The Martyrdom of Polycarp

But one, named Quintus, a Phrygian lately come[*](Quintus) from Phrygia, when he saw the wild beasts played the coward. Now it was he who had forced himself and some others to come forward of their own accord. Him the Pro-Consul persuaded with many entreaties to take the oath and offer sacrifice. For this reason, therefore, brethren, we do not commend those who give themselves up, since the Gospel does not give this teaching.

But the most wonderful Polycarp, when he[*](Polycarp’s retreat to the country) first heard it, was not disturbed, but wished to remain in the city; but the majority persuaded him to go away quietly, and he went out quietly to a farm, not far distant from the city, and stayed with a few friends, doing nothing but pray night and day for all, and for the Churches throughout the world, as was his custom.

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