ON ST. ANDEOLUS THE SUBDEACON,
MARTYR IN THE TERRITORY OF GALLIC VIVIERS.
A.D. 207.
PrefaceAndeolus the Subdeacon, Martyr, in the territory of Gallic Viviers (S.)
G. H.
We give the Acts of the life and martyrdom of St. Andeolus from our ancient Legendary, which comprised in several volumes we have procured for ourselves, The Acts both in MSS. and in Bosquet. and often hereafter, because from this month of May until the end of the year it contains the deeds of very many Saints, we shall set before the reader. With these Acts agree those things which Franciscus Bosquetus in part 2 of the histories of the Gallican Church edited from page 91. The things contained in the first Chapter are read plainly the same in the Acts of SS. Andochius, Thyrsus, and Benignus, sent to us from Auxerre by Petrole Venier the Penitentiary of the Church of Auxerre. The same things also contained in the second Chapter we again transcribed, but with some variety here and there, from an ancient MS. of Trier of the monastery of St. Maximinus: the rest were wanting: but there was present a Prologue, which from the said codex alone we give. Similar Acts, but for the most part contracted, were sent to us by Ludovicus Nicquetus the Celestine of Soissons. Moreover, the things which are described in the now-said first chapter, are indicated also in various MS. Acts collected with us, both of St. Irenaeus Bishop of Lyons, to be given on June XXVIII; and of SS. Andochius and Thyrsus, to be illustrated on September XXIV; and finally of St. Benignus, who is venerated on the Kalends of November.
[2] from which the name of St. Polycarp is to be expunged, As to the reckoning of times, St. Irenaeus renders it involved, after whose Martyrdom Andeolus is said to have been sent into Gaul with his companions by St. Polycarp: which things cannot stand: since St. Polycarp did not reach the year 170 by living, and St. Irenaeus only suffered in the third century of the Christian Era already begun. This difficulty if you remove, in the rest the Acts of St. Andeolus can stand, thinks the aforesaid Bosquetus. But you will remove it, if you will believe, that for some Bishop of Smyrna, whose name had fallen from memory, the name of St. Polycarp was rashly usurped, the more known in Gaul because his disciple was St. Irenaeus. I expunge therefore the name of Polycarp, and indefinitely substitute the Bishop of the City of Smyrna: then with the goodwill of the reader thus forewarned, that the times may be consistent. I propose the times of Andeolus coming into Gaul and suffering for Christ thus arranged. In the year X of the Emperor Severus, of Christ 202 St. Irenaeus appeared to the Bishop of Smyrna, whose name is hidden, and admonished him that he should send St. Andeolus into Gaul, which in that very year happened, or somewhat after. He separated from his companions on the left bank of the Rhône, as we shall presently say, for some years announced the Gospel of Christ, and converted very many. Then in the year of Christ 207 the Emperor Severus passed through there, and St. Andeolus, constant in the Christian faith, he crowned with martyrdom: whose bones in the time of the Emperor Lothair, he himself revealing it, were found, is handed down by Andreas du Chesne in volume 2 of the Writers of the History of the Franks page 402.
[3] Of this martyrdom the Latin Martyrologists everywhere have made mention, with a eulogy excerpted from his Acts: Memory in the ancient calendars. which in Ado is such: In Gaul in the territory of Viviers, in the place which was anciently called Gentibus, of St. Andeolus the Subdeacon, whom St. Polycarp (nay his successor) sent from the East with the Blessed Benignus and Andochius the Presbyters and Thyrsus the Deacon, to preach the word of God in Gaul. Whose preaching Caesar Severus having learned, he commanded him most cruelly flogged with thorny clubs to be thrust into prison: and on another day brought forth, when he saw he could not be overcome, he ordered a sword to be made of the hardest wood in the likeness of a sword, and his head to be cleft in the manner of a cross. Which when it had been done, the brain dashed to the ground, he was translated by a glorious death. The same things, but more contracted, are had in Usuard, Notker, Bellinus, and other later ones, with the present Roman Martyrology. I omit to name the Spanish Martyrology of Tamayus de Salazar, who had Pseudo-Dexter as author of dragging St. Andeolus into Spain: but this one no other foundation, than that Petrus de Natalibus, and after him Maurolycus, for the Vivarian territory of Gaul expressed Nivarian, by an error to be pardoned to the typographers or copyists: which was enough for him to think of the Nivaria of the Carpetani, perhaps that which today is called Nieva, the head of a County thence named, in Ortelius Nipharia.
[4] John Columbi in the book on the Deeds of the Bishops of Viviers page 8 asserts, that the place, The Borough of St. Andeolus. which was once called Gentibus, is now from the most illustrious Martyr called the Borough of St. Andeolus: and that in it is seen a subterranean prison, which held him enclosed in chains, and that it shines with not infrequent miracles. Moreover I cannot approve the reason of the name, proposed in the Acts num. 18, as if from an impious sarcasm of Severus the Christians had received it. The faith of the Acts not altogether the greatest. Perhaps the place anciently called the tomb of the Gentile, gave the common folk occasion of playing on the name, from whose tradition I should believe the Acts were composed, after the course of several centuries, not without rhetorical or rather juvenile ornament of the speeches mutually held, not composed by a contemporary author. For although in n. 14 I read, These things therefore which were done in the crypt, while St. Andeolus was held there, we have learned by the report of the guards: yet we are not persuaded that these were thus learned immediately. For this very crypt itself, built under the temple of Mars, savors of no great antiquity: because it was of Christians, and indeed already acting peaceably, not of Gentiles, to build crypts under temples to be edified: and at the end of Chapter I are alleged the deeds of the Passion of SS. Benignus, Andochius, Thyrsus, as written long ago, which yet seem not to be most ancient, as those which labor with a similar fault, of St. Polycarp wrongly named; and the Acts are concluded with an attestation of miracles persevering until today; and the whole style conformable to the Prologue, savors of later centuries: but the Prologue so laboriously removes the reader's distaste and the suspicion of fabulousness, that even alone it suffices to lessen the faith of greater antiquity.
[5] The companions of St. Andeolus, namely Benignus, Andochius and Thyrsus, The Martyrdom of the companions. in the ancient Acts described by us at Rome in the library of the Fathers of the Congregation of the Oratory, are said to have been crowned with martyrdom, when the Emperor Severus being dead Aurelianus had succeeded, more iniquitous as in empire, so also in malice. In the Chronicle of Dijon in Ismael Bullialdus, in the Diatribe on St. Benignus page 17 you have, that the Emperor Aurelius, who also was commonly called Aurelianus, having entered the camp of Dijon, ordered St. Benignus bound and beaten to be presented. He therefore who in the Roman MS. is called Aurelianus, is M. Aurelius Antoninus, the successor of Severus, surnamed from the kind of garb usual to him Caracalla; who at some time went to Gaul Aelius Spartianus testifies in his deeds. Caracalla being slain, Macrinus succeeded, and he being taken away not a day after, M. Aurelius Antoninus Heliogabalus, under whom in the said Chronicle St. Benignus is said to have been slain. Which things at his and the others' birthday will have to be more accurately discussed.
THE LIFE
From various MSS. collated with the edition of Bosquet.
Andeolus the Subdeacon, Martyr, in the territory of Gallic Viviers (S.)
BHL Number: 0423
FROM MSS. AND BOSQUET.
PROLOGUE.
[1] To pursue in order the deeds of the holy Martyrs, and to unlock their triumphs with a truthful indeed but poor speech, is not so laborious to the writer, as we fear it is fringe-like to the readers: And although to the Martyrs there was no grief or labor in sustaining the torments; we fear, lest perhaps to the readers, the recounting of the same may generate distaste. These things we have therefore premised, because the passion of the Blessed Martyr Andeolus, who for the glory of the heavenly kingdom and the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not doubt to deliver his soul to death, and his body to torment, to write in order, and to transmit to posterity by a faithful relation, with the Lord helping, we have taken care: not only by a simple relation disclosing, what we have learned to have been said and done in him persisting intrepidly even to death, and confessing the Lord; but also annexing both his country and the cause of leaving his country, likewise, as we have ascertained. Let no one therefore believe us to narrate a fabulous thing, if we set forth the deeds of his Passion, as we said, as they have now been ascertained by us.
CHAPTER I.
By a revelation the journey from Smyrna into Gaul.
[2] Therefore after the glorious Irenaeus the Bishop, consummating a most faithful martyrdom for Christ, a migrated to heaven; b about the middle of the night, The Bishop of Smyrna admonished by St. Irenaeus through a vision c with a terrible countenance, a peaceful shade, and with a multitude of Martyrs, coming to the d Bishop of the city of Smyrna, by whom he had been taught, he says to him: Acknowledge the son whom thou didst instruct, Father: know, holy Priest, that Irenaeus was thy minister. Behold we have received the promise, which the King of the heavens and maker of the earth promised us: our Redeemer defrauded us in nothing of his promise. Now therefore, Father, hear the words
of thy son, and send two Priests, that is, e Benignus and Andochius, concerning sending into Gaul SS. Benignus, Andochius and Thyrsus and Thyrsus the Levite, to preach to the cities of the Gauls, whom thou knowest full of virtues and wisdom; since it behooves them there through the glory of martyrdom, the f devil instigating, to triumph. But because in those regions there is a scarcity of Christians; command that they give the grace of baptism to the peoples. For let it be known to thee, most holy Father, that that nation, the Lord inspiring, copiously desires to come to the way of truth, and to forsake idols, and to serve Christ. And when he had spoken these things with his holy discourse, returning to the Martyrs he departed from him. But morning being come, the g Bishop addresses his Brethren, relating to them what he had seen, and that they should set out on a happy journey, exhorts at once and admonishes. Then the holy Priests Benignus and Andochius, together with Thyrsus the Deacon, hearing these things, were filled with great joy; and receiving the precept of Christ so great with all alacrity, dispose confidently to go whither they were bidden.
[3] But night coming on, devoting themselves to vigils and hymns to the Lord, he conducts them to the ship: and giving thanks for so great a vision, daylight being made bidding farewell to the holy Brethren, they prepare to set out on the journey. But the holy Bishop with tears and joy conducting them even to the port, where they were about to ascend the little ship, went down with them, and bidding them farewell says to them, May the Angel of the Lord accompany you, may the Holy Spirit be in your bowels. Great glory awaits you in the heavens, O most pious Brethren: do you therefore preach the word of the Lord to the nations, announce the coming of Christ to all. See therefore that in nothing you fear: for you have many helpers and intercessors, who for you cease not to intercede with the Lord. And saying these things, and giving them peace, he returned. But they ascending the little ship, the divine aid favoring, were carried to Corsica: and straightway there were present such tempests of storm, that all the sailors said, that they had been able to find such, not only by sight, but not even by hearing. who, compelled by a storm, halt in Corsica Then this holy colloquy was among them: Perhaps we do not exhibit all things which pertain to the divine ministry, or in these places the divine clemency wishes us to preach: but as far as we know, all who dwell in these places are h most manifest Christians. Then St. Thyrsus thus addresses his colleagues, saying: Most holy men, let us this night give ourselves to prayer, and be zealous for psalmody: perhaps the Lord Jesus Christ will deign to reveal to his servants, for what cause the tempest lies in wait for us, and seems to be contrary; and they did so, and the day dawning they bent down their heads a little to sleep.
[4] Then to St. Benignus the most blessed Irenaeus appeared saying to him: Dearest brother, they learn that St. Andeolus must be awaited. in the country to which you are directed there seems to be a scarcity of Bishops, nor will you easily find those who ought to ordain for you a comfort for the divine ministry: therefore it is worthy that you bring with you every office, that not one or two cities may be adorned by your bodies, but many places may be illuminated by your presence. i Wait therefore here, until our Brother Andeolus the Subdeacon be joined to your journey. But rising from sleep the most blessed Benignus reported to his companions; but they glorifying the Lord and rejoicing waited three days. But on the third night the most blessed Irenaeus coming to the Bishop, in the same guise as also before, said to him: Holy Father, it still seems to us that thou shouldst direct Andeolus the Subdeacon after our Brethren, that joined into one and proceeding together, the number of the Evangelists may seem to be fulfilled in them. But morning being made the Bishop narrated to St. Andeolus what he had seen. But he hearing these things, exulting and rejoicing said to the Bishop: Good Father, delay not to fulfill the Lord's command, but what is commanded thee, as a good shepherd confidently hasten to fulfill; this one also being sent, that when thou shalt come before the tribunal of Christ, thou mayest glory not only of thy merits, but also of our labors. But Blessed Andeolus saying these things, both went down to the port, where for the same a little ship was divinely prepared.
[5] Then he addressed him with such words, saying: Sweetest Brother, wheresoever you shall go preach the word of God intrepidly and unceasingly, announce the coming of Christ to all. O how beautiful are the feet of those that evangelize peace, that evangelize the kingdom of God! See therefore that the austerity of the long journey break you not, that you be not troubled by the remoteness of the regions, or that your heart grow sour by the desires of your parents. Let no threats, let not the impiety of the most iniquitous Caesar disturb you: let there be in your hearts the discourse of the Blessed Apostle Paul, that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the future glory which shall be revealed in us, and bidding farewell with tears he said to him: May you enjoy the glory of Paradise, and before the tribunal of Christ bringing back the fruit of your labor may He himself receive you, and in that region of the happy and just associate you with his athletes, where light remains, and life reigns. And the Blessed Andeolus ascending into the little ship, and joined to those gone before on the third day happily was present to the presence of the holy Martyrs; who likewise rejoicing, and paying their vows to the Lord, ascend the ship, desiring to hasten to Gaul, where they had been destined. But the grace of the Lord favoring the wave of the sea swiftly carried them to Marseille. But having gone out to land, counsel being taken, they hasten to the city of Lyons. they land, And when they had come they find St. k Zachary the Presbyter, who on account of the storm of persecution latently in a crypt among the sepulchres of the Martyrs lay hid: with whom meditating the word of the Lord, and rejoicing in the Holy Spirit, they likewise prayed the Lord, that he would direct their steps.
[6] And while they tarried there, an Angel of the Lord coming, and they are separated. it seemed good to the holy Brethren that they should destine the Blessed Andeolus to the city of l Carpentras for the sake of preaching. Then bidding farewell to one another and weeping they prayed thus: Look, Lord Jesus Christ, upon thy servants now pilgrims in this place; and grant, that those whom now bodily absence makes to be divided, in the sight of thy majesty bringing back the fruits of justice thou mayest make united. Then the most blessed Priests Benignus and Andochius, together with Thyrsus the Deacon, hasten speedily to the city of Autun. But what things in a wondrous manner were done concerning them, the deeds of their Passion manifestly declare.
ANNOTATA.
CHAPTER II.
The faith of Christ announced. The arrest. The wounds endured. The blows healed.
[7] But St. Andeolus hastening to the city of Carpentras, and making his journey by the public causeway, to Bergoiata preaching Christ: came even to the river Rhône: and there having found merchants, with them by a naval conveyance descended even to the place, which is called a Bergoiata; and there he halted; because the beginning of the night was succeeding the day, wishing in the morning to take the way, by which he might be able to come to the place where he had been destined. Meanwhile that night he ceased not to imbue his hosts with the word of truth, and unceasingly to preach the coming of the Lord. But morning being made not only the inhabitants of that place, but also the neighbors, the fame of this Saint quickly running, knowing the things which were salubriously said by him, eagerly ran together to hear the man of God; and receiving the word of truth from him with all exultation, to the Lord whom they deserved to know, made their vows.
[8] While these things therefore were being done, the most iniquitous Caesar b Severus hastening to the city of Valence, saw in that place crowds of men assembling to hear the man of God; the Emperor Severus coming upon them and asking for what cause there so devoutly a multitude of both sexes ran together, learned that Blessed Andeolus announced to all by a public voice the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father, and his coming in which he is to judge the living and the dead. But the envious devil attempted to extinguish so illustrious a lamp of Christ. Finally Severus, straightway this word being heard, filled with wrath together with the demon, ordered him summoned to be brought to him; and he himself, with all the multitude which was with him, came hasty to slay the Saint of God; and descending from his chariot, seized a stone with his hand; and so great a madness of fury invaded him, that before any interrogation he cruelly struck the man of God on the head. he strikes him with a thrown stone, and is punished. Which done straightway his hand withered. Then the most wicked Caesar, with wrath and fury, constrained by pain, said to him: Tell me, seducer, whence art thou? or what is thy name? or why dost thou deceive men living well? and I know not to what perfidious sect dost thou wish to turn aside? And when Blessed Andeolus held silence; he turning to his own, said to them: Believe me that this man is a magician: for from the time I touched him with the stone, my arm ceases not to be twisted.
[9] And looking at the Saint of God, he said to him. Tell us, accursed one, whence art thou? or what cause made thee come hither? St. Andeolus openly professes the faith of Christ. St. Andeolus with all patience and simplicity answered: From the parts of the East by the Bishop of Smyrna into this province with my Lords and Fathers I was sent, that we may preach the word of God to the nations, and announce the coming of Jesus Christ our God and Lord to those ignorant of it; and that wretched men withdrawing from idols made by hand, and forsaking the insane worship, and the images which the devil
persuades to be adored to the perdition of souls, may know Him to be God who is in the heavens, who conferred on us all a spirit of living and a soul. But if thou wishest to know my name, I am called Andeolus. Then Severus wondering at his great patience, said to him: Therefore for this only didst thou come into this province, that thou mightest do insult to our gods, and associate to thyself those who follow thee to suffer torments? Surely in these regions, preaching I know not what vain and superfluous things, thou wilt end thy life ill. But hear my counsel, dismiss this sect, he is not moved by promises or threats, lately invented by some Christ I know not whom, who by preaching these things is asserted to have been crucified: but thou if thou wilt, thou canst be the first in my palace, and I will make thee wealthy and splendid, if thou consent to me. But if thou shalt wish to remain in these things which thou doest, by divers torments I will make thee end the last day of thy life.
[10] And the most iniquitous Judge being turned, meanwhile, said to him: Tell me by the God whom thou worshippest, if there is to thee a c gain of gold and silver while thou preachest these things? St. Andeolus answered: Our riches consist not in gold and silver, but in the grace of Christ or his kingdom. Then Severus as if with bland speech said to him: Believe me, that if thou shalt be willing to be converted to our gods, and with humility to offer sacrifice to them, I will make thee richer and more honored than the rest of the bystanders. For our gods are merciful: for when they see their contemners returning to them with humility, straightway they remit all faults and excesses. St. Andeolus answered: I came into this province not to acquire gold and silver, but the souls of men, because it is more reasonable that He be worshipped who made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all things which are in them, than mute and deaf idols, by worshipping which thou art to be cast into the inextinguishable fire, which is prepared for the devil, and for you who consent to him. Most unhappy of men, he shows riches to be vain: if thou by worshipping vain things hast slain thy soul, at least subvert not this simple people, but permit it to come to the way of truth. If thou wouldst, wretch, know thy Creator, those riches, which for a time thou hast, thou couldst possess for ever. For thus promised our Lord and Saviour, that what a man shall leave in this world, and shall have followed him, with eternal life shall receive a hundredfold in the future of his treasures. Understand, unhappy one, that these things which thou worshippest are works of the hands of men, but by thy ordinance made for the subversion of men: but thou wouldst do better if knowing the maker of all the elements, thou shouldst come to the light from the darkness, and not lead so many thousands of men with thee into perdition: for thy riches also, which thou promisest me, will be with thee amid the exterior darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[11] Then angry Severus ordered him with hands turned back to be stretched to pulleys, so that his arms seemed erect; stretched on pulleys, he is beaten with clubs: and ordered him cruelly to be beaten with thorny bars, but so that fifty clubs of the size of arms might be broken on his back. But he stretched while he was beaten, ceased not to give thanks to the Lord, saying: Glory and praise to thee, Lord Jesus Christ, that already the beginnings of the passion in me wretched and unworthy thou deignest to show. Grant, King of glory, that persevering in these things with the victorious crown before thy Majesty I may deserve to come; St. Polycarp, my master and friend of Christ, splendid gem, my praise and crown, pray for me thy servant, that strengthened in endurance, when I shall come before the tribunal of Christ, of thy doctrine and my victory in Christ, thou mayest with joy triumph with me. But when all those clubs had been broken on his back, d Severus said to his ministers, Loose him, and seek a place dark and squalid, where no light may appear, and there shut him up diligently, lest perhaps any of the bystanders converse with him, and he persuade some to turn aside to his vain perfidy.
[12] Then one of the soldiers, by name Cerecius, said to Caesar: Lord, on the other bank of the river a temple of the most invincible Mars has begun to be made, under it a crypt is constructed, enclosed in a prison, in which if thy Greatness command, this man can most safely be shut up. Severus said: Thou hast said a most excellent thing. For it suits our utility that he remain not in so great a crowding of the people, lest by his words, to the superstitious sect which he preaches, he persuade some by his cleverness; but also we, while we seem to present to our gods the enemy of our gods bound to them, can merit their greatest favor. Severus therefore ordering, the man of God was led, and into the crypt given over to demons impiously thrust. But the guards watching before the crypt, about the middle of the night saw an immense light within, and most openly heard a multitude of Saints conversing with the blessed Martyr. he is corroborated by the appearing Saints, But they exhorted him saying to him: Sweetest brother, be of a brave mind, fear not: for tomorrow thou shalt receive the crown of martyrdom. But He will receive thee, for whose name thou hast intrepidly undertaken the glorious contest. Be secure therefore of the promise of the Lord, that he will set thee before his sight, and thou shalt shine in his kingdom as the sun, and shalt possess a perpetual habitation, and riches which neither eye hath seen, nor ear heard, nor have ascended into the heart of man. Remember therefore the commands of our Lord, that he promised we should suffer many things for his name: but he who shall persevere unto the end, this one shall be saved.
[13] But while they prayed and desired to depart, bidding farewell they said to the Martyr of Christ: So, brother, run through the course begun, that Christ may receive thee with the glory of martyrdom and the triumphal crown within the gates of paradise, and lead thee to the port, where no shipwreck is feared, and where no chance of peril comes. But St. Andeolus suffused with tears, besought them saying: Endure I beseech you yet, most holy men, because from the time you began to speak to me, both the wounds of my flesh are healed, and a very great place of consolation is given. Pray therefore, my Lords, and he is healed. that strength of mind may grow upon me, that to those who follow may be left an example of worthy provocation; and to the nations, if in me they shall see endurance, may be opened an entrance of believing. And these things said, singing a hymn to the Lord with modulated sweetness, they departed from him. These things therefore which were done in the crypt, we have learned by the report of the guards.
ANNOTATA.
CHAPTER III.
The Martyrdom endured. The Body freed from submersion and buried.
[14] But morning being made the holy Martyr is brought forth by the guards; Led out of prison and while a delay was made of crossing the river Rhône, the blessed Martyr standing upon the bank of the stream, with eyes lifted to heaven and mind cast down in the sight of the Lord, prayed to the Lord, thus saying: Lord Jesus Christ, because I confess thee with all my heart, and from thee seek help against the enemy of truth, on this day receive my spirit, and on this bank of the river bid my little body to rest. Then the guards seizing him, led him to the most iniquitous Severus on the other bank of the stream, to the aforesaid village of Bergoiata, where for this cause only he had halted. But the soldiers holding the Saint of God outside, their elders entering to the tyrant, related to him all the things which they had seen, and how with the blessed Martyr they had seen a multitude of Saints conversing. Then Severus said to his own: Hasten as quickly as possible; and without delay let this seducer be slain. For if the things which you saw, or which you say you heard, be heard, sedition will be made among the people, and our Gods will be despised, and our tradition is hereafter to be held for nothing.
[15] But Severus proceeding to a field not far from the bank of the stream, he is set before Severus, ordered the Saint of God Andeolus to be offered to him. But he, prayer to God being first made, and the rope broken, with which behind his back his hands were held bound, lifting his right hand, fortified his forehead and breast with the sign of the Cross. And when before the Tyrant with all confidence he had stood, Severus stupefied at the sight of him, beholding at once and wondering said to those standing about there; Consider this malefactor, and see with what alacrity of body and gladness of mind he stands before our presence. To us indeed it seems, that hitherto he has sat at feasts and banquets flowing with delights. For behold, as is given to understand, our scourgings have not at all harmed him: but, as we see, have rendered him stronger in all things. But also that you may know I have ascertained the truth, look, and see with how glad a countenance he regards us. By our most invincible gods, and by our power I swear, that this man is a malefactor. But also what I feel I tell you, that if we do not cause him to be slain more quickly, I fear lest he send some evil not only upon us, but also upon our country.
[16] But the tyrant filled with such fury said to Blessed Andeolus: Tell us, accursed one, didst thou come into this province only to provoke the power of our gods, or to the contempt of our censure? St. Andeolus answered: I have already told thee, that I was sent with my fathers by the Bishop of Smyrna
into this province, that we may preach the word of our Lord Jesus Christ to the nations and to all those ignorant of it: of which ignorant ones thou also, unhappy one, art known to be foremost. But Severus this discourse being heard said to him; and he is slain By the great God Mars, and by his victories I swear, that no longer either to me, or to the nations shalt thou preach. a Then he ordered a sword to be made of the hardest wood in the likeness of a sword, and his head to be cruelly cleft in the manner of a Cross. But the ministers fulfilling so impious a command, so crushed his head in the manner of a cross, that the brain being dashed to the ground, living in Christ, he made an end of life: and so consummating in the Lord, and intrepid completing a glorious Martyrdom, praising and blessing and glorifying God, with joy he sent forth his soul.
[17] But the body now being lifeless, and lying unburied to the sight of all, The Body fastened to a stone is cast into the river: the most impious Severus ordered a chain to be soldered into a stone, and there the feet of the most blessed Martyr, his passion being now fulfilled, to be bound; and into the river Rhône, lest by any of the Christians he should be worthily buried, satisfying his cruelty, to be cast headlong: and standing upon the bank of the stream, when the holy body in his presence had been cast into the river, as if now a victor insulting the slain, he said: Go now, as thou didst promise to do, and preach to the nations. For from that very saying the most impious Caesar had been chiefly excited to wrath against the Saint of God, because he had said to him, I came to preach to the nations. But the crime now perpetrated, and Caesar himself proceeding from the village, very many Senators meeting him asked him, saying: What has been done with that man who had come to announce a new law? But he as if mocking, swelling with elation and pride said to them, We have directed him to preach to the nations. From this saying was called the name of that place, where the body of the blessed Martyr was buried, Gentibus. b But when the holy Body with the stone had been cast into the river, it so passed straight through the streams of the river, the right hand of his Majesty governing it, to the farther bank, that all believed him not for this submerged in the water that he should lie hid, but to have been sent to that very place by the Lord. But the wave ministering, that body itself was brought and carried to dry land, as if it had been cast c eighteen right hands to the bank of that river Rhône. it is carried to dry land: The fifth day therefore had now come, on which where by the nod of God the holy body had been cast from the water, it lay unburied.
[18] And when the inhabitants of that place had learned this deed, coming to the place they wondered greatly, in this especially being amazed, that neither any beast, nor any bird dared to touch that body. And when to the spectacle of this deed a multitude of men had assembled; it happened that a certain matron, by name Tullia, on the same day was passing through the d public field to her field, by the matron Tullia where at that time she had begun to adorn a villa with buildings. She hastening for the sake of seeing, came to that place: and seeing a multitude of men standing about the body, ordered the carriage in which she was conveyed to stand, and said to her servants: Go as quickly as possible, and see for what cause this multitude of men has assembled to this place: but also bring to me of those standing there, that by their relating I may be able to know the truth. Then there came to her from that multitude, as she had demanded, two men. Whom when she asked, for what cause they had assembled there; they said: A pilgrim man lies here, slain by Severus, on the e inner bank of the Rhône, but cast at his command into the water with a stone bound to his feet; she learning the miracles, but soon the chains were broken, and the body the wave bringing it back was cast onto this bank. But now we wonder greatly, that the lying body neither beasts nor birds at all touch: but also, the shepherds relating, other miracles in this place are shown to very many. Behold voices of singers are heard by many over him at night, also burning wax candles with great brightness very many affirm they have often seen. And this among the rest seems to us the greatest miracle, since in this place of a most rapid river very large rocks are seen rolled along by the water, that his body was so straight carried. But now all fear the f public persecution, or surely the most impious Caesar, and there is none who dares to give him any burial whatsoever.
[19] Then that matron, desiring to know more evidently the things which had been done, said to them: I beg you, little sons, tell me more truly as you have learned: for I desire to know, as you see, and the slaying inflicted for the faith of Christ, for what fault this man is asserted to have been slain. The two men answering said to her: Know, Lady, that we tell thee the truth: He said Christ to be God, and the new law which the Christians are said to have, he wished to teach in this country: therefore led by zeal Severus, not bearing to hear these things, slew him. She hearing these things retained them within herself, and to none of her own opening what she thought in mind, swiftly went to her field whither she was going, because that field seemed to be situated near. But that very night returning with her faithful, and those whom she had proved in the faith of Christ, he is buried. she most worthily buried the holy body in that very place, where many and not a few times the Saint himself manifested himself by very many wonders: in which place so great grace the Lord by the intercession of his Martyr until today deigns to bestow, that whosoever shall come there sad, receiving what he asks, returns with joy. But the Saint of God Andeolus was martyred, for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, on the Kalends of May; and on the VI of the Nones of May by the most blessed Tullia there, in the place which is called Gentibus, was buried, by the grant of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom is with the Father and the Holy Spirit, honor, virtue, praise, dominion forever and ever. Amen.