Then he called each of the seven sons in turn. He cajoled; he threatened; but to no avail. The first, Januarius, replied: “The wisdom of the Lord sustains me and will enable me to overcome all.” He was beaten and sent back to prison, but the second was not cowed: “We adore one only God,” he replied, “to Whom we offer the sacrifice of a pious devotion. Think not that you can separate me or any of my brothers from the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even under the threat of blows and your unjust designs our faith cannot be conquered or changed.” To the third son, Philip, the Prefect said: “Our Lord, the Emperor, has ordered that you sacrifice to the all-powerful gods.” The boy replied: “They are neither gods nor all-powerful but worthless, wretched, insensible images, and those who sacrifice to them will incur eternal risk.” Silvanus made a similar reply and then Alexander was sent forward. Him the judge tried to win by kindness: “Have pity on thine age and on thy life, still in the prime of its youth. Be not obstinate but do what most will please our Sovereign: sacrifice to the gods that you may become one of the friends of Cæsar and gain both your life and the good-will of the Emperors.” The privilege of being “a friend of Cæsar” was a great one. These _amici Cæsaris_ formed a narrow circle round the Emperor, and the honour was coveted even by the highest in Rome. But it was no temptation to the Christian youth; he had a higher title: “I am the servant of Christ; I confess Him with my lips; I remain devoted to Him with my heart; I adore Him unceasingly. My years, so weak, as you see, have yet the prudence of old age and adore one only God. Thy gods and their adorers shall perish.” The two remaining children were equally unyielding, equally ardent in their love for Christ. They were all sent back to prison and Publius drew up a report of the process and sent it to the Emperor. What were Marcus’ thoughts on reading it, if he read it at all.