Tharacus answered: “The Lord whom thou dost not know, and who recompenses every one according to his works.”
The President said: “And shall I not exterminate thee, as I have told thee? Yea, even thy remains I shall burn, and scatter thy ashes to the wind; that the women may not come, and wind thy dead body in clothes to embalm it with precious ointments and spices.”
Tharacus replied: “I have said it, and say so still, do what thou wilt: thou hast full power over my body in this world.”
The President said: “Put him back into prison, and keep him until the next time for the wild beasts. Let another be brought before the tribunal.”
Probus brought forward.—Demetrius, the captain, said to the Proconsul: “Sir, here he is already, namely, Probus.”
The President said to Probus: “Advise with thyself, Probus, that thou mayest not fall again into the same punishment; for others, who on thy account have persisted in their obstinacy have rued it. Sacrifice now, therefore, that thou mayest be honored by us and the gods.”
Probus answered: “We are all of one mind, serving God with one heart and soul. Think not, therefore, that thou wilt hear anything different from us; for thou hast ere this heard and seen enough to convince thee, that thou canst not turn us. Here I stand before thee the third time, and do not yet regard thy threats. What dost thou wait for, then?”
The President said: “Ye have conspired together to deny the gods. Bind him, and hang him up by his heels.”
Probus replied: “Dost thou not yet cease to fight for Satan?”
Maximus said: “Believe me, before thou be tortured; have compassion upon thine own body. See, what dreadful torments are being prepared for thee.”