'What ails the gods to-night? They are powerless, and ye also have drunk the Samian wine.'
'No, we will not yield,' said Sceva. 'Now for the test! Let us adjure by this Jesus whom the wandering Paul preaches, and, by Heaven, we will use the cross.'
Rushing forward, he seized it and held the emblem before the man.
Endora cried out: 'Stay! stay! Do it not! I see one by it who looks like a God!'
But Sceva said, 'Nay!' and cried out:
'We, the holders of this symbol,
Bid you by the name of Jesus
Come ye forth, and ever be so
While eternal ages roll!'
Then a voice came forth from Samo, 'Jesus I know, but who are ye?' and with the wild frenzy of madness he rushed upon them, tearing their garments to pieces until they fled the cave and down the steep sides of Mount Pion towards the city.
The poor demoniac had clutched the radiant cross, and fell with it to the ground. As he pressed it to his lips, a joyous smile swept over his face. He was changed. The tempest-tossed soul was riding at anchor in a haven of calm, and the weary spirit shone with glorious sheen.
Endora had fled with the rest. She hid herself behind some black poplars until the freed man departed. Then she crept back to her cave, and found utter confusion reigning. Things were soon put straight, for she had few luxuries.
She sat down meditating on those passing strange events. Suddenly she started, crying, 'The Cross! the Cross!' and springing forward, she grasped it, broke it to pieces, and flung it from the cave.