The Proconsul said: “Thou art not worthy of the pay, but how didst thou leave the service?”
Tharacus replied: “I asked Publius, our General, for permission, and he discharged me.”
The President said: “Have regard for thy age, then; for I desire thee, too, to be one of those who obey the commands of our lords, the emperors; so that thou mayest be promoted by me to great honors. Come hither, therefore, and sacrifice to our gods, for the princes themselves, who are the monarchs of the whole world, honor the gods.”
Tharacus answered: “They err grossly; however, they are seduced by Satan.”
The President said: “Smite him on the cheek, because he has said that the emperors err.”
Tharacus replied: “Yes, I have said it, and say it still, that they as men are liable to err.”
The President said: “Sacrifice to our gods, and forsake thy folly.”
Tharacus answered: “I serve my God, and sacrifice to him: not with blood, but with a pure heart; for these sacrifices (namely such as are stained with blood) are unnecessary.”
The President said: “I have pity for thy age; therefore I admonish thee, to forsake this folly, and sacrifice to the gods.”
Tharacus replied: “I will not depart from the law of the Lord; and because I honor the law of God, I shall beware of such wickedness.”