The epistles of Origen (which were extant in the time of Eusebius, see l.vi.c.

36) would most probably decide this curious rather than important question.] [Footnote 120: Euseb.l.vi.c.34.

The story, as is usual, has been embellished by succeeding writers, and is confuted, with much superfluous learning, by Frederick Spanheim, (Opera Varia, tom.ii.

p.
400, &c.)] [Footnote 121: Lactantius, de Mortibus Persecutorum, c.

3, 4.