Storia do Mogor 349.9

349.9

An aged shopkeeper approached him, and, whilst others of the mob stood round him, addressed him persuasively, endeavouring to bring him over to Islam, and promising him various rewards. They brought also at the same time a handsome mantle, and a number of the shopkeepers said to him: 'This is a sign of our promise to you, and now do you put it on, and do not continue obdurate, but go and kiss the hand of the chief of the merchants.' Gregory, however, absolutely refused to comply. When the mob of aliens despaired of converting Gregory, one of them struck him on the back with a stout stick. When the crowd saw this they rushed upon the young man and threw him down to the ground. One of them drew his sword and struck at his chest with it, but others, snatching Gregory away, threw him into a chamber in one of the shops and locked the door, preventing his execution, in the hope that it might yet be possible to win him over. They called to him from without, saying: 'Now be persuaded by our words, for then you will certainly live.' But he from within courageously confessed Christ God. When the mob heard this, with a great shout they attacked the chamber, broke open the door and rushed in. One of them slashed Gregory on the face with a sword; others stabbed him in the heart; others, again, stoned him. The yelling of the stoners chilled with horror those who were near.