ON THE HOLY MARTYRS MARTYRIUS OR MARTHARUS, FELIX, EMILIUS AND CRISPINUS,
AT RAVENNA IN ITALY.
Notice from the Hieronymian and other ancient sources.
Martyrius, or Martharus, Martyr at Ravenna in Italy (Saint) Felix, Martyr at Ravenna in Italy (Saint) Emilius, Martyr at Ravenna in Italy (Saint) Crispinus, Martyr at Ravenna in Italy (Saint)
G. H.
We proceed with the ancient copies of the Hieronymian Martyrology, in which in the fourth place four Martyrs are placed; and in the most ancient Epternach with these words: In the city of Ravenna, of Martyrius, Felix, Emilius, Crispinus. In the name of the first Martyr the reading is diverse. In the Lucca and Blume it is written Narthari, in the Corbie Martheri. In the Florentine manuscripts of the Grand Duke and of the Senator Strozzi, Martati; but of the Conventual Fathers in the same place, Maritati: in Notker, Macharii; in the Brussels manuscript of Saint Gudula, Marcurii. In the ancient manuscript of the Queen of Sweden and in the manuscript called the Florarium, with the name omitted, these are read: At Ravenna, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Felix, Emilius, Crispinus, where "of the Martyrs" seems to have been formed from the name Martyrius: nor does the name Marthari or Martheri, which was in the other copies, differ much. The names of Felix and Crispinus are found everywhere unvaried, but in the place of Emilius is written also Emeli, Amilius, and Aemilius. Now only these three the manuscripts produce: the Roman of Cardinal Barberini, the Trier of the Monastery of Saint Maximinus, the Liège of the Church of Saint Lambert, and another of the monastery of Saint Lawrence. And in all the Martyrologies already cited, fifteen in number, the place of contest alleged is the city of Ravenna: in whose churches, however, the office of Saints Marcus and Marcellianus is celebrated, with no commemoration made of these Martyrs.