ight 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