According to the Nuremberg Chronicle, Valentine was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of the Emperor Claudius. (3RD Century) He was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding the persecuted Christians. Both acts were considered serious crimes. A relationship between the saint and emperor began to grow, until Valentine attempted to convince Claudius of Christianity. Claudius became enraged and sentenced Valentine to death if he did not renounce his faith. Valentine remained faithful to Christ. He was beaten with clubs and beheaded at the Flaminian Gate of Rome on February 14, 269. One story relates the fact that Valentine restored the sight of a blind girl. On the day of his execution, he left the girl a note signed, "Your Valentine."