But how shall we cease to tell men of Christ?
How shall he cease to draw men to himself ?" "Severus hath not been always thus," answered another voice, faint with weakness.

"Proculus, the Christian, once saved the life of either Severus or his child, and the emperor took Proculus into the palace and treated him kindly, and chose a Christian nurse for Severus' boy, Caracalla.

When the Romans rose against the Christians, Severus shielded our brethren.

Oh, that the priests of the false gods of Egypt had not enticed our emperor!" "Alas for him!" responded the first voice.

"The Emperor Severus worshipeth the false gods of Egypt, but we serve the Lord Christ.
Farewell to Egypt's gods! They shall pass, but Thou shalt endure!" "Amen," murmured the lad Timokles.