OF THE FOURTH MODE OF SUSPENDING, THAT IS TO SAY HANGING BY BOTH ARMS.

This fourth method of suspending is mentioned in the Acts of Saints Procopius, Andochius, Thyrsus and Felix, and others their companions.

Here you must know, that the custom of the Heathen was on occasion, either to attach heavy weights to the feet of those suffering this mode of hanging, or else after twisting their arms behind their backs to haul them aloft and then let them go. Thus in the Roman Martyrology, under September 24th, we read of those blessed Confessors of Christ, St. Andochius and his Companions: “At Augustodunun (Autun), the anniversary of the Holy Martyrs Andochius, Priest, Thyrsus, Deacon, and Felix, who being sent by the Blessed Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, from the East to teach Gaul Christianity, were there most cruelly scourged, and suspended all day with hands tied behind their backs and thrown into the fire, but not consumed. Finally their necks are struck with heavy bars, and they thus win the crown of martyrdom.”