courge his body with so much cruelty, as to
mangle and tear off the flesh in many parts: under which torment the
martyr expired. His body was watched by guards appointed for that
purpose, till after three days it was stolen away by the Christians, and
buried by the care of a daughter of the king of Armenia, who was at that
time a hostage in Media.

Joseph and Aithilahas underwent the same punishment, but came alive out
of the hands of the executioners. The latter said to the judge under his
torments: "Your tortures are too mild, increase them as you please."
Adarsapor, struck with astonishment at their courage, said: "These men
are greedy of torments as if they were banquets, and are fond of a
kingdom that is invisible." He then caused them to be tormented afresh,
so that every part of their bodies was mangled, and their shoulders and
arms disjointed. Adarsapor gave an order that if they did not die of
their torments, they should be carried back into their own country, to
be there put to death. {593} The two martyrs, being not able to sit,
were tied on the backs of beasts, and conveyed with great pain to
Arbela, their guards treating them on the way with no more compassion
than if they had been stones. Jazdundocta, an illustrious lady of the
city Arbela, for a great sum of money, obtained leave of the governor,
that they should be brought to her house, to take a short refreshment.
She dressed their wounds, bathed their bodies with her tears, and was
exceedingly encouraged by their faith and exhortations. The blessed
martyrs were soon taken from her house to prison, where they languished
six months longer. A new governor at length came into that province, the
most savage of men, bringing an edict of the king, commanding that
Christians who were condemned to death, should be stoned by those who
professed the same religion. The news of his arrival drove the
Christians into the woods and deserts, that they might not be compelled
to imbrue their hands in the blood of martyrs. But soldiers there hunted
them like wild beasts, and many were taken. The two confessors were
presented before this new judge. Joseph was hung up by the toes, and
scourged during two hours, in the presence of the judge, who, hearing
him discourse on the resurrection, said: "In that resurrection how do
you design to punish me?" The martyr replied: "We are taught meekness,
to return good for evil, and to pray for enemies." "Well," said the
judge, "then I