Section 390
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 359 mency and mercy, not unlike the manner in which Barnabas was in our Saviour's time. Hence the whole theatre resounded with applauses, that the blood-stained homicide was so humanely saved by the emperor, and was moreover honoured with liberty and dignity. But this wrestler of piety was first summoned by the tyrant, then demanded to renounce his purpose with the pro mise of liberty. With a load voice he declared, that he would cheerfully and with pleasure sustain whatever he might inflict on him ; not indeed, for any wickedness, but for his veneration of the God of the universe. Saying this, he combined actions with his words, and rushing against a bear let loose upon him, he most readily offered himself to be devoured by the beast, after which he was taken up yet breathing, and carried to prison. Surviving yet one day, he had stones bound to his feet, and thus was plunged into the midst of the sea. Such then was the martyrdom of Agapius. CHAPTER VII. The martyrs Theodosia, Domninus, and Auxentius. THE persecution had now been extended to the fifth year, when on the second of the month Xanthicus, that is the fourth of the nones of April, on the very day of our Lord's resurrection, again at Cesarea a virgin of Tyre, Theodosia by name, not yet eighteen years old, but distinguished for her faith and virtue, ap proached some prisoners, confessors of the kingdom of Christ, seated before the judgment seat, with a view to salute them, and as is probable, with a view to entreat them to remember her when they should come before the Lord. Whilst she was doing this, as if it were some impious and atrocious deed, she was seized by the soldiers, and led away to the commander. Pre sently, merciless and savage as he was, he had her tortured with dreadful and horrific cruelties, furrowing her sides and breasts with instruments even to the very bones, and whilst yet breath ing, and with all exhibiting a cheerful and joyous countenance, 33