144. The epistle of Athanasius to the monks is filled with
reproaches, which the public must feel to be true (vol. i.
p. 834, 856 [tom. i. p. 304, ed. Bened.]); and, in
compliment to his readers, he has introduced the comparisons
of Pharaoh, Ahab, Belshazzar, etc. The boldness of Hilary
was attended with less danger, if he published his invective
in Gaul after the revolt of Julian; but Lucifer sent his
libels to Constantius, and almost challenged the reward of
martyrdom. See Tillemont, tom vii. p. 905.