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DURING the entire ten years of the persecution, they were
constantly plotting and warring against one another. For the sea could
not be navigated, nor could men sail from any port without being
exposed to all kinds of outrages; being stretched on the rack and
lacerated in their sides, that it might be ascertained through various
tortures, whether they came from the enemy; and finally being
subjected to punishment by the cross or by fire. And besides these
things shields and breastplates were preparing, and darts and spears
and other warlike accoutrements were making ready, and galleys and
naval armor were collecting in every place. And no one expected
anything else than to be attacked by enemies any day. In addition to
this, famine and pestilence came upon them, in regard to which we
shall relate what is necessary in the proper place.
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