ON THE HOLY THREE HUNDRED AND TEN
MARTYRS IN PERSIA.
CommentaryCCCX Martyrs in Persia (SS.)
G. H.
All the Latin Martyrologies everywhere celebrate
these Holy Martyrs crowned in Persia,
and there are first of all four apographs
of the Hieronymian Martyrology, then those which
Usuard, Ado, Notker, Bellinus published
with most and with the best-noted MSS. fasti and
with today's Roman Martyrology: and almost everywhere with this phrase.
In Persia of the Holy three hundred and ten Martyrs.
The Author of the Martyrology printed under the name of Bede
increases the number to four hundred, by an easy slip of the scribe
converting the decimal mark into the centenary. A similar
σφάλμα we find in some MS. in which CCX Martyrs
were noted. Wandelbert honors them with this verse.
Three hundred shine forth on the seven Ides in one
Martyrdom, and at the same time adorned by the Blessed.
In the MS. of Tamlacht is the memory of S. Beatus, of whom below, and
of others CCXIII: elsewhere, and of other Martyrs XXIII
But at what time and by what kind of death they completed the contest,
no one tells: and since very many persecutions among the Persians
were stirred up against Christians, it is difficult to discern. Florentinius
casts his eyes on Sapor King of the Persians, because
very many under him were crowned with martyrdom for the faith of Christ.