Million Book Collection - The Fishers of Men Ministries

234 THE FORMATION OF CHRISTENDOMWhile thus in fetters, to show Damis that he can atany moment deliver himself, he withdraws his legfrom the chain, saying, " You see the liberty which Ienjoy." Then, said Damis, he first understood thatthe nature of Apollonius was divine and superior toman ; for without offering sacrifice-how could he ina prison ?-without praying, without uttering a word,he mocked at his fetters, and replacing the leg thereinresumed the demeanour of a prisoner. At length,his public trial being appointed, Apollonius dismissesDamis, bidding him travel to Puteoli by land, saluteDemetrius, and there, he said, you will see me. " What!alive," said Damis, " or how ?"Apollonius laughed andanswered, " Alive in my opinion, but in yours raisedfrom the dead." Damis says that after this he set outmuch against his will, doubtful between hope and fear,and not knowing whether Apollonius would be savedor perish. Arriving at Puteoli on the third day heheard of a violent storm at sea, which had sunk anddispersed vessels, and then he understood why Apolloniushad told him to go by land.In the meantime Apollonius meets the public trialwithout the least fear. The court is fitted up withthe greatest solemnity, and the chief men of the Stateare present, on an occasion on which the emperor isbent upon convicting the prisoner. But the prisonerrefuses even to cast ;i glance at the omnipotent judge.When the accuser charges him to look upon onewhom he terms " the god of all men," Apolloniusraises his eyes to the ceiling, showing by his gesturethat they were turned to Jupiter, and that he consideredone who admitted flattery so gross to be vilerthan the flatterer himself. He defends himself withgreat moderation, and the emperor pronounces his