1 files changed, 4359 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/24680.txt b/24680.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..634024b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/24680.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4359 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Martyr of the Catacombs, by Anonymous
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Martyr of the Catacombs
+       A Tale of Ancient Rome
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+Release Date: February 23, 2008 [EBook #24680]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MARTYR OF THE CATACOMBS ***
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MARTYR OF THE CATACOMBS
+
+A TALE OF ANCIENT ROME
+
+    If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus,
+    what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not?--ST. PAUL
+
+ILLUSTRATED
+
+NEW YORK: HUNT & EATON
+
+CINCINNATI: CRANSTON & CURTS
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+I. THE COLISEUM
+II. THE PRETORIAN CAMP
+III. THE APPIAN WAY
+IV. THE CATACOMBS
+V. THE CHRISTIAN'S SECRET
+VI. THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES
+VII. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH
+VIII. LIFE IN THE CATACOMBS
+IX. THE PERSECUTION
+X. THE ARREST
+XI. THE OFFER
+XII. POLLIO'S TRIAL
+XIII. THE DEATH OF POLLIO
+XIV. THE TEMPTATION
+XV. LUCULLUS
+
+Illustrations.
+
+THE BOY MARTYR
+PLAN OF THE CATACOMBS
+A PASSAGE IN THE CATACOMBS
+THE COLISEUM
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE COLISEUM.
+
+    "Butchered to make a Roman holiday."
+
+It was a great festival day in Rome. From all quarters vast numbers of
+people came pouring forth to one common destination. Over the Capitoline
+Hill, through the Forum, past the Temple of Peace and the Arch of Titus
+and the imperial palace; on they went till they reached the Coliseum,
+where they entered its hundred doors and disappeared within.
+
+There a wonderful scene presented itself. Below, the vast arena spread
+out, surrounded by the countless rows of seats which rose to the top of
+the outer wall, over a hundred feet. The whole extent was covered with
+human beings of every class and every age. So vast an assemblage
+gathered in such a way, presenting to view long lines of stern faces,
+ascending far on high in successive rows, formed a spectacle which has
+never elsewhere been equaled, and which was calculated beyond all others
+to awe the soul of the beholder. More than one hundred thousand people
+were gathered here, animated by one common feeling, and incited by one
+single passion. It was the thirst for blood which drew them hither, and
+nowhere can we find a sadder commentary on the boasted civilization of
+ancient Rome than this her own greatest spectacle.
+
+Here were warriors who had fought in foreign wars and were familiar with
+deeds of valor, yet they felt no indignation at the scenes of cowardly
+oppression displayed before them; nobles of ancient families were here,
+but they could find in these brutal shows no stain upon their country's
+honor. Philosophers, poets, priests, rulers, the highest as well as the
+lowest in the land, crowded these seats; but the applauding shout of the
+patrician was as loud and as eager as that of the plebeian. What hope
+was there for Rome when the hearts of her people were, universally given
+up to cruelty and brutal oppression?
+
+Upon a raised seat in a conspicuous part of the amphitheater was the
+Emperor Decius, near whom the chief people among the Romans were
+gathered. Among these there was a group of officers belonging to the
+Pretorian guards, who criticised the different points in the scene
+before them with the air of connoisseurs. Their loud laughter, their
+gayety, and their splendid attire made them the object of much attention
+from their neighbors.
+
+Several preliminary spectacles had been introduced, and now the fights
+began. Several hand-to-hand combats were presented, most of which
+resulted fatally, and excited different degrees of interest according to
+the courage or skill of the combatants. Their effect was to whet the
+appetite of the spectators to a keener relish, and fill them with eager
+desire for the more exciting events which were to follow.
+
+One man in particular had drawn down the admiration and applause of the
+multitude. He was an African from Mauritania; of gigantic strength and
+stature. But his skill seemed equal to his strength. He wielded his
+short sword with marvelous dexterity, and thus far had slain every
+opponent.
+
+He was now matched with a gladiator from Batavia, a man fully equal in
+stature and strength to himself. The contrast which the two presented
+was striking. The African was tawny, with glossy curling hair and
+glittering eyes; the Batavian was light in complexion, with blonde hair
+and keen gray eyes. It was hard to tell which had the advantage, so
+nearly were they matched in every respect; but as the former had already
+fought for some time, it was thought that the odds were rather against
+him. The contest, however, began with great spirit and eagerness on both
+sides. The Batavian struck tremendous blows, which were parried by the
+adroitness of the other. The African was quick and furious, but he could
+do nothing against the cool and wary defense of his vigilant adversary.
+
+At length, at a given signal, the combat was suspended, and the
+gladiators were led away, not through anything like mercy or admiration,
+but simply through a shrewd understanding of the best mode of satisfying
+the Roman public. It was well understood that they would return again.
+
+Now a large number of men were led into the arena. These were still
+armed with the short sword. In a moment they had begun the attack. It
+was not a conflict between two sides, but a general fight, in which
+every man attacked his neighbor. Such scenes were the most bloody, and
+therefore the most exciting. A conflict of this kind would always
+destroy the greatest number in the shortest time. The arena presented a
+scene of dire confusion. Five hundred armed men in the prime of life and
+strength all struggled confusedly together. Sometimes they would all be
+interlocked in one dense mass; at other times they would violently
+separate into widely scattered individuals, with a heap of dead upon the
+scene of the combat. But these would assail one another again with
+undiminished fury; separate combats would spring up all around, the
+victors in these would rush to take part in others, until at last the
+survivors had once more congregated in one struggling crowd.
+
+At length their struggles became weaker. Out of five hundred but one
+hundred remained, and these were wearied and wounded. Suddenly a signal
+was given, and two men leaped into the arena and rushed from opposite
+sides upon this crowd. They were the African and the Batavian. Fresh
+from their repose, they fell upon the exhausted wretches before them,
+who had neither the spirit to combine nor the strength to resist. It
+became a butchery. These two giants slaughtered right and left without
+mercy, until they alone stood upright upon the arena, and the applause
+of the innumerable throng came down in thunder to their ears.
+
+These two again attacked each other, and attracted the attention of the
+spectators while the bodies of the wounded and slain were being removed.
+The combat was as fierce as before, and precisely similar. The African
+was agile, the Batavian cautious. But finally the former made a
+desperate thrust; the Batavian parried it, and returned a stroke like
+lightning. The African sprang back and dropped his sword. But he was too
+late, for the stroke of his foe had pierced his left arm. As he fell a
+roar of joy arose from one hundred thousand human beings. But this was
+not to be the end, for even while the conqueror stood over his victim
+the attendants sprang forward and drew him away. Yet the Romans knew,
+and the wounded man knew that it was not mercy. He was merely to be
+reserved for a later but a certain fate.
+
+"The Batavian is a skillful fighter, Marcellus," said one young officer
+to a companion among the group which has been alluded to.
+
+"He is, indeed, Lucullus," replied the other. "I do not think that I
+ever saw a better gladiator. Indeed, both of them were much better than
+common."
+
+"They have a better man than either inside there."
+
+"Ah! who is he?"
+
+"The gladiator Macer. I think he is about the best I have ever seen."
+
+"I have heard of him. Do you think he will be out today?"
+
+"I understood so."
+
+The short conversation was interrupted by a loud roar which came from
+the vivarium, a place where the wild beasts were confined. It was a
+fierce and a terrific roar, such as the most savage beasts give when
+they are at the extremity of hunger and rage.
+
+Soon iron gratings were flung open by men from above, and a tiger
+stalked forth into the arenas. He was from Africa, whence he had been
+brought but a few days previously. He had been kept three days without
+food, and his furious rage, which hunger and confinement had heightened
+to a terrible degree, was awful to behold. Lashing his tail, he walked
+round the arena gazing with bloodshot eyes upward at the spectators. But
+their attention was soon diverted to another object. From the opposite
+side a man was thrust out into the arena. He had no armor, but was naked
+like all gladiators, with the simple exception of a cloth around his
+loins. Bearing in his hand the customary short sword, he advanced with a
+firm pace toward the center of the scene.
+
+All eyes at once were fixed upon this man. "Macer, Macer," was called
+around by the innumerable spectators.
+
+The tiger soon saw him, and uttered a short savage growl of fearful
+import. Macer stood still, with his eyes calmly fixed upon the beast,
+who, lashing his tail more madly than ever, bounded toward him. Finally
+the tiger crouched, and then, with one terrific spring, leaped directly
+upon him. But Macer was prepared. Like a flash he darted to the left,
+and just as the tiger fell to the earth, he dealt a short sharp blow
+straight to his heart. It was a fatal stroke. The huge beast shuddered
+from head to foot, and drawing all his limbs together, he uttered a last
+howl that sounded almost like the scream of a human being, and fell,
+dead upon the sand.
+
+Again the applause of the multitude rose like a thunder peal all around.
+
+"Wonderful!" cried Marcellus. "I never saw skill equal to that of Macer!"
+
+"Without doubt he has been fighting all his life," rejoined his friend.
+
+But soon the carcass of the tiger was drawn away, and again the creak of
+a grating as it swung apart attracted attention. This time it was a
+lion. He came forth slowly, and looked all around upon the scene as if
+in surprise. He was the largest of his species, a giant in size, and had
+long been preserved for some superior antagonist. He seemed capable of
+encountering two animals like the tiger that had preceded him. Beside
+him Macer was like a child.
+
+The lion had fasted long, but he showed no fury like that of the tiger.
+He walked across the arena, and then completely around it in a kind of
+trot, as though searching for escape. Finding every side closed, he
+finally retreated to the center, and putting his face close to the
+ground, he uttered a roar so deep, so loud, and so long, that the
+ponderous stones of the coliseum itself vibrated at the sound.
+
+Macer stood unmoved. Not a muscle of his face changed. He carried his
+head erect with the same watchful expression, and held his sword ready.
+At length the lion turned full upon him. The wild beast and the man
+stood face to face eyeing one another. But the calm gaze of the man
+seemed to fill the animal with wrath. He started back with his hair and
+tail erect, and tossing his mane, he crouched for the dreadful spring.
+
+The vast multitude stood spellbound. Here, indeed, was a sight worthy of
+their interest.
+
+The dark form of the lion darted forward, but again the form of the
+gladiator, with his customary maneuver, leaped aside and struck. This
+time, however, his sword struck a rib, and fell from his hand. The lion
+was slightly wounded, but the blow served only to rouse his fury to the
+highest point.
+
+Yet Macer lost not one jot of his coolness in that awful moment.
+Perfectly unarmed, he stood before the beast waiting his attack. Again
+and again the lion sprang, but each time he was evaded by the nimble
+gladiator, who by his own adroit movements contrived to reach the spot
+where his weapon lay and regain possession of it. Armed with his trusty
+sword, he waited a final spring. The lion came down as before, but this
+time Macer's aim was true. The sword pierced his heart. The enormous
+beast fell, writhing in pain. Rising again to his feet, he ran across
+the arena, and with a last roar he fell dead by the bars at which he had
+entered.
+
+Macer was now led away, and the Batavian reappeared. The Romans required
+variety. A small tiger was let loose upon the Batavian and was
+vanquished. A lion was then set upon him. He was extremely fierce,
+although of only ordinary size. It was evident that the Batavian was not
+at all equal to Macer. The lion made a spring and was wounded, but on
+making a second attack, he caught his opponent and literally tore him to
+pieces. Upon this Macer was sent out again, and killed this lion easily.
+
+And now, while Macer stood there the recipient of unbounded applause, a
+man entered from the opposite side. It was the African. His arm had not
+been bound up, but hung down by his side covered with blood. He
+staggered toward Macer with painful steps. The Romans knew that he had
+been sent out to be killed. The wretch knew it himself also, for as he
+drew near to his antagonist he dropped his sword, and cried out in a
+kind of desperation,
+
+"Quick! kill me, and put me out of pain."
+
+To the amazement of all, Macer stepped back and flung down his sword.
+The spectators stared and wondered. Still more amazed were they when
+Macer turned toward the emperor and stretched out his hands.
+
+"August Emperor," he cried, "I am a Christian. I will fight wild beasts,
+but I will not raise my hand against a fellow-man. I can die, but I will
+not kill."
+
+Whereupon a mighty murmur arose.
+
+"What does he say?" cried Marcellus. "A Christian! when did that happen?"
+
+"I heard," said Lucullus, "that he was visited in his cell by some of
+these wretched Christians, and joined their contemptible sect. They are
+made up of the offscouring of man kind. It is very probable that he is a
+Christian."
+
+"And will he incur death rather than fight?"
+
+"That is the way with these fanatics."
+
+Rage took the place of surprise in the fierce multitude. They were
+indignant that a mere gladiator should dare to disappoint them. The
+attendants rushed out to interfere. The fight must go on. If Macer would
+not fight he should take the consequences.
+
+But he was firm. Unarmed, he advanced toward the African, whom he could
+have slain even then with a blow of his fist. The face of the African
+was like that of a fiend. Surprise, joy, and triumph gleamed in his
+sinister eyes. Seizing his sword in a firm grasp, he struck Macer to the
+heart.
+
+"Lord Jesus receive my spirit--" The words were drowned in a torrent of
+blood, and this humble but bold witness for Christ passed away from
+earth to join the noble army of martyrs.
+
+"Are there many such scenes as this?" asked Marcellus.
+
+"Often. Whenever Christians appear. They will fight any number of
+beasts. Young girls will come firmly to meet lions and tigers, but not
+one of the madmen will fight with men. The populace are bitterly
+disappointed in Macer. He is the very best of all the gladiators, and in
+becoming a Christian he has acted like a fool."
+
+"It must be a wonderful religion which could make a common gladiator act
+thus," said Marcellus.
+
+"You'll have a chance to learn more about it."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"Haven't you heard? You are appointed to unearth some of these
+Christians. They have got down in the Catacombs, and they must be hunted
+up."
+
+"I should think they have enough already. Fifty were burned this morning."
+
+"And a hundred were beheaded last week. But that is nothing. The city is
+swarming with them. The emperor has determined to restore the old
+religion perfectly. Since these Christians have appeared the empire has
+been declining. He has made up his mind to annihilate them. They are a
+curse, and must be dealt with accordingly. You will soon understand."
+
+"I haven't been in Rome long enough to know," said Marcellus meekly,
+"and I do not understand what the Christians really believe. I have
+heard almost every crime imputed to them. However, if it be as you say I
+will have a chance of learning."
+
+But now another scene attracted their attention.
+
+An old man entered upon the scene. His form was bowed, and his hair
+silver white with extreme old age. His appearance was hailed with shouts
+of derision, although his majestic face and dignified manner were only
+calculated to excite admiration. As the shouts of laughter and yells of
+derision came down to his ears he raised his head and uttered a few words.
+
+"Who is he?" asked Marcellus.
+
+"Alexander, a teacher of the abominable Christian sect. He is so
+obstinate that he will not recant--"
+
+"Hush, he is speaking."
+
+"Romans!" said the old man, "I am a Christian. My God died for me, and I
+gladly lay down my life for him--"
+
+A loud outburst of yells and execrations from the fierce mob drowned his
+voice. Before it was over three panthers came bounding toward him. He
+folded his arms, and looking up to heaven, his lips moved as if
+murmuring prayers. The savage beasts fell upon him as he stood, and in a
+few minutes he was torn in pieces.
+
+Other wild animals were now let in. They bounded around the inclosure,
+they leaped against the barrier, and in their rage assailed one another.
+It was a hideous scene.
+
+Into the midst of this a helpless band of prisoners were rudely thrust.
+They were chiefly young girls, who were thus sacrificed to the
+bloodthirsty passions of the savage Roman mob. The sight would have
+moved to pity any heart in which all soft feelings had not been
+blighted. But pity had no place in Rome. Cowering and fearful, the poor
+young maidens showed the weakness of human nature when just confronted
+with death in so terrible a form, but after a few moments faith resumed
+its power, and raised them above all fear. As the beasts became aware of
+the presence of their prey and began to draw near, these young maidens
+joined hands, and raising their eyes to heaven, sang out a solemn chant
+which rose clear and wondrously sweet upward to heaven:
+
+    "Unto Him that loved us
+    To Him that washed us from our sins
+    In his own blood;
+    To Him that made us kings and priests,
+    To God and the Father;
+    To Him be glory and dominion
+    Forever and ever.
+    Halleluiah. Amen!"
+
+One by one the voices were hushed in blood, and agony, and death; one by
+one the shrieks of anguish were mingled with the shouts of praise; and
+these fair young spirits, so heroic under suffering and faithful unto
+death, had carried their song to join it with the psalm of the redeemed
+on high.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE PRETORIAN CAMP.
+
+    "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feared God."
+
+Marcellus was born in Gades, and had been brought up in the stern
+discipline of a Roman army. He had been quartered in Africa, in Syria,
+and in Britain, where he had 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 at Rome, to which
+place he had come as the bearer of dispatches, he had so pleased the
+emperor that he had been appointed to an honorable station among the
+Pretorians.
+
+Lucullus had never been out of Italy, scarcely indeed out of the city.
+He belonged to one of the oldest and most noble Roman families, and
+enjoyed corresponding wealth and influence. 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 him also to be of service to his friend, and the scene which has
+been described in the preceding chapter was one of the first visits
+which Marcellus had made to the renowned Coliseum.
+
+The Pretorian camp was situated close to the city wall, to which it was
+joined by another wall which inclosed it. The soldiers lived in rooms
+like cells made in the wall 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 controlled the
+government of the capital. A command among the Pretorians was a sure
+road to fortune, and Marcellus could look forward with well-grounded
+prospects of future honors.
+
+On the morning of the following day Lucullus entered his room. After the
+usual salutation he spoke of the fight which they had witnessed.
+
+"Such scenes are not to my taste," said Marcellus. "They are cowardly. I
+like to see two well-trained men engage in a fair combat, but such
+butchery as you have in the Coliseum is detestable. Why should Macer be
+murdered? He was a brave man, and I honor his courage. And why should
+old men and young children be handed over to wild beasts?"
+
+"It is the law. They are Christians."
+
+"That is always the answer. What have the Christians done? I have seen
+them in all parts of the world, but have never known them to be engaged
+in disturbances."
+
+"They are the worst of mankind."
+
+"So it is said, but what proof is there?"
+
+"Proof? It is too well known. Their crime is that they plot in secret
+against the laws and the religion of the state. So intense is the hatred
+which they bear toward our institution, that they will die rather than
+offer sacrifice. They own no king or monarch but the crucified Jew who
+they believe is alive now. And they show their malevolence to us by
+asserting that we shall all hereafter be tortured in Hades for ever."
+
+"This may be true. I know not. I know nothing at all about them."
+
+"The city is swarming with them; the empire is overrun. And mark this.
+The decline of our empire, which all see and lament; the spread of
+weakness and insubordination, the contraction of our boundaries, all
+this increases as the Christians increase. To what else are these evils
+owing if not to them?"
+
+"How have they produced this?"
+
+"By their detestable teachings and practices. They teach that fighting
+is wrong, that soldiers are the basest of men, that our glorious
+religion under which we 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 they perform the darkest and
+foulest crimes. They always keep by themselves in impenetrable secresy,
+but sometimes we overhear their evil discourses and lewd songs."
+
+"All this is indeed serious, and if true they deserve severe punishment.
+But according to your own statement they keep by themselves, and but
+little is known of them. Tell me, did those who suffered yesterday seem
+like this? Did that old man look as though he had passed his life in
+vicious scenes? Did those fair young girls sing lewd songs as they
+waited for the lions?"
+
+    "'Unto Him that loved us;
+    To Him that washed us from our sins:'"
+
+And Marcellus sang in a soft voice the words which he had heard.
+
+"I confess, my friend, that I mourned for them."
+
+"And I," said Marcellus, "could have wept had I not been a Roman
+soldier. Consider for a moment. You tell me things about these
+Christians which you confess only to have learned from those who
+themselves are ignorant. You assert that they are 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
+that of yesterday. You say they detest soldiers, yet they are brave; you
+tell me that they are traitors, yet they do not resist the laws; you
+declare that they are impure, yet if purity is on earth it belonged to
+those maidens who died yesterday."
+
+"You are enthusiastic for those outcasts."
+
+"Not so, Lucullus. I wish to know the truth. All my life I have heard
+these reports. But yesterday for the first time I suspected that they
+might be false. I now 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 honest. They are engaged in no
+riots or disturbances, and none of these crimes with which they are
+charged can be proved against them. Why, then, should they die?"
+
+"The emperor has good reasons no doubt for his course."
+
+"He may be instigated by ignorant or malicous advisers."
+
+"I think it is entirely his own design."
+
+"The number of those that have been put to death is very large."
+
+"O yes, some thousands; but plenty more remain. These, however, are out
+of reach, and that reminds me of my errand here. I bring you the
+imperial commission."
+
+Lucullus drew from the folds of his military mantle a scroll of
+parchment, which he handed to Marcellus. The latter eagerly examined its
+contents. It appointed him to a higher grade, and commissioned him to
+search out and arrest the Christians in their hiding-places, mentioning
+particularly the Catacombs.
+
+Marcellus read it with a clouded brow, and laid it down.
+
+"You do not seem very glad."
+
+"I confess the task is unpleasant. I am a soldier, and do not like to
+hunt out old men and weak children for the executioner; yet, as a
+soldier, I must obey. Tell me something about these Catacombs."
+
+"The Catacombs? It is a subterranean district that extends to unknown
+bounds underneath the city. The Christians fly to the catacombs whenever
+there is danger, and they also are in the habit of burying their dead
+there. Once there, they are beyond the reach of the utmost power of the
+state."
+
+"Who made the Catacombs?"
+
+"No one knows exactly. They have existed for ages. I believe that they
+were excavated for the sake of getting building sand for cement. At
+present 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 away for it now, for in the course of ages they have excavated so
+much beneath us that this city now rests upon a foundation like a
+honeycomb."
+
+"Is there any regular entrance?"
+
+"There are innumerable entrances. That is the difficulty. If there were
+but few, then we might catch the fugitives. But we cannot tell from
+which direction to advance upon them."
+
+"Is any district suspected?"
+
+"Yes. About two miles down the Appian Way, near the tomb of Caecilia
+Metella, the large round tower, you know, bodies have frequently been
+discovered. It is conjectured that these are the bodies 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, this gives no assistance,
+for after you enter the Catacombs you are no nearer your aim than
+before. No human being can penetrate that infinite labyrinth without
+assistance from those who live there."
+
+"Who live there?"
+
+"The fossors, who still excavate sand for the builders. They are nearly
+all Christians, and are always at work cutting out graves for the dead
+of the Christians. These men have lived there all their lives, and are
+not only familiar with the passages, but they have a kind of instinct to
+guide them."
+
+"Were you ever in the Catacombs?"
+
+"Once, long ago, a fossor guided me. I remained but a short time. My
+impression was that it was the most terrible place in all the world."
+
+"I have heard of the Catacombs, but never before knew anything about
+them. It is strange that they are so little known. Could not these
+fossors be engaged to lead the guards through this labyrinth?"
+
+"No. They will not betray the Christians."
+
+"Have they been tried?"
+
+"Certainly. Some comply, and lead the officers of justice through a
+network of passages till they get bewildered. Their torches become
+extinguished, and they grow terrified. Then they ask to be led back. The
+fossor declares that the Christians must have fled, and so takes back
+the soldiers to the starting point."
+
+"Are none resolute enough to continue on till they find the Christians?"
+
+"If they insist upon continuing the search the fossor will lead them on
+forever. But he merely leads them through the countless passages which
+intersect some particular district."
+
+"Are none found who will actually betray the fugitives?"
+
+"Sometimes; but of what use is it? Upon the first alarm, every Christian
+vanishes through the side ways, which open everywhere."
+
+"My prospect of success seems small."
+
+"Very small, but much is hoped from your boldness and shrewdness. If you
+succeed in this enterprise it will be your fortune. And now, farewell.
+You have learned from me all that I know. You will find no difficulty in
+learning more from any one of the fossors."
+
+So saying, Lucullus departed. Marcellus leaned his head on his hands,
+and lost himself in thought. But ever amid his meditations came floating
+the strains of that glorious melody which told of triumph over death:
+
+    "Unto Him that loved us,
+    To him that washed us from our sins--"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE APPIAN WAY.
+
+    "Sepulchers in sad array
+    Guard the ashes of the mighty
+    Slumbering on the Appian Way."
+
+Marcellus entered upon the duty that lay before him without delay. Upon
+the following day he set out upon his investigations. It was merely a
+journey of inquiry, so he took no soldiers with him. Starting forth from
+the Pretorian barracks, he walked out of the city and down the Appian Way.
+
+This famous road was lined on both sides with magnificent tombs, all of
+which were carefully preserved by the families to whom they belonged.
+Further back from the road lay houses and villas as thickly clustered as
+in the city. The open country was a long distance away.
+
+At length he reached a huge round tower, which stood about two miles
+from the gate. It was built with enormous blocks of travertine, and
+ornamented beautifully yet simply. Its severe style and solid
+construction gave it an air of bold defiance against the ravages of time.
+
+At this point Marcellus paused and looked back. A stranger in Rome,
+every view presented something new and interesting. Most remarkable was
+the long line of tombs. There were the last resting-places of the great,
+the noble, and the brave of elder days, whose epitaphs announced their
+claims to honor on earth, and their dim prospects in the unknown life to
+come. Art and wealth had reared these sumptuous monuments, and the pious
+affection of ages had preserved them from decay. Here where he stood was
+the sublime mausoleum of Caecilia Metella; further away were the tombs
+of Calatinus and the Sarvilii. Still further his eye fell upon the
+resting-place of the Scipios, the classic architecture of which was
+hallowed by "the dust of its heroic dwellers."
+
+The words of Cicero recurred to his mind, "When you go out of the Porta
+Capena, and see the tombs of Calatinus, of the Scipios, the Sarvilii,
+and the Metelli, can you consider that the buried inmates are unhappy?"
+
+There was the arch of Drusus spanning the road: on one side was the
+historic grotto of Egeria, and further on the spot where Hannibal once
+stood and hurled his javelin at the walls of Rome. The long lines of
+tombs went on till in the distance it was terminated by the lofty
+pyramid of Caius Cestius, and the whole presented the grandest scene of
+sepulchral magnificence that could be found on earth.
+
+On every side the habitations of men covered the ground, for the
+Imperial City had long ago burst the bounds that originally confined it,
+and sent its houses far away on every side into the country, till the
+traveler could scarcely tell where the country ended and where the city
+began.
+
+From afar the deep hum of the city, the roll of innumerable chariots,
+and the multitudinous tread of its many feet, greeted his ears. Before
+him rose monuments and temples, the white sheen of the imperial palace,
+the innumerable domes and columns towering upward like a city in the
+air, and high above all the lofty Capitoline mount, crowned with the
+shrine of Jove.
+
+But, more impressive than all the splendor of the home of the living was
+the solemnity of the city of the dead.
+
+What an array of architectural glory was displayed around him! There
+arose the proud monuments of the grand old families of Rome. Heroism,
+genius, valor, pride, wealth, everything that man esteems or admires,
+here animated the eloquent stone and awakened emotion. Here were the
+visible forms of the highest influences of the old pagan religion. Yet
+their effects upon the soul never corresponded with the splendor of
+their outward forms, or the pomp of their ritual. The epitaphs of the
+dead showed not faith, but love of life, triumphant; not the assurance
+of immortal life, but a sad longing after the pleasures of the world.
+
+Such were the thoughts of Marcellus as he mused upon the scene and again
+recalled the words of Cicero, "Can you think that the buried inmates are
+unhappy?"
+
+"These Christians," thought he, "whom I am now seeking, seem to have
+learned more than I can find in all our philosophy. They not only have
+conquered the fear of death, but have learned to die rejoicing. What
+secret power have they which can thus inspire even the youngest and the
+feeblest among them? What is the hidden meaning of their song? My
+religion can only hope that I may not be unhappy, theirs leads them to
+death with triumphant songs of joy."
+
+But how was he to prosecute his search after the Christians? Crowds of
+people passed by, but he saw none who seemed capable of assisting him.
+Buildings of all sizes, walls, tombs, and temples were all around, but
+he saw no place that seemed at all connected with the Catacombs. He was
+quite at a loss what to do.
+
+He went down into the street and walked slowly along, carefully
+scrutinizing every person whom he met, and examining closely every
+building. Yet no result was obtained from this beyond the discovery that
+the outward appearance gave no sign of any connection with subterranean
+abodes. The day passed on, and it grew late; but Marcellus remembered
+that there were many entrances to the Catacombs, and still he continued
+his search, hoping before the close of the day to find some clue.
+
+At length his search was rewarded. He had walked backward and forward
+and in every direction, often retracing his steps and returning many
+times to the place of starting. Twilight was coming on, and the sun was
+near the edge of the horizon, when his quick eye caught sight of a man
+who was walking in an opposite direction, followed by a boy. The man was
+dressed in coarse apparel, stained and damp with sand and earth. His
+complexion was blanched and pallid, like that of one who has long been
+imprisoned, and his whole appearance at once arrested the glance of the
+young soldier.
+
+He stepped up to him, and laying his hand upon his shoulder said,
+
+"You are a fossor. Come with me."
+
+The man looked up. He saw a stern face. The sight of the officer's dress
+terrified him. In an instant he darted away, and before Marcellus could
+turn to follow he had rushed into a side lane and was out of sight.
+
+But Marcellus secured the boy.
+
+"Come with me," said he.
+
+The poor lad looked up with such an agony of fear that Marcellus was moved.
+
+"Have mercy, for my mother's sake; she will die if I am taken."
+
+The boy fell at his feet murmuring this in broken tones.
+
+"I will not hurt you. Come," and he led him away toward an open space
+out of the way of the passers-by.
+
+"Now," said he, stopping and confronting the boy, "tell me the truth.
+Who are you?"
+
+"My name is Pollio," said the boy.
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"In Rome."
+
+"What are you doing here?"
+
+"I was out on an errand."
+
+"Who was that man?"
+
+"A fossor."
+
+"What were you doing with him?"
+
+"He was carrying a bundle for me."
+
+"What was in the bundle?"
+
+"Provisions."
+
+"To whom were you carrying it?"
+
+"To a destitute person out here."
+
+"Where does he live?
+
+"Not far from here."
+
+"Now, boy, tell me the truth. Do you know anything about the Catacombs?"
+
+"I have heard about them," said the boy quietly.
+
+"Were you ever in them?"
+
+"I have been in some of them."
+
+"Do you know any body who lives in them?"
+
+"Some people. The fossor stays there."
+
+"You were going to the Catacombs then with him?"
+
+"What business would I have there at such a time as this?" said the boy
+innocently.
+
+"That is what I want to know. Were you going there?"
+
+"How would I dare to go there when it is forbidden by the laws?"
+
+"It is now evening," said Marcellus abruptly, "come with me to the
+evening service at yonder temple."
+
+The boy hesitated. "I am in a hurry," said he.
+
+"But you are my prisoner. I never neglect the worship of the gods. You
+must come and assist me at my devotions."
+
+"I cannot," said the boy firmly.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I am a Christian."
+
+"I knew it. And you have friends, in the Catacombs, and you are going
+there now. They are the destitute people to whom you are carrying
+provisions, and the errand on which you are is for them."
+
+The boy held down his head and was silent. "I want you now to take me to
+the entrance of the Catacombs."
+
+"O, generous soldier, have mercy! Do not ask me that. I cannot do it!"
+
+"You must."
+
+"I will not betray my friends."
+
+"You need not. It is nothing to show the entrance among the many
+thousands that lead down below. Do you think that the guards do not know
+every one?"
+
+The boy thought for a moment, and at length signified his assent.
+
+Marcellus took his hand and followed his lead. The boy turned away to
+the right of the Appian Way, when he walked a short distance. Here he
+came to an uninhabited house. He entered, and went down into the cellar.
+There was a door which apparently opened into a closet. The boy pointed
+to this, and stopped.
+
+"I wish to go down," said Marcellus, firmly.
+
+"You would not dare to go down alone surely, would you?"
+
+"The Christians say that they do not commit murder. Why then should I
+fear? Lead on."
+
+"I have no torches."
+
+"But I have some. I came prepared. Go on."
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"Do you refuse?"
+
+"I must refuse," said the boy. "My friends and my relatives are below.
+Sooner than lead you to them I would die a hundred deaths."
+
+"You are bold. You do not know what death is."
+
+"Do I not? What Christian can fear death? I have seen many of my friends
+die in agony, and I have helped bury them. I will not lead you there.
+Take me away to prison."
+
+The boy turned away.
+
+"But if I take you away what will your friends think? Have you a mother?"
+
+The boy bowed his head and burst into a passion of tears. The mention of
+that dear name had overcome him.
+
+"I see that you have, and that you love her. Lead me down, and you shall
+join her again."
+
+"I will never betray them. I will die first. Do with me as you wish."
+
+"If I had any evil intentions," said Marcellus, "do you think I would go
+down unaccompanied?"
+
+"What can a soldier, and a Pretorian, want with the persecuted
+Christians, if not to destroy them?"
+
+"Boy, I have no evil intentions. If you guide me down below I swear I
+will not use my knowledge against your friends. When I am below I will
+be a prisoner, and they can do with me what they like."
+
+"Do you swear that you will not betray them?"
+
+"I do, by the life of Caesar and the immortal gods," said Marcellus,
+solemnly.
+
+"Come along, then," said the boy. "We do not need torches. Follow me
+carefully."
+
+And the lad entered the narrow opening.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE CATACOMBS
+
+    "No light, but rather darkness visible
+    Served only to discover sights of woe,
+    Regions of sorrow, doleful shades."
+
+They went on in utter darkness, until at length the passage widened and
+they came to steps which led below. Marcellus held the boy's dress and
+followed him.
+
+It was certainly a situation that might provoke alarm. He was
+voluntarily placing himself in the power of men whom his class had
+driven from the upper air into these drear abodes. To them he could only
+be known as a persecutor. Yet such was the impression which he had
+formed of their gentleness and meekness that he had no fear of harm. It
+was in the power of this boy to lead him to death in the thick darkness
+of these impenetrable labyrinths, but even of this he did not think. It
+was a desire to know more of these Christians, to get at their secret,
+that led him on, and as he had sworn, so had he resolved that this visit
+should not be made use of to their betrayal or injury.
+
+After descending for some time the steps ended, and they walked along
+the level ground. Soon they turned and entered a small vaulted chamber
+which was lighted from the faint glow of a furnace. The boy had walked
+on with the unhesitating step of one perfectly familiar with the way.
+Arriving at the chamber, he lighted a torch which lay on the floor and
+resumed his journey.
+
+There is something in the air of a burial place which is unlike that of
+any other place. It is not altogether the closeness, or the damp, or the
+sickening smell of earth, but a certain subtle influence which unites
+with them and intensifies them. The spell of the dead is there, and it
+rests alike on mind and body. Such was the air of the catacombs. Cold
+and damp, it struck upon the visitor like the chill atmosphere from the
+realms of death. The living felt the mysterious power of the dead.
+
+The boy Pollio went on before and Marcellus followed after. The torch
+but faintly illumined the intense darkness. No beam of day, no ray
+however weak, could ever enter here to relieve the thickness of the
+oppressive gloom. It was literally darkness that might be felt. The
+torchlight shone out but a few paces and then died in the darkness.
+
+The path went winding on with innumerable turnings. Suddenly Pollio
+stopped and pointed downward. Peering through the gloom, Marcellus saw
+an opening in the path which led further down. It was a pit to which no
+bottom appeared.
+
+"Where does this lead to?"
+
+"Below."
+
+"Are there more passages below?"
+
+"O yes. As many as there are here, and still below that again. I have
+been in three different stories of these paths, and some of the old
+fossors say that in certain places they go down to a very great depth."
+
+The passage wound along till all idea of locality was utterly lost.
+Marcellus could not tell whether he was within a few paces of the
+entrance or many furlongs off. His bewildered thoughts soon began to
+turn to other things. The first impressions of gloom departed he looked
+more particularly upon what he passed, and regarded more closely the
+many wonders of this strange place. All along the walls were tablets
+which appeared to cover long and narrow excavations. These cellular
+niches were ranged on both sides so closely that but little space was
+left between. The inscriptions that were upon the tablets showed that
+they were Christian tombs. He had not time to stop and read, but he
+noticed the frequent recurrence of the same expression, such as,
+
+HONORIA--SHE SLEEPS IN PEACE.
+FAUSTA--IN PEACE.
+
+On nearly every tablet he saw the same sweet and gentle word. "PEACE,"
+thought Marcellus; "what wonderful people are these Christians, who even
+amid such scenes as these can cherish their lofty contempt of death!"
+
+His eyes grew more and more accustomed to the gloom as he walked along.
+Now the passage way grew narrower; the roof drooped, the sides
+approached; they had to stoop and go along more slowly. The walls were
+rough and rudely cut as the workmen left them when they drew along here
+their last load of sand for the edifices above. Subterranean damps and
+fungous growths overspread them in places, deepening their somber color
+and filling the air with thick moisture, while the smoke of the torches
+made the atmosphere still more oppressive.
+
+They passed hundreds of side passages and scores of places where many
+paths met, all branching off in different directions. These innumerable
+paths showed Marcellus how hopelessly he was now cut off from the world
+above. This boy held his life in his hands.
+
+"Do any ever lose their way?"
+
+"Often."
+
+"What becomes of them?"
+
+"Sometimes they wander till they meet some friends, sometimes they are
+never heard of again. But at present, most of us know the place so well
+that if we lose our way we soon wander into familiar paths again."
+
+One thing particularly struck the young soldier, and that was the
+immense preponderance of small tombs. Pollio told him that they were the
+graves of children, and thus opened to him thoughts and emotions unfelt
+before.
+
+"Children!" thought he, "what do they here, the young, the pure, the
+innocent? Why were they not buried above, where the sun might shine
+kindly and the flowers bloom sweetly over their graves? Did they tread
+such dark paths as these on their way through life? Did they bear their
+part in the sufferings of those that lingered here flying from
+persecution? Did the noxious air and the never-ending gloom of these
+drear abodes shorten their fair young lives, and send their stainless
+spirits out of life before their time?"
+
+"We have been a long time on the way," said Marcellus, "will we soon be
+there?"
+
+"Very soon," said the boy. Whatever ideas Marcellus might have had about
+hunting out these fugitives before he entered here, he now saw that all
+attempts to do so must be in vain. An army of men might enter here and
+never come in sight of the Christians. The further they went, the more
+hopeless would be their journey. They could be scattered through the
+innumerable passages and wander about till they died.
+
+But now a low sound arose from afar which arrested his attention. Sweet
+beyond all description, low and musical, it came down the long passages
+and broke upon his charmed senses like a voice from the skies.
+
+As they went on, a light beamed before them which cast forth its rays
+into the darkness. The sounds grew louder, now swelling into a
+magnificent chorus, now dying away into a tender wail of supplication.
+
+In a few minutes they reached a turn in the path, and then a scene burst
+upon their sight.
+
+"Stop," said Pollio, arresting his companion and extinguishing the
+torch. Marcellus obeyed, and looked earnestly at the spectacle before
+him. It was a vaulted chamber about fifteen feet in height and thirty
+feet square. In this place there were crowded about a hundred people,
+men, women, and children. At one side there was a table, behind which
+stood a venerable man who appeared to be the leader among them. The
+walls of the room seemed to have been rudely decorated with coarse
+pictures. The place was illuminated with the glare of torches which
+threw a lurid glow upon the assembly. The people were careworn and
+emaciated, and their faces were characterized by the same pallor which
+Marcellus had observed in the fossor. But the expression which now
+rested upon them was not of sorrow, or misery, or despair. Hope
+illumined their eyes, their upturned faces spoke of joy and triumph. The
+scene moved the soul of the beholder to its inmost depths, for it
+confirmed all that he had seen of the Christians, their heroism, their
+hope, their peace, which rested on something hidden from him. As he
+listened he heard their song, chanted by the whole congregation:
+
+    "Great and marvelous are thy works
+        Lord God Almighty,
+    Just and true are thy ways
+        Thou king of saints.
+    Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?
+        For thou only art holy.
+    For all nations shall come and worship before thee,
+    For thy judgments are made manifest."
+
+Then there was a pause. The venerable leader read something from a
+scroll which was new to Marcellus. It was a sublime assertion of the
+immortality of the soul, and life after death. The congregation seemed
+to hang upon the words as though they were the words of life. Finally,
+the reader came to a burst of joyous exclamation which drew murmurs of
+gratitude and enthusiastic hope from the audience. The words thrilled
+upon the heart of the listener, though he did not understand their full
+meaning. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
+The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But
+thanks be to God which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus
+Christ."
+
+These words seemed to open to his mind a new world with new thoughts.
+Sin--death--Christ, with all the infinite train of ideas that rested
+upon them, arose dimly before his awakening soul. The desire for the
+Christian's secret which he had conceived now burned more eagerly within
+him.
+
+The leader raised his head, and stretching out his hands, uttered a
+fervent prayer. Addressing the invisible God, he poured forth a
+confession of sin and guilt. He plead for pardon through the atoning
+death of Christ. He prayed for the Spirit from on high, so that they
+might become holy. Then he enumerated all their sorrows, and prayed for
+deliverance, asking for faith in life, victory in death, and immortality
+in heaven for the sake of the Redeemer, Jesus.
+
+After this followed another chant which was sung as before:
+
+    "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
+    And he will dwell with them,
+    And they shall be his people,
+    And God himself shall be with them
+    And be their God.
+    And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes,
+    And there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor sighing,
+    Neither shall there be any more pain,
+    For the former things are passed away. Amen.
+    Blessing, and glory, and wisdom.
+    And thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might,
+    Be unto our God
+    For ever and ever. Amen."
+
+Now the congregation began to disperse. Pollio walked forward, leading
+Marcellus. At the sight of his martial figure and glittering armor
+they all started backward, and would have fled by the different paths.
+But Marcellus called in a loud voice,
+
+"Fear not, Christians, I am alone and in your power."
+
+Upon this they all turned back, and looked at him with anxious
+curiosity. The aged man who led the meeting advanced and looked
+earnestly upon him.
+
+"Who are you, and why do you seek us out in the last resting-place that
+is left to us on earth?"
+
+"Do not suspect me of evil. I come alone, unattended. I am at your mercy."
+
+"But what can a soldier and a Pretorian wish of us? Are you pursued? Are
+you a criminal? Is your life in danger?"
+
+"No. I am an officer high in rank and authority. But I have all my life
+been seeking anxiously after the truth. I have heard much of you
+Christians, but in these times of persecution it is difficult to find
+you in Rome. I have sought you here."
+
+At this the aged man requested the assembly to withdraw, that he might
+converse with the new comer. The others readily did so, and retired by
+different ways, feeling much relieved. A pale lady advanced eagerly to
+Pollio and caught him in her arms.
+
+"How long you were, my son!"
+
+"I encountered this officer, dear mother, and was detained."
+
+"Thank God you are safe. But who is he?"
+
+"I think he is an honest man," said the boy, "see how he confides in us."
+
+"Caecilia," said the leader, "do not go away for a little time." The
+lady remained, and a few others did the same.
+
+"I am Honorius," said the old man, addressing Marcellus, "a humble elder
+in the Church of Christ. I believe that you are sincere and earnest.
+Tell us now what you want with us."
+
+"My name is Marcellus, and I am a captain in the Pretorian Guard."
+
+"Alas!" cried Honorius, and clasping his hands he fell back in his seat.
+The others looked at Marcellus with mournful eyes, and the lady Caecilia
+cried out in an agony of grief,
+
+"Pollio! how have you betrayed us!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CHRISTIAN'S SECRET.
+
+    "The mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh."
+
+The young soldier stood astonished at the effect which his name produced.
+
+"Why do you all tremble so?" said he. "Is it on my account?"
+
+"Alas!" said Honorius, "though we are banished to this place we have
+constant communication with the city. We have heard that new efforts
+were making to persecute us more severely, and that Marcellus, a captain
+in the Pretorians, had been appointed to search us out. We see you here
+among us, our chief enemy. Have we not cause to fear? Why should you
+track us here?"
+
+"You have no cause to fear me," cried Marcellus, "even if I were your
+worst enemy. Am I not in your power? If you chose to detain me could I
+escape? If you killed me could I resist? I am helpless among you. My
+situation here, alone among you, is proof that there is no danger from me."
+
+"True," said Honorius, assuming his calm demeanor, "you are right; you
+could never return without our assistance."
+
+"Hear me, then and I will explain all to you. I am a Roman soldier. I
+was born in Spain, and was brought up in virtue and morality. I was
+taught to fear the gods and do my duty.
+
+"I have been in many lands, and have confined myself chiefly to my
+profession. Yet I have never neglected religion. In my chamber I have
+studied all the writings of the philosophers of Greece and Rome. The
+result is that I have learned from them to despise our gods and
+goddesses, who are no better, and even worse than myself.
+
+"From Plato and Cicero I learn that there is one Supreme Deity whom it
+is my duty to obey. But how can I know him, and how shall I obey him? I
+learn, too, that I am immortal, and shall become a spirit when I die.
+How shall I be then? Shall I be happy or miserable? How shall I secure
+happiness in that spiritual life? They describe the glories of that
+immortal life in eloquent language, but they give no directions for
+common men like me. To learn more of this is the desire of my soul.
+
+"The priests can tell me nothing. They are wedded to old forms and
+ceremonies in which they do not believe. The old religion is dead, and
+men care for it no more.
+
+"In different lands I have heard much of Christians. Shut up in the
+camp, I have not had much opportunity to see them. Indeed, I never cared
+to know them until lately. I have heard all the usual reports about
+their immorality, their secret vice, their treasonable doctrines. I
+believed all this until lately.
+
+"A few days ago I was in the Coliseum. There, first, I learned something
+about the Christians. I saw the gladiator Macer, a man to whom fear was
+utterly unknown, lay down his life calmly rather than do what he
+believed to be wrong. I saw an old man meet death with a peaceful smile;
+and above all, I saw a band of young girls give themselves up to the
+wild beasts with a song of triumph on their lip:
+
+    "'Unto Him that loved us,
+    That washed us from our sins.'"
+
+As Marcellus spoke a wonderful effect was produced. The eyes of his
+listeners glistened with eagerness and joy. When he mentioned Macer they
+looked at each other with meaning glances; when he spoke of the old man,
+Honorius bowed his head; and when he spoke of the children and murmured
+the words of their song, they turned away their faces and wept.
+
+"For the first time in my life I saw death conquered. I myself can meet
+death without terror, and so can every soldier when he comes in the
+battle-field. It, is our profession. But these people rejoiced in death.
+Here were not soldiers, but children, who carried the same wonderful
+feeling in their hearts.
+
+"Since then I have thought of nothing else. Who is he that loved you?
+Who is he that washes you from your sins? Who is he that causes this
+sublime courage and hope to arise within you? What is it that supports
+you here? Who is he to whom you were just now praying?
+
+"I have a commission to lead soldiers against you and destroy you. But I
+wish to learn more of you first. And I swear by the Supreme that my
+present visit shall bring no harm to you. Tell me, then, the Christian's
+secret."
+
+"Your words," said Honorius, "are true and sincere. Now I know that you
+are no spy or enemy, but an inquiring soul sent here by the Spirit to
+learn that which you have long been seeking. Rejoice, for he that cometh
+unto Christ shall be in no wise cast out.
+
+"You see before you men and women who have left friends, and home, and
+honor, and wealth, to live here in want, and fear, and sorrow, and they
+count all this as nothing for Christ, yes, they count even their own
+lives nothing. They give up all for Him who loved them.
+
+"You are right, Marcellus, in thinking that there is some great power
+which can do all this: It is not fanaticism, nor delusion, nor
+excitement. It is the knowledge of the truth and love for the great God.
+
+"What you have sought for all your life is our dearest possession.
+Treasured up in our hearts, it is worth far more to us than all that the
+world can give. It gives us happiness in life even in this place of
+gloom, and in death it makes us victorious.
+
+"You wish to know the Supreme Being. Our religion is his revelation, and
+through this he makes himself known. Infinite in greatness and power, he
+also is infinite in love and mercy. This religion draws us so closely to
+him that he is our best friend, our guide, our comfort, our hope, our
+all, our Creator, our Redeemer, and our final Saviour.
+
+"You wish to know of the immortal life. Our religion tells of this. It
+shows us that by loving and serving God on earth we shall dwell with him
+in infinite blessedness in heaven. It shows us how to live so as to
+please him here, and it makes us know how we shall praise him hereafter.
+By this we learn that death is no longer a curse, but rather a blessing,
+since it becomes but the sure passage way unto happiness unspeakable in
+the presence of Him who loved us."
+
+"O then," cried Marcellus, "if this be so, make known to me this truth.
+For this I have looked for years; for this I have prayed to that Supreme
+Being of whom I have heard. You are the possessor of that which I long
+to know. The end and aim of my life lies here. The whole night is before
+us. Do not put me off, but at once tell me all. Has God, indeed, made
+known all this, and have I been ignorant of it?"
+
+Tears of joy glistened in the eyes of the Christians. Honorius murmured
+a few words of silent thankfulness and prayer. After which he drew forth
+a manuscript, which he handled with tender care.
+
+"Here," said he, "beloved youth, is the word of life which came from
+God, which brings such peace and joy to man. In this we can find all
+that the soul desires. In these divine words we learn that which we can
+find no where else; and though the mind may brood over it for a
+lifetime, yet the extent of its glorious truths can never be reached."
+
+Then Honorius opened the book and began to tell of Jesus. He told him of
+the long succession of prophets which had heralded his coming, of the
+chosen people of God who had kept alive the knowledge of the truth for
+so many ages, and of the marvelous works which they had witnessed.
+
+He spoke of his birth, his childhood, his first appearance, his
+miracles, his teachings. All this he read, with a few comments of his
+own, from the sacred manuscript.
+
+Then he related the treatment which he received, the scorn, contempt,
+and persecution which hurried him on to his betrayal.
+
+Finally, he read the story of his death on Calvary.
+
+Upon Marcellus the effect of all this was wonderful. Light seemed to
+burst upon his mind. The holiness of God, which turned with abhorrence
+from human sin; his justice, which demanded punishment; his patience,
+which endured so much; his mercy, which contrived a way to save his
+creatures from the ruin which they drew on themselves; his amazing love,
+which brought him down to sacrifice himself for their salvation, all
+were clear. When Honorius reached the end of the mournful story of
+Calvary, and came to the cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
+me!" he was roused by a sob from Marcellus. Looking up through the tears
+which dimmed his own eyes, he saw the form of the strong man bowed, and
+his frame quivering with emotion. "No more, no more now," he murmured,
+"Let me think of Him:
+
+    "'Him who loved us,
+    Who washed us from our sins,
+    In his own blood.'"
+
+And Marcellus buried his face in his hands.
+
+Honorius raised his eyes to heaven and prayed. The two were alone, for
+their companions had long since departed. The light from a lamp in a
+niche behind Honorius but dimly illumined the scene. Thus they remained
+in silence for a long time.
+
+At last Marcellus raised his head.
+
+"I feel," said he, "that I too had a part in causing the death of the
+Holy One. Read on, more of that word of life, for my own life hangs upon
+it."
+
+Then Honorius read the story of the burial, the resurrection, the
+appearance again to the disciples, and the ascension. Nor did he end
+with this. He sought to give peace to the soul of his friend. He read to
+him all the words of Jesus which invite the sinner, and assure to him a
+gracious reception and complete forgiveness.
+
+"It is the word of God," cried Marcellus, "it is a voice from heaven. My
+heart responds to everything that I have heard, and I know that it must
+be eternal truth.
+
+"But how can I be a sharer in these blessings? I am a sinner; I seem now
+to have my eyes cleared of mist. I know myself at last. Before I thought
+I was a just and a righteous man. But beside the Holy One of whom I have
+heard I sink down into the dust, I see that I am a sinner before him."
+
+"He has atoned for all."
+
+"But how can I be benefited?"
+
+"He will pardon everything even to the uttermost."
+
+"How can he pardon me?"
+
+"Lift up your soul to him and pray for pardon. If you ask you shall
+receive."
+
+"O, then, if I may dare to approach, if it be permitted for me to utter
+a word to him, teach me the words, tell me the way."
+
+In the dimness of the gloomy vault, in solitude and solemn silence,
+Honorius knelt down, and Marcellus bowed himself by his side.
+
+The venerable Christian lifted up his soul in prayer. Marcellus felt as
+though his own soul was being lifted up to the courts of heaven, to the
+presence of the Saviour, by the power of that, fervent and agonizing
+prayer. The words seemed to find an echo in his own soul. In his deep
+abasement he rested his wants upon his companion so that he might
+present them in a more acceptable manner.
+
+But finally his own desires grew stronger. Hope came to him, timidly,
+tremblingly, yet still it was hope, and his soul grew stronger at her
+presence. At, last, when Honorius ended, his feelings burst forth. It
+was the prayer of the publican: "God be merciful unto me a sinner!"
+
+Hours passed on. But who can fittingly describe the progress of a soul
+on its way to its God? Enough, that when morning dawned on the earth
+above, a better day had dawned over the soul of Marcellus in the vaults
+below. His longings were completely satisfied; the load was all removed;
+the Christians; secret was his; and with rapture unfelt before, he could
+now sing the song of the Christian:
+
+    "Unto Him that loved us,
+    To Him that washed us from our sins
+    In his own blood,
+    To Him be glory and dominion
+    For ever and ever."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES.
+
+    "These all died in faith."
+
+The new convert soon learned more of the Christians. After a brief
+repose he rose and was joined by Honorius, who offered to show him the
+nature of the place where they lived.
+
+Those whom he had seen at the chapel service formed but a small part of
+the dwellers in the catacombs. Their numbers rose to many thousands, and
+they were scattered throughout its wide extent in little communities,
+each of which had its own means of communication with the city.
+
+He walked far on, accompanied by Honorius. He was astonished at the
+numbers of people whom he encountered; and though he knew that the
+Christians were numerous, yet he did not suppose that so vast a
+proportion would have the fortitude to choose a life in the catacombs.
+
+Nor was he less interested in the dead than in the living. As he passed
+along he read the inscriptions upon their tombs, and found in them all
+the same strong faith and lofty hope. These he loved to read, and the
+fond interest which Honorius took in these pious memorials made him a
+congenial guide.
+
+"There," said Honorius, "lies a witness for the truth."
+
+Marcellus looked where he pointed, and read as follows:
+
+    PRIMITIUS, IN PEACE, AFTER MANY TORMENTS, A MOST VALIANT MARTYR. HE
+    LIVED ABOUT THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS. HIS WIFE RAISED THIS TO HER DEAREST
+    HUSBAND, THE WELL-DESERVING.
+
+"These men," said Honorius, "show us how Christians ought to die. Yonder
+is another who suffered like Primitius."
+
+    PAULUS WAS PUT TO DEATH IN TORTURES, IN ORDER THAT HE MIGHT LIVE IN
+    ETERNAL BLISS.
+
+"And there," said Honorius, "is the tomb of a noble lady, who showed
+that fortitude which Christ can always bestow even to the weakest of his
+followers in the hour of need."
+
+    CLEMENTIA, TORTURED, DEAD, SLEEPS, WILL RISE.
+
+"We do not die," said Honorius; "we but sleep, and when the last trump
+shall sound we shall awake to be forever with the Lord. Here," he
+continued, "lies Constans, doubly constant to his God by a double trial.
+Poison was given to him first, but it was powerless over him, so he was
+put to the sword:"
+
+    THE DEADLY DRAUGHT DARED NOT PRESENT TO CONSTANS THE CROWN WHICH THE
+    STEEL WAS PERMTTED TO OFFER.
+
+Thus they walked along, reading the inscriptions which appeared on every
+side. New feelings came to Marcellus as he read the glorious catalogue
+of names. It was to him a history of the Church of Christ. Here were the
+acts of the martyrs portrayed before him in words that burned. The rude
+pictures that adorned many of the tombs carried with them a pathos that
+the finest works of the skillful artist could not produce. The rudely
+carved letters, the bad spelling and grammatical errors, that
+characterized many of them, gave a touching proof of the treasure of the
+Gospel to the poor and lowly. Not many wise, not many mighty are called;
+but to the poor the Gospel is preached.
+
+On many of them there was a monogram, which was formed of the initial
+letters of the name of Christ, "X" and "P" being joined so as to form
+one cypher. Some bore a palm branch, the emblem of victory and
+immortality, the token of that palm of glory which shall hereafter wave
+in the hands of the innumerable throng that are to stand around the
+throne. Others bore other devices.
+
+"What is this?" said Marcellus, pointing to a picture of a ship.
+
+"It shows that the redeemed spirit has sailed from earth to the haven of
+rest."
+
+"And what is the meaning of this fish that I see represented so often?"
+
+"The fish is used because the letters that form its name in Greek are
+the initials of words that express the glory and hope of the Christian.
+'iota' stands for 'Jesus,' 'chi' for 'Christ,' 'theta' and 'gamma' for
+'the Son of God,' and 'sigma' for 'Saviour,' so that the fish symbolizes
+under its name 'iota chi theta gamma sigma,' 'Jesus Christ, the Son of
+God, the Saviour.'"
+
+"What means this picture that I see so often--a ship and a huge sea
+monster?"
+
+"That is Jonah, a prophet of God, of whom as yet you are ignorant."
+Honorius then related the story of Jonah, and showed him how the escape
+from the bowels of the fish reminded the Christian of his deliverance
+from the darkness of the tomb. "This glorious hope of the resurrection
+is an unspeakable comfort," said he, "and we love to bring it to our
+thoughts by different symbols. There, too, is another symbol of the same
+blessed truth--the dove carrying an olive branch to Noah." He related to
+his companion the story of the flood, so that Marcellus might see the
+meaning of the representation. "But of all the symbols which are used,"
+said he, "none is so clear as this," and he pointed to a picture of the
+resurrection of Lazarus.
+
+"There too," said Honorius, "is an anchor, the sign of hope, by which
+the Christian, while tossing amid the stormy billows of life, holds on
+to his heavenly home.
+
+"There you see the cock, the symbol for watchfulness; for our Lord has
+said, 'Watch and pray.' There also is the lamb, the type of innocence
+and gentleness, which also brings to our mind the Lamb of God, who bore
+our sins, and by whose sacrifice we receive pardon. There again is the
+dove, which, like the lamb, represents innocence; and yet again you see
+it bearing the olive branch of peace.
+
+"There are the letters Alpha and Omega, which represent our Lord; for
+you know that he said, 'I am Alpha and Omega.' And there is the crown,
+which reminds of that crown of immortality which the Lord, the righteous
+judge, shall give us. Thus we love to surround ourselves with all that
+can remind us of the joy that lies before us. Taught by these, we look
+up from the surrounding gloom and see above us the light of immortal life."
+
+"Here," said Marcellus, pausing, "is something that seems adapted to my
+condition. It sounds prophetic. Perhaps I too may be called upon to give
+my testimony for Christ: may I then be found faithful!"
+
+    IN CHRIST, IN THE TIME OF THE EMPEROR ADRIAN, MARIUS, A YOUNG
+    MILITARY OFFICER, WHO LIVED LONG ENOUGH, AS HE SHED HIS BLOOD FOR
+    CHRIST, AND DIED IN PEACE. HIS FRIENDS SET UP THIS WITH TEARS AND IN
+    FEAR.
+
+"'In this world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have
+overcome the world.' Thus Christ assures us; but while he warns us of
+evil, he consoles us with his promise of support. In him we can find
+grace sufficient for us."
+
+"May the example of this young officer be for me," said Marcellus. "I
+may shed my blood for Christ like him. May I die as faithfully! To lie
+here among my brethren with such an epitaph, would be higher honor for
+me than a mausoleum like that of Caecilia Metella."
+
+They walked on as before.
+
+"How sweet," said Marcellus, "is the death of the Christian! Its horror
+has fled. To him it is a blessed sleep, and death, instead of awakening
+terror, is associated with thoughts of rest or of victory."
+
+    THE SLEEPING PLACE OF ELPIS.
+
+    ZOTICUS LAID HERE TO SLEEP.
+
+    ASELUS SLEEPS IN CHRIST.
+
+    MARTYRIA IN PEACE.
+
+    VIDALIA IN THE PEACE OF CHRIST.
+
+    NICEPHORUS, A SWEET SOUL, IN THE PLACE OF REFRESMENT.
+
+"Some of those inscriptions tell of the characters of the departed
+brethren," said Honorius. "Look at these."
+
+    MAXIMIUS, WHO LIVED TWENTY-THREE YEARS, FRIEND OF ALL MEN.
+
+    IN CHRIST, ON THE FIFTH KALENDS OF NOVEMBER, SLEPT GORGONIUS, FRIEND
+    OF ALL, AND ENEMY TO NONE.
+
+"And here too," he continued, "are others which tell of their private
+lives and domestic experiences."
+
+    CAECILIUS THE HUSBAND, TO CAECILIA PLACIDINA, MY WIFE, OF EXCELLETT
+    MEMORY, WITH WHOM I LIVED TEN YEARS WITHOUT ANY QUARREL, IN JESUS
+    CHRIST, SON OF GOD, THE SAVIOUR.
+
+    SACRED TO CHRIST THE SUPREME GOD. VITALIS, BURIED ON SATURDAY,
+    KALENDS OF AUGUST, AGED TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS. SHE
+    LIVED WITH HER HUSBAND TEN YEARS AND THIRTY DAYS. IN CHRIST THE
+    FIRST AND THE LAST.
+
+    TO DOMNINA, MY SWEETEST AND MOST INNOCENT WIFE, WHO LIVED SIXTEEN
+    YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS, AND WAS MARRIED TWO YEARS FOUR MONTHS AND
+    NINE DAYS: WITH WHOM, I WAS NOT ABLE TO LIVE, ON ACCOUNT OF MY
+    TRAVELING, MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, DURING WHICH TIME I SHEWED HER MY
+    LOVE AS I FELT IT. NONE ELSE SO LOVED EACH OTHER. BURIED ON THE
+    FIFTEENTH BEFORE THE KALENDS OF JUNE.
+
+    TO CLAUDIUS, THE WELL-DESERVING AND AFFECTIONATE, WHO LOVED ME. HE
+    LIVED ABOUT TWENTY-FIVE YEARS IN CHRIST.
+
+"There is the tribute of a loving father," said Marcellus, as he read
+the following:
+
+    LAURENCE TO HIS SWEETEST SON SEVERUS. BORNE AWAY BY ANGELS ON THE
+    SEVENTH IDES OF JANUARY.
+
+"And here of a wife."
+
+    Domitius in peace, Lea erected this.
+
+"Yes," said Honorius, "the religion of Jesus Christ changes the nature
+of man, and while it awakens within him love to God, it makes him
+susceptible of more tender affection to his friends and relatives."
+
+Passing on, they found many epitaphs which exhibited this tender love of
+departed relatives.
+
+    CONSTANTIA, OF WONDERFUL BEAUTY AND AMIABILITY, WHO LIVED EIGHTEEN
+    YEARS SIX MONTHS AND SIXTEEN DAYS. CONSTANTIA IN PEACE.
+
+    SIMPLICIUS, OF GOOD AND HAPPY MEMORY, WHO LIVED TWENTY-THREE YEARS
+    AND FORTY-THREE DAYS IN PEACE. HIS BROTHER MADE THIS MONUMENT.
+
+    TO ADSERTOR OUR SON, DEAR, SWEET MOST INNOCENT, AND INCOMPARABLE,
+    WHO LIVED SEVENTEEN YEARS SIX MONTHS AND EIGHT DAYS. HIS FATHER AND
+    MOTHER SET UP THIS.
+
+    TO JANUARIUS, SWEET AND GOOD SON, HONORED AND BELOVED BY ALL: WHO
+    LIVED TWENTY-THREE YEARS FIVE MONTHS AND TWENTY-TWO DAYS.
+
+    HIS PARENTS     LAURINIA, SWEETER THAN HONEY SLEEPS IN PEACE.
+
+    TO THE HOLY SOUL, INNOCENS, WHO LIVED ABOUT THREE YEARS.
+
+    DOMITIANUS, AN INNOCENT SOUL, SLEEPS IN PEACE
+
+    "Farewell, O Sabina; she lived viii years, viii months and xxii days,
+    Mayst thou live sweet in God."
+
+    IN CHRIST: DIED ON THE KALENDS OF SEPTEMBER, POMPEIANUS THE
+    INNOCENT, WHO LIVED SIX YEARS NINE MONTHS EIGHT DAYS AND FOUR HOURS.
+    HE SLEEPS IN PEACE.
+
+    TO THEIR DESERVING SON, CALPURNIUS, HIS PARENTS MADE THIS: HE LIVED
+    FIVE YEARS, EIGHT MONTHS AND TEN DAYS, AND DEPARTED IN PEACE ON THE
+    THIRTEENTH OF JUNE.
+
+"Unto the epitaph of this child," said Marcellus, "they have added the
+symbols of peace and of glory." He pointed to a child's tomb, upon the
+slab of which was engraved a dove and a laurel crown, together with the
+following inscription:
+
+    RESPECTUS, WHO LIVED FIVE YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS, SLEEPS IN PEACE.
+
+"And this one," continued Marcellus, "has a palm branch, the symbol of
+victory."
+
+"Yes," said Honorius, "the Saviour has said, 'Suffer little children to
+come unto me,'" and he read the following inscription:
+
+    MACUS, AN INNOCENT BOY. YOU HAVE ALREADY BEGUN TO BE AMONG THE
+    INNOCENT ONES. HOW ENDURING IS SUCH A LIFE TO YOU. HOW GLADLY WILL
+    YOUR MOTHER, THE CHUCH OF GOD, RECEIVE YOU, RETURNING TO THIS WORLD!
+    LET US RESTRAIN OUR GROANS AND CEASE FROM WEEPING.
+
+Their attention was also attracted by epitaphs over the graves of women
+who had been wives of Christian ministers.
+
+    MY WIFE LAURENTIA MADE ME THIS TOMB. SHE WAS EVER SUITED TO MY
+    DISPOSITION, VENERABLE AND FAITHFUL. AT LENGTH DISAPPOINTED ENVY
+    LIES CRUSHED. THE BISHOP LEO SURVIVED HIS EIGHTIETH YEAR.
+
+    THE PLACE OF BASIL THE PRESBYTER AND HIS FELICITAS. THEY MADE IT FOR
+    THEMSELVES.
+
+    ONCE THE HAPPY DAUGHTER OF THE PRESBYTER GABINUS, HERE LIES SUSANNA,
+    JOINED WITH HER FATHER IN PEACE.
+
+    CLAUDIUS ATTICIANUS, A LECTOR, AND CLAUDIA FELICISSIMA HIS WIFE.
+
+"I see here," said Marcellus, "a larger tomb. Are two buried here?"
+
+"Yes, this is a 'bisomum,' and two occupy that cell. Read the inscription:"
+
+    THE BISOMUM OF SABINUS. HE MADE IT FOR HIMSELF DURING HIS LIFETIME
+    IN THE CEMETERY OF BALBINA IN THE NEW CRYPT.
+
+"Sometimes," continued Honorius, "three are buried in the same grave. In
+other places, Marcellus, you will see that large numbers are buried; for
+when persecution rages it is not always possible to pay to each
+individual the separate attention that is required. Yonder is a tablet
+that marks the burial place of many martyrs whose names are unknown, but
+whose memories are blessed." He pointed to, a slab bearing the following
+inscription:
+
+    MARCELLA AND FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MARTYRS OF CHRIST.
+
+"Here is a longer one," said Marcellus, "and its words may well find an
+echo in the hearts of all of us." With deep emotion they read the
+following:
+
+    IN CHRIST. ALEXANDER IS NOT DEAD, BUT LIVES ABOVE THE STARS, AND HIS
+    BODY RESTS IN THIS TOMB. HE ENDED HIS LIFE UNDER THE EMPEROR
+    ANTONINE, WHO, ALTHOUGH HE MIGHT HAVE FORESEEN THAT GREAT BENEFIT
+    WOULD RESULT FROM HIS SERVICES, RENDERED UNTO HIM HATRED INSTEAD OF
+    FAVOR. FOR WHILE ON HIS KNEES, AND ABOUT TO SACRIFICE UNTO THE TRUE
+    GOD, HE WAS LED AWAY TO EXECUTION. O SAD TIMES! IN WHICH EVEN AMONG
+    SACRED RITES AND PRAYERS, NOT EVEN IN CAVERNS COULD WE BE SAFE. WHAT
+    CAN BE MORE WRETCHED THAN SUCH A LIFE? AND WHAT THAN SUCH A DEATH?
+    WHERE THEY CANNOT BE BURIED BY THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIONS! AT
+    LENGTH THEY SPARKLE IN HEAVEN. HE HAS SCARCELY LIVED WHO HAS LIVED
+    IN CHRISTIAN TIMES.
+
+"This," said Honorius, "is the resting place of a well loved brother,
+whose memory is still cherished in all the Churches. Around this tomb we
+shall hold the 'Agape' upon the anniversary of his birthday. At this
+feast the barriers of different classes and ranks, of different kindreds
+and tribes and tongues and peoples, are all broken down. We are all
+brethren in Christ Jesus, for we remember that as Christ loved us, so
+ought we also to love one another."
+
+In this walk Marcellus had ample opportunity to witness the presence of
+that fraternal love to which Honorius alluded. He encountered men,
+women, and children of every rank and of every age. Men who had filled
+the highest stations in Rome associated in friendly intercourse with
+those who were scarcely above the level of slaves; those who had once
+been cruel and relentless persecutors, now associated in pleasant union
+with the former objects of their hate. The Jewish priest, released from
+the fetters of bigotry and stubborn pride, walked hand in hand with the
+once hated Gentile. The Greek had beheld the foolishness of the Gospel
+transformed into infinite wisdom, and the contempt which he had once
+felt for the followers of Jesus had given place to tender affection.
+Selfishness and ambition, haughtiness and envy, all the baser passions
+of human life, seemed to have fled before the almighty power of
+Christian love. The religion of Christ dwelt in their hearts in all its
+fullness, and its blessed influences were seen here as they might not be
+witnessed elsewhere; not because its nature or its power had been
+changed for their sakes, but because the universal persecution which
+pressed on all alike had robbed them of earthly possessions, cut them
+off from earthly temptations, and by the great sympathy of common
+suffering had forced them closer to one another.
+
+"The worship of the true God," said Honorius, "differs in one respect
+from all false worship. The heathen must enter into his temple, and
+there through the medium of the priest offer up his prayers and his
+sacrifice. But for us Christ has made a sacrifice once for all. Every
+one of his followers can now approach God for himself, for each one is
+made, through Jesus, a king and a priest unto God. To us, then, it is a
+matter of no moment, as far as worship is concerned, whether our chapels
+are left unto us, or whether we are banished from them out of the sight
+of earth. Heaven is the throne of God and the universe is his temple,
+and each one of his children can lift up his voice from any place and at
+any time to worship the Father."
+
+Marcellus's journey extended for a long time and for a great distance.
+Prepared as he was to find a great extent, he was still astonished at
+its vastness. The half had not been told him! and though he had
+traversed so much, he was told that this was but a fraction of the whole
+extent. The average height of the passage ways was about eight feet, but
+in many places it rose to twelve or fifteen feet. Then the frequent
+chapels and rooms which had been formed by widening the arches gave
+greater space to the inhabitants, and made it possible for them to live
+and move in greater freedom. In some places, also, there were narrow
+openings in the roof, through which faint rays of light passed from the
+upper air. These were chosen as places for resort, but not for living.
+The presence of the blessed light of day, however faint, was pleasant
+beyond expression, and served in some slight degree to mitigate the
+surrounding gloom.
+
+Marcellus saw some places which had been walled up forming a sudden
+termination to the passage way, but other paths branched off and
+encircled them and went on as before. "What is this place which is thus
+inclosed?" he asked.
+
+"It is a Roman tomb," said Honorius. "On excavating this passage the
+workmen struck upon it, so they stopped and walled up the place and
+carried on their excavation around it. It was not from the fear of
+disturbing the tomb, but because in death, no less than in life, the
+Christian desires to follow the command of his Lord, and 'come out from
+among them and be separate.'"
+
+"Persecution rages around us and shuts us in," said Marcellus. "How long
+shall the people of God be scattered, how long shall the enemy distress
+us?"
+
+"Such are the cries of many among us," said Honorius, "but it is wrong
+to complain. The Lord has been good to his people. Throughout the empire
+they have gone on for many generations protected by the laws and
+unmolested. True, we have had terrible persecutions, in which thousands
+have died in agony, but these again have passed away and left the Church
+in peace.
+
+"All the persecutions which we have yet received have served only to
+purify the hearts of the people of God and exalt their faith. He knows
+what is best for us. We are in his hands, and he will give us no more
+than we can bear. Let us be sober and watch and pray, O Marcellus, for
+the present storm tells us plainly that the great and terrible day so
+long expected is at hand."
+
+Thus Marcellus walked about with Honorius, conversing and learning new
+things every hour about the doctrines of God's truth and the experiences
+of his people. The sight of their love, their purity, their fortitude,
+their faith, sank deeply into his soul.
+
+The experience which he too had felt was not transient. Every new sight
+but strengthened his desire to unite himself with the faith and fortunes
+of the people of God. Accordingly, before the following Lord's day he
+was baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
+
+On the morning of the Lord's day he sat around the table of the Lord in
+company with other Christians. There they held that simple and affecting
+ceremony by which the Christians showed forth the death of Jesus.
+Honorius offered up the prayer for blessing on the repast. And for the
+first time Marcellus partook of the wine and the bread, the sacred
+symbols of the body and blood of his dying Lord.
+
+"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE CONFESSION OF FAITH.
+
+    "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
+    persecution."
+
+Four days had elapsed since the young soldier had left his chamber.
+Eventful days they had been to him; days full of infinite importance.
+Endless weal or woe had hung upon their issue. But the search of this
+earnest soul after the truth had not been in vain.
+
+His resolution had been taken. On the one side lay fame, honor, and
+wealth; on the other, poverty, want, and woe; yet he had made his
+choice, and turned to the latter without a moment's hesitation. He chose
+rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the
+pleasures of sin for a season.
+
+Upon his return he visited the general and reported himself. He informed
+him that he had been among the Christians, that he could not execute his
+commission, and was willing to take the consequences. The general
+sternly ordered him to his quarters.
+
+Here in the midst of deep meditation, while, conjecturing what might be
+the issue of all this, he was interrupted by the entrance of Lucullus.
+His friend greeted him most affectionately, but was evidently full of
+anxiety.
+
+"I have just seen the general," said he, "who sent for me to give me a
+message for you. But first tell me what is this that you have done?"
+
+Marcellus then related everything from the time he had left until his
+return, concealing nothing whatever. His deep earnestness showed how
+strong and true the impression was that had been made upon him. He then
+related his interview with his general.
+
+"I entered the room feeling the importance of the step I was taking. I
+was about to commit an act of virtual treason, a crime which can only be
+punished with death. Yet I could do nothing else.
+
+"He received me graciously, for he thought that I had met with some
+important success in my search. I told him that since I left I had been
+among the Christians, and from what I had seen of them I had been forced
+to change my feelings toward them. I had thought that they were enemies
+of the state and worthy of death, but I found that they were loyal
+subjects of the emperor and virtuous men. I could never use my sword
+against such as these, and rather than do so I would give it up.
+
+"'A soldier's feelings,' said he, 'have no right to interfere with his
+duties.'
+
+"'But my duties to the God who made me are stronger than any which I owe
+to man.'
+
+"'Has your sympathy with the Christians made you mad?' said he. 'Do you
+not know that this is treason?'
+
+"I bowed, and said that I would take the consequences.
+
+"'Rash youth,' he cried sternly, 'go to your quarters, and I will
+communicate to you my decision.'
+
+"And so I came here at once, and have been here ever since then,
+anxiously awaiting my sentence."
+
+Lucullus had listened to the whole of Marcellus's recital without a word
+or even a gesture. An expression of sad surprise upon his face told what
+his feelings were. He spoke in a mournful tone as Marcellus ended.
+
+"And what that sentence must be you certainly know as well as I. Roman
+discipline, even in ordinary times, can never be trifled with, but now
+the feelings of the government are excited to an unusual degree against
+these Christians. If you persist in your present course you must fall."
+
+"I have told you all my reasons."
+
+"I know, Marcellus, your pure and sincere nature. You have always been
+of a devout mind. You have loved the noble teachings of philosophy. Can
+you not satisfy yourself with these as before? Why should you be
+attracted by the wretched doctrine of a crucified Jew?"
+
+"I have never been satisfied with the philosophy of which you speak. You
+yourself know that there is nothing certain in it on which the soul may
+trust. But the Christian religion is the truth of God, brought down by
+himself, and sanctified by his own death."
+
+"You have thoroughly explained the whole Christian creed to me. Your own
+enthusiasm has made it appear attractive, I will confess; and if all its
+followers were really like yourself my dear Marcellus, it might be
+adapted to bless the world. But I come not here to argue upon religion.
+I come to speak about yourself. You are in danger, my dear friend; your
+station, your honor, your office, your very life is at stake. Consider
+what you have done. An important commission was intrusted to you, upon
+the execution of which you set out. It was expected that you would
+return bringing important information. But instead of this you come back
+and inform the general that you have gone over to the enemy, that you
+are one of them in heart, and that you refuse to bear arms against them.
+If the soldier is free to choose whom he will fight what becomes of
+discipline? He must obey orders. Am I right?"
+
+"You are, Lucullus."
+
+"The question for you to decide is not whether you will choose
+philosophy or Christianity, but whether you will be a Christian or a
+soldier. For as the times are now you see that it is impossible for you
+to be a soldier and a Christian at the same time. One of the two must be
+given up. And not only so, but if you decide upon being a Christian you
+must at once share their fate, for no distinction can be made in favor
+of you. On the other hand, if you continue a soldier you must fight
+against the Christians."
+
+"That is no doubt the question."
+
+"You have warm friends who are willing to forget your great offense,
+Marcellus. I know your enthusiastic nature, and I have pleaded with the
+general for you. He too respects you for your soldierly qualities. He is
+willing to forgive you under certain circumstances."
+
+"What are they?"
+
+"The most merciful of all conditions. Let the past four days be
+forgotten. Banish them from your memory. Resume your commission. Take
+your soldiers and go at once about your duty in arresting these
+Christians."
+
+"Lucullus," said Marcellus, rising from his seat with folded arms, "I
+love you as a friend, I am grateful for your faithful affection. Never
+can I forget it. But I have that within me to which you are a stranger,
+which is stronger than all honors of state. It is the love of God. For
+this I am ready, to give up all, honor, rank, and life itself. My
+decision is irrevocable. I am a Christian."
+
+For a moment Lucullus sat in astonishment and grief looking at his
+friend. He was well acquainted with his resolute soul, and saw with pain
+how completely his persuasions had failed. At length he spoke again. He
+used every argument that he could think of. He brought forward every
+motive that might influence him. He told him of the terrible fate that
+awaited him, and the peculiar vengeance that would be directed against
+him. But all his words were completely useless. At length he rose in
+deep sadness.
+
+"Marcellus," he said, "you tempt fate. You are rushing madly upon a
+terrible destiny. Everything that fortune can bestow is before you, but
+you turn away from all to cast your lot among wretched outcasts. I have
+done the duty of a friend in trying to turn you from your folly, but all
+that I can do is of no avail.
+
+"I have brought you the sentence of the general. You are degraded from
+office. You are put under arrest as a Christian. To-morrow you will be
+seized and handed over to punishment. But many hours are yet before you,
+and I may still have the mournful satisfaction of assisting you to
+escape. Fly then at once. Hasten, for there is no time to lose. There is
+only one place in the world where you can be secure from the vengeance
+of Caesar."
+
+Marcellus heard in silence. Slowly he took off his splendid arms and
+laid them down, sadly he unfastened his gorgeous armor which he had worn
+so proudly. He stood in his simple tunic before his friend.
+
+"Lucullus, again I say that I can never forget your faithful friendship.
+Would we were flying together, that your prayers might ascend with mine
+to Him whom I serve. But enough, I will go. Farewell."
+
+"Farewell, Marcellus. We may never meet in life again. If you are ever
+in want or peril you know on whom you can rely."
+
+The two young men embraced, and Marcellus hastily took his departure.
+
+He walked out of the camp and onward until he reached the Forum. All
+around him were stately marble temples and columns and monuments. There
+the arch of Titus spanned the Via Sacra; there the imperial palace
+reared its gigantic form on high, rich in stately architecture, in
+glorious adornments of precious marbles, and glowing in golden
+decorations. On one side the lofty walls of the Coliseum arose; beyond,
+the stupendous dome of the Temple of Peace; and on the other the
+Capitoline Hill upraised its historic summit, crowned with a cluster of
+stately temples that stood out in sharp relief against the sky.
+
+To this he directed his steps, and ascended the steep declivity up to
+the top of the hill. From the summit he looked around upon the scene.
+The place itself was a spacious square paved with marble, and surrounded
+with lordly temples. On one side was the Campus Martius bounded afar
+onward to the Mediterranean. On every other side the city spread its
+unequaled extent, crowding to the narrow walls, and over-leaping them to
+throw out its radiating streets far away on every side into the country.
+Temples and columns and monuments reared their lofty heads. Innumerable
+statues filled the streets with a population of sculptured forms,
+fountains dashed into the air, chariots rolled through the streets, the
+legions of Rome marched to and fro in military array, and on every side
+surged the restless tide of life in the Imperial city.
+
+Far away the plain extended, dotted with countless villages and houses
+and palaces, rich in luxuriant verdure, the dwelling-place of peace and
+plenty. On one side arose the blue outline of the Apennines, crowned
+with snow; on the other the dark waves of the Mediterranean washed the
+far distant shore.
+
+Suddenly Marcellus was startled by a shout. He turned. An old man in
+scant clothing, with emaciated face and frenzied gesticulation, was
+shouting out a strain of fearful denunciation. His wild glance and
+fierce manner showed that he was partly insane.
+
+    "'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,
+    And is become the habitation of devils,
+    And the hold of every foul spirit,
+    And a cage of every unclean and hateful bird;
+    For God hath remembered her iniquities.
+    Reward her even as she rewarded you,
+    And double unto her double according to her works.
+    How much hath she glorified herself and lived deliciously,
+    Therefore shall her plagues come in one day,
+    Death, and mourning, and famine;
+    And she shall be utterly burned with fire;
+    For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
+    The kings of the earth
+    Shall bewail and lament,
+    Seeing the smoke of her burning,
+    Standing afar off for fear of her torment,
+    Crying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon,
+    That mighty city Babylon,
+    For in one hour is thy judgment come.
+    The merchants of the earth,
+    Standing afar off for fear of her torment,
+    Shall weep and wail.
+    Crying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon,
+    That was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet.
+    And decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls.
+    For in one hour so great riches is come to naught!
+    And every shipmaster, and the company in ships,
+    And sailors and traders by sea,
+    Shall cry when they see the smoke of her burning,
+    Standing afar off for fear of her torment.
+    'What city is like unto that great city!'
+    And casting dust on their head they shall cry,
+    Weeping and wailing,
+    Alas, alas, that great city,
+    Wherein were made rich all that had ships at sea,
+    For in one hour is she brought to naught.
+    Rejoice over her thou heaven!
+    And ye holy apostles and prophets,
+    For God hath avenged you on her!"
+
+A vast crowd collected around him in amazement, but scarcely had he
+ceased when some soldiers appeared and led him away.
+
+"Doubtless it is some poor Christian whose brain has been turned by
+suffering," thought Marcellus. As the man was led away he still shouted
+out his terrific denunciations, and a great crowd followed, yelling and
+deriding. Soon the noise died away in the distance.
+
+"There is no time to lose. I must go," said Marcellus; and he turned away.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+LIFE IN THE CATACOMBS.
+
+    "O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon.
+    Irrevocably dark, total eclipse,
+    Without all hope of day!"
+
+Upon his return to the Catacombs he was welcomed with tears of joy. Most
+eagerly they listened to the account of his interview with his
+superiors; and while they sympathized with his troubles, they rejoiced
+that he had been found worthy to suffer for Christ.
+
+Amid these new scenes he learned more of the truth every day, and saw
+what its followers endured. Life in the Catacombs opened around him with
+all its wondrous variety.
+
+The vast numbers who dwelt below were supplied with provisions by
+constant communication with the city above. This was done at night. The
+most resolute and daring of the men volunteered for this dangerous task.
+Sometimes also women, and even boys, went forth upon this errand, and
+the lad Pollio was the most acute and successful of all these. Amid the
+vast population of Rome it was not difficult to pass unnoticed, and
+consequently the supply was well kept up. Yet sometimes the journey met
+with a fatal termination, and the bold adventurers never returned.
+
+Of water there was a plentiful supply in the passage ways of the
+lowermost tier. Wells and fountains here supplied sufficient for all
+their wants.
+
+At night, too, were made the most mournful expeditions of all. These
+were in search of the dead which had been torn by the wild beasts or
+burned at the stake. These loved remains were obtained at the greatest
+risk, and brought down amid a thousand dangers. Then the friends of the
+lost would perform the funeral service and hold the burial feast. After
+this they would deposit their remains in the narrow cell, and close the
+place up with a marble tablet graven with the name of the occupant.
+
+The ancient Christian, inspired by the glorious doctrine of the
+resurrection, looked forward with ardent hope to the time when
+corruption should put on incorruption, and the mortal, immortality. He
+was unwilling that the body which so sublime a destiny awaited should be
+reduced to ashes, and thought that even the sacred funeral flames were a
+dishonor to that temple of God which had been so highly favored of
+heaven. So the cherished bodies of the dead were brought here out of the
+sight of man, where no irreverent hand might disturb the solemn
+stillness of their last repose, to lie until the last trump should give
+that summons for which the primitive Church waited so eagerly, in daily
+expectation. In the city above the Christian religion had been
+increasing for successive generations, and during all this time the dead
+had been coming here in ever-increasing numbers, so that now the
+Catacombs formed a vast city of the dead, whose silent population
+slumbered in endless ranges, rank above rank, waiting till
+
+    "The wakeful trump of doom should thunder through the deep."
+
+In many places the arches had been knocked away and the roof heightened
+so as to form rooms. None of them were of very great size, but they
+formed areas where the fugitives might meet in larger companies and
+breathe more freely. Here they passed much of the time, and here, too,
+they had their religious services.
+
+The nature of the times in which they lived will explain their
+situation. The simple virtues of the old republic had passed away, and
+freedom had taken her everlasting flight. Corruption had moved over the
+empire and subdued every thing beneath its numbing influence. Plots,
+rebellions, and treasons cursed the state by turns, but the fallen
+people stood by in silence. They saw their bravest suffer, their noblest
+die, all unmoved. The generous heart, the soul of fire, awaked no more.
+Only the basest passions aroused their degenerate feelings.
+
+Into such a state as this the truth came boldly, and through such
+enemies as these it had to fight its way over such obstacles to make its
+slow but sure progress. They who enlisted under her banner had no life
+of ease before them. Her trumpet gave forth no uncertain sound. The
+conflict was stern, and involved name, and fame, and fortune, and
+friends, and life, all that was most dear to man. Ages rolled on. If the
+followers of truth increased in number, so also did vice intensify her
+power and her malignity; the people sank into deeper corruption, the
+state drifted on to more certain ruin.
+
+Then arose those terrible persecutions which aimed to obliterate from
+the earth the last vestige of Christianity. A terrible ordeal awaited
+the Christian if he resisted the imperial decree; to those who followed
+her, the order of Truth was inexorable; and when a decision was made, it
+was a final one. To make that decision for Christianity was often to
+accept instant death, or else to be driven from the city, banished from
+the joys of home and from the light of day.
+
+The hearts of the Romans were hardened and their eyes blinded. Neither
+childhood's innocence, nor womanly purity, nor noble manhood, nor the
+reverend hairs of age, nor faith immovable, nor love triumphant over
+death, could touch them or move them to pity. They did not see the black
+cloud of desolation that hovered over the doomed empire, nor know that
+from its fury those whom they persecuted alone could save them.
+
+Yet in that reign of terror the Catacombs opened before the Christian
+like a city of refuge. Here lay the bones of their fathers who from
+generation to generation had fought for the truth, and their worn bodies
+waited here for the resurrection morn. Here they brought their
+relatives, as one by one they had left them and gone on high. Here the
+son had borne the body of his aged mother, and the parent had seen his
+child committed to the tomb. Here they had carried the mangled remains
+of those who had been torn to pieces by the wild beasts of the arena;
+the blackened corpses of those who had been given to the flames; or the
+wasted bodies of those most wretched who had sighed out their lives amid
+the lingering agonies of death by crucifixion. Every Christian had some
+friend or relative lying here in death. The very ground was sanctified,
+the very air hallowed. It was not strange that they should seek for
+safety in such a place.
+
+Moreover, in these subterranean abodes, they found their only place of
+refuge from persecution. They could not seek foreign countries nor fly
+beyond the sea, because for them there were no countries of refuge, and
+no lands beyond the sea held out a hope. The imperial power of Rome
+grasped the civilized world in its mighty embrace; her tremendous police
+system extended through all lands, and none might escape her wrath. So
+resistless was this power, that from the highest noble down to the
+meanest slave, all were subject to it. The dethroned emperor could not
+escape her vengeance, nor was such an escape even hoped for. When Nero
+fell, he could only go and kill himself in a neighboring villa. Yet
+here, amid these infinite labyrinths, even the power of Rome was
+unavailing, and her baffled emissaries faltered at the very entrance.
+
+Here, then, the persecuted Christians tarried, and their great numbers
+peopled these paths and grottoes, by day assembling to exchange words of
+cheer and comfort, or to bewail the death of some new martyr; by night
+sending forth the boldest among them, like a forlorn hope, to learn
+tidings of the upper world, or to bring down the blood-stained bodies of
+some new victims. Through the different persecutions, they lived here so
+secure that although millions perished throughout the empire, the power
+of Christianity at Rome was but slightly shaken.
+
+Their safety was secured and life preserved, but on what terms? For what
+is life without light, or what is the safety of the body in gloom that
+depresses the soul? The physical nature of man shrinks from such a fate,
+and his delicate organization is speedily aware of the lack of that
+subtle renovating principle which is connected with light only. One by
+one the functions of the body lose their tone and energy. This weakening
+of the body affects the mind, predisposing it to gloom, apprehension,
+doubt, and despair. It is greater honor for a man to be true and
+steadfast under such circumstances than to have died a heroic death in
+the arena or to have perished unflinchingly at the stake. Here, where
+there closed around these captives the thickest shades of darkness, they
+encountered their sorest trial. Fortitude under the persecution itself
+was admirable; but against the persecution, blended with such horrors as
+these, it became sublime.
+
+The cold blast that forever drifted through these labyrinths chilled
+them, but brought no pure air from above; the floors, the walls, the
+roofs, were covered over with the foul deposits of damp vapors that
+forever hung around; the atmosphere was thick with impure exhalations
+and poisonous miasma; the dense smoke from the ever-burning torches
+might have mitigated the noxious gases, but it oppressed the dwellers
+here with its blinding and suffocating influence. Yet amid all these
+accumulated horrors the soul of the martyr stood up unconquered. The
+Roman spirit that endured all this rises up to grander proportions than
+were ever attained in the proudest days of the old republic. The
+fortitude of Regulus, the devotion of Curtius, the constancy of Brutus,
+were here surpassed, not by the strong man, but by the tender virgin and
+the weak child. Thus, scorning to yield to the fiercest power of
+persecution, these men went forth, the good, the pure in heart, the
+brave, the noble. For then death had no terrors, nor that appalling life
+in death which they were compelled to endure here in the dismal regions
+of the dead. They knew what was before them, and they accepted it all.
+Willingly they descended here, carrying with them all that was most
+precious to the soul of man, and they endured all this for the great
+love wherewith they were loved.
+
+The constant efforts which they made to diminish the gloom of their
+abodes were visible all around. In the ancient world art was cultivated
+more universally than in the modern. Wherever any large number of men
+was collected a large proportion had the taste and the talent for art.
+When the Christians peopled the Catacombs the artist was here too, and
+his art was not unemployed. In these chapels, which to the population
+here were like what public squares are to the inhabitants of a city,
+every effort was made to lessen the surrounding cheerlessness. So the
+walls were in some places covered over with white stucco, and in others
+these again were adorned with pictures, not of deified mortals for
+idolatrous worship, but of those grand old heroes of the truth who in
+former generations had "through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
+righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched
+the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness
+were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of
+the aliens." If in the hour of bitter anguish they sought for scenes or
+thoughts that might relieve their souls and inspire them with fresh
+strength for the future, they could have found no other objects to look
+upon so strong to encourage, so mighty to console.
+
+Such were the decorations of the chapels. The only furniture which they
+contained was a simple wooden table upon which they placed the bread and
+wine of the sacrament, the symbols of the body and blood of their dying
+Lord.
+
+Christianity had struggled long, and it was a struggle with corruption.
+It will not be thought strange, then, if the Church contracted some
+marks of a too close contact with her foe, or if she carried some of
+them down to her place of refuge. Yet if they had some variations from
+the apostolic model, these were so trifling that they might be
+overlooked altogether, were it not that they opened the way to greater
+ones. Still, the essential doctrines of Christianity knew no pollution,
+no change. The guilt of man, the mercy of the Father, the atonement of
+the Son, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, salvation through faith in
+the Redeemer, all these foundations of truth were cherished with a
+fervor and an energy to which no language can do justice.
+
+Theirs was that heavenly hope, the anchor of the soul, so strong and so
+secure that the storm of an empire's wrath failed to drive them from the
+Rock of Ages where they were sheltered.
+
+Theirs was that lofty faith which upheld them through the sorest trials,
+a sincere trust in God that could not doubt. There was no need here
+either of discussions about the theological term "faith," or of formal
+prayers that regarded it as some immaterial essence. Faith with them was
+everything. It was the very breath of life; so true that it upheld them
+in the hour of cruel sacrifices; so lasting that even when it seemed
+that all the followers of Christ had vanished from the earth, they could
+still look up trustfully and wait.
+
+Theirs was that love which Christ when on earth defined as comprising
+all the law and the prophets. Sectarian strife, denominational
+bitterness, were unknown. They had a great general foe to fight, how
+could they quarrel with one another. Here arose love to man which knew
+no distinction of race or class, but embraced all in its immense
+circumference, so that one could lay down his life for his brother; here
+arose love to God which stopped not at the sacrifice of life itself. The
+persecutions which raged around them gave them all that zeal, faith, and
+love which glowed so brightly amid the darkness of the age. It confined
+their numbers to the true and the sincere. It was the antidote to
+hypocrisy. It gave to the brave the most daring heroism, and inspired
+the fainthearted with the courage of despair. They lived in a time when
+to be a Christian was to risk one's life. They did not shrink, but
+boldly proclaimed their faith and accepted the consequences. They drew a
+broad line between themselves and the heathen, and stood manfully on
+their own side. To utter a few words, to perform a simple act, could
+often save from death; but the tongue refused to speak the formula, and
+the stubborn hand refused to pour the libation. The vital doctrines of
+Christianity met from them far more than a mere intellectual response.
+Christ himself was not to them an idea, a thought, but a real existence.
+The life of Jesus upon earth was to them a living truth. They accepted
+it as a proper example for every man. His gentleness, humility,
+patience, and meekness they believed were offered for imitation, nor did
+they ever separate the ideal Christian from the real. They thought that
+a man's religion consisted as much in the life as in the sentiment, and
+had not learned to separate experimental from practical Christianity. To
+them the death of Christ was a great event to which all others were but
+secondary. That he died in very deed, and for the sons of men, none
+could understand better than they. Among their own brethren they could
+think of many a one who had hung upon the cross for his brethren or died
+at the stake for his God. They took up the cross and followed Christ,
+bearing the reproach. That cross and that reproach were not figurative.
+Witness these gloomy labyrinths, fit home for the dead only, which
+nevertheless for years opened to shelter the living. Witness these names
+of martyrs, those words of despair. The walls carry down to later ages
+the words of grief, of lamentation, and of ever-changing feeling which
+were marked upon them during successive ages by those who were banished
+to these Catacombs. They carry down their mournful story to future
+times, and bring to imagination the forms, the feelings and the deeds of
+those who were imprisoned here. As the forms of life are taken upon the
+plates of the camera, so has the great voice once forced out by
+suffering from the very soul of the martyr become stamped upon the wall.
+
+Humble witnesses of the truth; poor, dispised, forsaken; in vain their
+calls for mercy went forth to the ears of man; they were stifled in the
+blood of the slaughtered and the smoke of the sacrifice! Yet where their
+own race only answered their cry of despair with fresh tortures these
+rocky walls proved more merciful; they heard their sighs, they took them
+to their bosoms, and so their cries of suffering lived here, treasured
+up and graven in the rock forever.
+
+The conversion of Marcellus to Christianity had been sudden. Yet such
+quick transitions from error to truth were not unfrequent. He had tried
+the highest forms of Pagan superstition and heathen philosophy but had
+found them wanting, and as soon as Christianity appeared before him he
+beheld all that he desired. It possessed exactly what was needed to
+satisfy the cravings of his soul and fill his empty heart with the
+fullness of peace. And if the transition was quick, it was none the less
+thorough. Having opened his eyes and seen the light of the Sun of
+Righteousness, he could not close them. Rather than relapse into his
+former blindness, he gladly welcomed his share in the sufferings of the
+persecuted.
+
+Conversions like these distinguished the first preaching, of the Gospel.
+Throughout the heathen world there were countless souls who felt as
+Marcellus did, and had gone through the same experiences. It needed only
+the preaching of the truth, accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit,
+to open their eyes and bring them to see the light. Apart from divine
+influence over human reason, we see here a cause for the rapid spread of
+Christianity.
+
+Living and moving and conversing with his new brethren, Marcellus soon
+began to enter into all their hopes and fears and joys. Their faith and
+trust communicated themselves to his heart, and all the glorious
+expectations which sustained them became the solace of his own soul. The
+blessed word of life became his constant study and delight, and all its
+teachings found in him an ardent disciple.
+
+Meetings for prayer and praise were frequent throughout the Catacombs.
+Cut off from ordinary occupations of worldly business, they were thrown
+entirely upon other and higher pursuits. Deprived of the opportunity to
+make efforts for the support of the body, they were forced to make their
+chief business the care of the soul. They gained what they sought. Earth
+with its cares, its allurements, and its thousand attractions, lost its
+hold upon them. Heaven drew nearer; their thoughts and their language
+were of the kingdom. They loved to talk of the joy that awaited those
+who continued faithful unto death; to converse upon those departed
+brethren who to them were not lost but gone before; to anticipate the
+moment when their own time should come. Above all, they looked every day
+for that great final summons which should rouse the quick and dead, and
+arraign all before the great white throne.
+
+Thus Marcellus saw these dismal passages not left to the silent slumber
+of the dead, but filled with thousands of the living. Wan and pale and
+oppressed, they found even amid this darkness a better fate than that
+which might await them above. Busy life animated the haunts of the dead;
+the pathways rang to the sound of human voices. The light of truth and
+virtue, banished from the upper air, burned anew with a purer radiance
+amid this subterranean gloom. The tender greetings of affection, of
+friendship, of kinship, and of love, arose amid the mouldering remains
+of the departed. Here the tear of grief mingled with the blood of the
+martyr, and the hand of affection wrapped his pale limbs in the shroud.
+Here in these grottoes the heroic soul rose up superior to sorrow. Hope
+and faith smiled exultingly, and pointed to the light of immortal life,
+and the voice of praise breathed forth from the lips of the mourner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE PERSECUTION.
+
+    "Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God
+    ye might receive the promise."
+
+The persecution raged with greater fury. In the few weeks that passed
+since Marcellus had lived here, great numbers had sought refuge in this
+retreat. Never before had so many congregated here. Generally the
+authorities had been content with the more conspicuous Christians, and
+the fugitives to the Catacombs were consequently composed of this class;
+it was a severe persecution indeed which embraced all, and such
+indiscriminate rage had been shown only under a few emperors. But now
+there was no distinction of class or station. The humblest follower as
+well as the highest teacher was hurried away to death.
+
+Until this time the communication with the city was comparatively easy,
+for the poor Christians above ground never neglected those below or
+forgot their wants. Provisions and assistance of of all kinds were
+readily obtained. But now the very ones on whom the fugitives relied for
+help were themselves driven out, to share their fate and become the
+partakers instead of the bestowers of charity.
+
+Still their situation was not desperate. There were many left in Rome
+who loved them and assisted them, although they were not Christians. In
+every great movement there will be an immense class composed of
+neutrals, who either from interest or indifference remain unmoved. These
+people will invariably join the strongest side, and where danger
+threatens will evade it by any concessions. Such was the condition of
+large numbers in Rome. They had friends and relatives among the
+Christians whom they loved, and for whom they felt sympathy. They were
+always ready to assist them, but had too much regard for their own
+safety to cast in their lot with them. They attended the temples and
+assisted at the worship of the heathen gods as before, and were
+nominally adherents of the old superstition. Upon these now the
+Christians were forced to depend for the necessaries of life.
+
+The expeditions to the city were now accompanied with greater danger,
+and only the boldest dared to venture. Such, however, was the contempt
+of danger and death with which they were inspired that there was never
+any scarcity of men for this perilous duty.
+
+To this task Marcellus offered himself, glad that he could in any way do
+good to his brethren. His fearlessness and acuteness, which had formerly
+raised him so high as a soldier, now made him conspicuous for success in
+this new pursuit.
+
+Numbers were destroyed every day. Their bodies were sought for and
+carried away by the Christians for purposes of burial. This was not very
+difficult to accomplish, since it relieved the authorities of the
+trouble of burning or burying the corpses.
+
+One day tidings came to the community beneath the Appian Way that two of
+their number had been captured and put to death. Marcellus and another
+Christian went forth to obtain their bodies. The boy Pollio also went
+with them, to be useful in case of need. It was dusk when they entered
+the city gate, and darkness came rapidly on. Soon, however, the moon
+arose and illumined the scene.
+
+They threaded their way through the dark streets, and at length came to
+the Coliseum, the place of martyrdom for so many of their companions.
+Its dark form towered up grandly before them, vast and gloomy and stern
+as the imperial power that reared it. Crowds of keepers and guards and
+gladiators were within the iron gates, where the vaulted passage ways
+were illuminated with the glare of torches.
+
+The keepers knew their errand, and rudely ordered them to follow. They
+led them on till they came to the arena. Here lay a number of bodies,
+the last of those who had been slain that day. They were fearfully
+mangled; some indeed were scarcely distinguishable as human beings.
+After a long search they found the two whom they sought. Their bodies
+were then placed in large sacks, in which they prepared to carry them
+away. Marcellus looked in upon the scene. All around him rose the
+massive walls, ascending by many terraces back to the outer circle. Its
+black form seemed to shut him in with a barrier which he could not pass.
+
+"How long will it be," he thought, "before I too shall take my place
+here and lay down my life for my Saviour? When that time comes shall I
+be true? Lord Jesus, in that hour sustain me!"
+
+The moon had not yet risen high enough to shine into the arena. Within
+it was dark and forbidding. The search had been made with torches
+obtained from the keepers.
+
+At this moment Marcellus heard a deep voice from some of the vaults
+behind them. Its tones rang out upon the night air with startling
+distinctness, and were heard high above the rude clamor of the keepers:
+
+    "Now is come salvation and strength,
+    And the kingdom of our God,
+    And the power of his Christ;
+    For the accuser of our brethren is cast down,
+    Which accused them before our God day and night.
+    And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
+    And by the word of his testimony,
+    And they loved not their lives unto the death."
+
+"Who is that?" said Marcellus.
+
+"Do not notice him," said his companion. "It is Brother Cinna. His
+griefs have made him mad. His only son was burned at the stake at the
+beginning of the persecution, and since then he has gone about the city
+denouncing woe. Hitherto they have let him alone; but now at last they
+have seized him."
+
+"And is he a prisoner here?"
+
+"He is."
+
+Again the voice of Cinna arose, fearfully, menacingly, and terribly,
+
+"How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not avenge our blood on them
+that dwell upon the earth?"
+
+"This, then, is the man that I heard in the Capitol?"
+
+"Yes. He has been all through the city, and even in the palace, uttering
+his cry."
+
+"Let us go."
+
+They took their sacks and started for the gates. After a short delay
+they were allowed to pass. As they went out they heard the voice of
+Cinna in the distance:
+
+    "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,
+    And is become the habitation of devils,
+    And the hold of every foul spirit,
+    And the cage of every unclean and hateful bird:
+    Come ye out of her, my people!"
+
+None of them spoke until they had reached a safe distance from the
+Coliseum.
+
+"I felt afraid," said Marcellus, "that we should be kept in there."
+
+"Your fears were reasonable," said the other. "Any sudden whim of the
+keeper might be our doom. But this we must be prepared for. In times
+like this we must be ready to meet death at any moment. What says our
+Lord? 'Be ye also ready.' We must be able to say when the time comes, 'I
+am now ready to be offered.'"
+
+"Yes," said Marcellus, "our Lord has told us what we will have: 'In this
+world ye shall have tribulation--"
+
+"And he says also, 'Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Where I
+am, there ye shall be also.'"
+
+"Through him," said Marcellus, "we can come off more than conquerors
+over death. The afflictions of this present time are not worthy to be
+compared to the glory that shall be revealed to us."
+
+Thus they solaced themselves with the promises of that blessed Word of
+life which in all ages and under all circumstances can give such
+heavenly consolation. Bearing their burdens, they finally reached their
+destination in safety, thankful that they had been preserved.
+
+A few days afterward Marcellus went up for provisions. This time he was
+alone. He went to the house of a man who was friendly to them and had
+been of much assistance. It was outside of the walls, in the suburb
+nearest the Appian Way.
+
+After obtaining the requisite supply, he began to inquire after the
+news. "The news is bad for you," said the man. "One of the Pretorian
+officers was recently converted to Christianity, and the emperor is
+enraged. He has appointed another to the office which he held, and has
+sent him after the Christians. They are catching some every day. No man
+is too poor to be seized in these days."
+
+"Ah! Do you know the name of this Pretorian officer who is seeking the
+Christians?"
+
+"Lucullus."
+
+"Lucullus!" cried Marcellus. "How strange!"
+
+"He is said to be a man of great skill and energy."
+
+"I have heard of him. This is indeed bad news for the Christians."
+
+"The conversion of the other Pretorian officer has greatly enraged the
+emperor. A price is now set upon his head. If you chance to see him or
+to be in his way, friend, you had better let him know. They say he is in
+the Catacombs."
+
+"He must be there. There is no other place of safety."
+
+"These are indeed terrible times. You have need to be cautious."
+
+"They cannot kill me more than once," said Marcellus.
+
+"Ah! you Christians have wonderful fortitude. I admire your bravery; yet
+still I think you might conform outwardly to the emperor's decree. Why
+should you rush so madly upon death?"
+
+"Our Redeemer died for us. We are ready to die for him. And since he
+died for his people, we also are willing to imitate him and lay down our
+lives for our brethren."
+
+"You are wonderful people," said the man, raising his hands.
+
+Marcellus now bade him farewell, and departed with his load. The news
+which he had just heard filled his mind.
+
+"So Lucullus has taken my place," thought he. "I wonder if he has turned
+against me? Does he now think of me as his friend Marcellus, or only as
+a Christian? I may soon find out. It would be strange indeed if I should
+fall into his hands; and yet if I am captured it will probably be by him.
+
+"Yet it is his duty as a soldier, and why should I complain? If he is
+appointed to that office he can do nothing else than obey. As a soldier
+he can only treat me as an enemy of the state. He may pity or love me in
+his heart, yet he must not shrink from his duty.
+
+"If a price is put on my head they will redouble their efforts for me.
+My time I believe is at hand. Let me be prepared to meet it."
+
+With such thoughts as these, he walked down the Appian Way. He was
+wrapped up in his own meditations, and did not see a crowd of people
+that had gathered at a corner of a street until he was among them. Then
+he suddenly found himself stopped.
+
+"Ho, friend!" cried a rude voice, "not so fast. Who are you, and where
+are you going?"
+
+"Away," cried Marcellus in a tone of command natural to one who had
+ruled over men; and he motioned the man aside.
+
+The crowd were awe-struck by his authoritative tone and imperious
+manner, but their spokesman showed more courage.
+
+"Tell us who you are, or you shall not pass."
+
+"Fellow," cried Marcellus, "stand aside! Do you not know me? I am a
+Pretorian."
+
+At that dreaded name the crowd quickly opened, and Marcellus passed
+through it. But scarcely had he moved five paces away than a voice
+exclaimed:
+
+"Seize him! It is the Christian, Marcellus!"
+
+A shout arose from the crowd. Marcellus needed no further warning.
+Dropping his load, he started off down a side street toward the Tiber.
+The whole crowd pursued. It was a race for life, and death. But
+Marcellus had been trained to every athletic sport, and increased the
+distance between himself and his pursuers. At last he reached the Tiber,
+and leaping in, he swam to the opposite side.
+
+The pursuers reached the river's brink, but followed no further.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE ARREST.
+
+    "The trial of your faith worketh patience."
+
+Honorius was seated in the chapel with one or two others, among whom was
+the lady Caecilia. The feeble rays of a single lamp but faintly
+illuminated the scene. They were silent and sad. A deeper melancholy
+than usual rested upon them. Around them was the sound of footsteps and
+of voices and a confused murmur of life.
+
+Suddenly a quick step was heard, and Marcellus entered. The occupants of
+the chapel sprang up with cries of joy.
+
+"Where is Pollio?" cried Caecilia eagerly.
+
+"I have not seen him," said Marcellus.
+
+"Not seen him! said Caecilia, and she fell back upon her seat.
+
+"Why? Is he beyond his time?"
+
+"He ought to have returned six hours ago, and I am sick with anxiety."
+
+"O there is no danger," said Marcellus soothingly. "He can take care of
+himself." He tried to pass it off with a careless tone, but his looks
+belied his words.
+
+"No danger!" said Caecilia. "Alas! we know too well what new dangers
+there are. Never has it been so dangerous as now."
+
+"What has delayed you, Marcellus? We had begun to give you up."
+
+"I was stopped near the Via Alba," said Marcellus. "I dropped my load
+and ran to the river. The crowd followed, but I jumped into the river
+and swam across. There I took a circuitous route among the streets on
+the opposite side, after which I came across again and reached this
+place in safety."
+
+"You had a narrow escape. A price is on your head."
+
+"Have you heard it?"
+
+"Yes, and much more. We have heard of the redoubled efforts which they
+are making to crush us. All through the day tidings of sorrow have been
+reaching us. We must rely more than ever on Him who alone can save us."
+
+"We can baffle them still," said Marcellus hopefully.
+
+"They watch our principal entrances," said Honorius.
+
+"Then we can make new ones. The openings are numberless."
+
+"They have offered rewards for all the prominent brethren."
+
+"What then? We will guard those brethren more carefully than ever."
+
+"Our means of living are gradually lessening."
+
+"But there are as many bold and faithful hearts as ever. Who is afraid
+to risk his life now? There will never cease to be a supply of food so
+long as we live in the Catacombs. If we escape pursuit we bring help to
+our brethren; if we die we receive the crown of martyrdom."
+
+"You are right, Marcellus. Your faith puts my fear to shame. How can
+those who live in the Catacombs be afraid of death? It is but a
+momentary gloom and it will pass. But this day we have heard much to
+distress our hearts and fill our spirits with dismay."
+
+"Alas," continued Honorius in a mournful voice, "how are the people
+scattered and the Churches left desolate! But a few months ago and there
+were fifty Christian churches within this city where the light of truth
+shone, and the sound of prayer and praise ascended to the Most High. Now
+they are overthrown, the people dispersed, and driven out of the sight
+of men."
+
+He paused, overcome by emotion, and then in a low and plaintive voice he
+repeated the mournful words of the eightieth psalm:
+
+    "How long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?
+    Thou feedest them with the bread of tears;
+    And givest them tears to drink in great measure.
+    Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbors;
+    And our enemies laugh among themselves.
+    Turn us again, O God of hosts,
+    And cause thy face to shine,
+    And we shall be saved.
+    Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt;
+    Thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
+    Thou preparedst room before it,
+    And didst cause it to take deep root,
+    And it filled the land.
+    The hills were covered with the shadow of it,
+    And the boughs thereof were like goodly cedars.
+    She sent out her boughs to the sea,
+    And her branches unto the river.
+    Why hast thou broken down her hedges,
+    So that all who pass by the way do pluck her?
+    The boar out of the wood doth waste it,
+    And the wild beast of the field doth devour it.
+    Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts,
+    Look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine.
+    And the vineyard which thy right hand planted,
+    And the branch which thou madest strong for thyself.
+    It is burned with fire, it is cut down;
+    They perish at the rebuke of thy countenance."
+
+"You are sad, Honorius," said Marcellus. "Our sufferings, it is true,
+increase upon us; but we can be more than conquerors through Him who
+loved us. What says he--"
+
+"'To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is
+in the midst of the Paradise of God.'
+
+"'Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life. He
+that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.'
+
+"'To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and
+will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which
+no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.'
+
+"'He that overcometh and keepeth my words unto the end, to him will I
+give power over the nations, and I will give him the morning star.'
+
+"'He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I
+will not blot his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his
+name before my Father, and before his angels.'
+
+"'Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and
+he shall go no more out, and I will write upon him the name of my God,
+and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh
+down out of heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new name.'
+
+"' To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even
+as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.'"
+
+As Marcellus spoke these words his form grew erect, his eye brightened,
+and his face flushed with enthusiasm. His emotions were transmitted to
+his companions, and as one by one these glorious promises fell upon
+their ears they forgot for a while their sorrows in the thought of their
+approaching blessedness. The New Jerusalem, the golden streets, the
+palms of glory, the song of the Lamb, the face of Him who sitteth upon
+the throne; all these were present to their minds.
+
+"Marcellus," said Honorius, "you have driven away my gloom by your
+words; let us, rise superior to earthly troubles. Come, brethren, lay
+aside your cares. The youngest born into the kingdom puts our faith to
+shame. Let us look to the joy set before us. 'For we know that if this
+earthly tabernacle be destroyed we have a house not made with hands,
+eternal in the heavens.'"
+
+"Death comes nearer," he continued, "our enemies encircle us, and the
+circle grows narrower. Let us die like Christians--"
+
+"Why these gloomy forebodings?" said Marcellus. "Is death nearer to us
+than it was before? Are we not safe in the Catacombs?"
+
+"Have you not heard, then?"
+
+"What?"
+
+"Of the death of Chrysippus!"
+
+"Chrysippus! dead! No--how? when?"
+
+"The soldiers of the emperor were led down into the Catacombs by some
+one who knew the way. They advanced upon the room where service was
+going on. This was in the Catacombs beyond the Tiber. The brethren gave
+a hasty alarm and fled. But the venerable Chrysippus, either through
+extreme old age or else through desire for martyrdom, refused to fly. He
+threw himself upon his knees and raised his voice in prayer. Two
+faithful attendants remained with him. The soldiers rushed in, and even
+while Chrysippus was upon his knees they dashed out his brains. He fell
+dead at the first blow, and his two attendants were slain by his side."
+
+"They have gone to join the noble army of martyrs. They have been
+faithful unto death, and will receive the crown of life," said Marcellus.
+
+But now they were interrupted by a tumult without. Instantly every one
+started upright. "The soldiers!" exclaimed all.
+
+But, no; it was not the soldiers. It was a Christian; a messenger from
+the world above. Pale and trembling, he flung himself upon the floor,
+and wringing his hands, cried out as he panted for breath,
+
+"Alas! alas!"
+
+Upon the lady Caecilia the sight of this man produced a terrible effect.
+She staggered back against the wall trembling from head to foot, her
+hands clenched each other, her eyes stared wildly, her lips moved as
+though she wished to speak, but no sound escaped.
+
+"Speak--speak! Tell us all," cried Honorius.
+
+"Pollio!" gasped the messenger.
+
+"What of him?" said Marcellus sternly.
+
+"He is arrested--he is in prison!"
+
+At that intelligence a shriek burst forth which sounded fearfully amid
+the surrounding horrors. It came from the Lady Caecilia. The next moment
+she fell heavily, to the floor.
+
+The bystanders hurried to attend her. They carried her away to her own
+quarters. There they applied the customary restoratives and she revived.
+But the blow had struck heavily, and though sense and feeling returned,
+yet she seemed like one in a dream.
+
+Meanwhile the messenger had recovered strength and told all that he knew.
+
+"Pollio was with you, was he?" asked Marcellus.
+
+"No, he was alone."
+
+"On what errand?"
+
+"Finding out the news. I was on one side of the street a little behind.
+He was coming home. We walked on until we came to a crowd of men. To my
+surprise, Pollio was stopped and questioned. I did not hear what passed,
+but I saw their threatening gestures, and at length saw them seize him.
+I could do nothing. I kept at a safe distance and watched. In about half
+an hour a troop of Pretorians came along. Pollio was handed over to
+them, and they carried him away."
+
+"Pretorians?" said Marcellus. "Do you know the captain?"
+
+"Yes; it was Lucullus."
+
+"It is well," said Marcellus, and he fell into a deep fit of musing.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE OFFER.
+
+    "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life
+    for his friends."
+
+It was evening in the Pretorian camp. Lucullus was in his room seated by
+a lamp which threw a bright light around. He was roused by a knock at
+the door. At once rising, he opened it. A man entered and advanced
+silently to the middle of the room. He then disencumbered himself of the
+folds of a large mantle in which he was dressed and faced Lucullus.
+
+"Marcellus!" cried the other in amazement, and springing forward he
+embraced his visitor with every mark of joy.
+
+"Dear friend," said he, "to what happy chance do I owe this meeting? I
+was just thinking of you and wondering when we should meet again."
+
+"Our meetings, I fear," said Marcellus sadly "will not be very frequent
+now. I make this one at the risk of my life."
+
+"True," said Lucullus, participating in the sadness of the other. "You
+are pursued, and there is a price on your head. Yet here you are as safe
+as you ever were in those happy days before this madness seized you. O,
+Marcellus why can they not return again?"
+
+"I cannot change my nature nor undo what is done. Moreover, Lucullus,
+although my lot may appear to you a hard one, I never was so happy."
+
+"Happy!" cried the other in deep surprise.
+
+"Yes, Lucullus, though afflicted I am not cast down; though persecuted I
+am not in despair."
+
+"The persecution of the emperor is no slight matter."
+
+"I know it well. I see my brethren fall before it every day. Every day
+the circle that surrounds me is lessened. Friends leave me and never
+appear again. Companions go up to the city, but when they return they
+are carried back dead to be deposited in their graves."
+
+"And yet you say you can be happy?"
+
+"Yes, Lucullus, I have a peace that the world knows nothing of; a peace
+that cometh from above, that passeth all understanding."
+
+"I know, Marcellus, that you are too brave to fear death; but I never
+knew that you had sufficient fortitude to endure calmly all that I know
+you must now suffer. Your courage is superhuman, or rather it is the
+courage of madness."
+
+"It comes from above, Lucullus. Once I was incapable of feeling it, but
+now old things have passed away and all has become new. Sustained by
+this new power, I can endure the utmost evils that can be dealt upon me.
+I expect nothing but suffering in life, and know that I shall die in
+agony; yet the thought can not overcome the strong faith that is
+within me."
+
+"It pains me," said Lucullus sadly, "to see you so determined. If I saw
+the slightest sign of wavering in you I would hope that time might
+change or modify your feelings. But you seem to me to be fixed
+unalterably in your new course."
+
+"God grant that I may remain steadfast unto the end!" said Marcellus
+fervently. "But it is not of my feelings that I came to speak. I come,
+Lucullus, to ask your assistance, to claim your sympathy and help. You
+promised me once to show me your friendship if I needed it. I come now
+to claim it."
+
+"All that is in my power is yours already, Marcellus. Tell what you want."
+
+"You have a prisoner."
+
+"Yes, many."
+
+"This is a boy."
+
+"I believe my men captured a boy a short time since."
+
+"This boy is too insignificant to merit capture. He is beneath the wrath
+of the emperor. He is yet in your power. I come, Lucullus, to implore
+his delivery."
+
+"Alas, Marcellus, what is it that you ask? Have you forgotten the
+discipline of the Roman army, or the military oath? Do you not know that
+if I did this I would violate that oath and make myself a traitor? If
+you asked me to fall upon my sword I would do it more readily than this."
+
+"I have not forgotten the military oath or the discipline of the camp,
+Lucullus. I thought that this lad, being scarcely more than a child,
+might not be considered a prisoner. Do the commands of the emperor
+extend to children?"
+
+"He makes no distinction of age. Have you not seen children as young as
+this lad suffer death in the Coliseum?"
+
+"Alas I have," said Marcellus, as his thoughts reverted to those young
+girls whose death-song once struck so painfully and so sweetly upon his
+heart. "This young boy, then, must also suffer?"
+
+"Yes," said Lucullus, "unless he abjures Christianity."
+
+"And that he will never do."
+
+"Then he will rush upon his fate. The law does this, not I, Marcellus. I
+am but the instrument. Do not blame me."
+
+"I do not blame you. I know well how strongly you are bound to
+obedience. If you hold your office you must perform its duties. Yet let
+me make another proposal. Surrender of prisoners is not allowed, but an
+exchange is lawful."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"If I could tell you of a prisoner far more important than this boy, you
+would exchange, would you not?"
+
+"But you have taken none of us prisoners?"
+
+"No, but we have power over our own people. And there are some among us
+on whose heads the emperor has placed a large reward. For the capture of
+these a hundred lads like this boy would be gladly given."
+
+"Is it then a custom among Christians to betray one another?" asked
+Lucullus in surprise.
+
+"No, but sometimes one Christian will offer his own life to save that of
+another."
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"It is so in this instance."
+
+"Who is it that is offered for this boy?"
+
+"I Marcellus!"
+
+At this astounding declaration Lucullus started back.
+
+"You!" he cried.
+
+"Yes, I myself."
+
+"You are jesting. It is impossible."
+
+"I am serious. It is for this that I have already exposed my life in
+coming to you. I have shown the interest that I take in him by this
+great risk. I will explain.
+
+"This boy Pollio is the last of an ancient and noble Roman family. He is
+the only son of his mother. His father died in battle. He belongs to the
+Servilii."
+
+"The Servilii! Is his mother the Lady Caecilia?"
+
+"Yes. She is a refugee in the Catacombs. Her whole life and love is
+wrapped up in this boy. Every day she lets him go up into the city, a
+dangerous adventure, and in his absence she suffers indescribable agony.
+Yet she is afraid to keep him there always for fear that the damp air
+which is so fatal to children may cut him off. So she exposes him to
+what she thinks is a smaller danger.
+
+"This boy you have a prisoner. That mother has heard of it, and now lies
+hovering between life and death. If you destroy him she too will die,
+and one of the noblest and purest spirits in Rome will be no more.
+
+"For these reasons I come to offer myself in exchange. What am I? I am
+alone in the world. No life is wrapped up in mine. No one depends on me
+for the present and the future. I fear not death. It may as well come
+now as at any other time. It must come sooner or later, and I would
+rather give my life as a ransom for a friend than lay it down uselessly.
+
+"For these reasons, Lucullus, I implore you, by the sacred ties of
+friendship, by your pity, by your promise to me, give me your assistance
+now and take my life in exchange for him."
+
+Lucullus rose to his feet and paced the room in great agitation.
+
+"Why, O Marcellus," he cried at last, "do you try me so terribly?"
+
+"My proposal is easy to receive."
+
+"You forget that your life is precious to me."
+
+"But think of this young lad."
+
+"I pity him deeply. But do you think I can receive your life as a forfeit?"
+
+"It is forfeited already, and will be surrendered sooner or later. I
+pray you let it be yielded up while it may be of service."
+
+"You shall not die as long as I can prevent it. Your life is not yet
+forfeited. By the immortal gods, it will be long before you take your
+place in the arena."
+
+"No one can save me when once I am taken. You might try your utmost.
+What could you do to save one on whom the emperor's wrath is falling?"
+
+"I might do much to avert it. You do not know what might be done. But
+even if I could do nothing, still I would not listen to this proposal now."
+
+"If I went to the emperor himself he would grant my prayer."
+
+"He would take you prisoner at once and put both of you to death."
+
+"I could send a messenger with my proposal."
+
+"The message would never reach him; or at least not until it would be
+too late."
+
+"There is then no hope?" said Marcellus mournfully.
+
+"None."
+
+"And you absolutely refuse to grant my request?"
+
+"Alas, Marcellus, how can I be guilty of the death of my friend? You
+have no mercy on me. Forgive me if I refuse so unreasonable a proposal."
+
+"The will of the Lord be done," said Marcellus. "I must hasten back.
+Alas! how can I carry with me this message of despair?"
+
+The two friends embraced in silence, and Marcellus departed, leaving
+Lucullus overcome with amazement at this proposal.
+
+Marcellus returned to the Catacombs in safety. The brethren there who
+knew of his errand received him again with mournful joy. The lady
+Caecilia still lay in a kind of stupor, only half conscious of
+surrounding events. At times her mind would wander, and in her delirium
+she would talk of happy scenes in her early life.
+
+But the life which she had led in the Catacombs, the alternating hope
+and fear, joy and sorrow, the ever present anxiety, and the oppressive
+air of the place itself, had overcome both mind and body. Her delicate
+nature sank beneath the fury of such an ordeal, and this last heavy blow
+completed her prostration. She could not rally from its effects.
+
+That night they watched around her couch. Every hour she grew feebler,
+and life was slowly but surely passing away. From that descent unto
+death not even the restoration of her son could have saved her.
+
+But though earthly thoughts had left her and earthly feelings had grown
+faint, the one master passion of her later years held undiminished power
+over her. Her lips murmured still the sacred words which had so long
+been her support and consolation. The name of her darling boy was
+breathed from her lips though his present danger was forgotten; but it
+was the blessed name of Jesus that was uttered with the deepest fervor.
+
+At length the end came. Starting from a long period of stillness, her
+eyes opened wide, a flush passed over her wan and emaciated face and she
+uttered a faint cry, "Come, Lord Jesus!" With the cry life went out, and
+the pure spirit of the lady Caecilia had returned unto God who gave it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+POLLIO'S TRIAL.
+
+    "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast ordained praise."
+
+It was a large room in a building not far from the imperial palace. The
+pavement was of polished marble, and columns of porphyry supported a
+paneled dome. An altar with a statue of a heathen deity was at one end
+of the apartment. Magistrates in their robes occupied raised seats on
+the opposite end. In front of them were some soldiers guarding a prisoner.
+
+The prisoner was the boy Pollio. His face was pale, but his bearing was
+erect and firm. The remarkable intelligence which had always
+characterized him did not fail him now. His quick eye took in
+everything. He knew the inevitable doom that impended over him. Yet
+there was no trace of fear or indecision about him.
+
+He knew that the only tie that bound him to earth had been severed.
+Early that morning the news of his mother's death had reached him. It
+had been carried to him by a man who thought that the knowledge of this
+would fortify his resolution. That man was Marcellus. The kindness of
+Lucullus had gained him an interview. His judgment had been correct.
+While his mother lived, the thought of her would have weakened his
+resolution; now that she was dead, he was eager to depart also. In his
+simple faith he believed that death would unite him at once to the dear
+mother whom he loved so fondly.
+
+With these feelings he awaited the examination.
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"Marcus Servilius Pollio."
+
+"What is your age?"
+
+"Thirteen years."
+
+At the mention of his name a murmur of compassion went round the
+assemblage, for that name was well known in Rome.
+
+"You are charged with the crime of being a Christian. What have you to
+say?"
+
+"I am guilty of no crime," said the boy. "I am a Christian, and I am
+glad to be able to confess it before men."
+
+"It is the same with them all," said one of the judges. "They all have
+the same formula."
+
+"Do you know the nature of your crime?"
+
+"I am guilty of no crime," said Pollio. "My religion teaches me to fear
+God and honor the emperor. I have obeyed every just law, and am not a
+traitor."
+
+"To be a Christian is to be a traitor."
+
+"I am a Christian, but I am not a traitor."
+
+"The law of the state forbids you to be a Christian under pain of death.
+If you are a Christian you must die."
+
+"I am a Christian," repeated Pollio firmly.
+
+"Then you must die."
+
+"Be it so."
+
+"Boy, do you know what it is to suffer death?"
+
+"I have seen much of death during the last few months. I have always
+expected to lay down my life for my religion when my turn should come."
+
+"Boy, you are young. We pity your tender age and inexperience. You have
+been trained so peculiarly that you are scarcely responsible for your
+present folly. For all this we are willing to make allowance. This
+religion which infatuates you is foolishness. You believe that a poor
+Jew, who was executed a few hundred years ago, is a God. Can anything be
+more absurd than this! Our religion is the religion of the state. It has
+enough in itself to satisfy the minds of young and old, ignorant and
+learned. Leave your foolish superstition and turn to our wiser and older
+religion."
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"You are the last of a noble family. The state recognizes the worth and
+the nobility of the Servilii. Your ancestors lived in pomp and wealth
+and power. You are a poor miserable boy and a prisoner. Be wise, Pollio.
+Think of the glory of your forefathers and throw aside the miserable
+obstacle that keeps you away from all their illustrious fame."
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"You have lived a miserable outcast. The poorest beggar in Rome fares
+better than you. His food is obtained with less labor and less
+humiliation. His shelter is in the light of day. Above all he is safe.
+His life is his own. He need not live in hourly fear of justice. But you
+have had to drag out a wretched existence in want and danger and
+darkness. What has your boasted religion given you? What has this
+deified Jew done for you? Nothing, worse than nothing. Turn, then, from
+this deceiver. Wealth and comfort and friends and the honors of the
+state and the favor of the emperor will all be yours."
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"Your father was a loyal subject and a brave soldier. He died in battle
+for his country. He left you an infant, the heir of all his honors, and
+the last prop of his house. Little did he think of the treacherous
+influences that surrounded you to lead you astray. Your mother's mind,
+weakened by sorrow, surrendered to the insidious wiles of false
+teachers, and she again ignorantly wrought your ruin. Had your noble
+father 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 might live. Through
+him I receive a nobler life than this which you take from me."
+
+"This is but a dream of yours. How is it possible that a miserable Jew
+can do this."
+
+"He was the fullness of the Godhead; God manifest in the flesh. He
+suffered death of the body that we might receive life for the soul."
+
+"Can nothing open your eyes? Is it not enough that thus far your mad
+belief has brought you nothing but misery and woe? Must you still hold
+on to it? When you see that death is inevitable will you not turn away
+from your errors?"
+
+"He gives me strength to overcome death; I fear it not. I look upon
+death itself as but a change from this life of sorrow to an immortality
+of bliss. Whether I die by the wild beasts or by the flames it will be
+all the same. If I continue faithful he will support me and lead my soul
+at once to immortal life in heaven. The death which you threaten me with
+has no terrors; but the life to which you invite me is more terrible to
+me than a thousand deaths."
+
+"For the last time we give you an opportunity. Rash youth, pause for one
+moment in your mad career of folly. Forget for an instant the insane
+counsels of your fanatical teachers. Think of all that has been said to
+you. Life is before you; life full of joy and pleasure; a life rich in
+every blessing. Honor, friends, wealth, power, all is yours. A noble
+name, and the possessions of your family, await you. They are all yours.
+To gain them you have but to take this goblet and pour the libation on
+yonder altar. Take it. It is but a simple act. Perform it quickly. Save
+yourself from a death of agony."
+
+Every eye was fixed upon Pollio as this last offer was held out to him.
+Amazement had filled the minds of the spectators to find him thus far so
+unmoved. They could not account for it.
+
+But even this last appeal had no effect. Pale but resolute, Pollio
+motioned away the proffered goblet.
+
+"I will never be false to my Saviour."
+
+At these words there was a moment's pause. Then the chief magistrate spoke:
+
+"You have uttered your own doom. Away with him," he continued,
+addressing the soldiery.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE DEATH OF POLLIO.
+
+    "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
+
+The sentence of Pollio was swift and sure. On the following day there
+was a spectacle at the Coliseum. Crowded to its topmost terrace of seats
+with the bloodthirsty Roman multitude, it displayed the same sickening
+succession of horrors which has been before detailed.
+
+Gladiators again fought and slew one another singly and in multitudes.
+There was every different mode of combat known in the arena, and of
+these the most deadly were sure to find the most favor.
+
+Again were the ever-recurring scenes of blood and agony presented; the
+fierce champion of the day received the short-lived congratulations of
+the fickle spectators. Again man fought with man, or waged a fiercer
+contest with the tiger. Again the wounded gladiator looked up
+despairingly for mercy, but received only the signal of death from the
+pitiless spectators.
+
+The satiated appetites of the multitude now demanded a larger supply of
+slaughter. The combats between men who were equally matched had lost
+their attraction for that day. It was known that Christians were
+reserved for the concluding spectacle, and the appearance of these was
+impatiently demanded.
+
+Lucullus stood among the guards near the emperor's seat. Yet his brow
+was more thoughtful, and his olden gayety had all departed.
+
+High up among the loftier seats behind him was a pale stern face, that
+was conspicuous among all around it for the concentrated gaze which it
+fixed upon the arena. There was an expression of deep anxiety upon that
+face which made it far different from all within the vast inclosure.
+
+Now the harsh sound of the gratings arose, and a tiger leaped forth into
+the arena. Throwing up its head and lashing its sides with its tail, it
+stalked about glancing with fiery eyes upon the vast assemblage of human
+beings which hemmed it in.
+
+Soon a murmur arose. A boy was thrust into the arena.
+
+Pale in face and slight in limb, his slender form was nothing before the
+huge bulk of the furious beast. As if in derision, he was dressed like a
+gladiator.
+
+Yet in spite of his youth and his weakness there was nothing in his face
+or manner that betrayed fear. His glance was calm and abstracted. He
+moved forward quietly to the center of the arena, and there, in the
+sight of all, he joined his hands together and lifted up his eyes and
+prayed.
+
+Meanwhile, the tiger moved around as before. He had seen the boy, but
+the sight had no effect. He still raised his bloodshot eyes toward the
+lofty walls and occasionally uttered a savage growl.
+
+The man with the stern sad face looked on with all his soul absorbed in
+that gaze.
+
+There appeared to be no desire on the part of the tiger to attack the
+boy, who still continued praying.
+
+The multitude now grew impatient. Murmurs arose and cries and shouts
+with the intention of maddening the tiger and urging him on.
+
+But now, even in the midst of the tumult, there came forth the sound of
+a voice deep and terrible:
+
+"How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not avenge our blood on them
+that dwell upon the earth?"
+
+A deep stillness followed. Every one in surprise looked at his neighbor.
+But the silence was soon broken by the same voice, which rang out in
+terrific emphasis:
+
+    "Behold, he cometh in the clouds,
+    And every eye shall see him,
+    And they also which pierced him,
+    And all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.
+    Even so. Amen!
+    Thou art righteous, O Lord,
+    Which art, and wast, and shalt be,
+    Because thou hast judged thus.
+    For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
+    And thou hast given them blood to drink,
+    For they are worthy.
+    Even so, Lord God Almighty,
+    True and righteous are thy judgments!"
+
+But now murmurs and cries and shouts passed around. Soon the cause of
+the disturbance became known.
+
+"It is an accursed Christian"--"It is the fanatic Cinna"--"He has been
+confined four days without, food"--"Bring him out"--"Throw him to the
+tiger!"
+
+Shouts and execrations arose on high and mingled in one vast roar. The
+tiger leaped in frenzy around. The keepers within heard the words of the
+multitude and hurried to obey.
+
+Soon the gratings opened. The victim was thrust in.
+
+Fearfully emaciated and ghastly pale, he tottered forward with tremulous
+steps. His eyes had an unearthly luster, his cheeks a burning flush, and
+his neglected hair and long beard were matted in a tangled mass.
+
+The tiger saw him, and came leaping toward him. Then at a little
+distance away the furious beast crouched. The boy arose from his knees
+and looked. But Cinna saw no tiger. He fixed his eyes on the multitude,
+and waving his withered arm on high he shouted in the same tone of menace:
+
+"Woe! woe! woe to the inhabitants of the earth--"
+
+His voice was hushed in blood. There was a leap, a fall, and all was over.
+
+And now the tiger turned toward the boy. His thirst for blood was fully
+aroused; with bristling hair, flaming eyes, and sweeping tail he stood
+facing his prey.
+
+The boy saw that the end was coming, and again fell upon his knees. The
+crowd was hushed to stillness, and awaited in deep excitement the new
+scene of slaughter. The man who had been gazing so intently now rose
+upward and stood erect, still watching the scene below. Loud cries arose
+from behind him which increased still louder, "Down," "down," "sit
+down," "you obstruct the view!"
+
+But the man either did not hear or else purposely disregarded it. At
+length the crowd grew so noisy that the officers below turned to see the
+cause.
+
+Lucullus was one of them. Turning round he saw the whole scene. He
+started and grew pale as death.
+
+"Marcellus!" he cried. For a moment he staggered back, but soon
+recovering he hurried away to the scene of the disturbance.
+
+But now a deep murmur broke forth from the multitude. The tiger, who had
+been walking round and round the boy, lashing himself to greater fury,
+now crouched for a spring.
+
+The boy arose. A seraphic expression was upon his face. His eyes beamed
+with a lofty enthusiasm. He saw no longer the arena, the high
+surrounding walls, the far-extending seats with innumerable faces; he
+saw no more the relentless eyes of the cruel spectators, or the gigantic
+form of his savage enemy. [See Frontispiece.]
+
+Already his soaring spirit seemed to enter into the golden gates of the
+New Jerusalem, and the ineffable glory of the noonday of heaven gleamed
+upon his sight.
+
+"Mother, I come to thee! Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"
+
+His words sounded clearly and sweetly upon the ears of the multitude.
+They ceased, and the tiger sprang. The next moment these was nothing but
+a struggling mass half hidden in clouds of dust.
+
+The struggle ended. The tiger started back, the sand was red with blood,
+and upon it lay the mangled form of the true-hearted, the noble Pollio.
+
+Then amid the silence that followed there came forth a shout that
+sounded like a trumpet peal and startled every one in the assembly:
+
+"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? . . .
+Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
+
+A thousand men rose with a simultaneous burst of rage and indignation.
+Ten thousand hands were outstretched toward the bold intruder.
+
+"A Christian"--"A Christian"--"To the flames with him"--"Throw him to
+the tiger"--"Hurl him into the arena!"
+
+Such were the shouts that answered the cry. Lucullus reached the spot
+just in time to rescue Marcellus from a crowd of infuriated Romans, who
+were about to tear him in pieces. The tiger below was not more fierce,
+more bloodthirsty than they. Lucullus rushed among them, dashing them to
+the right and left as a keeper among wild beasts.
+
+Overawed by his authority they fell back, and soldiers approached.
+
+Lucullus gave Marcellus in charge to them, and led the company out of
+the amphitheater.
+
+Outside he took charge of the prisoner himself. The soldiers followed them.
+
+"Alas, Marcellus! was it well to throw away your life?"
+
+"I spoke from the impulse of the moment. That dear boy whom I loved died
+before my eyes! I could not restrain myself. Yet I do not repent. I,
+too, am ready to lay down my life for my King and my God."
+
+"I cannot reason with you. You are beyond the reach of argument."
+
+"I did not intend to betray myself, but since it is done I am content.
+Nay, I am glad, and I rejoice that it is my lot to suffer for my Redeemer."
+
+"Alas, my friend! Have you no regard for life?"
+
+"I love my Saviour better than life."
+
+"See, Marcellus, the road before us is open. You can run quickly. Fly
+and be saved."
+
+Lucullus spoke this in a hurried whisper.
+
+The soldiers were some twenty paces behind. The chances were all in
+favor of escape. Marcellus pressed the hand of his friend.
+
+"No, Lucullus. I would not gain life by your dishonor. I love the warm
+heart that prompted it, but you shall not be led into difficulty by your
+friendship for me."
+
+Lucullus sighed, and walked on in silence.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE TEMPTATION.
+
+    "All this will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me."
+
+That night Lucullus remained in the cell with his friend. He sought by
+every possible argument to shake his resolution. He appealed to every
+motive that commonly influences men. He left no means of persuasion unused.
+
+All in vain. The faith of Marcellus was too firmly fixed. It was founded
+on the Rock of Ages, and neither the storm of violent threats nor the
+more tender influences of friendship could weaken his determination.
+
+"No," said he, "my course is taken and my choice is made. Come weal,
+come woe, I must follow it out to the end. I know all that is before me.
+I have weighed all the consequences of my action, but in spite of all I
+will continue as I have begun."
+
+"It is but a small thing that I ask," said Lucullus. "I do not wish you
+to give up this religion forever, but only for the present. A terrible
+persecution is now raging, and before its fury all must fall, whether
+young or old, high or low. You have seen that no class or age is
+respected. Pollio would have been saved if it had been possible. There
+was a strong sympathy in his favor. He was young, and scarcely
+accountable for his errors; he was also noble, the last of an ancient
+family. But the law was inexorable, and he suffered its penalty. Cinna,
+too, might have been overlooked. He was neither more nor less than a
+madman. But so vehement is the zeal against Christians that even his
+evident madness was no security whatever for him."
+
+"I know it well. The Prince of Darkness struggles against the Church of
+God, but it is founded on a rock, and the gates of hell cannot prevail
+against it. Have I not seen the good, the pure, the noble, the holy, and
+the innocent all suffer alike? Do I not know that there is no mercy for
+the Christian? I knew it well long ago. I have always been prepared for
+the consequences."
+
+"Hear me, Marcellus. I have said that I asked but a small thing. This
+religion which you prize so highly need not be given up. Keep it, if it
+must be so. But make allowance for circumstances. Since the storm is
+raging bow before it. Take the course of a wise man, not of a fanatic."
+
+"What is it that you would have me to do?"
+
+"It is this. In the course of a few years a change will take place.
+Either the persecution will wear itself out, or a reaction will take
+place, or the emperor may die and other rulers with different feelings
+may succeed. It will then be safe to be a Christian. Then these people
+who are now afflicted may come back from their hiding-places to occupy
+their old places, and to rise to dignity and wealth. Remember this. Do
+not therefore throw away a life which yet may be serviceable to the
+state and happy to yourself. Cherish it for your own sake. Look about
+you now. Consider all these things. Leave aside your religion for a
+time, and return to that of the state. It need only be for a time. Thus
+you may escape from present danger, and when happier times return you
+may go back and be a Christian again."
+
+"This is impossible, Lucullus. It is abhorrent to my soul. What, can I
+thus be doubly a hypocrite? Would you ask me to perjure my immortal soul
+to the world and to my God? Better to die at once by the severest
+tortures that can be inflicted."
+
+"You take such extreme views that I despair of saving you. Will you not
+look at this subject rationally? It is not perjury, but policy; not
+hypocrisy, but wisdom."
+
+"God forbid that I should do this thing and sin against him!"
+
+"Look further also. You will not only benefit yourself but others. These
+Christians whom you love will be assisted by you far more than they are
+now. In their present situation you know well that they are enabled to
+live by the sympathy and assistance of those who profess the religion of
+the state but in secret prefer the religion of the Christians. Do you
+call these men hypocrites and perjurers? Are they not rather your
+benefactors and friends?"
+
+"These men have never learned the Christian's faith and hope as I have.
+They have never felt the new birth of the soul as I have. They have not
+known the love of God springing up within their hearts to give them new
+feelings and hopes and desires. For them to sympathize with the
+Christians and to help them is a good thing; but the Christian who could
+be base enough to abjure his faith and deny the Saviour that redeemed
+him, could never have enough generosity in his traitorous soul to assist
+his forsaken brethren."
+
+"Then, Marcellus, I have but one more offer to make, and I go. It is a
+last hope. I do not know whether it will be possible or not. I will try
+it, however, if I can but gain your consent. It is this. You need not
+abjure your faith; you need not sacrifice to the gods; you need not do
+anything whatever of which you disapprove. Let the past be forgotten.
+Return again, not in heart, but in outward appearance, to what you were
+before. You were then a gay, lighthearted soldier, devoted to your
+duties. You never took any part in any religious services. You were
+seldom present in the temples. You passed your time in the camp, and
+your devotions were in private. You gathered your instruction from the
+books of the philosophers and not from the priests. Be all this again.
+Return to your duties. Appear again in public in company with me; again
+join in pleasant conversation, and devote yourself to your old pursuits.
+This will be easy and pleasant to do, and it will not require anything
+that is base or distasteful. The authorities will overlook your absence
+and your misconduct, and if they are not willing that you should be
+restored to all your former honors, then you can be placed in your
+former command in your old legion. All will then be well. A little
+discretion will be needed, a wise silence, an apparent return to your
+former round of duties. If you remain in Rome it will be thought that
+the tidings of your conversion to Christianity was wrong; if you go
+abroad it will not be known."
+
+"I do not think, Lucullus, that the plan which you propose would be
+possible for many reasons. Proclamations have been made about me,
+rewards have been offered for my apprehension, and above all, my last
+appearance in the Coliseum before the emperor himself was sufficient to
+take away all hope of pardon. Yet even if it were possible I could not
+consent. My Saviour cannot be worshiped in this way. His followers must
+confess him openly. 'Whosoever,' he says, 'is ashamed to confess me
+before men, of him will I be ashamed before my Father and the holy
+angels.' To deny him in my life or in outward appearance is precisely
+the same as denying him by the formal manner which the law lays down.
+This I cannot do. I love him who first loved me and gave himself for me.
+My highest joy is to proclaim him before men; to die for him will be my
+noblest act, and the martyr's crown my most glorious reward."
+
+Lucullus said no more, for he found that all persuasion was useless. The
+remainder of the time was passed in conversation about other things.
+Marcellus did not waste these last precious hours which he passed with
+his friend. Filled with gratitude for his noble and generous affection,
+he sought to recompense him by making him acquainted with the highest
+treasure that man can possess--the religion of Christ.
+
+Lucullus listened to him patiently, more through friendship than
+interest. Yet some, at least, of Marcellus's words were impressed upon
+his memory.
+
+On the following day the trial took place. It was short and formal.
+Marcellus was immovable, and received his condemnation with a calm
+demeanor.
+
+The afternoon of the same day was the time appointed for him to suffer.
+He was to die, not by the wild beasts, nor by the hand of the gladiator,
+but by the keener torments of death by fire.
+
+It was in that place where so many Christians had already borne their
+witness to the truth that Marcellus sealed his faith with his life. The
+stake was placed in the center of the Coliseum, and the fagots were
+heaped high around it.
+
+Marcellus entered, led on by the brutal keepers, who added blows and
+ridicule to the horrors of the approaching punishment. He looked around
+upon the vast circle of faces, hard, cruel, and pitiless; he looked upon
+the arena and thought of the thousands of Christians who had preceded
+him in suffering, and had gone from thence to join the noble army of
+martyrs who worship forever around the throne. He thought of the
+children whose death he had witnessed, and recalled once more their
+triumphant song,
+
+    "Unto Him that loved us,
+    To Him that washed us from our sins."
+
+Now the keepers seized him rudely and led him to the stake, where they
+bound him with strong chains so that escape was impossible.
+
+"'I am now ready to be offered,'" murmured he, "'and the time of my
+departure is at hand. . . . Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown
+of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
+that day.'"
+
+Now the torch was applied, and the flames rose up and dense volumes of
+smoke concealed the martyr for a while from view. When it passed away he
+was seen again standing amid the fire with upturned face and clasped hands.
+
+The flames increased around him. Nearer and nearer they came, devouring
+the fagots and enveloping him in a circle of fire. Now they threw over
+him a black vail of smoke, again they dashed forward and licked him with
+their forked tongues.
+
+But the martyr stood erect, calm amid suffering, serene amid his
+dreadful agony, by faith clinging to his Saviour. He was there though
+they saw him not; his everlasting arm was round about his faithful
+follower, and his Spirit inspired him.
+
+Nearer grew the flames and yet nearer. Life, assailed more violently,
+trembled in her citadel and the spirit prepared to wing its way to its
+mansion of rest.
+
+At last the sufferer gave a convulsive start, as though some sharper
+pang flashed resistlessly through him. But he conquered his pain with a
+violent effort. Then he raised his arms on high and feebly waved them.
+Then, with a last effort of expiring nature, he cried out in a loud
+voice "Victory!"
+
+With the cry life seemed to depart, for he fell forward amid the rushing
+flames, and the soul of Marcellus had ascended to the bosom of the Father.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+LUCULLUS.
+
+    "The memory of the just is blessed."
+
+At the scene of torture and of death there was one spectator whose face,
+full of agony, was never turned away from Marcellus, whose eyes saw
+every act and expression, whose ears drank in every word. Long after all
+had departed he remained in the same place, the only human being in all
+the vast extent of deserted seats. At length he rose to go.
+
+The old elasticity of his step had departed. He moved with a slow and
+feeble gait; his abstracted gaze and expression of pain made him look
+like a man suddenly struck with disease. He motioned to some of the
+keepers, who opened for him the gates that led to the arena.
+
+"Bring me a cinerary urn," said he, and he walked forward to the dying
+embers. A few fragments of crumbled bone, pulverized by the violence of
+the flames, were all that remained of Marcellus.
+
+Silently Lucullus took the urn which the keeper brought him, and
+collecting what human fragments he could find, he carried away the dust.
+
+As he was leaving he was accosted by an old man. He stopped mechanically.
+
+"What do you wish of me?" said he courteously. "I am Honorius, an elder
+among the Christians. A dear friend of mine was put to death this day in
+this place. I have come to see if I could obtain his ashes."
+
+"It is well that you have addressed yourself to me, venerable man," said
+Lucullus. "Had you proclaimed your name to others you would have been
+seized, for there is a price on your head. But I cannot grant your
+request. Marcellus is dead, and his ashes are here in this urn. They
+will be deposited in the tomb of my family with the highest ceremonies,
+for he was my dearest friend, and his loss makes the earth a blank to me
+and life a burden."
+
+"You, then," said Honorius, "can be no other than Lucullus, of whom I
+have so often heard him speak in words of affection?"
+
+"I am he. Never were there two friends more faithful than we. If it had
+been possible I would have saved him. He would never have been arrested
+had he not thrown himself into the hands of the law. O hard fate! At a
+time when I had made arrangements that he should never be arrested, he
+came before the emperor himself, and I was compelled with my own hands
+to lead him whom I loved to prison and to death."
+
+"What is your loss is to him immeasurable gain. He has entered into the
+possession of immortal happiness."
+
+"His death was a triumph," said Lucullus. "The death of Christians I
+have noticed before, but never before have I been so struck by their
+hope and confidence. Marcellus died as though death were an unspeakable
+blessing."
+
+"It was so to him, but not more so than to many others who lie buried in
+the gloomy place where we are forced to dwell. To their numbers I wish
+to add the remains of Marcellus. Would you be willing to part with them?"
+
+"I had hoped, venerable Honorius, that since my dear friend had left me
+I might have at least the mournful pleasure of giving to his remains the
+last pious honors, and of weeping at his tomb."
+
+"But, noble Lucullus, would not your friend have preferred a burial with
+the sacred ceremonies of his new faith, and a resting place among those
+martyrs with whose names his is now associated forever?"
+
+Lucullus was silent, and thought for some time. At length he spoke:
+
+"Of his wishes there can be no doubt. I will respect them, and deny
+myself the honor of performing the funereal rites. Take them, Honorius.
+But I will, nevertheless, assist at your services. Will you permit the
+soldier, whom you only know as your enemy, to enter your retreat and to
+witness your acts?"
+
+"You shall be welcome, noble Lucullus, even as Marcellus was welcome
+before you, and perhaps you will receive among us the same blessing that
+was granted to him."
+
+"Do not hope for anything like that," said Lucullus. "I am far different
+from Marcellus in taste and feeling. I might learn to feel kindly toward
+you, or even to admire you, but never to join you."
+
+"Come with us, then, whatever you are, and assist at the funeral
+services of your friend. A messenger will come for you to-morrow."
+
+Lucullus signified his assent, and after handing over the precious urn
+to the care of Honorius, he went sadly to his own home.
+
+On the following day he went with the messenger to the Catacombs. There
+he saw the Christian community, and beheld the place of their abode. But
+from the previous accounts of his friend he had gained a clear idea of
+their life, their sufferings, and their afflictions.
+
+Again the mournful wail arose in the dim vaults and echoed along the
+arched passage ways, that wail that spoke of a new brother committed to
+the grave; but the grief that spoke of mortal sorrow was succeeded by a
+loftier strain that expressed the faith of the aspiring soul, and a hope
+full of immortality.
+
+Honorius took the precious scroll, the word of life, whose promises were
+so powerful to sustain amid the heaviest burden of grief, and in solemn
+tones read that chapter in the first epistle to the Corinthians which in
+every age and in every clime has been so dear to the heart that looked
+beyond the realms of time to seek for refuge in the prospect of the
+resurrection.
+
+Then he raised his head and in fervent tones offered up a prayer to the
+Holy One of heaven, through Christ the divine mediator, by whom death
+and the grave had been conquered and immortal life secured.
+
+The pale sad face of Lucullus was conspicuous among the mourners. If he
+was not a Christian he could still admire such glorious doctrines and
+listen with pleasure to such exalted hopes. It was he who placed the
+loved ashes within their final resting-place; he, whose eyes took the
+last look at the dear remains; and he whose hands lifted to its place
+the slab whereon the name and the epitaph of Marcellus was engraven.
+
+Lucullus went to his home, but he was a changed man. The gayety of his
+nature seemed to have been driven out by the severe afflictions that he
+had endured. He had rightly said that he would not become a Christian.
+The death of his friend had filled him with sadness, but there was no
+sorrow for sin, no repentance, no desire for a knowledge of God. He had
+lost the power of taking pleasure in the world, but had gained no other
+source of happiness.
+
+Yet the memory of his friend produced one effect on him. He felt a
+sympathy for the poor and oppressed people with whom Marcellus had
+associated. He admired their constancy and pitied their unmerited
+sufferings. He saw that all the virtue and goodness left in Rome were in
+the possession of these poor outcasts.
+
+These feelings led him to give them his assistance. He transferred to
+them the friendship and the promise of aid which he had once given to
+Marcellus. His soldiers arrested no more, or if they did arrest any they
+were sure to escape in some way. His high position, vast wealth, and
+boundless influence, were all at the service of the Christians. His
+palace was well known to them as their surest place of refuge or
+assistance, and his name was honored as that of their most powerful
+human friend.
+
+But all things have an end; and so the constant sufferings of the
+Christians and the friendship of Lucullus at length were brought to a
+termination. In about a year after the death of Marcellus the stern
+emperor Decius was overthrown, and a new ruler entered into the imperial
+power. The persecution was stayed. Peace returned to the Church, and the
+Christians came forth from the Catacombs again to dwell within the glad
+light of day, again to sound in the ears of men the praises of Him who
+had redeemed them, and again to carry on their never-ending contest with
+the hosts of evil.
+
+Years passed on, but no change came to Lucullus. When Honorius came from
+the Catacombs he was taken by Lucullus to his own palace, and maintained
+there for the rest of his life. He sought to repay his debt of gratitude
+to his noble benefactor by making him acquainted with the truth, but he
+died without seeing his desires gratified.
+
+The blessing came at last, but not till years had passed away. Far on
+beyond the prime of manhood, even upon the borders of old age, Lucullus
+found the Saviour. For years the world had lost all charms. Wealth and
+honor and power were nothing to him; his life was tinged with sadness
+that nothing could cure. But the Spirit of God at length entered into
+his heart, and through his divine power he at last was enabled to
+rejoice in the love of that Saviour, of whose power over the human heart
+he had witnessed so many striking proofs.
+
+Fifteen centuries have rolled over the city of the Caesars since the
+persecution of Decius drove the humble followers of Jesus into the
+gloomy Catacombs. Let us take our stand upon the Appian Way and look
+around.
+
+Before us goes the long array of tombs up to the ancient city. Here the
+mighty men of Rome once found a resting-place, carrying with them even
+to their graves all the pomp of wealth, of glory, and of power. Beneath
+our feet are the rude graves of those whom in life they cast out as
+unworthy to breathe the same air of heaven.
+
+Now what a change! Around us lie these stately tombs all in ruins, their
+sanctity desecrated, their doors broken down, their dust scattered to
+the winds. The names of those who were buried here are unknown; the
+empire which they reared has fallen forever; the legions which they led
+to conquer have slept the sleep that knows no waking.
+
+But on the memory of the persecuted ones who rest below a world looks
+back adoring their sepulcher has become a place of pilgrimage; and the
+work in which they took such a noble part has been handed down to us to
+be perpetuated for evermore.
+
+Humbled, despised, outcast, afflicted, fame may not have written their
+names upon the scroll of history, yet this much we know,
+
+    "These are they which came out of great tribulation
+    And have washed their robes
+    And made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
+    Therefore are they before the throne of God
+    And serve him day and night in his temple;
+    And He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
+    They shall hunger no more; neither thirst any more;
+    Neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat;
+    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
+    And shall lead them unto living fountains of waters,
+    And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Martyr of the Catacombs, by Anonymous
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MARTYR OF THE CATACOMBS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 24680.txt or 24680.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24680/
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.