Section 86

There was a certain general named Balacius who bitterly persecuted us Christians because of his support for the Arians—that name of evil omen. His cruelty became so great that he beat virgins and stripped and scourged monks.

At that time Antony wrote him a letter and sent it to him. It said: “I see wrath coming upon you. Stop persecuting the Christians, lest wrath overtake you, for even now it is about to come upon you.”

Balacius laughed, threw the letter on the ground, spat on it, insulted those who had brought it, and ordered them to tell Antony: “Since you are so concerned about the monks, I will soon come after you as well.”

Not even five days passed before wrath overtook him.

Balacius and Nestorius, the prefect of Egypt, rode out from Alexandria toward the first stopping-place, called Chaereu. Both were mounted on horses belonging to Balacius, and these were among the gentlest horses in his stable.

Before they had traveled far, the horses began playing with one another as horses sometimes do. Suddenly the quieter horse, on which Nestorius was riding, bit Balacius, threw him from his horse, and attacked him. It tore his thigh so badly with its teeth that he had to be carried immediately back to the city. Three days later he died.

Everyone marveled that what Antony had foretold had been fulfilled so quickly.