Decius, having held power not even two full years, was at once slain together with his sons, and Gallus succeeded him. At this time Origen died, having completed the seventieth year of his life save one. Indeed, writing to Hermammon concerning Gallus, Dionysius says this: “But neither did Gallus recognize the evil of Decius, nor did he foresee what it was that had brought that man down; rather, he stumbled against the very same stone that lay before his eyes. For when his reign was prospering and affairs were proceeding according to his mind, he drove away the holy men who were interceding before God for his peace and his health. And so, together with them, he banished also the prayers offered on his own behalf.” So much, then, concerning this man.