216. Such was their contention, and surely a
worthy one, wherein priest and attendant strove as to who should be the
first to suffer for the name of Christ. When that tragic piece is
played, it is said there is great applause in the theatre as Pylades
says he is Orestes, whilst Orestes declares that he is really
himself. The former acted as he did, that he might die for
Orestes, and Orestes, that he might not allow Pylades to be slain
instead of himself. But it was not right that they should live,
for each of them was guilty of parricide, the one because he had
committed the crime, the other because he had helped in its
commission. But here there was nothing to call holy Lawrence to
act thus but his love and devotion. However, after three days he
was placed upon the gridiron by the tyrant whom he mocked, and was
burnt. He said: “The flesh is roasted, turn it and
eat.” So by the courage of his mind he overcame the power
of fire.