“It would be the fulfilment of my most ardent prayers—any death by which I might suffer martyrdom for Jesus Christ. I have longed for it these fifty years.” As he spoke his face seemed transfigured, while that of Nero assumed a new and more malicious expression.
“How old art thou?” he asked.
“I am ninety-two.”
“Where is thy birthplace?”
“Jerusalem.”
“And thou wouldst die for Jesus Christ?”
“Thou knowest it, my judge.”
“Such death would be the greatest boon thy heart desires?”
“My God knoweth it.”