If they submit they will be safe--in this world and the next; if they refuse they must go, and the land must be let to Christians in their stead." "Just as I change this seat for another!" said Demetrius with a laugh, and lifting up a heavy bronze chair he flung it down again on the hard mosaic pavement so that the floor shook.
Maria started violently.
"My body may tremble," she said in great excitement, "but my soul is firm when its everlasting bliss is at stake.

I insist--and my representative, whether he be you or another, must carry my orders into effect without an hour's delay--I insist that every heathen shrine, every image of the field and garden-gods, every altar and sacred stone which the heathens use for their idolatrous practices shall be pulled down, overthrown, mutilated and destroyed.

That is what I require and insist on." "And that is what I will never consent to," cried Demetrius in a voice like low thunder.

"I cannot and will not.

These things have been held precious and sacred to men for thousands of years and I cannot, will not, blow them off the face of the earth, as you blow a feather off your cloak.