated by S. Vindician, bishop of Cambrai. Clement X., in 167 1, granted a plenary indulgence in perpetuity to all members of a confraternity formed under her patronage on the day of admission of a member, on every 13th November, and at the moment of death. The relics of S. Maxellend are still shown at Caudry.