and be
baptized."

"Wouldst thou, O Lord, that I tell what has befallen me to my wife and
children, that they also may believe?"

"Do so; tell them, that they also may be cleansed from their iniquities.
And on the morrow return hither, where I will appear again, and show you
of the future."

Placidus, therefore, went to his own home, and told all that had passed
to his wife. But she too had had a revelation; and in like manner had
been enjoined to believe in Christ, together with her children. So they
hastened to the city of Rome, where they were entertained and baptized
with great joy. Placidus was called Eustacius, and his wife, Theosbyta;
the two sons, Theosbytus and Agapetus.

In the morning, Eustacius, according to custom, went out to hunt, and
coming with his attendants near the place, he dispersed them, as if for
the purpose of discovering the prey. Immediately the vision of yesterday
reappeared, and prostrating himself, he said, "I implore thee, O Lord,
to manifest thyself according to thy word."

"Blessed art thou, Eustacius, because thou hast received the laver of
my grace, and thereby overcome the devil. Now hast thou trod him to
dust, who beguiled thee. Now will thy fidelity appear; for the devil,
whom thou hast deserted, will rage against thee in many ways. Much must
thou undergo ere thou possessest the crown of victory. Much must thou
suffer from the dignified vanity of the world; and much from spiritual
intolerance. Fail not, therefore; nor look back upon thy former
condition. Thou must be as another Job; but from the very depth of thy
humiliation, I will restore thee to the height of earthly splendour.
Choose, then, whether thou wouldst prefer thy trials at the end of
life."

Eustacius replied: "If it become me, O Lord, to be exposed to trials,
let them presently approach; but do thou uphold me, and supply me with
patient strength."

"Be bold, Eustacius: my grace shall support your souls." Saying thus,
the Lord ascended into heaven. After which Eustacius returned home to
his wife, and explained to her what had been decreed.

In a few days a pestilence carried off the whole of their men-servants
and maid-servants; and before long the sheep, horses, and cattle also
perished. Robbers plundered their habitation, and despoiled them of
every ornament; while he himself, together with his wife and sons, fled
naked and in the deepest distress. But devoutly they worshipped God; and
apprehensive of an Eg