Paul, brought back in due time for trial, becomes the victim not only of enmity openly working under legal forms against him, but of secret intrigue for unholy personal purposes on the emperor's part. Condemned to die, after having been permitted first to speak in his own defence, the apostle is led to a suburb of Rome, and there beheaded. Luke, enjoined thereto by Paul, gives to his kindred and friends in Palestine an account of the end, of which he was eye-witness. THE END. Onesimus and Syrus had been seized To make them swear a dreadful perjury; It was persuasion from Drusilla wrought With Tigellinus to commit this deed Of outrage against ruth and righteousness: Those bondmen should be brought, by utmost pangs Wreaked on them in the anguish of the rack, To charge Paul with the poisoning of her spouse. Drusilla first had vainly sought to bribe Poor Syrus to that lie and perfidy. Smiles, blandishments, entreaties, promises, Failing--she next, with scourgings from her tongue, Threats, thrusts from female weapons in her hands, Had striven to warp him to her wish--in vain. At last she, giving him up for torture, yet Bade him remember he need only swear, Therein supported by Onesimus, That from Paul's hand he had a dust received-- Impalpable, so fine--of unknown power To work unknown effect upon a man, And had by Paul instructed been to sift This secretly into some draught his lord Would drink, and watch how it would gladden him-- That he had only to protest that lie, Confessing then that, in all innocence Of childish curiosity to see, He did it when his mistress sent by him A sleeping-draught to Felix in his bath-- Only just this, and straight for both of them, Onesimus with Syrus, the sharp pains And rending of the question should be stayed. Syrus said sadly to Onesimus: "O, would that Paul were here to give us heart!" "Jesus is here, and He will give us heart," Onesimus replied; "let us trust Him." "I fear I shall be broken to their will," Said Syrus, "and swear whatever they desire; I am so in terror of the frightful pain!" This was while they were binding the poor slaves Upon the rack. His comrade spoke in cheer: "'Lo, I am with you alway,' Jesus said; He will not let us suffer overmuch. I shall not wonder if He take away The pain, almost--or altogether even. For He abideth faithful--so Paul says, And Paul has proved it over and over again. At any rate, the promise Jesus made To Paul once, when his need was very sore, Will be as good to us in this our stead; His grace will be sufficient for us still. The dread is heavier than the pain will be."