Brewer's: Maximus

or Maxime (2 syl.). Officer of the prefect Almachius, and his cornicular. Being ordered to put Valirian and Tiburce to death because they would not worship the image of Jupiter, he took pity on his victims and led them to his own house, where Cecilia was instrumental in his conversion; whereupon he and “all his” house were at once baptised. When Valirian and Tiburce were put to death, Maximus declared that he saw angels come and carry them to heaven, whereupon Almachius caused him to be beaten with whips of lead “til he his lif gan lete.” (Chaucer: Secounde Nonnes Tale.)

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