some
remote corner of the world, or at least some city where he was unknown.
Every one in Sicca would point at him as the Christian; he would
experience a thousand rubs and collisions, even if the mob did not rise
against him, without corresponding advantage; on the other hand, he would
have no influence. But were he in the midst of a powerful and
widely-extended community of Christians, he might in his place do work,
and might extend the faith as one of a number, unknown himself, and strong
in his brethren. He therefore proposed as soon as possible to sell his
effects and stock, and retire from the sight of men, at least for a time.

"You think this persecution, then, will be soon at an end?" asked
Jucundus.

"I judge by the past," answered Agellius; "there have been times of trial
and of rest hitherto, and I suppose it will be so again. And one place has
hitherto been exempt from the violence of our enemies, when another has
been the scene of it."

"A new time is coming, trust me," said Jucundus, gravely. "Those popular
commotions are all over. What happened two days ago is a sample of what
will come of them; they have received their _coup-de-grace_. The State is
taking up the matter, Rome itself, thank the gods! a tougher sort of
customer than these villain ratcatchers and offal-eaters, whom you had to
do with two days since. Great Rome is now at length in earnest, my boy,
which she ought to have been a long time back, before you were born; and
then you know," and he nodded, "you would have had no choice; you wouldn't
have had the temptation to make a fool of yourself."

"Well, then," answered Agellius, "if a new time is really coming, there is
less chance than ever of my continuing here."

"Now be a sensible fellow, as you are when you choose," said his uncle;
"look the matter in the face, do. You cannot wrestle with impossibilities,
you cannot make facts to pattern. There are lawful religions, there are
illicit. Christianity is illicit; it is not tolerated; that's not your
fault; you cannot help it; you would, if you could; you can't. Now you
have observed your point of honour; you have shown you can stand up like a
man, and suffer for your own fancy. Still Rome does not give way; and you
must make the best of it. You must give in, and you are far too good (I
don't compliment, I speak my mind), far too amiable, excellent, sweet a
boy for so rascally a superstition."

"There is something stronger than Rome,"