An old bishop dragged before the tribunal and dying in prison
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After deaths from prison confinement, the narrative turns to Pothinus, bishop of Lyons, being brought before the governor.
Blessed Pothinus, who had been entrusted with the bishop's office in Lyons, was over ninety years old and very weak in body.He could scarcely breathe because of his physical illness, but eagerness of spirit gave him strength again because of his urgent desire for witness.He too was dragged to the tribunal, his body broken down by both age and sickness, while his soul was still kept within him so that Christ might triumph through it.Soldiers carried him to the tribunal, with the city authorities and the whole crowd escorting him and raising all kinds of shouts against him as though he himself were Christ.There he bore his good witness.
When the governor asked him who is the God of the Christians, Pothinus said, "If you are worthy, you will know."After that he was dragged without mercy and suffered many kinds of blows.Those standing near abused him in every way with hands and feet, showing no respect for his age, while those farther off hurled at him whatever each had in hand.All of them believed it a grave fault and impiety to fall short in outrage against him, for they thought they were avenging their gods in this way.Still barely breathing, he was thrown into prison and died two days later.