129,) and the objection which was suggested either to him, or in similar circumstances to Hadrian, appear to have no other foundation than an improbable report, invented by the Christians, and credulously adopted by an historian of the age of Constantine.] [Footnote 117: Euseb.l.vi.c.28.

It may be presumed that the success of the Christians had exasperated the increasing bigotry of the Pagans.
Dion Cassius, who composed his history under the former reign, had most probably intended for the use of his master those counsels of persecution, which he ascribes to a better age, and to and to the favorite of Augustus.

Concerning this oration of Maecenas, or rather of Dion, I may refer to my own unbiased opinion, (vol.i.c.

1, note 25,) and to the Abbe de la Bleterie (Memoires de l'Academie, tom.xxiv.

p.
303 tom xxv.p.