Asterius replied: “I am a brother of him who was tormented just now, and we hold the same confession of faith in Christ. Do what thou mayest; my body is in thy power, but not my soul.”
Lysias commanded: “Bind him hand and foot, stretch him out, and torture him; take the pincers, throw hot coals under his feet, scourge him with rods and thongs.”
Asterius said to the Proconsul: “Thou doest foolishly, since thou art preparing, not for me, but for thyself, much severer torments. Do thy best, for aught I care. I can stand it, if not one member of my body remains untormented.”
Lysias said: “Loose him, and keep him in custody with the other; and let the third one be brought forth.” This was done.
Neon examined.—When Neon stood before the judgment-seat, Lysias said to him: “Son, listen to me, and sacrifice to the gods, so that thou needst not suffer all this.”
Neon said: “There are no gods, neither have they any power. You worship idols, but I honor the God of heaven.”
Lysias said: “Take him by the throat and let the crier announce to him, to desist blaspheming the gods.”
Neon answered: “He that speaks does not blaspheme the truth.”
Lysias commanded: “Stretch him out on the rack; put coals under him; beat and cut him.”
Neon said: “I know what is needful for me. Whatever, then, is profitable to my soul, that shall I do; but I cannot be moved from my faith.”