People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 December 1893 — SEBASTIAN. [ARTICLE]

SEBASTIAN.

A Xight With Ancient Homan*. Sebastian, or a night with ancient Romans given by the students, of St. Joseph’s College, in the College Auditorium. Dec. 12th 1893, will be reproduced in the Opera House, Wednesday, Jan. 10th, 1894. The drama is founded on Cardinal Wiseman’s celebrated tale, “Fabula” which treats of the introduction of Christianity into Rome and especially of the persecution of the Christians under the cruel Emperor, Maximian. Sebastian, the hero of the play, was captain of the imperial guard and a stanuch Christian, his faith, however, being unknown to the Emperor. He was a man of the highest principles and though a natural inclination gave him an aversion for military life, yet to be better able to assist the Christians in their trials and sufferings he joined the army of Maximian and soon won by his bravery the heart of even the cruel Emperor who made him chief officer of his body guard. Finally Sebastian’s faith was made known to the Emperor by Fulvius, a Syrian spy, and llattering courtier, who hated Sebastian because he worsted him in an argument about the Chiistians and also because he stood higher in the Emperor’s favor. On learning Sebastian’s' faith the Emperor severely reproached him with ingratitude and delivered him to Hyphase, the captain of the famous Numedian bowmen, to be shot to death. His body was covered with arrows, avoiding, by imperial orders, the vital parts, and left for dead. He soon recovered, however, from his wounds but refused to floe, nay he even placed himself by a staircase where the Emperor passed and reproached the latter for his unjust cruelties against the Christians. For this liberty of speech he was beaten to death with a cudgel. A very prominent figure in the play is Pancratius, a Christian youth of 14. He was the son of a rich Roman nobleman who suffered death for his faith. When graduating from school he defeated Corvinus, the son of the Prefect of Rome, in a dispute on philosophy. This humiliation so exasperated the proud Roman that he swore bitter vengeance and soon found occasion to vent his spleen on the gentle youth. The Emperor had put up a severe edict against the Christians. Pancratius with the assistance of Quadratus, a Christian soldier, considered one of the strongest meg in Rome, tore down the edict. Corvinus who had to see the edict put up and guarded was made responsible for it and punished by the Lictors. This added fuel to his grudge against Pancratius whom he suspected, or rather knew of. having torn down the edict. At last he found and captured him. The Emperor condemned Pancratius to the arena. A lion was let loose on him but the noble animal refused to touch the gentle youth. Upon the martyr’s own request a leopard was let loose upon him and consummated his glory. Corvinus did not long enjoy his apparent triumph over Pancratius. A mania seized him and he perished miserably. Special mention must yet be made of Calpurnius, the philosopher, who pretends to be well versed in history and liturgy of both Christians and Jews, but in his argument produces the most flourishing nonsense, i. e. confounding Peter and Paul with Moses and Aaron and numberless similiar errors. Anyone acquainted with the history of the Old and New. Testament will find his explanations very am-using. The play is elevating in conception and execution and lovers of classical lore may expect a treat. The Christmas tree at the Missionary Baptist church last Monday evening was a very pleasant affair, There were recitations, dialogues, songs, etc., by the young folks, and after that presents were distributed to those present. There will be a joint installation of the G. A. R. and W. R. C. officers at the post hall, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 2nd. All members are expected to be present. Lost.- In Rensselaer, last week, a pair of fleece-lined gloves. Finder will return to R. H. Purcupile or leave at Abe Long’s drug store. B. F. Ferguson has received about $20,000.00' this month all of which has been loaned on farm securities.