284 THE PASSION OF Egyptian,horriblein appearance,with hisbackers,to fight with me. And therecame to me, as my helpersand en- couragers,handsome youths; and I was stripped,and became a man. Then my helpersbegan to rub me with oil,as is the custom for contest; and I beheld thatEgyptian on the other hand rollingin the dust.1 And a certainman came forth,of wondrous height,so that he even overtoppedthe top of the amphitheatre; and he wore a loosetunic and a purplerobe between two bands overthe middleof thebreast; and he had on 'calliculae' of varied form, made of gold and silver; and he carrieda rod,as if he were a trainerof gladiators,and a green branch upon which were applesof gold. And he calledfor silence,and said,'This Egyptian, if he should overcome thiswoman, shallkillher with the sword ; and if she shallconquer him, she shallreceivethis branch.' Then he departed. And we drew near to one another,and began to deal out blows. He sought to lay hold of my feet,while I struck at his facewith my heels; and I was liftedup in the air,and began thus to kick at him as if spurning the earth. But when I saw that therewas some delay,I joined my hands so as to twine my fingers with one another; and I took hold upon his head, and he fellon his face,and I trodupon hishead. And the people began to shout,and my backersto exult. And I drew near to the trainerand took the branch ; and he kissedme, and saidto me, 'Daughter, peace be with you :' and I began to go gloriouslyto the Sanavivariangate.2 Then I awoke, and perceivedthat I was not to fightwith beasts,but against the devil. StillI knew that the victorywas awaitingme. This,so far,I have completed severaldays before the ex hibition; but what passedat the exhibitionitselfletwho will write." 1 " Afa" istheGreekword uipi," a grip;"henceusedoftheyellow saudsprinkledoverwrestlers,toenablethemtograsponeanother. 2Thiswas theway by whichthevictimssparedby thepopularcle mencyescapedfromtheamphitheatre.