The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1876-11-15

uPoh ef0 aHtlcipdtcu ehlOyinenty ana every
seat was speedily filed. Around the vast arena
thousands and tens of thousands of special
6rs we're soon gathered together. They eags
| ely gated down upon tho preparation, and
awaited with patience the entrance Of the
Emperor, who was to give the signal for tho
first combat. When be came great shout
4 was raised, but he scarcely acknowledged IT.
he wns pale, silent, and steru.zx He took hig
sent quietly, and remained almost inmovabIo
until the roar Of the Hon advancing 1pon ths
| first victim was heard. Then be 5ent fofs
ward with q keen expressIonof interest upofI
his face, and seemed to examine tho combat
ant with the keenest scrutiny. It was the
Christian who had publicly declared against
his edict.
Tall and erect stood the man, diyested 81
ali savea light linen garment around mis- Ioins,
/ His face was pale, but his eyes was full Of una
troubled resolutions, while his carriage was
free and noble. He smiled as the savage aniE
NAL, irritated ~ famine, came providing
around the arena towards him.
"Romans and countrymen +" he exclaimed,
pointing towards the lion, now but few pac.
es from him, g savage death is upon me, but
/ do not fear him. Not II IL We Christians
suffer for the cause of truth and God, we are
cheered by the thought that by our sufferings
our children and children's children shall be-
made heirs OF the inheritance that is moor
ruptible, and shall never pass away Praisu
the Lord, forsee that this little leaven win FIJI
time leaven the whole lump and my heart is
Strong with the hope that even many Of you
now present shall be gathered into the heaven
whittier go.''
The lion sprahg upon him as he uttered tho
last word, and the next moment he was pros
trate. He died without resistance, and before
the mangled body was dragged into the den
of the captor, the trembling wife and chill
drenfof the victim, with several other women,
were standing in the centre of the arena. Le1
liza, the dancing girl, was of the number, and
she seemed to be encouraging her compan-
ions.
The Emperor made a sign that he would
speak before tho lions were let loose He had
recognized the dancer with surprise and was
anxious to save her for her youth and skill.
Woman he cried, 81 would willingly
save thee and thy companions, but there is
Let us know 1t then, o mighty Emperi
or p said Leila, stepping to the side.
Renounce Christ" said the Emperor,
and sacrifice to the gods. Then life shall be
thine, with all the gifts which make it pleas
anti
The dancer locked around at her oompan-
ions. They hid their faces, but shook their
heads.
i They turned to Aiireiian with eyes which,
seemed to glow. Leila cried " Renouncu
Christ, whom I have just found /? Save my
life by renouncing Christ How little, q
mighty Emperor, dost thou know what d
Christian is. Not though might sit on thy
seat would deny my Saviour. We are woma
men, but we fear naught except The loss OF
Gods favor"
!" You will not be induced to recant? A" ask
ed the Emperor, with flush of passion.
"No'' replied Leila, "you can give us
nothing as priceless as that which we havu
found. Come, death come, glory !"
" To the lions, then ! shouted Aureliant
and Immediately the dcns reopened, and the
lions crept cautiously forth with bloodshos
eyes and gaping jaws They rushed towards
the group Of mute victims standing in tho
centre Leila laid her hand on the side Of the
arena, just over one Of the dons, and looked
up at Aurelan.
Mighty Emperor 81 sire cried, in clear,
ringing voice, which was heard over all the
vast assembly, "do you remember when yon
babe mo drink to the gods The refusal Of
thy Imperial cousin to Join in the toast first
/