The Martyr of the Catacombs / A Tale of Ancient Rome

ion, a just man, and

distinguished himself not only by bravery in the field but also by skill in the camp. For these reasons he had received honors and promotions, and upon his arrival

e. He was charmed by the bold and frank nature of Marcellus, and the two young men had become firm friends. The intimate knowledge of the capital which Lucullus possessed enabled h

itself. They were a numerous and finely appointed body of men, and their situation at the capital gave them a power and an influence so great that for ages they controlle

entered his room. After the usual salutation

in a fair combat, but such butchery as you have in the Coliseum is detestable. Why should Macer be murdered? He w

aw. They are

done? I have seen them in all parts of the world, but

the worst

d, but what p

ed which they bear toward our institution, that they will die rather than offer sacrifice. They own no king or monarch but the crucified Jew

know not. I know noth

ich all see and lament; the spread of weakness and insubordination, the contraction of our boundarie

they produ

have prospered is a curse, and that the immortal gods are accursed demons. In their teachings they aim to overthrow all morality. In their private practices the

emselves, and but little is known of them. Tell me, did those who suffered yesterday seem like this? Did that old man look a

im that

washed us fr

a soft voice the wor

riend, that I mo

infamous and base, the offscouring of the earth. I see them confronted with a death that tries the highest qualities of the soul. They meet it nobly. They die grandly. In all her history Rome can produce no greater scene of devotion than tha

siastic for th

question you earnestly, and I find that your knowledge is based upon nothing. I now remember that throughout all the world these Christians are peaceable and ho

ood reasons no dou

ted by ignorant or

s entirely hi

that have been put to

e, however, are out of reach, and that reminds me of

s. The latter eagerly examined its contents. It appointed him to a higher grade, and commissioned him

with a clouded bro

ot seem v

to hunt out old men and weak children for the executioner; yet, a

The Christians fly to the catacombs whenever there is danger, and they also are in the habit of

e the Ca

esent all our cement comes from there, and you may see workmen bringing it into the city along any of the great roads. They have to go far aw

any regula

f there were but few, then we might catch the fugitives. Bu

istrict s

of the Christians which have been obtained from the amphitheater and carried away for burial. On the approach of the guards, the Christians have dropped the bodies and fled. But, after all, thi

live

ays at work cutting out graves for the dead of the Christians. These men have lived there all their

ver in the

d but a short time. My impression was that it

ut them. It is strange that they are so little known. Could not th

not betray th

hey bee

wildered. Their torches become extinguished, and they grow terrified. Then they ask to be led back. The

h to continue on till th

lead them on forever. But he merely leads them through the

o will actually be

e first alarm, every Christian vanishes th

of success

is enterprise it will be your fortune. And now, farewell. You have learned from me all

and lost himself in thought. But ever amid his meditations came floati

m that l

washed us fr