The Martyr of the Catacombs / A Tale of Ancient Rome

o make a Rom

ination. Over the Capitoline Hill, through the Forum, past the Temple of Peace and the Arch of Titus and the imperi

ge gathered in such a way, presenting to view long lines of stern faces, ascending far on high in successive rows, formed a spectacle which has never elsewhere been equaled, and which was calculated beyond all others to awe the soul of the beholder. More than one hundred thou

were here, but they could find in these brutal shows no stain upon their country's honor. Philosophers, poets, priests, rulers, the highest as well as the lowest in the land, crowded these seats; but the

Among these there was a group of officers belonging to the Pretorian guards, who criticised the different points in the scene before them with t

resulted fatally, and excited different degrees of interest according to the courage or skill of the combatants. Their effect was to wh

rican from Mauritania; of gigantic strength and stature. But his skill seemed equal to his stre

n, with blonde hair and keen gray eyes. It was hard to tell which had the advantage, so nearly were they matched in every respect; but as the former had already fought for some time, it was thought that the odds were rather against him. The contest, however,

through anything like mercy or admiration, but simply through a shrewd understanding of the

his kind would always destroy the greatest number in the shortest time. The arena presented a scene of dire confusion. Five hundred armed men in the prime of life and strength all struggled confusedly together. Sometimes they would all be interlocked in one dense mass; at other times they would violently separate into w

ite sides upon this crowd. They were the African and the Batavian. Fresh from their repose, they fell upon the exhausted wretches before them, who had neither the spirit to combine nor the strength to resist

r made a desperate thrust; the Batavian parried it, and returned a stroke like lightning. The African sprang back and dropped his sword. But he was too late, for the stroke of his foe had pierced his left arm. As he fell a roar of joy arose from one hundred thousand huma

lus," said one young officer to a companion

do not think that I ever saw a better gladiator.

ter man than eit

who i

think he is about the

m. Do you think he

erstoo

a place where the wild beasts were confined. It was a fierce and a terrific roar, su

d confinement had heightened to a terrible degree, was awful to behold. Lashing his tail, he walked round the arena gazing with bloodshot eyes upward at the spectators. But their attention was soon diverted to another object. From the opposite side a

is man. "Macer, Macer," was called

er crouched, and then, with one terrific spring, leaped directly upon him. But Macer was prepared. Like a flash he darted to the left, and just as the tiger fell to the earth, he dealt a short sharp blow straight to h

e multitude rose like a

llus. "I never saw skill

een fighting all his li

ame forth slowly, and looked all around upon the scene as if in surprise. He was the largest of his species, a giant in size, and had long been preserv

kind of trot, as though searching for escape. Finding every side closed, he finally retreated to the center, and putting his face close

. At length the lion turned full upon him. The wild beast and the man stood face to face eyeing one another. But the calm gaze of the man se

lbound. Here, indeed, was a s

maneuver, leaped aside and struck. This time, however, his sword struck a rib, and fell from his h

r, who by his own adroit movements contrived to reach the spot where his weapon lay and regain possession of it. Armed with his trusty sword, he waited a final spring. The lion came down as before, but this time M

set upon him. He was extremely fierce, although of only ordinary size. It was evident that the Batavian was not at all equal to Macer. The lion made a spring and

en bound up, but hung down by his side covered with blood. He staggered toward Macer with painful steps. The Romans knew that he had been sent out

me, and put m

rd. The spectators stared and wondered. Still more amazed were the

l fight wild beasts, but I will not raise my hand ag

a mighty m

d Marcellus. "A Christia

wretched Christians, and joined their contemptible sect. They are made up

ncur death rat

way with th

mere gladiator should dare to disappoint them. The attendants rushed out to interf

h a blow of his fist. The face of the African was like that of a fiend. Surprise, joy, and trium

torrent of blood, and this humble but bold witness for Chri

ch scenes as this?

eet lions and tigers, but not one of the madmen will fight with men. The populace are bitterly disappointed

n which could make a common gla

chance to learn

w s

th some of these Christians. They have got dow

e enough already. Fifty

ed to restore the old religion perfectly. Since these Christians have appeared the empire has been declining. He has

ot understand what the Christians really believe. I have heard almost every crim

scene attracted

as hailed with shouts of derision, although his majestic face and dignified manner were only calculated to excite admir

e?" asked

inable Christian sect. He is so o

he is s

Christian. My God died for me, and

panthers came bounding toward him. He folded his arms, and looking up to heaven, his lips moved as if m

the inclosure, they leaped against the barrier, and in

gs had not been blighted. But pity had no place in Rome. Cowering and fearful, the poor young maidens showed the weakness of human nature when just confronted with death in so terrible a form, but after a few moments faith resumed its power, and raise

im that

washed us

s own

made us king

and the

glory an

er an

uiah.

h were mingled with the shouts of praise; and these fair young spirits, so heroic under suffering