Page:Goldenlegendlive00jaco.djvu/280

 Page

explored recesses, sometimes creations out of more tangible elements—unhealthy fogs, wild beasts, aboriginal forest-men, banished enemies and outlaws. Of some such nature, or possibly of more definitely individual character, may have been the evil thing which S. Martha was traditionally represented as combating.

These Acts are characteristic of the very numerous records and legends which remain to us from the fierce ordeal which Christianity underwent during the days of Maximian, Galerius and Diocletian—the days immediately preceding its formal recognition by the Emperor Constantine. This persecution