The Martyrdom of Polycarp

And while he was praying he fell into a trance three days before he was arrested, and saw the pillow under his head burning with fire, and he turned and said to those who were with him: I must be burnt alive.

And when the searching for him persisted he[*](His betrayal) went to another farm; and those who were searching for him came up at once, and when they did not find him, they arrested young slaves,[*](Literally children, but constantly used for slaves; the South African use of boy is an almost exact parallel.) and one of them confessed under torture.

For it was indeed impossible for him to remain hid, since those who betrayed him were of his own house, and the police captain who had been allotted the very name, being called Herod,[*](The writer desires to bring out the points of resemblance to the Passion of Christ. The coincidences are remarkable, but none are in themselves at all improbable.) hastened to bring him to the arena

Taking the slave then police and cavalry[*](The arrival of the police) went out on Friday[*](παρασκευή is literally Preparation (i.e. for the Sabbath) and has always been used in the Greek Church for Friday.) about supper-time, with their usual arms, as if they were advancing against a robber.[*](robber is the traditional translation: but brigand is nearer the real meaning.) And late in the evening they came up together against him and found him lying in an upper room. And he might have departed to another place, but would not, saying, the will of God be done.