The Martyrdom of Polycarp

But when the Pro-Consul pressed him and said: Take the oath and I let you go, revile Christ, Polycarp said: For eighty and six years[*](He was therefore probably a Christian born, unless we ascribe to him a quite improbable age.) have I been his servant, and he has done me no wrong, and how can I blaspheme my King[*](βασιλεύς represents imperator not rex, and though it can hardly be translated Emperor, the antithesis to Caesar is clearly implied.) who saved me?

But when he persisted again, and said: Swear by the genius of Caesar, he answered him: If you vainly suppose that I will swear by the genius of Caesar, as you say, and pretend that you are ignorant who I am, listen plainly: I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn the doctrine of Christianity fix a