Barlaam, the subject of Homily XVII., Supposed by some to be not Basil’s, but Chrysostom’s.  cf. Ceillier, iv. p. 53. was martyred under Diocletian, either at Antioch or at Cæsarea.  The ingenuity of his tormentors conceived the idea of compelling him to fling the pinch of incense to the gods by putting it, while burning, into his hand, and forcing him to hold it over the altar.  The fire fought with the right hand, and the fire proved the weaker.  The fire burned through the hand, but the hand was firm.  The martyr might say, “Thou hast holden me by my right hand.  Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Ps. lxxiii. 23, 24.  The homily concludes with an apostrophe to the painters of such scenes.  “Up, I charge you, ye famous painters of the martyrs’ struggles!  Adorn by your art the mutilated figure of this officer of our army!  I have made but a sorry picture of the crowned hero.  Use all your skill and all your colours in his honour.”