(A.D. 302.)
[Usuardus, those of SS. Jerome, Bede, &c., the Irish Martyrology of
Tamlach, and the Roman Martyrology. Authorities:--Eusebius, lib. viii.
c. 6, and the notices in the Martyrologies.]
The Emperor Diocletian having discovered that Peter, one of his
officers of the bed-chamber, was a Christian, ordered him to be
tortured. Then Gorgonius and Dorotheus, two other officers, filled with
indignation, exclaimed, "Why, Sire, dost thou thus torment Peter for
what we all profess in our hearts?" The emperor at once ordered them to
execution, together with Migdo, a priest, and many other Christians of
Nicomedia. Eusebius says that Peter was scourged till his bones were
laid bare, and that then vinegar and salt was poured over the wounds;
and as he bore this without showing anguish, Diocletian ordered him
to be broiled on a gridiron slowly, and his flesh, as it roasted, to
be taken off slowly, so as to protract his torments. Gorgonius and
Dorotheus, after having been tortured, were hung.