ather lived you would now have been the hope of his ancient line; your
mother, too, would have followed the faith of her illustrious ancestors.
Do you value your father's memory? Has he no claims on your filial duty?
Do you think it no sin to heap dishonor on the proud name that you bear
and throw so foul a blot upon the unsullied fame handed down to you from
your fathers? Away with this delusion that blinds you. By your father's
memory, by the honor of your family, turn from your present course."

"I can do them no dishonor. My religion is pure and holy. I can die, but
I cannot be false to my Saviour."

"You see that we are merciful to you. Your name and your inexperience
excites our pity. Were you but a common prisoner we would offer you in
short words the choice between retraction or death. But we are willing
to reason with you, for we do not wish to see a noble family become
extinct through the ignorance or obstinacy of a degenerate heir."

"I thank you for your consideration," said Pollio; "but your arguments
have no weight with me beside the higher claims of my religion."

"Rash and thoughtless boy! There is another argument which you will find
more powerful. The wrath of the emperor is terrible."

"Yet still more terrible is the wrath of the Lamb."

"You speak an unintelligible language. What is the wrath of the Lamb?
You do not think on what is before you."

"My companions and friends have already endured all that you can
inflict. I trust that I may have like fortitude."

"Can you endure the terrors of the arena?"

"I hope to have more than mortal strength."

"Can you face the savage lions and tigers that will then rush upon you?"

"He in whom I trust will not desert me in my time of need."

"You are confident."

"I confide in Him who loved me and gave himself for me."

"Have you thought of the death by fire? Are you ready to meet the flames
at the stake?"

"Alas! If I must bear it I will not shrink. At the worst it will soon be
over, and then I shall be forever with the Lord."

"Fanaticism and superstition have taken complete possession of you. You
know not what awaits you. It is easy to face threats, it is easy to
utter words and make professions of courage. But how will it be with you
when the dread reality comes upon you?"

"I will look to Him who never deserts his own in their hour of need."

"He has done nothing for you thus far!"

"He has done all for me. He gave his own life that I m