49. The persecution of Antioch was occasioned by a criminal
consultation. The twenty-four letters of the alphabet were
arranged round a magic tripod: and a dancing ring, which had
been placed in the centre, pointed to the four first letters
in the aname of the future emperor, *. *. *. *. Theodorus
(perhaps with many others, who owned the fatal syllables)
was executed. Theodosius succeeded. Lardner (Heathen
Testimonie, vol. iv. p. 353-372) has copiously and fairly
examined this dark trans.action of the reign of Valens.