Repulsed, but not
disheartened, Ulpius sought others who he had known in his prosperity
and renown. They had all renounced their ancient worship--they all
received him with studied coldness or careless disdain; but he still
persisted in his useless efforts. He blinded his eyes to their
contemptuous looks; he shut his ears to their derisive words.
Persevering in his self-delusion, he appointed them messengers to their
brethren in other countries, captains of the conspiracy that was to
commence in Alexandria, orators before the people when the memorable
revolution had once begun. It was in vain that they refused all
participation in his designs; he left them as the expressions of refusal
rose to their lips, and hurried elsewhere, as industrious in his
efforts, as devoted to his unwelcome mission, as if half the population
of the city had vowed themselves joyfully to aid him in his frantic
attempt.
Thus during the whole day he continued his labour of useless persuasion
among those in the city who had once been his friends.
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