Lipsius on the Roman Peter-Legend [pp. 265-290]

1876.] ROMAN PETER-LEGEND. 275
still more marvelous effect of the laying on of the apostles'
hands, something out of the course of his experience, a trick,
as he believed it, whose manner of performance he could not
guess, he offered the apostles money, saying, "Give me also
this power." By this request he plainly showed that his baptism and fellowship with Philip were conciliations to a yet
greater conjurer, in order that he might learn, by close observation, the secret of his power. The indignant rebuke which
Peter gave him was received in a spirit of mock humility, but
we do not learn from the New Testament that the requested
prayer was ever made, or, if made, was answered. After this
brief mention, Simon is not again referred to in the sacred narrative.
But, as in the case of Peter, the romancers of early Christianity take him up, and supposing, quite naturally, that Simon,
thus unmasked, entertained a deadly hatred of Peter and of his
system of doctrine, represent him as going with his assistant,
Helena, who is his "divine intelligence," from city to city,
subverting the truth. Indeed, he becomes, in the legends, a
most formidable opponent to Christianity, having everywhere
great success. He is the hero of many a tale. As the time
between apostolic days and the writers increases, the stories
grow wilder. Simon Magus, as he is called, becomes the
pseudo-messiah, the founder of Gnosticism. Peter follows on
his track, meets him in public debate, controverts all his arguments, disabuses the minds of the people Simon has deceived,
and preaches the' claims of the true Messiah. Driven thus from
the provinces, Simon goes to Rome. For a time his demoniacal arts stand him in good stead. He becomes the favorite of
the emperor, an idol of popular regard. Indeed, to such a
height of glory had he attained, that a statue, with the inscription, "Simoni Deo Sancto," was raised to his honor in the
city of Rome. Peter, feeling called upon to present himself as the representative of the other side wherever Simon
goes, follows him to Rome, and openly challenges him in
the presence of Nero, whose friendship he had won; so that
Simon is compelled to give a public exhibition of his power.
The form in which it was to be tried was, that Simon was to
be borne up to heaven. Upon the appointed day an immense
throng assemble, and from a high platfbrm, Simon, true to his
i8