WHEN the persecution of Decius filled the city of Alexandria with dread
and terror, many, especially among the nobles, the rich, and those who
held any places in the state, sacrificed to idols, but pale and
trembling, so as to show they had neither courage to die, nor heart to
sacrifice. Several generous soldiers repaired the scandal given by these
cowards. Julian, who was grievously afflicted with the gout, and one of
his servants, called Chronion, were set on the backs of camels, and,
cruelly scourged through the {481} whole city, and at length were
consumed by fire. Besas, a soldier, was beheaded. See St. Dionysius of
Alex. in Eusebius, l, 6, c. 41, ed Val.