Martyrs Alphius

ON THE HOLY MARTYRS ALPHIUS, PHILADELPHUS, CYRINUS

THE LEONTINES IN SICILY.

Alphius, Martyr among the Leontines in Sicily (St.)

Philadelphus, Martyr among the Leontines in Sicily (St.)

Cyrinus, Martyr among the Leontines in Sicily (St.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

§. I. The cult of the Saints among the Greeks & Sicilians.

Sicily, a most known island, wont to be reckoned with Italy (from which by a strait of three miles, where it is most narrow, it is separated), with the nearer part of Italy is numbered among Magna Græcia, whose tongue once there prevailed, & to the Eastern Empire it was long subject. Hence the veneration & cult of various Sicilian Saints, Notice preserved among the Greeks who before the Menology of the Greeks was compiled by Sirletus in the Latin tongue, & from it the Roman Martyrology was augmented by Baronius, had remained unknown to all the Latins outside Sicily, already long ago passed to the Greeks & especially to the Constantinopolitan Church. Among these were the Saints, of whom we have determined to treat, brothers, Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, of whom the most ancient memory which we have hitherto been able to find, expressed about 700 years ago, is found in these words on this X of May, in the Menology of the Emperor Basil. in the Greek Menology of Basil Porphyrogenitus the Emperor: Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus, Martyrs of Christ, were sprung from the region of Italy, noble & rich, sons of Vitalius the Governor of the same region. But when from a certain Onesimus a Christian they had learned religion, & by him had been baptized; they preached the faith of Christ. But at that time, the Governor with Imperial letters being dispatched from the city of Rome into that region of Italy, that he should take care that all the Christians be slain; to his notice these three brought & apprehended, & bound with chains, to Rome were sent, together with Onesimus & Erasmus & other men fourteen, to Licinius: & by him handed over to Diomedes the Prefect, they were affected with many tortures. Then Onesimus, a very great stone placed upon his breast, sent forth his spirit. But Erasmus, with the remaining fourteen Christians, was beheaded: but the aforesaid three, dispatched into Sicily, there were slain.

[2] The Mss. Synaxaries Claromontanus So far that Menology: to which by right of antiquity must next be subjoined the MS. Synaxary of the Constantinopolitan Church, which belongs to the College of Clermont of the Society of Jesus at Paris, from which we give this elogium: On the same X of May, the Contest of the holy Martyrs Alphius, Philadelphus, Cyrinus & companions. These were sprung from the region of the Vascani, from the city of the Prefects, noble & illustrious with abundance of riches, sons of Vitalius the Governor. Who when by a certain Onesimus a most holy man they had been taught religion & baptized, were preaching Christ. But there was with Imperial letters against the Christians sent thither from Rome Anungellio; by whom these first are interrogated concerning the faith, & by him to Rome are destined to Licinius, who handed them over to Valerian to be examined by questions: by whom to Puteoli to Diomedes the Prefect they are dispatched, who took care that those to Tertyllus the Governor of Sicily be led. With great constancy everywhere & exercise they sustained various torments, & at length under Tertyllus they obtained the most blessed crown. But Alphius had his tongue cut out, Philadelphus was roasted with fiery coals, & Cyrinus was cast into a burning frying-pan. But Onesimus & Erasmus, with the other fourteen, were tortured with many torments. And S. Onesimus indeed, after a very great stone taken upon his breast, sent forth his spirit. But Erasmus & his fourteen companions with neck cut off completed their martyrdom.

[3] & the Chiffletian. To these agrees the MS. Chiffletian: which also to the encomium of the same Martyrs preludes with these three distichs, expressing the last torture of each.

Ἀλφεῖος ἐι καὶ γλῶτταν ἐξαφῃρέθη Τῇ ψυχικῇ γλώττῃ σε δοξάσει, Λόγε.

Though Alphius had his tongue cut out, With a spiritual tongue he glorifies thee, O God.

Ὁ Φιλάδελφος καὶ φιλόχριστος φᾶναι, Χρίστον φιλῶν ἤθλησεν, εἰς πῦρ ἐσχάρας.

In the heat of the coals Philadelphus, loving Christ, Even Philo-Christ wished to appear.

Ὅπτου φαγὼν πρὶν Σῶτερ ιχθύος μέρος, Ἐκ τηγάνου Κυπρῖνον ἡδέως δέχου.

Joyful receive the Carp from the frying-pan, O Savior, who once didst feed on roasted fish.

Where him whom the Acts of the passion call Cyrinus, the printed Menæa call Cyrillus, you see called a carp: by which name while the Greeks call also that fish, which we call in Latin Carpius; occasion was given to that poet, pious rather than polished, of alluding to the part of the roasted fish, which to Christ after death appearing the disciples offered, with a honeycomb, Luke XXIV, 42. The printed Menæa aforecited have an elogium similar to those already reported: but the things which about the last torture of the Martyrs we have severally reported, about the torments first endured are subjoined by one general phrase in this manner: When by the several Prefects they had been tortured with various kinds of torments, the tormentors not profiting even a whit, in a plainly desperate matter, by Tertylus they were condemned to death: & thus the most grievous & most cruel torments being overcome, they received a blessed end.

[4] the same finally inscribed in the Latin calendars. Primus the Bishop of Chalon in Gaul, who in the year of salvation 1450 wrote a Topography of the holy Martyrs of Christ, reprinted after the Martyrology of Maurolycus, at the name Leontinum; here, he says, Alphius, Philadelphius & Cyrinus Martyrs, under the Emperor Licinius & Tertullus the Governor: & nearly the same words at this X of May has Maurolycus himself the Abbot of Messina in the year 1564. Baronius content with the names of the place & of the Martyrs in the revision of the Roman Martyrology, abstained from naming the Emperor & Governor. And when to that universal Church they were thus already known, the Leontine Church believed it to be its own proper duty to ordain concerning these its Patrons an Office, with lessons for the second Nocturn arranged from Metaphrastes, the Codex of Grotta-Ferrata & the Menology, in what manner namely by common error all Greek codices about the Lives of Saints are attributed to Metaphrastes. And from these lessons, by the work of Agathinus Castilionæus a Canon of the Leontine Church in the year 1607 under Pope Paul V approved at Rome, a prolix epitome of the Passion took Ferrarius, & inserted it

into the Catalogue of the Saints of Italy: but the Office itself, that according to the Decree of the sacred Congregation throughout the whole kingdom of Sicily it be observed by the secular & regular Clergy, & honored with a proper Office, under penalty of a thousand ducats, in virtue of holy obedience, strictly commanded all the Officials spiritual & temporal Peter Paul Crescentius, the general Auditor of the Apostolic Chamber, at Rome the XV of July 1622, Paul being now dead & Gregory XV ruling the Roman Church. But just as at the suggestion of Paul Bellardita the Leontine, who to Gregory XIII with the title of Chaplain ministered, besides the aforesaid three Saints there were inserted into the Roman Martyrology Epiphana the Martyr on the XII of May, Euthalia the Virgin Martyr on the XXVII of August, S. Mercurius & his fellow Soldiers on the X of December, of whom no notice is had from elsewhere than from the Acts of the holy Brothers, of which presently: so also the Leontine Church, by the same work by which it obtained their Office, as also several others taken from their Acts alone also obtained from the aforesaid Pope Paul V proper Offices of these men & women, & also of the holy Virgins Thecla & Justina, for the X of January; of the seven holy Boys Martyrs, for the XXVI of March; of several holy Jewish Martyrs, for the IX of April; of SS. Isidora & Neophyta the sister Martyrs, for the XIII of April; of S. Thallalæus the Confessor, for the XXIV of May; of SS. Stratonicus & Cleonicus the Martyrs, for the XXIV of July; of SS. Onesimus, Erasinus & companions Martyrs, for the XXXI of July (which in the year 1609 to the city & diocese of Pozzuoli, in which they are believed to have suffered, communicated the sacred Congregation of Rites, & three years after caused to be printed at Rome Agathinus Castilionius the aforesaid Protonotary Apostolic, & dedicated it to the Chapter & Clergy of the Church of Pozzuoli, for entering upon & maintaining between the cities of Pozzuoli & the Leontines, which are numbered under the patronage of the same Saints, benevolence) finally of S. Neophytus the Bishop & Confessor, for the I of September; & of S. Donatus the Presbyter, for the XIII of November. Which if now for the first time they were offered to be approved, I believe they would not so easily be received; the uncertainty of the Acts being now better known, supported by no documents & monuments from elsewhere.

§. II The time of the Martyrdom & the place of birth.

[5] In the Acts an error of time & of name manifest, Such encomia of the Saints as we gave from the MSS. Basilian & what we call Claromontane, such in several Greek MSS. throughout Italy & Gaul we found, from which we would have expressly noted, if any perhaps with the former Basilian rather than with the latter Claromontane agree. For that former one is so conceived, that what might greatly offend the reader, & make doubt about the truth of the history, nothing occurs; but it can conveniently be understood, how, sprung from some province of Italy, especially of Greece or Calabria, with others they were sent to Rome to Licinius some Prefect of the City, & administering all things therein in the place of the then perhaps absent Emperor, whoever he finally may have been; & at length, for the terror of others, dispatched into Sicily, cruelly, if they could not be bent, to be slain. So that if there ever existed any acts of them more sincere than are now had, this encomium could be believed taken from these. But the latter, since it says they were of τῆς τῶν Βασκάνων χώρας, πόλεως Πρεφεκτῶν, & by Licinius handed over to Valerian to be examined by questions, more manifestly indicates, that from those Acts it was received, in which the Saints are said to be born ἐν τῇ τῶν Βασκόνων χώρᾳ ἐν μιᾷ τῶν πόλεων λεγομένῃ Πρεφέκτᾳ; & apprehended at that time & sent to Rome, when the reins of the Roman Empire were managed by Licinius the Emperor, to whom a unanimous friend & counselor & assessor, second after him in the Empire, was Valerian: which things cannot subsist with the truth: both because in that age there were as yet no Bascones or Vascones, except in Spain, in which by Latin not Greek names (such as here everywhere occur) men were wont to be called: & especially because the Emperor Licinius, diverse from Licinius Valerian, was none, except in the age of Constantine the Great; but he had no part of jurisdiction either in Sicily, or in the rest of the Western Empire.

[6] But of a more manifest unhistoricalness the same Acts are convicted in these very two points (that I may meanwhile be silent of others) when in num. 102 many are said to have perished for Christ in the region of the Vascones, & in Britain whence those arose; [to be corrected by substituting for the Emperor Licinius & Valerian his counselor,] & in num. 117 there is brought in a monk from the region of the Vascones & the Britons coming, & about the lineage & education of the Saints teaching Neophytus, designated the first Bishop of the Leontines; & leading the same from Rome to the father of the Saints, Vitalis, by a journey of eleven months into Vasconia. Likewise when they repeatedly bring in Licinius the Emperor ever Augustus &c. publishing edicts against the Christians in num. 2, with the Senate of the city of Rome approving, which under the coming of the Saints to Rome into the East was preparing an expedition, that it might utterly destroy the whole race of Christians; & leaving Valerian to act in his stead, he handed over to him the bound ones brought from the Prefect-town, & commanded that all other Christians whomsoever he should find he should kill with many & bitter tortures. Perhaps in the more ancient Acts no Emperor was named: who if he were believed to have been Decius, in the manner in which all the more recent authors think, & he was absent when the Saints came from the City, in the year 251 having set out against the Goths, by whom at length conquered he fell beyond the Danube; it would easily be understood, why the only one able to be named was Licinius Valerian, whom finally the unskillfulness of the author, under the Emperor Decius Licinius Valerian. extending the brief & most simple Acts into an immense bulk, unskillfully drew apart into two persons; when on the contrary that one & the same man was called by either name is established from the coins, exhibited by Tristan in volume 3 of the Historical Commentaries page 117. But how from a decree of the Senate of the XXVII of October, demanded as Censor, because he was a friend of the good, an enemy of tyrants, a foe of crimes, a foe of vices (among which was reckoned chief the profession of the Christian faith) that office with most ample power he was ordered to exercise by Decius, with whom he was acting in readiness for the march, prepared for the journey, fully narrates Trebellius Pollio. That he was sent back into the city & both passed laws of himself, & most severely persecuted the Christians, Baronius contends at the year 253 num. last; so that by the name of both was called the persecution of Decius & Valerian, although their Empires were interrupted by Gallus & Volusianus, after a brief quiet of about one year given to the Christians, their persecutors also themselves.

[7] so that the Saints suffered on the 10th of May. But it cannot be, that the Saints were first brought to Rome, when, setting out against the Goths, Decius appointed Valerian Censor: for if they suffered on the X of May; this May was, not the subsequent but the preceding the expedition of Decius; for this was soon followed by the death of the tyrant, & the death by the already said one year's peace, before again the persecution was renewed foretold by the Saints in num. 71, & continued in Sicily even to the fourth year after the death of the Saints & the slaying of Tertyllus, as is said in num. 89. It cannot also be, that the Saints sent to him for whole seven months at the Leontines Tertyllus tortured as you have in num. 60. For when on the V of February, of the year 251, at Catania was crowned S. Agatha, the Governor of Sicily was Quintianus: who on the next day soon, in the crossing of the river Simethus drowned, had to make place for Tertyllus, equally as he himself throughout all Sicily cruel edicts about to execute. Therefore those seven months of the Martyrdom I would take from the first day, on which the Martyrs were handed over to Valerian at Rome; unto the last, on which at the Leontines they were crowned. But thus I would arrange the years, that in the August of the year 250 Nigellio sent into the Fatherland of the Saints, to seek out Christians, sent the Saints to Rome in the month of September, Decius being present there, & the next grade of honor with him holding Licinius Valerian, perhaps with the title of Prefect of the City, the same who the following year chosen Censor, & at length created Emperor: for that through all the grades of dignities he ascended to the greatest summit on earth, writes Trebellius Pollio. By him by various questions they were tried, unto the death of Quintianus & the substitution of Tertyllus into the Prefecture of Sicily; then together with their companions sent to Puteoli, with the mandate, that Onesimus, Erasmus & companions there be tortured, but the three themselves be sent into Sicily to Tertyllus; year 251 who in the year 251 had them through all March & April in torments, where to have come to the crown sooner, than Onesimus & companions at Puteoli, would be consequent, if what in their new Office is said, that also were held in the Acts, namely that on the XXXI of July they met death, when the holy Brothers died, as has been said, on the X of May. As to the death of Tertyllus & the end of the persecution, that either fell in the fourth or fifth year from the death of the Saints can with difficulty be proved, since Valerian only came into the captivity of the Persians in the year 259, & then for the first time, struck by this calamity of his father, the consort of the Empire & of its savagery Gallienus, remitted his fury: yet it could be, that Tertyllus dying in the year 254 had a successor milder toward the Christians, & under that calm there was augmented little by little the Church of the Leontines, until it deserved to receive its first Bishop Neophytus from S. Dionysius the Pope after the year 259.

[8] Now as to the fatherland of the Saints, which in the manuscript as well as in the printed Menæa is written Βασκάνων χώρα, born not among the Vascones in Spain or Gaul, not Βασκόνων; but in those copies which Sirletus used it is called the region of the Bazachini; it is not to be sought by us in Spain, much less in Gaul, to which the Pyrenees being crossed not earlier did the Vascones penetrate, in the judgment of our Brietius, than when from the other part there burst into it the Franks, & from their name constituted Vasconia: but in the outermost & Sicily-nearest Italy. For where it, as Pliny says in book 3 chapter 11, runs out longest into the seas, & makes a promontory, which they call the Iapygian point, Basta is a town, between it & Hydruntum in the middle place situated: which, as Antonius Galatæus says on the situation of Iapygia page 96, some call Vastas, others Vasta, others Vasten. And this now is a hamlet, scarcely inhabited by fifteen hearths, which once had been a moderate city & of just circuit. Its part on a low slope, part on the plain was set. Outside the city innumerable sepulchres are found, with earthen vases of most elegant forms, but among the Vastans, & full of bones & ashes of men, & in some bronze arms consumed by age, & rude rings not sufficiently polished. All which are an indication to us, that that city was Ferrarius in the Geographical Lexicon, Prefectures, towns of Italy; in which those who dwelt, neither lived by their own laws as Municipals, nor could create any magistrates from their own body, like Colonists; but by Magistrates

sent from Rome they were governed, which the Greeks could say was a city Prefect-town or of Prefects; just as into this region of the Bastans or Bastatins, to the city Prefect-town, sent from Rome is said Nigellio, who bound the Saints & sent them to Licinius. But by the depravation of one little letter, it came to pass, that in the place of Βαστάνων or Βαστατίνων was written Βασκάνων or Βαζαχίνων: which into the name Βασκόνων the unskillfulness of later ages distorted; & made them think of the Vasconia most known to them, although most remote from the city of Rome, although there were no Prefectures named outside Italy. The said opinion can be confirmed from the names of the Martyrs, which are all Greek, so that even alone they may suffice to persuade, that they were sprung from Magna Græcia rather than from some Transalpine region, where not only were such names not so frequent, but were most rare.

[9] neighbors, not to the Britons, But as unskillfully as for the Bastans or Vastans in Italy the Vascones were substituted, once a people of Spain now of Gaul: so ineptly to the region of the same in the last & more rugged part of the Acts, num. 102, Britain is joined, & num. 117 the region of the Britons: of whom some, inhabiting an island, a great space of sea separates from the Vascones: others dwelling in that region which formerly was called Armorica, & in the division of the Empire the third Lyonnese Province, divided by the interposition at least of all Aquitaine from the modern Vasconia, first crossed the sea, & from the name of their ancient fatherland called it Britain, after the year of Christ 382; when, against Gratian Maximus rebelling, two legions from the island burst into Gaul under the Leader Conanus the Briton. But for these far more aptly will be substituted & be believed to have been first written, those whom the Greeks generally Brettii, but to the Brettii or Brutii the Latins Brutii, Ennius Brutates, some perhaps Bretani or Brutani named: but close to the Sicilian strait they dwell, & only by the interposition of the Tarentine gulf are separated from Messapia; which if it all was subject to the Prefect of Basta, dwelling there, it can all be reckoned by the name of the Bastans. And thus if coming from Rome you attempt the land journey, until you have come thither whence the shortest is the crossing into Sicily, the whole region of the Brutii it will behoove you to measure out. Nay, even all that part of Calabria, which the Romans call the Further, the Sicilians could attribute to the Brutii; so that with them & under them also the Bastans are reckoned; just as the English & several other nations, from the Flemish more known or nearer to them, name all the provinces of Spanish Belgium.

§. III What the Acts are, & with what faith written?

[10] Let the things said hitherto suffice for restoring the true notion of persons, times, & places to the first notice, which about the three holy brothers suffering among the Leontines, either by the tradition alone of the elders or even by a shortish writing came to the author of the most prolix Acts, which in Greek & Latin we give. A certain Greek MS. autograph, Cajetan being witness, The Acts published in Latin in the year 1312 in Sicily, had Leo Corinthius the Notary of Trayna & turned it into the Latin tongue in the year 1312, which itself perhaps is now had in the library of S. Salvator at Messina: or by a certain Abbot of the monastery of Fragala, before or afterward, was placed in a certain little box of the relics of S. Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, where in the year 1517 found, again turned into Latin Silvester Sigona the Leontine, & published it at Palermo in the year 1522. This edition Baronius had, & in the Notes to the Roman Martyrology judged, that these very Acts in some things must be corrected. But lest, he says, Others collected at Rome by Ant. Talpa, I seem to take others' labors to myself, these very things & almost all others, received from diverse archives of churches outside the city, of which in these Annotations we frequently make mention, to collect into one, was the work & industry of the R. P. Antonius Talpa of Severino, the Prefect of the Library of our Congregation: who in collecting these diligent zeal & duty laudably bestowed. He does not however seem to have published it also into the light, since it is nowhere cited by Cajetan, nor have we anywhere found it at Rome. But neither Talpa's autograph do I think is preserved in the Vallicellian library of the aforesaid Congregation: because nothing in it to us inaccessible & hidden did the most laudable charity of those Fathers wish, & for the advancement of this work a zeal so singular, as in the dedicatory epistle before the Martyrology of Bede in volume 2 of March we made attested. But because Talpa's writings we did not see, let no one therefore believe us the less instructed by a necessary & opportune instrument: for besides the Palermitan edition afore-noted, we believe him to have had nothing else, than a Greek MS. diverse from the prior Sicilian ones, in the Tusculan field among the Basilian monks of the monastery of Grotta-ferrata found.

[11] This is written by the hand of Basil the monk, as he himself noted at the end of the book, both there where end the Acts which Sigona rendered in Latin, & as far as is called the book of SS. Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus; others turned by Sirmond. then again after a vast addition, which being completed is subjoined, By God's help here is the end of the book, by the hand of Basil the sinner in the month of December, on the VI day of the Week, in the VIII Indiction, in the year 1473, in the Lunar cycle XIII. So our Latin transcript, which we call the Neapolitan, because at Naples we received it, sent by P. Antonius Beatillus; but it itself to have been transcribed from the autograph of P. James Sirmond, who when at Rome as a youth gave attention to Theology, made the Greek MS. of Grotta-ferrata Latin, is plain from Cajetan: & he using another transcript, dissected it into the Acts of various Saints, & transferred them into his own work, & in the Animadversions page 51 noted the year, in which the Greek codex was written, 1480. Neither number agrees with the number of the Indiction & of the Lunar Cycle; nor is it easy to know where the fault lies hidden. If Sirmond used a cipher, from the Greek MS. of the year 1475. nothing was easier, than for 1473 to creep in to the transcriber for 1475, which year by a monk of the Greek rite, together with the Lunar Cycle & Indiction begun from the month of September, of the year according to the now common usage 1474, would indicate this writing to have been finished on the 4th, 11th, or 18th of December falling on the VI feria, on which also in that year fell the Lord's Nativity, but then to have labored in writing it were impious to think. Another year certainly in all that century there is none, which joined the Lunar Cycle XIII & the Indiction VIII. But that year which Cajetan expresses, & those next following & preceding, had all things most disparate, as will become known to one consulting the tables.

[12] The Greek we give from the Vatican MS. Moreover either Sirmond greatly contracted the phrase, sometimes also cut away some circumstances; or what he rendered in Latin was a MS. greatly diverse from that which we found in the MS. Vatican Codex 1591, whence we will give it at the end of this volume: yet either MS. in the same way as into four parts is divided, of which only three are contained in the MS. & printed Leontine, & those from each other undivided. But there is absent from the Vatican MS. the name of the writer, which in the Grotta-ferrata one is expressed after the end of the third & fourth part. There are wanting also at the end of the third part some whole articles, which the same Grotta-ferrata codex as well as the Leontine has, as we indicate in the notes. But of those four parts this is the distribution. The first part contains the Saints' arraignments, torments, death & burial. The second & Third the miracles, apparitions, conversions & various martyrdoms following the burial of the Saints, with the acts of Agatho the Bishop of Lipari among the Leontines, & the death of Tertyllus the Governor. The fourth pursues the preceding argument, & in its progress has the foundations of the Leontine churches, & the ordination of the first Bishop & his successors.

[13] The Latin from the version of Sigona. Of these the first part with a new version had John Francis Albanus deigned to make Latin for us: but because the press advancing rather swiftly did not allow the necessary space of time in which the three other parts could similarly into the Latin idiom by the same be turned; & for more certainly asserting the things which about the faith of the several parts we are presently to say, it was expedient the old version of Sigona to be retained, with a supplement from the version of Sirmond. adding from the Sirmondian version a supplement; therefore we hold it enough gratefully to praise his good will toward us, intending to use his work in some worthier argument, if God shall grant. For as rightly observes Cajetan aforenamed, the more prolix this history, the less legitimate; nor must that ancient one, whether by Notaries taken down, or by Christians written, be reckoned so. For the ancient Acts of the holy Martyrs brief & candid are wont to be: but this history some pious monk, insisting on the ancient Acts & the truth, seems to have composed & augmented: but in the much-speaking it was sinned, partly against dignity, partly against the history's faith. but they are unskillfully amplified, Certain errors he himself summarily indicates: two running through the whole first part we have already indicated: the rest in the Annotations & censures, subjoined to the several chapters, we touch on briefly; & we are forced to opine, that scarcely anything more of solid truth is contained in it, than is contained in the elogium produced above from the Basilian Synaxary; perhaps not even any writing preceded the author, but only the Leontine tradition, & at most some old pictures; whose argument no less unskillfully than confidently he augmented, adding circumstances of sayings & doings, of miracles & of heavenly visions, such as he thought such a martyrdom could be illustrated by.

[14] And would that; just as about the holy brothers Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, with the Acts of several Saints interposed, perhaps even fictitious from the antiquity of the temples dedicated to them, & the perpetual cult of the sacred bones in three places even now religiously preserved, we believe with sufficient certainty, that they both truly were in Sicily, & in the same consummated martyrdom for Christ; & just as for SS. Onesimus, Erasmus & companions, whom at Puteoli to have suffered we read at the beginning of these Acts, some faith, although not equally certain, makes the Basilian Menology, which received from elsewhere than from the interpolated Acts we can more easily presume than prove: would, I say, that also from elsewhere we had something, for the truth of the Martyrdoms more firmly to be believed, by which crowned were Neophyta & Isidora the nurses of the Saints, the mother & aunt of Thecla num. 20, Mercurius the soldier with his nineteen companions, num. 24, the very many Jews through the Saints converted & by their fellow-tribesmen stoned num. 38, to all of whom the Leontine Church assigns their birthdays, from the Acts so interpolated faith alone. or rashly drawn hither. Thecla also already said & Justina, Alexander & his wife Epiphana, by whose conversion & virtues that first part, of which we treated, grew into so great prolixity, vehemently need some aid, lest they be believed ingeniously or for ornament feigned, or gratuitously drawn into this history; just as into the Life of S. Suibert, composed under the name of Marcellinus & refuted on the I of March by us, some Wertinensian monk pieced together several, whom our Belgium venerates as Saints, & whom we approve,

long either before or afterward dead, to have had nothing with Suibert in common, except the title of distinguished sanctity, & of work conferred on the conversion or cult of our regions.

[15] especially in the 2nd & 3rd part. Now indeed if the faith of the first part thus wavers; with what indulgence of pious credulity shall we receive the second & third? Those indeed are of the same author altogether: but who for composing the first had some indubitable foundation in certain & known truth, namely the Martyrdom of the Saints, which with many side-pieces added he might amplify. But whether he had so little a truth of solid & constant argument shining before him in composing the other two, will deservedly doubt he who will consider that they are nothing else, than a continuation of the side-pieces inserted into the first part. Therefore the noble martyrdom of Epiphana, the happy death of Thalelæus, the coming of Agatho the Bishop of Lipari into Sicily, the fortitude of Stratonicus & Cleonicus offering themselves of their own accord to death, the multitude of Martyrs in Minæum, the baptism of Neophytus formerly Alexander, the baleful end of Tertyllus the Governor, of none of which elsewhere in books, temples, or altars is there extant any indication, we shall not be able not to hold suspect, & to grieve, that from a writing of so light authority were augmented not only the private calendars of the Leontine Church, but also the Roman & universal Martyrology, at the suggestion of Paul Bellardita, & Baronius being thus distracted to other weightier cares, that when he had prudently judged the martyrdom of the holy Brothers to pertain to the persecution of Decius; from these Acts alone known Mercurius & his companions he referred to the times of the Emperor Licinius, but Epiphanes to the persecution of Diocletian, to each adjoining the Governor Tertyllus.

[16] But the fourth part is more recent & wholly fabulous; The last part is of an altogether other author, & also much later, so that it is no wonder, if in the more ancient copies, such as was found in the box of the relics, it does not appear. Here Eutropia the woman with an issue of blood is read by a miracle healed, & her daughter Euthalia for the cause of the Christian faith slain by her brother Servilianus, the Christians in Sicily now having peace, & of churches to be built & endowed thinking Thecla. Here Alexander now Neophytus with Agatho to Rome, nay even into Vasconia sets out: here he, now ordained Bishop, baptizes the Leontines: here Samuel the Hebrew is healed of leprosy, & into Donatus the Presbyter is converted. Here finally the successors both of Donatus in the care of the Antzianensian Parish, & of Neophytus in the government of the Leontine Church are recounted chronologically: yet so that Crescens, the seventh from Neophytus, is indicated as hostile to the relics of the Saints, after the manner of the Iconomachs, first known in the eighth century; & the same is charged as if the Acts & miracles of the Saints, written by Marcus the monk, he gave to the fire; by the immediate successor of Crescens Lucianus restored, as Cajetan judges; making for this Lucianus as well as for the aforesaid Marcus a place among the Sicilian Saints. But this part, the more accurate the style with which it seems to have been written, with the numbers of years & days expressed scrupulously, the more notorious it makes the writer's audacity; who as about each thing most fully informed, so many & so great absurdities meanwhile he mixed into this part, that it does not even bear the appearance of a tolerable fiction. And since the prior parts were written by an author only of the seventh or eighth century; there is nothing which persuades that the other, having attained some imperfect series of the Leontine Bishops, or having invented it from his own brain, lived before the tenth & eleventh century. Why are all these given here? Perhaps he did not even write in Sicily, where that fourth part was unknown, but in some Italian monastery of the Basilian Order, suppose in Grotta-ferrata.

[17] Therefore since the first part must at the least be said to be unskillfully interpolated, the second & third wholly suspected of fiction, the fourth most certainly fabulous in most things; these Acts were not worthy to augment the bulk of this work with their insipid prolixity, to be even more dilated by us through Notes & Censures, without which they ought not to appear, subjoined to the several Chapters; unless for the justification of our judgment about them it had seemed necessary, to put the whole matter at once under view: which, dismembered & castigated by Cajetan in the prior months, deceived us too, & most easily could deceive anyone. For the things which severally either scarcely offend, or are even excused, or escape the sight; these at once running into the eyes, will bring back a hardly doubtful condemnation. There is added that it is worth the trouble to be well understood, that Sicily, as of crops, so also of poetic geniuses, was fertile beyond other regions, not only when it served heathen vanities, but also after it drank the more solid doctrine of the Gospel; plainly so that it seems to men even good & pious to have been persuaded, What is the aim of these writers? that it makes for the cult of Religion & the Saints, if when others through the mockeries of arms & loves by woven fables (which today we call Romances) instill into minds examples & precepts, accommodated to morals not so much to be formed as to be deformed, the more harmfully the more delightfully; they themselves the Lives of the more celebrated Saints with a like pleasantness of marvelous events concatenated among themselves should variegate, for inculcating more efficaciously the precepts of virtues & the remedies of vices. A counsel not unpraiseworthy, if as much of usefulness as simpler minds can take from it, so much of detriment did not the sincerity of ecclesiastical history receive, while neither at the beginning nor in the course of the narration is the reader warned, that under the appearance of history a poem is delivered; of such a kind however, that he will equally err who believes all things true, as he who believes all things feigned. This warned in profane matters John Barclay, in sacred Peter Camus the Bishop of Belley, the histories of their own time & of their own fatherland palliating with the scheme of antiquity, the former under the feigned names of Argenis the Sicilian & of Polyarchus, the latter under the true appellations of Agatho & Tryphæna the Sicilian Martyrs; & these as it had seemed amplifying, nor however offending anyone, because they do not dissimulate the fiction. But these published their inventions as histories of most certain truth.

[18] We described from the Florentine library of S. Laurentius, to our Alphian Acts as to the license of feigning most similar, the Lives of the Saints Gregory of Agrigentum & Gregory the Armenian, how many such things in Sicily came forth even under the name of eye-witnesses? this under the name of Agathangelus, that under the title of Leontius, as of contemporaries & for the most part eye- witnesses, most diffusely written in the same Sicily: which after by Simeon Metaphrastes they were contracted into an elegant & comely epitome, in almost every collection of Greek Lives found a place; & being given to Latinity even now would deceive, if we had not come to the very fount of fiction, on the XXX of September & the XXIII of November, the same about to unlock. The Acts of S. Pancratius the Bishop & Martyr of Tauromenium, distinguished with the name of Euagrius, with which was mixed the Life of S. Marcian, the Syracusan Bishop, are of such a kind, that Cajetan everywhere reprobated them. These in the aforecited Vatican codex 1591 when we had found, & with a light eye only had run through, we could not but be averse, & judge unworthy of the labor & cost of description such long & futile dirges. The same then we judged, about these things which after fol. 110 followed the Alphian Acts: nor now to be described would we have wished them, much less to be printed, unless the reason above alleged had persuaded. Moreover not the Greek monks alone in Sicily took to themselves such a license about the aforenamed & certain other Acts of Saints: but also from the Latins we have there thus compiled the Passion of S. Placidus, who was a disciple of S. Benedict, as if written by Gordianus his minister; thus, that I may pass over other older examples, we read not many ages ago the Life of S. Angelus the Carmelite, written under the name of Enoch the Patriarch of Jerusalem, as a companion of his journeys & preachings: which because we are forced at the end of this volume to give, it was expedient that the reader be forearmed, lest there seem to him strange & near to calumny that accusation of it, as idly & unskillfully by some Sicilian patched together & feigned.

ACTS

By the Interpreter Silvester Sigona the Leontine.

Alphius, Martyr among the Leontines in Sicily (St.)

Philadelphus, Martyr among the Leontines in Sicily (St.)

Cyrinus, Martyr among the Leontines in Sicily (St.)

INTERP. SIGONA.

PREFATORY EPISTLES

To the Latin interpretation & edition.

Silvester Sigona the Leontine to the exceedingly Reverend Lord Ludovicus de Platamone, Bishop of Syracuse, felicity.

The work laudably written Immense & immortal thanks, most reverend Bishop, are to be had to the men of old, who either themselves illustrious things did, or things illustriously done by others to the monuments of letters committed, that their memory propagated to posterity might excite them to do the same things. Wherefore Christ's Church, if to the Apostles & the rest of the Saints it owes very much, a little less it ought to owe to those who studied to commend the deeds of the Saints to letters. The Leontine people certainly & you too, best Prelate, who to this our diocese by God's providence as a most vigilant Pastor have been set, both to have & to render immense thanks it is right to him: who in Greek wrote the Martyrdom of the holy Brothers Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, who yield to no Martyrs either in the constancy of bearing torments, or in their multitude, magnitude, variety, or in the number of miracles. This lately found, & by my fellow-citizens recovered, & to me handed over, with Latinity I endowed: & although with many reproaches, not without suspicion either of sloth or of unskillfulness, it was demanded by all; & rendered into Latin never however did it please to send it forth, except through you first (to whom among us the care of sacred things pertains) it should be approved. I sent it therefore to you, that with the wisdom in which in sacred letters you excel, you may inspect, read through & emend it. it is subjected to the Bishop's censure. Thus it will come about, that at your nod printed by all it may be approved, farewell.

Ludovicus the Bishop of Syracuse to Silvester Sigona greeting.

Your little book, on the Martyrdom of the three holy Brothers, he judges it must be printed. L. Christophorus Scobar exhibited to us. A matter truly exceedingly pious, & worthy of you it has seemed: which will be a glory to your Leontine fatherland. From which matter we conceive a greater affection of love toward you: & it pleases, that you wish to take care of its being printed; that which to the Leontines an honor, to you fame, & especially to God a grateful service will be. Farewell.

The Martyrdom of the holy brothers Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, to the illustrious & with ancestral & inborn nobility preeminent Don John Brachifortis, Count of Mazzarino, with Latinity endowed by D. Silvester Sigona the Leontine.

Since Religion as the chief good, The opinion of Lactantius pleases me, Count most illustrious, who with many & grave reasons shows the highest good of man to be in religion alone. For that it is especially proper & necessary to the human race, whether that here we may live well & blessedly, or that we may attain the glory of the heavens, & enjoy God's sight, it behooves & is right to judge: unless anyone wish to be held either an impious Diagoras, or a voluptuary Epicurus. For if religion be taken away, without which (as the same says) all the life of men is filled with folly, crime, savagery; either that God is not, or that He cares not for human things, both to opine & to profess will be consequent. esteemed even by the Gentiles, Then what will it profit to follow virtue? why so greatly to shrink from vices? Wherefore the most prudent once, as in that heathenism, the Romans, were most zealous (as Valerius says) not only

in observing, but also in amplifying religion, after which they ever deemed all things must be placed, nor among them did the most illustrious men also doubt to serve sacred things. But if, when, on account of Satan's most cunning frauds & snares, the world was still benighted with the darkness of ignorance, the blind minds of the Gentiles esteemed so greatly that superstition, which because of the gloom of infidelity they thought a pious religion; what is to be done by us, to whom the Son of the eternal Father, opening the way of salvation, delivered the true religion, which He Himself first by His blood shed for us established, & the same the unconquered Martyrs, with gore sprinkled for His name, confirmed, & raised to the highest summit. It is impious truly, it ought to be a care to Christians, not, all things being postponed & cast aside, to long for with all the bowels, & with a pure mind to worship this heavenly religion: which consists not of corrupt things, but of the most exact heap of virtues, & of that worship which arises in the heavens. But who follows it? who observes it? All indeed the citizens of the Christian commonwealth: but few best: yet one better than another. He certainly in whose breast abounds gentleness, justice, faith, innocence, chastity, abstinence. I indeed of our time the monasteries have never penetrated; & the lives of Monks lurking in their cells have I never inspected; but many cities I have traversed, the morals of many men I have noted: & in it the Count singularly excels, whom however I should prefer to you, not easily do I find. About to say more of you by modesty I am hindered: for both to praise to one's face I blush, & domestic witnesses seem to have less faith: nor does true virtue need praise, which glory follows, as the shadow the body. But truly from many & various virtues abounds the composed right & justice of your mind & the holy recesses of your soul, & a breast steeped with generous honesty, as Persius sings; nothing in you more than religion do I admire. Which since it is so, not undeservedly this history of the three Martyrs to you to dedicate I have determined. Wherefore most attentively read through this Martyrdom of the three brothers Alphius, the interpreter dedicates this work to him. Philadelphus & Cyrinus, & also of Epiphana, & likewise the coming of Agatho the Bishop of Lipari into this island, & the prodigious death of Tertyllus the tyrant. And when you have seen how patiently, how constantly, how various, how innumerable tortures, by how fierce & savage tyrants, in a boyish age, in a delicate body, in tender limbs, the holy three brothers endured, to whatever even Apostles you will judge they are to be equaled. Farewell: & mindful of us live very long. Again farewell.

PART ONE

Interpolated by an anonymous author.

CHAPTER I.

The edict against the Christians. Minds prepared for suffering.

[1] After the Incarnation of Christ being preached The everlasting & most powerful kingdom of our Lord God & Savior Jesus Christ neither had a beginning, nor will have an end: whose glorious & exceedingly celebrated Incarnation through the womb of the inviolate Virgin, & coming into this world, already indeed through the whole orb of the earth was shining: that which the blessed choir of the holy Apostles had taught, who, as legates both of all the higher nature & of wisdom, announced the works of God. But many, benighted by the cloud of error, on account of the admirable greatness of the wisdom, from which these things emanated, by no means believed: but hindered by the vain glory of earthly things, a contumely & a fable they esteemed the mystery of the dispensation, & the proclamation of the Lord's Incarnation & kingdom: which to the Jews indeed a scandal, but to the Gentiles a foolishness it seemed. And therefore it pleased, through the admirable patience of His servants, to lead the race of men into the true & salutary religion. And when satanic idolatry still reigned among men, the reins of the Roman Empire were managed by ^a Licinius the Emperor, who like an inhuman wolf & a wild beast raged in the flock of Christ, serving vain idols by the depraved error of his mind. To him ^b Valerian was a unanimous friend, & counselor & assessor, the Emperor by the counsel of Valerian in impiety indeed far superior, who was second after him in the empire, & was borne with the greatest fury against the Christians. With him therefore he entered into counsel, what it behooved to do, that they might utterly destroy the race of the Christians, unless they obeyed & adored & worshipped the vain idols: for he was given over to the pernicious worship of idols, & especially of Apollo & Æsculapius, who show themselves leaders to eternal damnation. Various reasons therefore being agitated, they came to this opinion, that in the Emperor's own name through all the provinces of the Roman dominion letters of this kind should be written, to the Prætors & Leaders & other chief men.

[2] ^c Licinius Maximus, ever Augustus & perpetual Emperor, to all through the whole Roman Empire Leaders, Governors & the rest set in authority, greeting. Since we have learned, he publishes an edict against the Christians, what grievously perturbs us & vehemently distresses, that the greatest forces has taken on the sect of those, who are called Christians, from him whom a certain Mary a Jewish woman bore & is called Jesus; & since divine honors to him they bestow; but Apollo & Æsculapius, & Mercury & Jove, through whom to our Republic peace was given, with foul contumelies & base blasphemies they assail; but Christ as God they adore, whom the Jews as of many evils the author affixed to the cross; therefore we command that all Christians, men & women, be sought out through every region & city, & be subjected to the most bitter tortures: that they may sacrifice to our gods, & denying Christ withdraw from error: who if they obey, let them obtain pardon; but if not, both to fire & sword let them be handed over, that with most grievous sorrow they may perish. We sanction also, that if anyone shall neglect anything of our decree, with an equal punishment let him be punished.

[3] These letters being sent through the orb of the earth, a most great persecution invaded the flock of Christ, in which many distinguished men yielded to the savagery of very many torments. Much even more raging Licinius, which is also approved by a Senate-decree. both the whole Senate & the eminent men, the Prefects of the armies, summoned, to refer to them, the things which about the destruction of the Christians he was agitating. And when now all, thoroughly terrified, had assembled, & promised that they would promptly do all things, which he should command, thus Licinius: Nothing to me, dearest Men, seems worthy of greater veneration, than our gods, to whom we owe piety. For through them empire to me, but to all men universally peace, was given. We deem it therefore just & to render continual sacrifices to the gods, & the Christians, who inflict injuries on them, to all kinds of torments to subject, until their religion be dissolved, & their memory also be taken out of the midst. To these all, not without fear answering, said, Most willingly truly your, most great & most unconquered Emperor, divine providence we embrace; & the immortal gods & your power likewise we wish to venerate. If anyone therefore shall be found henceforth, who even only by thinking shall have named Christ, to whatever kinds of death let him be subjected. This therefore impious & iniquitous Senate-decree was made, & edicts being everywhere set forth, all kinds either of death or of torments were devised against the Christians. Of whom many stood forth enemies, who to investigate them began to seize the opportunity of the time.

[4] By Onesimus the Master At that time as in a dark night bright & splendid stars shone forth, precious pearls of Christ, a certain Onesimus a generous soldier of Christ, & together three boys, Alphius, Philadephus ^d & Cyrinus, who were brothers, & the holy consubstantial Trinity confessed; & with them Erasmus: who from their hearts had cast out the darkness of adoring many gods, & the impious madness of error in worshipping idols: & with perfect & heavenly prudence the day of the saving proclamation, through their own blood, they illustrated. For nothing fearing the foulest Emperor Licinius's edicts, nor the madness of so great Princes & armies, not even the least account of the proposed torments did they have: which although they considered, & knew to be most grievous, with pious constancy of mind the edge of their mind on God they fixed. But at that time Onesimus, of the divine word an Observer & Doctor, having entered the ^e Prefect-town, which was a city of the region of the Vascones, by Vitalius religion was added, but since Christ he greatly loved & piety kept, & by Vitalius the father & was frugal, adorned also with many virtues, feared God, was liberal & merciful, & of the divine eloquence very zealous. But of him the sons were those three boys Alphius, Philadelphus, the holy brothers taught & Cyrinus, with conspicuous countenance & comely form distinguished, whom from their tender years the father himself educated, & honest letters & the Greek tongue taught them, but especially that Christ's orthodox faith they should worship, & one only God adore, & His only-begotten son our Lord Jesus Christ & the vivifying Spirit, with Erasmus their nephew, the Trinity itself consubstantial, one holy divinity & power. But Erasmus was the grandson of Vitalius by a daughter, who had already died, & him Vitalius with his sons had educated. And in the three boys indeed the grace of God had so shone forth, that to all they were admirable. And when by night & day they gave themselves to the meditation of the divine Scriptures, the holy Gospel they read through, & the epistles of B. Paul the Apostle; besides the acts of the holy Apostles & the books of the Prophets they continually unrolled: wherefore assiduously God they prayed, that willing & glad He would make them worthy, who their own blood should pour out, & to the number of the Saints who pleased Him well should be added.

[5] On a certain day therefore when S. Onesimus was in that city, & taught many; a certain one, whose name was Nigellioni ^g, thither approached, sent by the Emperor Licinius, with letters [h such as we said he had destined into all shores] from the City. He having entered the city of the Prefects with a great army, a tumult very great he excited, & disturbed the whole people. For they feared greatly from his face all & thought to leave the city by flight. the edict being set forth through Nigellio, For he was pestilent, inhuman, cruel & iniquitous against the Christians. But he summoned all the nobles, & the chief men of the Prefects of that very city, & boys & old men of whatever order into the place of the mid-city, into whose more eminent part he himself ascended, holding in his hands the Emperor's epistle: & before all he read it through, & its grave, nefarious & execrable mandates set forth. ⁱ But after the letters had been read through in that city, in which was Onesimus, & ^k thirteen men following him from the neighboring cities & villages; the whole people thoroughly terrified answered, that most promptly it would do to the nail the things which he had ordered. But Vitalius hastily going to his own house, found Onesimus & the remaining men, who with him were: & there at his feet falling down with tears, summoned by the father at the counsel of Onesimus, each thing he set forth. Which being heard he rejoiced greatly, & to Vitalius said: For this reason to rejoice rather than to be sad it behooved you. To whom said he: So truly, my Lord, I your servant have rejoiced exceedingly: but the destruction of many I grieve, who denying God & the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior to inanimate idols serve. Then Onesimus said: What do you determine to do about your beloved sons? Vitalius answered: I wish, if it shall please Christ, a pure to Him them

to offer as a pure victim. But let them be called hither, that we may see, what they report about this divine way of blessedness. Then one of the servants being sent, he ordered them to come to him & said: You have heard, my dearest sons, what kinds of denying Christ, who is the true Son of God, & of adoring gods, who are vain & inanimate, Licinius has sent hither. Immediately the three holy boys with one mouth alike answered: We have heard indeed, venerable father: they show themselves prepared for death. but his iniquitous commands we have greatly derided, & Satan's edicts we have spat out: for far be it utterly from us, nor let it ever happen to deny the maker & creator of all things God our Lord Jesus Christ, & His true Father & the holy & vivifying Spirit, the Trinity itself consubstantial & coeternal: for most willingly our blood for His name are we prepared to pour out.

[6] He giving thanks to God But the father when he had heard these things from his sons, gave glory to God, saying: I give thee thanks, my Lord Jesus Christ, who hast made me worthy, that such things from my sons I should hear. Thou knowest, Lord, how through the grace of the holy Spirit them thy holy & glorious name to know I taught: & now, Lord God, may thy arm with power snatch them from the tyrants, about to inflict many & grievous torments. Exhort them, Lord, & make them firm to execute those things which shall be pleasing to thy will: that through patience from thee mercy they may obtain, & salvation receive on the last day of the dreadful judgment, when again present to men thou shalt be. These things said, them by the hands grasped to S. Onesimus he handed over, saying: he commends them to S. Onesimus. Into thy hands, Lord, these little boys I place, & to thy faith I deliver: teach them to use patience, & this world's snares & nooses to flee, & to the arduous summit of blessedness through patience & constancy to come: & their hearts confirm, lest ever departing from the right faith they be reduced into the captivity of Satan. I myself begot them from a mother, who a few years ago ^l departed from life. I myself taught them the best letters, through which they knew the true God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, & His only-begotten Son truly born of God the Father, & the vivifying Spirit, who from the Father & the Son proceeds, in whom is a coequal & coeternal majesty. The holy Trinity, I say, through God's grace to glorify they have learned. When these things Onesimus had heard & those who with him were, glory they gave to God, who to those believing in Him grace bestows. But Erasmus was not present, when these things they discussed among themselves: & coming to them he said, what are these discourses, which you confer with one another? But they, the things which the iniquitous Nigellio had brought, set forth. And answering Erasmus said: When I was in the field, certain ones gave me notice: but I his nefarious edicts spat out. Then to him Vitalius said: Behold, son, these three boys have handed themselves over to this man, who of our salvation the author has been made; & promptly indeed they have promised, that with him alike they will contend, & their own blood pour out. But Erasmus said: I also so pledge, & myself but that of your fellowship I may always be a partaker, & in martyrdom a companion, permit. But after S. Onesimus received them handed over by Vitalius, opening his mouth thus he began to teach: Hear me, my sons, mindful be of the documents of the Gospel, in which it is read; Whoever confesses me before men, I will confess also him before my Father who is in heaven. Matt. 10, 2 Moreover the Doctor of the nations Paul the Apostle says: The sufferings of this time are not worthy of the future glory, who adds courage to all. which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8, 18 Do not prefer the brief life of this world, which passes like a shadow, to the incorruptible & eternal life; nor the vain glory of this world to the heavenly hope: for all the glory of man is as the flower of hay. Let us endure a little, & forever with the Angels we shall exult. These things to the boys he discoursed & to the rest S. Onesimus, in few words addressing them, who most attentively into their inmost hearts the voice of him received. Wherefore both he himself in this opinion confirmed & the rest the threats of the tyrants in no way feared, the truth in word & work they preached, the multitude of the proposed torments they despised, & by their own contest the greatest doctrine & the most beautiful examples to the holy Church of Christ they left.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER II.

The captivities of the Saints: of whom Onesimus & Erasmus are slain at Puteoli, the rest are led away into Sicily.

[7] These therefore holy & glorious Martyrs of Christ, Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, & Erasmus illustrious, Apprehended they are led to Nigellio. & almost from the very cradle with divine understanding endowed: whose father of the city of the Prefects was Prince, & for much beneficence illustrious. And when in the house of Vitalius by Saint Onesimus they were taught & chanted, heard by certain citizens, to Nigellio they were betrayed in these words: In the house of Vitalius, who is of the first men of this city, are men fourteen, who call themselves Christians, & Christ preaching our Gods detest & with injuries provoke, & the most unconquered Emperor's edicts spitting out make light of. These being heard, smitten with fury Nigellio into Vitalius's house soldiers sent, & the Saints by them by the hair to be dragged to him commanded. The soldiers setting out found S. Onesimus & the remaining ^b thirteen with the little boys: & approaching they laid hands on them, & dragged by the hair to Nigellio they led them. To whom now standing by said he: Of what country are you? & what are your names? Then Onesimus answered: Christians we are, & we worship God who made heaven & earth, & after S. Onesimus's jaws were broken, & all things which in them are, but to demons we do not sacrifice. But he ordered with a stone his jaws to be broken: which the soldier ordered straightway executed, saying: Modestly to the Prince answer, & never basely & petulantly the gods with injuries affect. This perceiving, those who with Onesimus were, said to Nigellio: Christians are we also, most shameless tyrant: do then whatever you wish. Then them by the hair he ordered to be hung up, & from the rising of the sun even to the setting thus to hang. long hung up they are shut in prison: And when he had seen the most tolerant patience of them, into prison to be thrust he commanded. But after it grew light, sitting on the tribunal in the praetorium, in which he dwelt, the Saints into the midst being led, as he had commanded, he said: Have you devised anything for your safety? They answered: It has been devised by us, both to live with Christ & for Him to die to be gain. Says Nigellio: O wretches, what gain dead will you have? Say the Saints, Certainly gain to us it is after the course of this life ever to be with Christ.

[8] Then to soldiers not few Nigellio ordered, them with hands bound behind their backs to Rome ^c to carry to Licinius the Emperor & Valerian. Led to Rome Whither when together they had arrived, ^d Licinius into the East was preparing an expedition, that the whole race of Christians utterly he might destroy. And when these men he had beheld, rejoicing exceedingly, Nigellio's diligence he approved; & Valerian summoned to him with these words he addressed: We, as you know, most beloved Valerian, in prison toward the East have our journey, that from our Empire the men of this way utterly we may eradicate: You too here remaining & bearing our stead, diligently take care, & whomsoever you find Christians with many & bitter tortures to leave life compel. But Valerian the Saints brought from the Prefect-town into prison to be led, & with strong & heavy wood their hands & feet to be bound ordered. they are visited by the Apostles. And on that night indeed there appeared to them in the prison the holy & glorious Apostles ^e, & a great light shone around, ^f & they said: Hail, Onesimus, Christ's faithful servant: hail also you ^g O holy boys, in the highest honesty & integrity of morals nourished, who Christ from your childhood have desired. For it behooves you for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ many things to suffer. Which when they had said, & them having embraced they had, they withdrew. But they after these things walked in the prison, as if they had had nothing of evil ever.

[9] But after seven days Valerian ordered the holy men led out of prison to come to him: nor them anything did he interrogate, but in a certain place he set them, until some kind of torment he should prepare. And when the Saints had heard so great madness against Christ, Before the Senate sprung from the ministers of idols or rather of demons; roused all in the manner of athletes, near the Imperial tribunal the Senate sitting, & all the Leaders standing by & the other Princes, they cried out saying: Christians are we whom here you see, & whom bound in prison you have shut up, foolish Valerian: & therefore sitting in the true & heavenly King Christ, of their own accord they profess the faith: we have stood in the midst of you, wondering at so great error, by which to worship idols you are led; ignorant of the only living forever & true our God, of all the maker, who to Licinius gave the Empire. Therefore, foolish Valerian, & you sitting together,

no more err worshipping idols, of all utterly sense lacking. But then, his eyes turned upon them, Valerian said: We have known you to be men with prudence & probity endowed, & always held so: come therefore to us, & to our gods sacrifice, lest cruelly you meet death, but rather of the most powerful Emperor's friendship enjoy, & honor & riches immense by our benefit obtain: for that audacity will profit you nothing. But answering the Saints said: Would, impious & wretched Valerian, that returned to thyself thou wouldst know the true God, & of the heavenly kingdom be made worthy: the promises they spit out: for that opulence is momentary, but thy promises & blandishments will in no way be able the strength of our constant piety to shatter. Thy honors therefore be with thee ^h, & thy promises to those obeying thee. For we have Christ the heavenly King, who affords us victory & glory against thy father Satan & his ministers. Angered Valerian ordered them naked to be exhibited, & with ox-sinews to be scourged: but then scourged with sinews they are encouraged by S. Onesimus their leader: & there to be detained, until, what about them was to be done, maturely he should deliberate. There them S. Onesimus confirmed, addressing especially the holy & blessed boys Alphius, Philadelphus, Cyrinus & Erasmus. Hail, sons beloved by the Lord: behold you have begun the contest of Martyrdom, behold how soon we shall come into a tranquil port, & shall find rest prepared by God, who renders the reward to His servants. These & many other things S. Onesimus to admonish ceased not, all indeed, but especially those boys.

[10] But the next day all into the midst to be led he ordered, & as in his mind he had agitated, two epistles to be written he took care, of which one was of this kind. Valerian companion & assessor of Licinius ever Augustus & perpetual Emperor, to Diomedes the Prince of Puteoli says. with Valerian's letters they are handed over at Puteoli to Diomedes Since we have known your prompt & constant will, which toward the immortal gods you have, we have sent to you these, who to us were sent by Nigellio, most dear to us as a son, men fourteen & little boys ^k three brothers, & another the nephew of these three. But they are to revile prompt & exceedingly insolent, inasmuch as through the several interrogations our gods to detest they cease not: & their Leader is Onesimus, whom indeed with the other ^l fourteen there with many & bitter torments to slay we command: but the remaining three boys send into Sicily to Tertyllus, who that island governs. Farewell. Another ^m also to Tertyllus an epistle he sent. They therefore in a ship by soldiers from the City to Puteoli were led, & having received the letters, which Valerian had sent, Diomedes rejoicing vehemently them into prison to be thrust ordered. But after three days sitting on the tribunal, to be led out of prison he commanded, & Onesimus addressing said: Are not you Onesimus, who this crowd of men deceive with vain & depraved documents? Onesimus answered: I indeed am Onesimus, a Christian truly alike with these, whom here standing you see. Then Diomedes said: Whence are these boys, whom you have seduced? He said: These I have not seduced, but into the way of truth through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ I have led. Says to him Diomedes: O most evil man, how have you dared before me Christ to name, whom I to hear cannot endure? Then S. Onesimus said: O foolish one, O thunderstruck, O enemy of truth, why should I not utter the name of Him, who both you & every spirit of men made, who, the rest being slain, although impious & iniquitous? Then angered & smitten with fury Diomedes, S. Onesimus on his back to be stretched ordered, & with a very great stone his belly by the executioners ⁿ to be pressed: & thus the Saint to God delivered his spirit: but the remaining thirteen ^o & Erasmus with the sword to be slain he commanded, whom outside the city the executioners led, & their heads cut off.

[11] But afterward the three who had remained Diomedes before himself to be led ordered, & thus addressed: Of what country are you little boys? Your appearance truly indicates you to be sons of a rich man, three brothers, & of some friend of the Emperor Licinius & of Valerian the Governor. Come now, sons: obey me, who counsel best to you give, Spare now the beauty of your tender age, nor so savagely death meet: but rather deny your vain faith, & converted sacrifice to the immortal & unconquered gods, & pray them that to you they give pardon. he finds them superior to blandishments & threats. For thus Princes the Emperor will make you, & many peoples you will rule. But the holy boys said; Hear Diomedes, your gifts be with you: for let them be confounded, says the Psalmographer Prophet, all who adore graven things. Ps. 96, 7 For we worship one true God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, & His only-begotten Son of the Father, & the vivifying Spirit, who will deliver you into the gehenna of the devil your father: & your gods, whom you worship, will not be able to help you: for they are stones & wood, insensible, neither voice having nor spirit: like them be made, who make them, & all who trust in them: for through them Satan deceives you, that he may destroy you with them. These things when Diomedes had heard, he was angered at the boys, & said: Do you not see, in what manner to death has handed over your companions his madness? It is ordered me by Valerian, that into a far-off region I should send you, that its inhabitants seeing you slain & with most harsh tortures tortured, to your Lords not to contradict may learn. But the Saints say: Whatever you wish, impious & of truth the enemy, do as soon as possible. But Diomedes their mouths with stones to be beaten ordered, [p] then with wood fettered to be guarded, until he should prepare a ship, by which them into Sicily to the harsh Tertyllus he might send. They but at daybreak in prison remained sleepless, singing, & God praying, that the palm of martyrdom them to attain He would permit; & from the choir of the Saints, who for Him had died, not to be separated.

ANNOTATIONS.

he ordered a great stone to be brought, & to be placed upon his belly: which bringing the executioners & approaching, they cast upon the belly of Onesimus.

Of these & of SS. Onesimus & Erasmus the birthday is celebrated on the 31st of July, as if then they had died, which except in the new lessons is nowhere read: yet it could be true, if while they were still living, & in prison set, the Saints sent into Sicily first came to the crown, just as seems to be said in the Claromontane Synaxary.

p. The Greek add: Do not presume against the gods & the Emperor Licinius to blaspheme.

CHAPTER III.

Landed in Sicily they are led to Tauromenium: miracles on the journey, the conversion of the soldiers.

[12] Therefore after eight days a ship being prepared the holy boys Diomedes handed over to ^a Silvanus a man savage & fierce, Sent into Sicily with Valerian's letters who from Puteoli sailing to Messina led them, & thence to ^b Tauromenium, whither perhaps had turned aside Tertyllus ^c, Christians very many slaying. To whom Silvanus delivered the letters sent by Valerian of this kind: Valerian the Governor, concordant & Assessor of the Lord Licinius ever Augustus, the greatest & perpetual Emperor (from whom this very charge the province of Sicily governing, greeting. Since the whole orb of the earth obeys the Emperor's edict, & to the gods unconquered whom it worships, sacrifices; but the most evil race of the Christians in no way to the Emperor's edict can be bent, there were sent to us from the region of the Vascones, by Nigellio most dear to us, certain men foolish & idiots in number eighteen, whom we could not persuade, that to our gods they should sacrifice: & therefore them we sent to Puteoli to Diomedes unanimous with us, that, unless they were persuaded to sacrifice, fifteen of them, to very many & most harsh tortures subjected, from life should be driven. But three boys we sent to you, that with your pleasant & placid countenance to our gods immortal to sacrifice you may persuade; for which matter's sake them from the other wicked ones to be separated we commanded, by whom these deceived contradict us. But if to your exhortations they adhere & to the gods sacrifice, let them obtain pardon & with all honor to us be sent back, for they are useful to the Emperor. But if this be not persuaded, every kind of torments devise, & many & various inflicting tortures from life drive. And this we have commanded you, for that your zeal & good & prompt will, toward the immortal gods & the Emperor himself & us, we know. Farewell.

[13] When Valerian's letters Tertyllus had read, before himself the boys to be led he ordered: At Tauromenium they are examined by Tertyllus, whom looking around, & their comeliness admiring, he said: From what region are you & city? & what religion do you worship? & what are your names? Answered S. Alphius: I indeed am called Alphius. But the other: And I Philadelphus. But the third: And I Cyrinus. We are sent from the Vascones' region, from the city which is called of the Prefects, & Christians we are. Then Tertyllus with placid countenance said: Deny him whom you call Christ, & no more worship him; but obeying me to the immortal gods sacrifice. Said the Saints: These are not gods, but stones & wood insensible, & you your father the devil compels to them to sacrifice, that with him alike you may enter into the eternal fire, for him & his angels prepared. These things heard the cruel & exceedingly wicked Tertyllus their heads to be shaved, [& smeared with pitch they are sent bound

to the Leontines,] & with melted pitch to be poured over he commanded, & thus their aspects were blackened. Then indeed wood ^e [a kind of torment-instrument made of two, as I think, joined pieces of wood] on the three boys to be set, so that the necks & hands of the three Saints alike were enclosed, & by the soldiers to the Mesopolis ^f of the Leontines to be driven he ordered. But when the heavy weight of the wood them miserably afflicted, S. Philadelphus to his brothers said: Pray for me, brothers, for behold now I faint ^g. But they their eyes raised said: Lord Jesus Christ, God of our father, hear us in this hour, & remove this most grievous wood from us, & our blackened faces cleanse; that thy image, which thou gavest to the man whom thou didst form, may be immaculate, & we may have through thee readiness of speaking against the most cruel Tertyllus. These things said it became as it were a flash & a whirlwind of winds, & the soldiers fallen on their faces were made as if dead, & that wood from the Saints removed was cast into the sea; & there approached a terrible one, & their head & countenance being touched, they were purged & cleansed, like the sun's light, the clouds dispelled; & also the hairs into their former form grew again. Which when the Saints had seen, who divinely cleansed & loosed on the ground they prostrated themselves, & weeping said: We give thee thanks, Lord Jesus Christ our God, who hast made us worthy through the invocation of thy name to attain health. What shall we render thee for all the good things, which thou hast bestowed on us? Thou, Lord, art our patience & refuge, & in thee hoping we wish to conquer the author of all evils the devil. For thou art God of thine, who believe in thee.

[14] Which things said they approached the soldiers, & them roused, with the admiration of the 40 soldiers, who were forty in number. These after the Saints they had looked around, & the things which had been done they knew, were amazed. But they said to one another the very soldiers; Certainly the true God it is, whom these three boys preach: nor to them to approach, or hands to lay dared they; but on account of the marvels, which had happened, thunderstruck they followed the Saints, who with all readiness & alacrity went to the palm of martyrdom. But Saint Alphius, his brothers confirming, said: We know, brothers, in what manner the father, when us he handed over to S. Onesimus, our spiritual father, admonished & said: Beware, my sons, lest straying in this life from the number of the just, before the just Judge you be separated. Let us not descend therefore, brothers, from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, let not the threats of the tyrants disturb us, nor the apparatus of torments. For our Lord Himself Jesus Christ, from His most truthful mouth, said: Do not fear those, who kill the body, but the soul cannot kill: but rather Him fear, who can at once the soul & body destroy in gehenna. Matt. 10, 28 Him therefore let us fear, brothers, knowing Him not to be a liar, who these things said. These & very many things like these S. Alphius to the two brothers discoursed: & not so long after to Catania arriving, after a night spent at Catania, by the soldiers into prison they were led: where through the whole night even to daybreak sleepless they remained, praying God, that patience He would afford, by which the engines of the accursed devil they might overcome. But after it grew light, them out of prison they led, & bound them, & toward the Leontines ^h to have their journey compelled.

[15] And when they had come to the river ⁱ Symethus, which augmented by rains overflowed, so that no one through it could cross, the river Symethus some of the soldiers the Saints to enter the river & to cross through compelled. But they said: O wretched & unhappy ones, do you not see the force of the overflowing waters? Why therefore us the river to enter do you compel? Do you wish that in the waters we be drowned? Did your Lord Tertyllus so command you? But eight of the soldiers force on the Saints inflicted, & their heads with poles & spears beat, compelling them to enter the river. But the devil having assumed the figure of a traveling man, the devil persuading they are compelled to enter, & a wayfarer feigning himself, from the other part of the bank cried to the soldiers: Send now those boys into the river, for on foot easily they will cross, for I too one hour ago crossed. The devil had believed himself to the Saints unknown to be. But the glorious Martyrs of Christ knowing him, said: O exceedingly wretched & of souls the corruptor, devil: because you wish us in the waters to destroy, these things to the soldiers you have said: but we in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ entering the river will cross through unharmed, His fortitude helping: but you & your power in tartarus He will punish, where is the worm which does not die, & the fire which is not extinguished, as in the holy Fathers' & Priests' sayings is contained. These things while they said the devil vanished. But the eight wretched soldiers indeed the holy men pushed, & into the river thrust. Then the holy ones said: Be not in the rivers angry with us, Lord, neither let us the tempest of water drown, nor let us absorb the deep. & unharmed they cross, the pushers being drowned. But just as Peter thou didst free from the deep of the sea, so also thy servants from these deep waters snatch. These things said into a very shallow ford decreased the water of the inundating river, & with dry knees unharmed they crossed. This seen those eight soldiers, most quickly into the river entered: but the rushing force of the supervening waters drowned them ^k. But after days four the river decreased, & the remaining soldiers crossed through, & the Saints to perform the journey compelled.

[16] When they had come near the Mesopolis of the Leontines, there met them on the way a certain Jew possessed by a demon, who foaming & crying wallowed on the ground. But in that place were caves, a Jewish boy possessed by a demon, in which a demon had a dwelling, & seized all, who to the caves approached. And when through there the Jew crossed, the demon entering grievously tormented him, so that from the ground to rise he could not, on which prostrate he foamed at the mouth. And when many had approached, that the boy they might lift from the ground, the demon did not allow it. But the Saints near approaching interrogated the parents, whom sorrowful they perceived, what it was, which the boy afflicted. Who each thing, which had happened, set forth. Then of the soldiers one, whose name was Hercurio, to the Saints said: You truly your God by your prayers can ^l entreat, & this boy from the demon free. I certainly something great about you in mind have conceived, when those marvels happened, when the wood was removed from your neck: faces purged & hairs reborn I saw, & you so unharmed I found, as if you had ever suffered nothing of evil. But the Saints answered nothing. But the demoniac's parents, having heard the soldier's discourse, hastily to the Saints approached; & weeping, that their son they would free, asked. The Saints interrogated what religion they worshipped: they said themselves Jews. And the Saints: If Christ the Son of God your son shall heal, the parents promising to embrace the faith of Christ, will you believe in Him? And cried out most vehemently the Jew, certainly in my Lord I believe: save my boy: for behold now the thirtieth day is at hand, since from the ground he has not risen, nor bread tasted or water, but foaming & raging himself always has wallowed on the ground, nor has anyone been able him lifted from the ground into a house or cave to carry, since as if with wings flying away from the hands of those carrying he is taken up, & on the ground is rolled. Then among themselves the soldiers said: Let us remain here a little while & let us see, whether the God, whom these boys worship, this one from the demon seized can free. But the father & mother & his brothers to the soldiers approached, & them thus besought. Be toward us merciful our Lords, & permit these boys their God to adore, that our little boy may be healed. And the soldiers assented, & the Saints exhorted saying: Be bent by these tears, & take care that the boy be healed from the demon's scourge.

[17] But the Saints said; Loose our hands. But the soldiers looking at one another, to loose dared not; fearing, lest perhaps someone of these who were present to Tertyllus should report, & he punishment of them should take: for there had stood by many, who the Saints & soldiers among themselves consulting watched. But meanwhile the Saints' hands of their own accord were loosed: who a little from the way turning aside, bent their knees, & said: Our Lord Jesus Christ, prayer made they free him. truly Creator of heaven & earth & sea, hear the prayer of thy servants; & heal this boy, who badly by a demon is afflicted: that in this place, into which thou us thy servants hast wished to be led, thy benignity & great power may be demonstrated. For thou, Lord, hast said through the Prophet, I do not wish the death of the sinner, but rather that he be converted & live. Ez. 33, 11 And now, Lord, propitious be to this one, who to thee supplicates; that may be saved the soul of the man supplicating thee, & promising to believe in thy most holy name. These things said the three holy boys rose, & with the sign of the Cross fortifying themselves, to the demoniac approached: to whom Saint Alphius said: In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, unclean demon, go forth from the creature of God. And straightway the demon, which the boy afflicted & grievously tormented, beside the very Saint's feet went forth, & fled from the sight of the Saints, crying & saying: Whence hither have these bound ones come, who me from my seats have put to flight? For this I will cause that Tertyllus, who these hither sent, by wild beasts be devoured, & his evil spirit to us be handed over. But heard all, who were present in that place, the demon's voice these things saying, & in the very Mesopolis the same hearing among themselves asked, what was that voice fallen from the air. Wherefore all a fear very great invaded. But the boy from the demon free, as if dead lying, on the ground remained: & the Saints approaching his hand took & raised him. He rising on his feet held himself & stood. & they restore him to his parents: Then the Saints to themselves the boy's parent called, & the son sound handed over, saying: Take heed, brother, & remember, that you promised that you would believe in Christ the true physician, who healed your son: that therefore perform as soon as possible, lest perhaps that true voice to you happen, which to your nation's & religion's paralytic thus was approved; Behold sound you are made, now do not sin, lest something worse to you happen; when Jesus knew his malice. John 8, 11 These things said the boy to his parents they handed over, & from them departing the journey they undertook.

[18] But the soldiers, this miracle seen, with great fear agitated, said: Who worshipping our gods such things could miracles do, as these Saints, who God invoke the invisible, & at once together with the prayers is done, what is asked? Impossible indeed it is, this to be done by those, who our gods' religion follow

& worship. But his father, & mother & brothers & kinsmen the Saints interrogated, saying: What do you command us your servants, that doing it we may be baptized? For there have fled hence all of the Christians, both Bishops & Presbyters, the church being left where one is baptized, for fear of Tertyllus: who many Christians has destroyed, both here & in every place of Sicily, for the faith of the vain idols. Say the Saints: In the mountains & caves they are hidden: whom they send to the mountains to be baptized, seek, & some Priest you will find, by whom the saving sign of the Cross on your foreheads baptized you may receive, confessing our Savior Jesus Christ, who your son healed. But the boy himself was unwilling with his parents to go away, but said to the Saints, with you will be my life, & with you most promptly to die I am able. Answered the Saints; Go with your parents: but you perform zealously, what you have promised Christ: & when it shall please Him, you will see us again. The boy therefore by these words persuaded his departing parents followed, rejoicing & glorifying God, so that the Jews all, who were present, marveled. This first miracle the Saints did, before the Mesopolis they entered. twenty Soldiers are converted But certain soldiers, twenty in number, said to the rest: Bind us also with the Saints: for we confess with them, & we say, that we are Christians, & we believe in God the Father whom these preach: & from their horses fallen, casting into the way their arms, they mingled themselves with the Saints. Nor however did the remaining soldiers dare to approach them: for they feared greatly, & in their minds were dismayed, when they had seen what their fellow-soldiers had done. And when they had come to the Mesopolis of the Leontines, the whole multitude of the city came forth to meet, that they might see the Saints: for now it had been announced in every place of the city, that captives certain bound entering the city, had healed the demoniac son of a Hebrew. And when the soldiers into the praetorium of Tertyllus the Saints had led, & with the Saints they are shut up in the Leontine prison they handed them over to Alexander the Counselor of Tertyllus himself: & Alexander himself them to the soldiers to be guarded & into prison to be led away, & with wooden fetters to be bound to be handed over took care, & together those soldiers twenty. But in prison they chanted, & prayed God, that worthy they might be made to be called into the choir of the Saints, whom for Christ slain the torturer's sword made Martyrs. And the twenty soldiers confirmed themselves, saying: Let us not fear, brothers, the iniquitous Tertyllus, nor his threats let us shudder at: but let us put on our Lord Jesus Christ, who those believing in Him guards & cherishes. But Tertyllus in that shore of Sicily drew out a delay. For to Messina & Milæ ^m he went, to seek those believing in Christ, that to grievous torments he might subject them & to the sword hand them over.

ANNOTATIONS.

of Quintianus the Governor of Sicily under Decius, reported on the 5th of February, in the Acts of S. Agatha published by us: but he by the ruin of a wall was crushed: & after Quintianus's death only Tertyllus seems to have been in office: which however does not hinder, but that he was borrowed by the author from the Acts of S. Agatha, little attentive to such things.

Bishop, & of his companions 199 Martyrs under Decius & the Governor Quintianus. In their Acts, suspected of much fabulousness, questions & torments not unlike these are read.

e. In the same place: And he ordered wood to be brought, & to be hewn & formed into a yoke, which should be imposed on their necks, & at once also their hands should enclose. The likeness of a stocks therefore this wood had, made (as rightly the Interpreter) of two pieces of wood, constricting at once the necks & hands of the three, in one line, & for that cause it is likened to a yoke, although the appearance was far most diverse from that which we call a yoke.

upward one sailed by the river Terias, of which below: but I would wish to see some ancient author, who would prove to us certainly the city so once surnamed.

in a peninsula at the Tyrrhenian sea, toward the promontory of Pelorus. Cajetan in volume I on the Lives of the Sicilian Saints page 76 places this title, Innumerable holy Martyrs in Sicily crowned. From the Acts of SS. Alphius & companions; under Tertullus, as in the text he sets forth: & among other arenas places here named Messina & Milæ, & for the cult appends the 18th of February: on which day about them we gave some things, the greater work of his not yet published.

CHAPTER IV.

S. Thecla, the access of the Saints to herself being obtained, freed from paralysis. Twenty soldiers crowned with martyrdom.

[19] There was in the Mesopolis of the Leontines a woman, by name childhood had feared God. She now for six years had been paralytic; S. Thecla paralytic, & when she had heard, that the holy Martyrs had healed the Son of a Hebrew, she summoned Alexander the Counselor of Tertyllus: whose stead he bore in the Mesopolis ^b, & said: Hear me, my son Alexander: as much as you wish money take: from Alexander an eye-witness having learned of the liberation of the demoniac, & permit, that to me by night may come those strangers, who are in the prison, whom hither bound Tertyllus sent: for I have heard that by their prayers, & the power of God, whom they worship, was cast out a demon from the son of a Hebrew, which I a great miracle & mystery deem, if so it was done. Answered Alexander, & said: Certainly, my Lady, so it was done, & this most fully to me & others was plain. For having heard of their arrival we went out of the city, & went to the place where they were; & near approaching hidden we remained, lest perhaps we should scandalize them, & terrified from the prayer they should desist, & the boy dismiss. Us therefore not appearing, the Boys themselves on their faces on the ground prostrated themselves, & a little after raised from the ground, rebuked the demon, as if power great against it they had, & said: Unclean demon go forth from the creature of God. And forthwith the demon, which the boy afflicted, beside their feet went forth saying; Woe me! who are these newcomers, who me from my subjects drive out? And a voice of this kind our whole city heard. I heard also, when Tertyllus threatening the demon said, that it would cause, that Tertyllus by wild beasts be devoured. From which time, my Lady, there came upon me a thought, which my mind not moderately agitates; conjecturing, whether true power having these Boys did this. And a little delaying he added: Yet, my Lady, I think, no other God besides ours has this power.

[20] Answered the woman: O Alexander, in vain you labor worshipping vain idols, & to mute stones serving: for God is in heaven, who made heaven itself, & the earth founded on the waters, she sets forth to him the faith about God, & to the sea bounds set, & created all things, which are in them. He to us spirit gave & life, & free will granted to man, whom He formed from the slime of the earth. Through Him indeed Kings reign, & those who have power, rule the earth, as is written. Prov. 8, 15 Afterward death follows, & after death God appointed a day of judgment: & a resurrection of the dead is to be, & thus before God from Adam even to the last man the whole human race shall be set; & God Himself on the tribunal terribly sitting, of offenses punishment will exact, even of an idle word & thought. Then therefore all sinners into the fire He will cast eternal, where will be weeping & gnashing of teeth, & there will be punished all who adore your gods. These things hearing Alexander was dismayed in mind, & was made very mild & gentle on account of this woman's discourse: for he was her kinsman, whose mother ^c, Neophyta by name, as it were her cousin, sister had been of B. Isidora, the mother of Thecla: which two sisters many contests undertook, & torments sustained for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, & of life were deprived by the impious & iniquitous ^d Armatus, who before Tertyllus the Mesopolis's Principality bore: who deceased were buried in their own suburb, which is called ^e of the Antziani. Afterward said Alexander to the woman: In what manner to you these Boys shall I send, lest perhaps they flee away? which heard Tertyllus will cut off my head. She about this matter him secure rendered, saying: If they flee, my soul for their soul shall be given. Have you not heard ever, O Alexander, of these who bore us, how many torments they sustained from Armatus? nor however ever did they flee away; & thus with all vows the longed-for martyrdom they attained: & these too, son Alexander, promptly indeed await the passion for Christ. At length Alexander, the money received, promised that he would do, & money given to him what was asked, saying: Send this night two faithful ones of your servants, that the Boys these they may lead into the house of yours: & having spoken with them, what you wish, before it grows light, into the prison send them back, that there them may find Tertyllus. Answered the woman, so certainly it shall be done: wherefore I exhort you, that fearing nothing them you send to me.

[21] Afterward Thecla summoned two faithful servants, of whom one Sophronius, the other Nico was called; & said to them; When first the night's darkness shall be, you will go into the great prison, where the Christians are guarded: & you will say to Alexander the Counselor of Tertyllus, Us hither sent Thecla our Lady, that you send with us to her the three Boys newcomers who are in the prison, for that he would do he promised. The servants therefore in the night of first sleep betook themselves to Alexander, he receives the 3 Martyrs sent to him, & the Lady's mandates set forth to him. Who went down into the prison, & said to the Saints: Go with these servants into the house of their Lady, because she needs you greatly, &

thence as soon as possible to us return. They answered: Be it done, Lord, as you command. But going out the holy Boys together with the servants to Thecla's house approached, & entering found her paralytic lying in bed, & affected so that not even to her mouth her hand could she move. And she, the holy Boys seen, the beauty of them admired (for they were with countenances very comely) & weeping said: Truly you are the holy Martyrs of Christ: blessed is he, who your way follows: blessed is your Father, who you begot & educated, who through you can enter into the kingdom of heaven. Which said answered the Saints: What is it with you, Lady mother? She answered, the sixth now year is being passed, since me Satan struck, & my members dissolved; nor can I, as you see, to my mouth my hand move; & while by another's help I am fed, I am tormented vehemently. But you I summoned, that you who of the Catholic Church sons are the Lord may pray, & through you Christ's grace may overshadow me. she asks to be freed from paralysis by their prayers: Answered the holy Martyrs, that Lady mother we to do are not able, which is in the power of the Lord God & Savior ours, who can heal both soul & body: for we, although young we are, with a heavy mass of sins are pressed before God. Yet we will supplicate the very Maker & Fashioner of all things, that the sins of our youth & ignorance He not regard, & our offenses pardon, which against Him grievously we have committed. But the woman the Saints besought, saying: Have mercy on me, O Saints, have mercy on me; because not so much the number of years is regarded by God, as the pure faith & faithful service of those, who believe in Him, & firm constancy & perseverance in good works. But the Saints said; Be done the Lord's will in you, as you wish Lady mother. We have heard from some Christians, in that place in which we are guarded, of your faith & alms very many, through which you God will regard.

[22] And after these things they said: Send us back into prison, Lady mother, & these being permitted to return lest in any way we scandalize those who with us there are kept, about to suffer punishments & death in this city: Then the woman said: What shall I give you holy Martyrs for your labor? Answered the Saints, simple only love in Christ, who can both you & us save from the public enemy's snares. Which said, the servants leading them, they returned into the prison, where praying God they said: Holy God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, & for her praying, Creator of all things visible & invisible, who us humble & unworthy servants hast made worthy for the name of thy only-begotten Son our Lord to leave our country, & hither to come: because nothing is hidden from thee, but all things are naked & open to thy eyes: for thine are the heavens, thine is the earth, the orb of the earth & all things which in them are. Thou hear us, & regard thy handmaid, who for thy holy name with the greatest desire us thy humble servants to her called, & asked that by our prayers her we should heal, since she knows not what we have committed against thee. But now also we trusting in thy majesty, both her with health to affect deign according to thy good pleasure. Afterward psalms & prayers chanting until daybreak they remained. But the Saints having gone out from Thecla, immediately she well had herself; & sleep lightly crept in. Who lulled to herself seemed to see under entering to her, who the woman signed with the Cross, & said: healed, My Lord Jesus Christ sent me, that thee I should heal, on account of the three holy Boys' prayers, who are in the prison, where them the iniquitous & impious Tertyllus to be shut up commanded. But she from too great fear trembling, dared not him to interrogate who he was. But immediately awakened herself sound she perceived, such as she had been in her youth. At the same hour two girls & two faithful servants she took with her, & hastily to the prison proceeded; & money given to the soldiers she entered to the holy & glorious Martyrs, beside whose feet she prostrated herself, & weeping said: she sees them again in the prison. I give thanks to God on account of you, holy Martyrs, because by your prayers on me His eyes He turned, & sound rendered Christ, the true Son of God, whom you worship. But they said, not we, as we said, Lady, but thy faith, as is written, thee whole made, & alms. Matt. 9, 23 But she kissed the Saints' feet, & weeping said: As often as to God prayers you pour, pray for me. Nor ceased thereafter by night & day to enter to the Saints in the prison, even unto the coming of Tertyllus.

[23] After three ^f days came the iniquitous one himself into the Leontines' Mesopolis, where to be present he greatly longed, on account of the place's convenience for supplying all things necessary to the army, & of waters ^g especially the affluence. Tertyllus coming But the Leontine people him coming with the greatest joy received, celebrating & commending both him & his gods. Having entered the praetorium on the tribunal he sat, to whom the Princes stood by with trembling, & Alexander thus he addressed: Have they arrived hither those three blasphemous boys, whom bound we sent to you? Whose heads we shaved, & them & their faces with melted pitch we poured over, & wood on their necks we set? Answered Alexander, They arrived indeed, my Lord; but neither heads shaved, nor faces blackened ever to have been seem: nor any wood on their necks, as you say, did I see, but with countenance splendid they shine like the sun. the conversion of the 20 soldiers being heard, Of the soldiers who led them, some handed themselves to us saying: Do to us what you wish; For Christians we are, just as also these three holy Boys: Your gods we do not worship. These things heard said Tertyllus: Alas what shall I do! behold now the race of the Christians more & more wrongly acts, nor can it be deterred & bent, although many & various I inflict torments; nay rather it is incited more to injury against the immortal gods & the Emperor. These too Boys execrable, of the same incantations partakers, our soldiers have infected; but by the gods' providence them so badly I will punish, that by their example men may learn not to contradict their Lords. After three days the twenty soldiers to be led he ordered; but the three Boys with good wood fortified to be held. He ordered also that the whole Leontine city should assemble to watch him, the sentence of death on the twenty soldiers about to pronounce. them interrogated & having professed the faith, The citizens therefore all into Tertyllus's praetorium assembled, for him greatly they feared, & an equal error about idols they fostered. Who now gathered, sat Tertyllus on the tribunal, & said to the soldiers: Who shut you up in prison? Were you not to me ministers against those, who to our gods blasphemies bring, & us with much followed honor? Who you from the love & piety of the gods turned away? Answered him one of the soldiers, whose Mercurio was the name: In the darkness of ignorance hitherto we walked, not knowing the maker of all God: but since God's grace through these Saints on us has shone, the idols' error we forsake, neither indeed are they gods, but deaf idols: like them be made, who make them, & all, who trust in them. But to you let this be for certain, Tertyllus iniquitous & of truth the enemy, that your gods we do not adore, & prepared we are to undergo all your torments. We have moreover as Crowner Christ Jesus our Lord, who to us aid can bring, & from your filthy hands free us.

[24] These things hearing Tertyllus them with staves from palm- branches to be beaten ordered, he orders them to be beaten with staves so that through the ground their bowels were scattered. Then them not far to be removed he ordered, & counsel seeking from those, who were present & at the same time sat, he said: Did I not tell you, that the Christians' race with insolent mouth is? & the more to them torments are inflicted, so much the more ardently into impudence are they driven. Shall I cut off therefore their heads, that from this life expelled others to seduce they may not be able? Into his opinion, all who sat by, went. He therefore again them into the midst to be led ordered, & said: This is the beginning of your torments, I will add also others; & you I will punish so long, until both my & the Emperor's mandates obeying, to our gods you sacrifice. Answered they: Do to us what you wish, iniquitous & impious tyrant: for if all the torment of the orb of the earth you inflict on us, & our bowels pour out; our mind you will change never, that the true God we deny, most shameless dog. These things heard Tertyllus ordered them to be slain with the sword. Whom the executioners outside the city led into a place Theope by name. There stood the holy soldiers, & said praying: Lord God Father Almighty, receive our souls, & us add to the college of the three holy Boys Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus, lest we be separated from the consummation of their Martyrdom. After these words the executioners their heads cut off, ^h on the fourth of the Ides of December: & they are beheaded on the 10th of December, but their bodies into an obscure place they cast, in which was a well hollowed out of rock. But the woman, who through the Saints' prayer had received health, & afterward at the soldiers' martyrdom had been present, money offered, whom S. Thecla having buried through Alexander Tertyllus asked, that them out of the well to draw to herself it might be permitted & to give to burial. But Tertyllus, the money received, to bury permitted, but into the city to bring forbade. The pious woman therefore ordered her servants to bring ten carts, & on them the soldiers' bodies to place; & into the suburb, which of the Anziani is called, near the Mesopolis to convey, & there sepulchres to be dug forthwith took care. And because the Saints naked to be cast had ordered Tertyllus, her own precious garments she brought, & in them the Saints' bodies wrapped she buried: & in the same place a temple constructed, after the destruction of the iniquitous Prince, near the place, in which she had buried ⁱ the Holy & B. Isidora her mother, & also her aunt who, as was foretold, under Armatus for Christ death had suffered, & that temple she named of the twenty holy Soldiers.

ANNOTATIONS.

on the 10th of January from Ferrarius, asserting that he had taken them from the proper lessons of the Leontine Church, by Paul V approved: which here would that as truly, as at length they be described.

CHAPTER V.

Beaten & lacerated by S. Andrew the Apostle they are healed; & after nailed shoes, about to be slain by hunger, by the same they are fed.

[25] ^a After some days Tertyllus ordered to himself the holy Boys to be led, & to him present to be exhibited. Whom seen, dismayed in mind to himself he said. Are not these they, whose heads I shaved? whose faces with melted pitch I blackened? on whose necks wood I set at Tauromenium? Now indeed them I do not recognize, so changed are their countenances. These things agitating within himself, to those, The beauty of the Saints amazing Tertyllus, who were present, nothing to speak he could; & about two hours mute he remained as a stone. To himself at length returned he leaped from the throne, & one of the soldiers called, & to him secretly said: Are not these the Boys whom I handed over to you, sent to me from the city of Rome by my Lord Valerian? Whose heads I shaved? whose faces with pitch I blackened? on whose necks wood I set? How then have the hairs so quickly grown again, & the faces purged been? the things which had happened being heard The soldier answered, & each thing set forth, which had happened at the mountain of the Maschali & the river Symethus; & how the demoniac they healed, the bonds of their hands first by themselves torn off: nor was silent in what manner they could have fled: nothing finally did he omit of these things, which had been done about the Saints on the journey. Which heard Tertyllus sat again on the throne, & the Saints looked around, & their faces contemplated: for they were beautiful very, & shone like a most gleaming light. Then into prison to return he ordered: he sends them back into prison. for he was with the redness of shame suffused, on account of those who were present & beside him sat. Afterward the iniquitous one himself, having meditated manifold kinds of torments against the Saints, with great fury the praetorium ascended. But meanwhile that woman always to the Saints went in the prison, the bonds of their feet she kissed, & that for her they would pray asked.

[26] Again led, & interrogated After ten days Tertyllus the holy Boys by the hair to be dragged, & to him to be led ordered: & on the tribunal sitting, with those, who at the same time sat, with calm countenance & tranquil the holy Boys thus addressed. Whence are you, Boys? What are your names? From what city hither came you? And why to us were you sent? But this he said, that, those who at the same time sat the depraved Princes, of themselves, not otherwise than he himself, all things might know. But the Saints said. First Christians we are: we are sent from the Vascones' region's city, which is called of the Prefects: we abominate & spit out those things, which by the impious & iniquitous Licinius & by you are adored idols, stones & wood inanimate, which gods you call. But sent us to you he, who with you is mad, Valerian, that your father the devil's will he might fulfill. Which when Tertyllus had heard, he said: In what thing confidence have you, that so audaciously to our gods you detract? Confidence we have, said the Saints, in our immortal God, & His only-begotten Son, & in the holy & vivifying Spirit, that is in the holy & undivided Trinity. These things we briefly answer. Angered was the impious Tertyllus, & ordered to be brought twelve clubs, elaborated from palm- branches, & with them long the several Saints by four executioners each to be beaten. with clubs they are beaten, When for a long time the Saints they were beating, their hands like stones withered. Hence the Saints' bodies with much blood were suffused, who also said: We give thee thanks, Jesus Christ our God, in that of him, who is the devil's minister, thou hast turned aside the spear in the end, & the tyrant's roaring against us raging thou hast destroyed. But angered & with fury smitten Tertyllus, ordered them to be loosed & into prison to be thrust, & there their feet into heavy wood to be put; another also great on their necks to be set, which six men scarcely raised. they are shut in the stocks, Then the Saints into this voice broke out: We give thee thanks, God most high, because us thou hast made worthy, that with such & so great wood we should be pressed, which truly will confirm in us the immutable confession of thy name. The next day ordered Tertyllus them to be led before him: but those who sat by, said: Dismiss a little more them, Lord, until their wounds be healed: for if too much & continually you vex them, & on wounds other wounds you heap, they will faint, & quickly from life depart: nor every kind of torments, according to the will & commands of the Emperor, will they undergo. By these words persuaded, he sent them back into prison: into which went Thecla in the night time, they are cherished by S. Thecla; & having bestowed on the soldiers monies she entered, & weeping began herself the bonds to kiss, & the putrefied wounds to bind, with myrrh to anoint, & various kinds of medicaments to apply trying. Other also women with Thecla the prison entered, that the Saints they might refresh: but they did not permit them to do it.

[27] But seeing the devil the most constant patience of them, he was transformed into an old man, feigning on their account to grieve; & in the night of first sleep he entered, & said: Why so long you so atrociously torments Tertyllus, nor for yourselves do you take counsel? the devil persuading them to feign in the faith Come, now the best I to you will give counsel. Let us show ourselves to his mandates to have obeyed, & to wish the Gods to adore, that from inflicting on you torments he may rest, & thus your youth & beauty you will spare: but the true God inwardly in mind adoring, Tertyllus you will mock: for afterward your God you will pray, & easily pardon He will bestow. they reject & confound him. Answered the Saints, Not a good truly counsel is that, but a diabolic certainly fraud it bears before itself. To us as B. Paul the Apostle says, both to live with Christ & for Him to die is gain. Phil. 1, 21 Depart from us, man: for depravedly & not rightly to us you counsel: for we have our Lord Jesus Christ, who invisibly assisting through the holy Spirit's grace us comforts, & as often as we are tormented us regards, & from many & intolerable torments snatches, which on us inflicts the iniquitous Tertyllus, or rather his father the devil the worst tempter, & of human nature the pernicious enemy. Depart from us, foulest devil, into the fire eternal, prepared for you & those, who you obey. Nor indeed are you anything else but a demon, who so depravedly to us counsel. These things heard the devil fled from their face, nor any more to them manifestly to appear dared.

[28] But indeed a few days after he suggested to Tertyllus & to his assessors, that iron hooks twelve to be elaborated they should take care, with which they might destroy the Saints. And when now they had been elaborated, Again led back, ordered Tertyllus to be led the Saints into the praetorium, & on the tribunal sitting said to them: What have you deliberated about your safety? I you admonish & exhort, that your youth you spare, lest cruelly at last to perish you be compelled. Answered the Saints: We indeed have deliberated, that, if this is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, our souls to Him a pure & immaculate victim we deliver. But you, Tertyllus impious & of truth the enemy, will send Christ our into the fire eternal. On account of these words with fury agitated vehement, the hooks to be brought he ordered, & before them to be placed, & said: Behold, O wretches, these for you prepared; & so your not neglect safety, but rather pardon ask of the immortal gods: for since they are most clement, easily to you they will forgive what injuries you have inflicted. Answering the Saints said: Tertyllus, foolish & insipid, have we not often told you, that to your gods like are you, & all who with you them adore? with iron hooks they are torn, Then ordered the iniquitous Tertyllus the hooks to be taken, & with them the several Saints to be torn by four executioners, so that two from the front, & as many from behind should strike. ^b Wherefore immediately the greatest force of blood was poured out, & the very inward bowels appeared. But they heaven beholding said; Lord Jesus Christ our God, we give thee thanks, that thou hast deigned to bring it about, that we into this lot should come. Thou therefore, who when thou wast immortal, death to undergo didst wish, that the world thou mightest free from death; give us thy servants in this hour a firm & immutable profession of thy faith, & our souls from the malign devil's attempts snatch. Tertyllus insulting: These things said, patience to them was given so great, that they cried out: O most iniquitous & most impious Tertyllus, set on other torturers, who your iniquitous & harsh will may obey. Are you not ashamed, most shameless dog, that of the same flesh you are compacted, of which also we are; & while us iniquitously & unmercifully you torment, your own self with the same tortures you torment. But we pray that to you it may be spared on account of the name of Him, who to you spirit gave & life. These things seeing those who sat by Tertyllus, said to him: If you wish these Boys to all kinds of torments to subject, dismiss again the wounds to be healed, & meanwhile maturely about them think, that other graver torments you may be able to inflict.

[29] led back into prison Then ordered Tertyllus into prison to be led away, maturely to deliberate about them. And Thecla herself into the prison brought weeping & wailing, & of each one the feet kissed. But the Saints God prayed, that the wounds He would heal to the greater confusion of Tertyllus. In that night, when on the ground they lay, because on account of the wounds greatly weakened they were; there appeared in the prison a certain old man, & said: Hail, beloved sons, who for Christ bravely have fought: be confident & live, because the Lord Jesus Christ sent me, that I should heal, which for Him you have sustained, the wounds. And said to him the holy Boys: Who are you, my Lord? He answered: Be not troubled, nor be scandalized in me, for that a little before the devil wished you to tempt. I am the Apostle

Andrew, they are healed by S. Andrew the Apostle: & to you me to come ordered the Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoice therefore & exult, because through you in this city many signs will be seen, & through you God will save this city. For many your patience & immutable constancy seeing, will be converted to our Lord Jesus Christ. These things saying he seemed to handle the wounds, which by the iron hooks they had sustained. But scarcely them had the Apostle touched, & there vanished the wounds all. Then indeed them he confirmed, & a salutation said withdrawing he vanished from their eyes. But after it grew light, the most wicked Tertyllus a certain soldier of those, who the Saints guarded, summoned & said: Go quickly into the prison, & see, whether still those blasphemous Boys live. which Tertyllus ascribes to the gods' power, The soldier went, & diligently having watched, sound he found the Saints, nothing now suffering, nor by any wound hurt. Then returning, to Tertyllus, what he had seen, he indicated. Hearing these things Tertyllus, straightway the three Boys to him before the tribunal to come commanded, & said: Tell us, who has healed you? Behold now manifestly ^c it is plain, that the gods' power on you has had pity, & on account of your body's beauty health to you has given: it indeed the drops of blood flowing from your members has wiped off, that pardon having obtained you may sacrifice to them, which all do. Answered the holy Martyrs; if you hear it again, you will not believe. May you live ^d also like your gods. For if, O wretch, they themselves to themselves cannot help, how to us, as you say, would they have brought help? since they are idols mute, deaf & senseless? Yet know; most wicked & most wretched Tertyllus, that our Lord Jesus Christ the only-begotten Son of God is, who has healed us; who us guards & frees from every devising of your torments; who all believing in Him will snatch from the snares of your father the devil, & you will cast into the punishments of the eternal fire.

[30] with nailed shoes compelled to walk These things hearing the iniquitous Tertyllus ordered to be made iron shoes, having nails straight, sharp, & heated to be put under the feet of the Saints ^e by the executioners. But the Saints with these affected, although sharply they were driven, ^e to walk ^f could not; since their feet by the nails were pierced through, ^f & much blood was poured out. But Saint Philadelphus, who was beautiful & delicate very, a little lagged behind: but the executioners cruelly without any mercy his head struck. Then S. Alphius turned said to him: Run bravely, & with us bravely contend for the blessedness prepared for us. Likewise also S. Cyrinus him comforting said: Let us endure bravely: for these things are of a brief time; but indeed for those denying Christ are eternal tortures, the fire which is not extinguished, the worm which does not die, the outer darkness, the gnashing of teeth, & the most bitter tartarus, which God for those sinning against Him has prepared. they mutually encourage one another to the race: But those who these things endure in this life, will be received in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ; on account of whom those who suffer, will enjoy that good, which neither eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor into the heart of man has ascended, which God has prepared for those loving Him. These things S. Cyrinus admonished S. Philadelphus: for truly among themselves Philadelphi, that is brothers loving one another they were. Which hearing S. Alphius from the least brother, greatly rejoiced. Saint also Philadelphus strength resumed, & accelerated his steps so, that the rest of the brothers he went before. And now the points of the nails their feet so had perforated, that from above they appeared. & after prayers poured forth they are strengthened from heaven Afterward raising their eyes to heaven they said, Lord God almighty, alone holy, savior of the troubled & of those suffering for thy name; do not forsake us, but patience afford even unto the end: nor let say the enemy, I have prevailed against them. But after the prayer they had completed, there was made in them a divine splendor of the holy Spirit's grace, which the mind & their mind confirmed, & all sorrow & tribulation utterly ceased. Therefore they went rejoicing & glorifying God with so great speed, that the executioners them to follow could not. And when to the appointed place they had come, into the praetorium they returned.

[31] And Tertyllus at that time was bathing in the bath: but coming out he found the holy Martyrs by the executioners led, At these things astonished Tertyllus who indeed joy the greatest bore before themselves, & with countenance like the sun shone. This beholding Tertyllus changed his countenance, & disturbed & in mind dismayed, said & cried out: Woe me! what shall I do? we are conquered by these depraved & blasphemous Boys. O men of the city, come & see a miracle great, how these wretched ones bear themselves. Behold the sharpest nails now their feet have perforated; nor of themselves any account do they have. Answered the Princes of the city: Perhaps, Lord, magicians they are; & Christ, whom they worship, strength supplies in enduring torments. Which when they had said, with anger seething & with fury smitten Tertyllus, he orders them to be shut up in prison to be slain by hunger. into prison to be led away ordered; & there without any food left to be held to the tenth day, that not even water to them should be afforded, & said: With hunger you, wretches, I will slay; nor anything will you taste, until your life miserably to death be delivered. Then he sent Alexander, & ordered that the doors of the prison with the ring of Tertyllus himself he should seal; nor anyone to enter permit, who bread & water might offer. He ordained also, that if any man or woman bread or water bringing should set it forth, to death be delivered. But the holy & glorious Martyrs these things hearing, derided Tertyllus, saying: O how, most wretched Tyrant, our God's power utterly you are ignorant of! After these things they were led into prison, in whose midst with firm constancy & immutable they stood, praising & glorifying God & praying thus: Lord our God, thou art the living bread who from heaven didst descend, & by the faithful art transmuted. Thou, Lord, thy servants comfort: where to prayer instant, for thou knowest the flesh's weakness, who it as a potter in man didst fashion, & in the Virgin's womb didst assume. Thou also didst say in the Gospel: Not in bread alone lives man, but in every word, which proceeds from the mouth of God. Matt. 4, 4 And again thou didst say: He who eats my flesh, & drinks my blood, in me abides & I in him. John 6, 54 We therefore also humble sinners, who of thy body immaculate & precious blood have been partakers, let us not hunger & thirst.

[32] But when three days fasting they had remained, the next night the doors being shut there appeared a certain old man, bearing in his hand three loaves & a little vessel of water; & a great light shone around in the prison. from the Apostle they receive bread & water, This seeing the Saints, on the ground they prostrated themselves beside his feet, & said: Pray for us holy Apostle of God & Disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, that immutable we may remain in His charity. He them grasping raised, saying: Be confident, sons, in God, & exult before Him. For the Lord Himself sent me that you I should heal: for still a little you will punish Tertyllus the iniquitous: then to the body renouncing secure you will be with our Lord Jesus Christ, who you has chosen. Which said them he saluted & departed. But they ate & drank, & now comforted stood, assiduously singing & praying God. But Alexander saw a light in the prison, & heard the Apostle speaking, & feared so vehemently, that to flee attempting, he could not. But in the morning Alexander the servants & the guard's soldiers to him called, Alexander seeing, who narrating the matter to the guards, & said: Hear men, a new & admirable miracle it is, which before my eyes has happened to these Boys. For a certain man terrible & powerful stood by the sealed doors of that very prison, & loaves brought & water, & ordered that they should eat & be refreshed, & by my Lord Tertyllus inflicted should despise the torments. But I the light's splendor to bear not being able, & with fear the greatest shaken, to flee I attempted, nor however could: for knees my for this were shaken, & there as if dead I remained.

[33] Behold, brothers, this to you I announce a mystery, that these holy Boys, whom unjustly we torment, of someone powerful & sublime are disciples, & rightly Him announcing adore. For those whom we worship, & call gods powerful, the Saints themselves call idols deaf, neither spirit having nor life: & these many gods, whom we adore, cannot refute the ignominies & injuries with which on the several days & hours they are affected. he acknowledges Christ's divinity. But these holy Boys, invoking one God & one only-begotten Son of His, & one also Holy Spirit, the many & greatest our gods always conquer; the very which in the torments we inflict wounds by themselves are healed. Wherefore I judge, brothers, that neither in heaven nor on earth is another God except Jesus. But know that the mother of Thecla my kinswoman, & Neophyta my mother, the very of great name holy Trinity announcing, & the everlasting God worshipping, after many torments departed from this life under Armatus, who before Tertyllus my Lord the Principality bore in this Mesopolis. Then the servants & soldiers answered: What was done about that man, who came & addressed them? Answered Alexander: After many things he discoursed, them comforting he vanished. Then they said: Why then, Lord, your mother did you not emulate? but Tertyllus's unanimous counselor were you made? & daily against the Christians are you driven, & especially against these Boys, through whom many signs have been done in this city? nor however of us has anyone believed, except Thecla your kinswoman & Justina, & the foreign Hebrew? Answered Alexander? Every utterly excuse I lack in this matter, brothers. Which said he was silent: for to the doors of the prison approached women not few, but especially Thecla & ^g Justina, whom the Saints through prayer healed: there was present also that Hebrew, whose son the Saints had freed from a demon: after which deed with his son & whole family into the Mesopolis he went, & with him all alike cried out & said: Have mercy on us, O sons of Christ: order us together with you to contend for Christ's faith.

ANNOTATIONS.

& even to the extreme parts of the holy Boys he ordered those iron hooks to be drawn, & the Saints' flesh to be torn, so that even to the bowels they were fixed in.

CHAPTER VI.

Various torments inflicted on the Saints. The Jews converted & stoned.

[34] Rose Alexander at the same hour, & went into the praetorium, where was Tertyllus; & having entered the things which he had seen about the Saints signs he narrated. Which hearing Tertyllus greatly against Alexander was disturbed, Tertyllus much anxious & said to him: Has you too the Christians' magic seized? Withdraw from me. Do you believe that I in the same manner shall be depraved? You truly monies from some have received & the doors of the prison opened, & thus the received bread & water they ate & drank. Alexander answered: When you in your hand the ring held, how did I the doors open? Go down therefore & see, whether whole on the doors of your ring is the impression. These things said from him withdrew Alexander, & went down into the prison. But Tertyllus began to grieve & himself to afflict sitting still. Then through his servants he called the Nobles & Princes of the city, & on the throne sitting, said: What is to be done about the Boys sorcerers, whom to me sent my Lord Valerian? I believe that my soul he might harass: he knew certainly the sorceries of these & incantations. To what end did he send them hither? Am I than Diomedes more powerful & than Nigellio? I will send them back to them that with whatever kind of death they wish they may slay them. Answered the Princes & said: persuaded to slay the Saints, Let it not be done: for not these did they send because by various torments them to slay they could not, but because your industry they knew & manliness & bitterness against those who our gods immortal execrate, for this reason also they sent that through them this region's inhabitants thoroughly terrified might adore the gods, & if perhaps they obeyed you might send them back: we to your opinion not accede, & much otherwise counsel, lest perhaps angered with us the Emperor Licinius & Valerian some send, who both you punish & our city overturn; but rather that with many & various torments you drive them from life. So you will be intrepid & secure about any tumult.

[35] The ten days therefore having elapsed, sent soldiers Tertyllus, who the Saints by the hair dragged into the praetorium led. the same again to the tribunal led Tertyllus on the tribunal sitting, & the Saints to him led looking around (for they were most beautiful) said to those who at the same time sat by: What seems to you? truly the faces themselves indicate nothing eaten, nothing drunk these ten days ^a which we determined. But leaping forth Alexander stood before him & said: By the providence of the great & immortal gods, & by your & the Emperor's head I swear, Lord, that the prison's door even to the present day open was not, nor bread or water had they otherwise than how to you I narrated: but what much more to be wondered at is, three whole loaves & that little vessel of water full to have remained over to them in the prison we found. Answered those who sat by & said: Lord, this is the work of magic science. And Tertyllus said to the Saints: in vain he threatens fire, How long at last will you be pertinacious in enduring torments, having confidence in the magic art? Obey now me & sacrifice to the immortal gods. For I swear to you by their providence, that to the fire your bodies I will deliver, & with the most bitter kind of death from you I will take life. But the holy & glorious Martyrs said to Tertyllus & to those sitting by, We taking up the defenses of our God, although many torments we have borne from you, sound we stand, confessing the only-begotten Son of God: & prepared we are still other to undergo tortures, on account of our in Christ faith, who is in the heavens. But you with base audacity abusing, inanimate & vain idols celebrate in vain, because perdition through them for yourselves you procure. Be ashamed therefore henceforth to name gods, who their life in unchastities & drunkennesses & wars in a brief time passed on earth, but now in the fire inextinguishable are punished, which awaits all of their worshippers. with ox-sinews he lacerates them, These things hearing the iniquitous Tertyllus, with ox-sinews cruelly their bodies to be scourged & lacerated ordered. Which when for a long time had been done, said to them Tertyllus: How long, O wretches, to obey will you refuse, & to the gods to sacrifice decline? Obey now that from them pardon you may obtain. But the holy three Boys said: We to the living God on the several days a sacrifice of praise offer, who us will save from your hands, & to the Saints' college join. Would therefore that you rather, iniquitous Tertyllus, to us assenting with us only the true would adore God & our Lord Jesus Christ. Answered Tertyllus. On account of that immodesty of speaking, I will destroy you. But the Saints said: He will destroy you, whom you blaspheme, God.

[36] Then the most wicked Tertyllus ordered to be brought lead, pitch & asphalt, & in a cauldron together to be melted, they unhurt by the lead & pitch melted, & with them the heads of the Saints to be poured over & their bodies whole, now stripped & with a heavy chain's weight bound, & on a high rock placed, that by all they might be beheld. And while from their heads through the whole body those things flowed, cried out the Saints, saying: Lord Jesus Christ, save us & grant us, that we may endure these most grievous torments, which on us inflicts the most cruel Tertyllus, on account of thy most holy name. But so great was the power of the most frigid wind, which to blow began; that in a small moment of an hour those things congealed, the Saints' bodies in nothing to hurt could. Then the most savage Tertyllus, with most vehement fury seething, the holy Boys by the feet to be hung up ordered, & with most fetid smoke their lowered heads to be fumigated as long as possible. And while that kind of torment was inflicted, with most fetid smoke in vain vexed, they said: Lord Jesus Christ, give us, that we may endure this bitter kind of torment. But when most constantly the placed smoke endured the Saints, much more with fury raging the tyrant, to be loosed ordered, & before himself their heads to be shaved, which now he had done in the beginning ^b; & wood to be cut, & to be made in the manner of a yoke (that ten men on their necks scarcely imposed, & with rigid & dry thongs bound around) & thus through the whole city to be led he commanded. shaved they are led under the yoke through the city. But there went before also some crying out, Whoever does not sacrifice to the unconquered & immortal gods, these punishments will undergo. But going the Saints through the middle of the city, & those who went before, crying out, the people's multitude followed: in which both Thecla was & Justina, & other women with them.

[37] Tertyllus had ordered the executioners, that when they had come to the high Caves, Which seen certain Jews, they should return through the Hebrews' dwellings. By which when they passed, ran up the Hebrew that one, whose son the Saints had healed, & he likewise the son & mother & the whole house, & with prone face all on the ground prostrate cried out: Have mercy on us, O Saints, & us permit to follow you, that into the martyrdom of your contest together we may enter. Then the Saints to the Jew & those who with him were said: The Lord God, who on account of us the passion sustained, to you grant what you ask, & to the Saints' college add deign. they profess Christ's faith, Then all the voice raised & said: Christians we are, & we abnegate the Jews' faith, which alone they themselves perfect ^c believe: & we believe in one God the Father, & His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, & in the holy & vivifying Spirit: & our blood prepared we are to pour out for Christ, whom these announce. These things hearing the Jews' crowd, from the caves having gone forth, took stones & cast them on them, saying: So you believe in Christ: whom seized our fathers crucified. But the executioners who saw this to Tertyllus related: who ordered those Jews bound to him to be dragged. The executioners seized & bound the Hebrews, who had believed, men & women, & with the Saints precipitately impelled, to Tertyllus present they exhibited. Them he looked around & said: When did you believe these wretches? also before Tertyllus, tell us. They answered: We, Tertyllus, deceived had believed a vain & profane faith: but afterward, because the true faith of these three Saints we have known, with them we believe, & with them our blood to pour out we are prepared. ^d

[38] Then Tertyllus the elders of the Hebrews summoned: who twenty in number approaching, a salutation said to Tertyllus, their heads inclined. To them he said: Hail worshippers of the gods ^e & friends of the Emperor, what do you say of these your countrymen? They said, If in this opinion they persevere, badly let them be destroyed. Afterward Tertyllus called the Hebrew, who had believed in Christ, & said to him: How long will you err, blaspheming the immortal & everlasting gods? Take heed, wretch, that these of your nation wise men not even the name of Christ endure to hear, through which these wretches deceive you. Answered the Hebrew, & those who with him were: Tertyllus, we many things to speak know not: one to you only we say, that Christians we are & to demons we do not sacrifice. Then Tertyllus the Saints indeed sent into prison, by whom they are handed over to the other Jews, but the Hebrews, who had believed in Christ, to the other unbelieving Hebrews he handed over with a sufficient number of soldiers, & said: Take them you, & according to your law judge them. Then the soldiers them took, & led into the place where had remained the rest of the multitude of the Jews: afterward outside the city they led them out: who there by the Jews' crowd with stones overwhelmed their spirit to God ^f delivered. Returning the executioners & soldiers related to Tertyllus, what had been done. Which he having heard rejoiced greatly; to be overwhelmed with stones & the whole army with the people into the praetorium to come commanded, & to those now present said: Have you heard, have you seen dearest ones, how the Hebrews by the three Boys deceived, by the men of their own nation were stoned? Cried out all: Great God Apollo, Æsculapius, Hercules, Dionysius, & Jupiter, who to the orb of the earth & to the Emperor himself & to you, Lord, life give & peace.

[39] The Saints prayer poured forth But the Saints, who had come into the prison with the most grievous wood too much their necks pressing, said: Lord Jesus Christ God, we give thanks to thee, that thou hast called us into this lot of martyrdom. Thou, Lord, who although immortal thou wast, in the midst nevertheless of two thieves crucified death didst undergo, that man thou mightest redeem from death; give us a most constant faith, by which thee immutably we may confess, & guard our souls from the devil's fraudulent perturbation. And indeed Tertyllus wished, defiling our faces, us from the faith to remove; & ours, which to thy image thou madest, he disfigured; he shaved also the hairs, which for an adornment to man thou gavest:

but thou, Lord, us thy servants sound render, as before thou didst, lest be exalted on high his horn, while he sees our form changed, but rather let it be depressed & his own opinion desert him. they are loosed, & restored to their former form, When these things they had said, by divine nod were broken the thongs, with which the wood had been bound, nor any more did it appear: which also before had been done on the way. But because they asked also the Saints that their faces should not remain defiled, the merciful & clement Lord Jesus their prayers heard, & as soon as possible their faces were purged & with a clear light illumined: the hairs also grew again. And when one another beholding pure & clean they had seen, they gave thanks to Christ the Savior & Lord of the whole world.

[40] The next day Tertyllus the holy three Boys into the praetorium to be led ordered, & said to them: Are you they, whose heads I shaved, & faces with melted pitch I disfigured? Answered the Saints: We truly are, most shameless dog. But he with the seething heat of fury fluctuating, said: I you from life will drive, by the greatest gods: I you to the fire will deliver. But they answered: We indeed deride your vain & insane mind, because you do not know that your gods neither to themselves nor to others profit: for idols they are inanimate & demons deceiving the foolish, which are dissolved by Christ's servants. they are dragged prone over the rocks, Then Tertyllus the Saints' hands & feet with two ropes to be bound ordered, & the several ropes by five soldiers to be held, so that twenty soldiers the several Saints on their faces prone should drag. Which when so was being done among rough rocks, the greatest force of blood was poured out; & the lacerated flesh to the stones fixed remained, so that now the bowels within appeared. Then again on their backs to be turned, & longer to be dragged he ordered, until the bones stripped were. At length to himself to be led he commanded, then on their backs, with laceration of the flesh: & said to them: Where now is the God, whom you worship? How has He not snatched you from my hands? Then S. Alphius, lying on the ground, said: O most iniquitous & most impious Tertyllus, not yet content & sated is your fraudulent will with so many & so great torments, which on us you have inflicted? But this torment, which you have added, added to us are crowns. But you most savage, since you are a man, of the same elements of which we compacted, & with the same endowed affections, such on us most bitter torments to inflict have not been ashamed. But what is more to us is by this matter an added crown, O most wretched Tyrant, for no less than the seven ^g Boys, who before us fell, your torments not yielding the same do we send forth voice, & to you we say; tyrant, generously they answer that the fire inextinguishable you for yourself a guest make: for three little boys your tyranny we have dissolved: because you could not ever us change, that you we should obey. Your to us fire is cold, & the catapults ineffective, nor anything your greatest force can against us. For if on us infinite you bring torments, & Satan your father's darts all on us you exhaust, you will not be able ever our faith to overthrow. & they are led back into prison. These things hearing the iniquitous Tertyllus, by the demon's suggestion moved, by the hair into prison to be dragged ordered, & within to be cast: whither them a very great crowd of the people followed, & there were present faithful many, but especially women weeping, & saying: O God of these Boys, help them & us: for we have seen the greatest miracle, new & unheard-of; that with so many & so great torments inflicted, their spirit has not failed.

ANNOTATIONS.

a. An irony this is: the Greek text also here an interrogation admits, asking whether their faces bear before them the endured hunger & thirst.

d. The Greek add: They narrated therefore the executioners to Tertyllus saying, As we passed through the middle of the dwelling of their fellow-tribesmen; soon as they heard them saying, Christians we are, & in Christ we believe, they took stones & stoned them. Hearing this the most impure Tertullus, rejoiced greatly; & sending he summoned &c.

to be commemorated, whom the Latin Church venerates on the 1st of August. Therefore to be expunged we wish on the 26th of March, whom there, as at the Leontines having suffered, we gave. So also num. 50 below for an example is proposed of the old testament Susanna.

CHAPTER VII.

The conversion of SS. Alexander & Epiphana, & the consultation with the holy Brothers.

[41] Then ordered Tertyllus to be made a gridiron very great, & a frying-pan of bronze, While new torments are prepared, & hooks three little, with which S. Alphius's tongue he might extract: the gridiron moreover & the frying-pan after thirty days were finished. But meanwhile the Saints in the prison quiet remained: for no more them to be tortured wished the tyrant, in that before all they brought injuries to him as to a dog. His also assessors warned, that them no more into his sight Tertyllus to be led should permit; but speedily of life they should be deprived. The holy Martyrs, with eyes raised to heaven, said; praying in the prison the Saints Lord our God, who art before the ages, to whom from our youth we fled: thou art the becoming & true hope & expectation of Christians, thou the not lying promise of thy servants, thou the unfailing treasure, thou before they are asked thy gifts dost afford to those loving thee, hear us, who hast given us that in testimony of the truth we should endure even to the end. But now, Lord, receive our souls, & free them from the hostile spirits, & them to those join, who have pleased thee. Thou to these, Lord, pardon all things, which they have done against thy servants invoking thy name: illumine them into the knowledge of thy truth, for thou wilt all to be saved. Send, Lord, help to thy servants who have confessed thee, & on account of thy holy name with stones overwhelmed, & thus in their blood baptized. Indulge we beseech, Lord, them what against thee they have committed: thou, Lord, from thy immense riches gifts to them repay, & worthy make, that in thy terrible & dreadful coming they may sit at thy right hand.

[42] These things while they said, came into the prison Thecla & Justina, bringing with them certain veils of theirs fine & precious, that with them of the holy Boys the wounds they might wipe, they do not permit the wounds to be bound, & bind: & money offered to Alexander they persuaded, & he permitted to the Saints to enter, & their wounds to tend. But entering Thecla & Justina, & also the chains of the three Brothers having venerated, the veils to cut around began & the feet to bind around: which the Saints to be done forbade, saying, Be absent from us men, who for us labor & us tend: for we have a physician, who by a word, nay by His holy will alone us about to heal is: but what for us you have brought, give to the needy, beggars, widows & orphans. But Justina in one eye was blind, & S. Justina's eye they heal: & approached Alphius, who more than the rest with the torment's harshness weakened was, & said: Offer me, Lord, your hand. Offered he it; Justina to her eye it applied: & it forthwith was healed, & to the other whole like made. Gave she glory to God saying, True is the one God, whom the Christians worship. A little after from the Saints those women withdrew, & them the prison about to leave beheld Alexander, & saw Justina with both eyes seeing. For this he was stupefied, & became mute: but to himself returned at length thus her he addressed, Did not you, my Lady, in one eye blind hither enter to these Boys? She answered, Even so: but these men's faith & prayer me wretched healed. Wherefore with them I sing & praise Christ the true God.

[43] Therefore Alexander asks to be baptized. These things heard Alexander leaped into the prison, & letting himself down to the ground, beside the Saints' feet with tears, said: Pardon these things, which against you I did wrongly, holy ones of God, & ask Christ, that me with the salutary baptism He would deign. Alexander was in letters learned, & daily the Christians' writings read. But the Saints said: God, brother, who wills all to be saved, & into the truth's knowledge to come, to you grants as you wish: yet, as the Apostle cries out, Behold now the acceptable time, behold now the day of salvation: hasten therefore, if you wish to save your soul. 2 Cor. 6, 2 He said, What shall I do? how shall I receive baptism? The holy Boys answered; If it can be done, & God pleases, that you receive baptism, well indeed: but otherwise by your own blood baptize yourself. These things said he went out, & sat outside the prison. Then Tertyllus, a messenger sent, ordered to himself Alexander to ascend into the praetorium; which having entered he, to Tertyllus himself present exhibited: who him interrogated, saying; Do they live still those wretches, whose bowels flowed onto the ground? Answered Alexander: Before Tertyllus he professes himself a Christian: They live truly, & sound have been made by their Christ. Tertyllus said: Go, & bring us the gridiron, frying-pan, & hooks, which things to elaborate I ordered for the perdition of them. But Alexander answering said: Be it far from me. For not any more my hands will I lay on these Saints, since now Christ I worship, whom these Saints adore: nay myself a Christian I call. These things heard, disturbed Tertyllus like a lion cried out: Alas for me, what shall I do? Behold the Christians' magic has seized & snatched from my hand the Counselor, whom alone I had. ^a

[44] But Alexander, an indication made by himself, that & betook himself home: & there very sad he sat down. But his wife ^b seeing her husband so affected, said: Why are you sad, my husband? Never have I seen you such, who always with cheerful countenance to me were wont to enter. Says Alexander: Withdraw from me, my wife. For I lament & grieve, that I was begotten; nor on account of this only, he narrates to his wife what was done, but also, because (if true are the things which say the Christians' Scriptures about the punishments, which are to suffer those denying Christ) I wretched badly am to be destroyed

on account of these holy Boys. For the iniquitous Tertyllus ordered me, that I should bring the torments which we prepared, some that to certain ones the tongue we should cut off, others that from them some alive with fire we should burn. But I, for bitterness & sorrow of my heart, harshly to Tertyllus answered, & myself a Christian to be indicated: & when I have seen so great miracles, which these Saints did, I fear on them my hands to lay; but especially because I saw Justina my kinswoman, when she embraced & kissed the hands of one of the Saints, the integrity of her eye received at once. Which thing hearing the wife of Alexander, as a stone became silent: & a little after said to Alexander: Truly the other eye's sight received Justina, your kinswoman? He answered: Truly indeed it; which with these eyes I saw. Then hastily she prostrated herself at the feet of Alexander, & weeping said: In no way, my Lord, & she persuading him not to obey Tertyllus, your hands lay on these holy & blessed Boys, lest with the iniquitous & impious Tertyllus the fire inextinguishable in the day of the dreadful judgment a partaker you be: into which the wretched sinners will send our Lord Jesus Christ, when in His presence the Saints will shine like the sun, & will receive that good which the eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor into the heart of man has ascended, but especially those who on account of Christ's love their own blood have poured out: but we so great a good will lack, who our hands lay on Christians, & especially on these holy Boys: who by their prayers obtain, that many gain health, especially with you with your eyes beholding.

[45] This discourse Alexander with the greatest pleasure heard. But he said afterward, first he feigns himself to hesitate, the opinion of his wife testing: What do you counsel me, Lady Epiphana? To me it is not useful to Tertyllus not to obey: therefore my hands I will lay on these Saints, as my Lord commands me. Which hearing the wife from her husband, & both in countenance & in mind sadness the greatest contracted: & in mind not standing, a heavy groan from her deep breast she drew: with tears also her countenance she watered, & weeping most bitterly said: My husband & Lord, you to me confessed yourself a Christian to be, & before God yourself in the heavens. But now denying greater & graver punishments for yourself you have prepared, for perpetual times in eternal fire to be tormented. And these things spoken, to depart she wished from her husband's sight: then she wishing to depart from him, but running up Alexander her departing held. She struggled, & to her husband to turn herself unwilling said: Let me depart from you, because scarcely an hour's moment my joy about you endured: for again in the same hour Satan, whom with the iniquitous Tertyllus you worship, the beautiful from you & honest will removed, & the worst fury you through penance saved to see could not. Then to her said Alexander: Do not believe, my Lady, the things which testing you I said: but believe, he protests himself altogether a Christian, that rightly I believed, & believe in Christ the true God with my whole heart, & with my whole mind: & no will there be in me either conversion or change. Lives the Lord God of the Christians, whom these holy & blessed Martyrs preach, Him I confess, Him I adore, for Him my blood, like these Boys, ready I am to pour out. But she answering said: You fraudulently & maliciously to me these things say.

[46] This hearing Alexander, with many tears answered: Return to me, dearest wife of mine: & about us let us enter into counsel, & deliberate whether we ought ourselves to hand over to the iniquitous Tertyllus, & alike contend for Christ in the society of these blessed Martyrs: for still they live in the prison. & ready to undergo death for the faith: These things hearing the wife, & little faith giving him, said: How confidence about you shall I have, that immutable & firm shall be your future will in the confession of Christ? Then Alexander said: O wife, blessed you & blessed your morals, in that you alone in this age with great desire have loved your husband, & from the eternal fire's punishments him have snatched, if God's will shall inspire it. Therefore I, I say, & so to you I wish you to be persuaded, that of this matter God alone is the author, & for Him my blood to pour out I wish, as to you I said a little before. She answered: Hear me, my Lord: if while you live penance you do, & God's clemency ineffable you ask; He on you will have mercy in that day, in which He is to judge the orb of the earth in justice, & with the eternal fire's punishment is to punish the impious & proud, but especially the wicked & impious Tertyllus, & others assenting to him. Then Alexander says: What shall we do about the monies & other goods, finally he consults what about the money he is to do. which for myself I have badly prepared? She says: These let not be a care to you: for they are all corruptible; & since easily from us they can be taken, moreover the soul nothing they help: for badly gotten, badly fall away the riches. Therefore, my husband, you I admonish & exhort, do not make much of your monies very many & ample patrimony: treasure up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither rust, nor moth demolishes, & where thieves do not dig out, nor steal: for passes the figure of this world, as the blessed Apostle cries out. 1 Cor. 7, 31 You therefore hasten that you save your soul with sins polluted, but especially with these, which on these Boys holy you have committed: who with many signs in this place their faith have made plain, nor however with such works to you could in any way persuade, that in Christ you should believe. Alexander answered his wife: These things undone cannot be, & therefore with sadness I am pressed the greatest. Epiphana says: So do the Saints live still in the prison? He said: They live truly: &, as a certain one to me has related, much they pray for us, & our modesty to God they commend. Epiphana said: Therefore, my Lord, let us go to the Saints, & all things in their hand let us place, & let us ask that of our salvation the care they take up. Pleased this discourse & he said: Let us go as soon as possible: for well you counsel.

[47] When these things among themselves they had talked over, three Nobles of the first men of the city, Invited by Tertyllus, Herpio, Marullus, & Colymbio by Tertyllus sent came to Alexander, & within the house received said: Our Lord, your second father, Tertyllus, to you us sent, & to you thus speaks: Since you have been to me always dear, as a son & faithful Counselor, equally to me & to the Emperor or rather to the immortal gods most beloved (& our good will indeed manifest to you is) to you he signifies, how letters lately I received from Licinius, ever Augustus & perpetual Emperor, & from my Lord also Valerian, by which they order, that, since in a certain place of Sicily the greatest multitude of Christians lurks, thither with a sufficient army we go, to apprehend the Christians & them apprehend, & hither bring: & that I wish to be done at the nod of your prudence & strenuousness. In this way you will vindicate the injury of the immortal gods, & a friend you will be of the Emperor Licinius & of Lord Valerian & mine: by whom you will be gifted with many & great gifts, & equal to your merits a thanks will be returned. But that you a Christian called yourself, nothing fear: because I know the immutable constancy of your mind toward the immortal gods & toward us: nor did I take your words so as they were uttered, because I know that you spit out Christ's name, & it to hear cannot. What to you I say, from a benevolent father's affection were drawn: but if anything I did, which to you less may please, pardon me on account of our indelible friendship, & come at once. he excuses his languor: These things hearing Alexander, & unwilling those sent by the Prince to scandalize, before he should approach the Saints, said: I indeed languish, as you see, nor can I now to him come: wherefore report to our Lord Tertyllus, that if God me to my former soundness reduce, & to me command, I will come to him. These things heard the Princes Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio returned to Tertyllus: & reported, what Alexander had answered them. Tertyllus these things hearing, rejoiced greatly: & neither he, nor they well perceived, in what manner the words uttered Alexander.

[48] & with Epiphana he approaches the Saints: These things in his house thus accomplished, & the deep night's darkness now through the orb scattered, his wife Alexander addressed: Come, Lady Epiphana, let us go into the prison to the Saints. Whither when they had come, Alexander the soldiers, who guarded the prison, with head inclined & knees bent received, because they feared him greatly, & then by Tertyllus to have been sent believed. And he said to them: Diligently beware, by no means permitting anyone to the doors of the prison to approach. They answered, that zealously all things they would do. Having entered therefore Alexander & his wife, they found the Saints, God praying & among themselves disputing about the soul's salvation, & about Tertyllus's future judgment day, & about the just men's kingdom without end, & about the iniquitous sinners' infinite punishment. The husband therefore & wife with swift step approaching, grasped the feet of the holy & glorious three Martyrs Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus weeping bitterly, & with loud voice crying out: Have mercy on us, O you Saints of Christ, & ask Christ's ineffable clemency, that we may be saved also, nor in the end perish this your servant. The wife also her husband's words confirming, said: Save this man & all, because many through you we have been converted to our Lord Jesus Christ. Afterward Alexander raising his voice cried out. Pardon me, what against you grievously I have committed, & the many sufferings which I inflicted: for you cry out saying: Do penance all that you may be saved: for God does not wish that man perish. But I through you to the Christian faith myself submit, & I believe in one God, the Father almighty, & he makes a profession of faith, maker of heaven & earth, & in one Lord Jesus Christ the only-begotten Son of God, who by the Father sent was into the world, suffered also for us, that our weaknesses in His body He might bear, & was buried & rose the third day according to the Scriptures, & ascended into heaven, & sits at the right hand of God the Father, & again is to come with glory to judge the living & the dead; & in the Holy Spirit, the Lord & vivifying; & the resurrection of the dead, & the life of the world to come, for those who have pleased God in the flesh; but for the reprobate will be punishment eternal, & the fire which is not extinguished, the outer darkness, the worm which does not die,

& the gnashing of teeth & the most bitter tartarus, which is prepared for the devil & his angels, & for those denying & not confessing Christ & His Saints, but unjustly afflicting them with bitter tortures & grievous torments on account of His name, of whom the first am I. These things hearing the holy & blessed Boys, with hands raised to heaven, said: with the joy of the Saints: Thanks we give to thee, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, who us in this life hast made worthy, that we should see this neophyte, through thy benignity & through us thy servants, as a new plant of thy holy Catholic & Apostolic Church to be left: & now, Lord, propitious be to this thy servant & to this thy handmaid: & grant, that she may complete the course of the contest, which she is to undergo on account of thy name, denying vain idols, as also we thy servants. Which when the Saints had said, they ordered them to sit.

[49] Afterward spoke Alexander: What do you wish, my Lords, he is taught the manner of disposing of the money, & what do you command to do? What shall we do about the monies, which badly for ourselves we have gathered? Said the Saints: Hear, brother, since God has disposed our matter, &, as it has pleased Him whose will is for counsel, now is at hand the day of our pilgrimage, a little after to God about to migrate we shall die in this place. For Tertyllus the iniquitous to slay us has determined & to drive us from this life; which we desire, & ask, that, if it pleases God, with Him we may be. But you the monies, which unjustly you have taken away, render to those from whom you took them away: the rest render to Thecla & Justina, for they how they ought to be distributed know; but the remaining goods, whatever you can, distribute to whom you wish, to widows & orphans, that through them you may find mercy & the grace of God in the day of judgment, & to you opportunely they may be a help. For it is written: Naked have we gone forth from the womb of our mother, naked shall we return: Job 1.21 & since nothing we have brought into the world, manifest is it that nothing thence we can carry out: for all the race of men is as hay, & all the glory of man as the flower of hay; the sun has risen & the hay has withered & the beauty of its appearance has perished. Heb. 7, 17 Nay now you yourself applying your mind to these things which Scripture says, guard yourself, & preserve from the fraudulent enemy's too pernicious machination. But Alexander answering said to the Saints: I, my Lords & authors of my salvation, wish as soon as possible out of this wretched life to depart through many torments: for I have determined myself to the most wicked Tertyllus to hand over, & in his face to spit, that quickly to me the head he cut off. But these your handmaids let do, what they will, with my goods.

[50] The Saints answering said to Alexander: You indeed have decided yourself to hand over into the hands of the iniquitous & savage Tertyllus, & what God about him has disposed, that through very many torments quickly from life you migrate. Rightly indeed you have deliberated: but God your will has approved: yet otherwise He has disposed, nor so does He wish. Wherefore we, by our Lord Jesus Christ & the holy Spirit's grace illumined, reveal & say to you, Flee from the eyes of Tertyllus, & hide yourself in a certain place, which has prepared for you God: in which by His grace protected you will remain, until He Himself to you will demonstrate, what you ought to do. Then indeed the holy Spirit's grace with the salutary baptism's gift will deign you. But this lady Epiphana, our sister & your salvation's author, but Epiphana about to be a future martyr. as from her childhood she desired, with many torments her martyrdom will complete. For she, as you know, you always admonished, that not your hands on us you should lay: wherefore her vows God has heard, & after five days will begin she to be tormented; & with many torments by the iniquitous Tertyllus inflicted, constantly her martyrdom she will consummate. These things hearing Alexander from the Martyrs, was stupefied, & marveled at such terrible revelations, & much more burned with zeal & desire toward Christ, & said: Who me shall separate from the charity of Christ? tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? for I am certain, through you Saints, that neither death, nor life, nor present things, nor future, nor fortitude, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able me to separate from the charity of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. These things hearing Epiphana rose from the ground, & running up kissed the Saints' feet saying: I give thanks to God, holy & glorious Martyrs, because I have heard from you, what about myself I desired to know, that the martyrdom's course I might consummate: but ask the God of heaven, that He give me manly constancy to endure the torments, which to me Tertyllus is to inflict. May God Himself who helped B. Susanna through the holy Prophet Daniel, & convicted of lying, & destroyed the evil-minded elders; He, say the holy Brothers, give you of patience constancy to confound the impious Tertyllus. But she too perseveringly the Saints' feet embraced, & besought that for her they would pray: for with great gladness she had been suffused, because she had heard herself with martyrdom to be crowned.

ANNOTATIONS.

Acts entire into these Acts are inserted, & especially below chapter 9 her glorious martyrdom is celebrated, which should be referred to the day XII of May: but thence the reader hither we send back, that it be enough the same in one month once to be read. But it helps for the instruction of the simpler, to whom grievous it happens that the present Roman Martyrology's errors are repeatedly by us castigated; & that they may understand how not with great choice & zeal many things are to the old Martyrology of Usuard, which formerly the Roman church equally as other most used, added by its reviser, in writing the Annals most occupied; it helps, I say, to that end word-for-word to transcribe the annotation of Cajetan, such as is read page 58. In the Roman Martyrology the Birthday of S. Epiphana, on the IV of the Ides of July is commemorated, in these words: Among the Salentines of S. Epiphana, who under the Emperor Diocletian & Tertyllus the Governor, with breasts cut off rendered her spirit. But threefold here is the error, in the birth-month, in the place of slaughter, in the name of the Emperor. That the errors, my reader, the reason may be clear; I would have you know, that heard by me from the Leontine men, in the old Roman Martyrology no mention of the holy Leontine Martyrs once was made: but when Gregory the Supreme Pontiff XIII emended it, they were added, by the work of Paul Bellardita, Bishop of the Leontines & of the Liparenses, who then was Pope Gregory's Chaplain. So because faith was had to him in the history of his fatherland, of which he was not much knowing, were added into the Martyrology mixed with errors, the things which to the birthdays of the Leontine Saints pertained. Nor indeed Epiphana among the Salentines (which is an error of the copyists from the homonymy of the word) suffered, nor under the Emperor Diocletian, on the IV of the Ides of July: but among the Leontines, under the Emperor Valerian on the IV of the Ides of May. It is indeed afterward corrected the error, & the Leontines now are read, not the Salentines; whether however really an error it be, & she who is ascribed to the 12th of July, be not diverse from her whom the Leontines pretend themselves to have, makes doubt Paul Regius, Whether another S. Epiphana at Hydruntum when he says in part I on the Saints of the Kingdom of Naples page 345 at Hydruntum (which among the Salentines is an old & notable city) to rest the body of S. Epiphana, with clubs slain under Diocletian. He adds indeed also Tertyllus the Governor; but nothing prohibits in diverse places & diverse times synonymous Governors to have been instituted. But if really among the Hydruntines of some S. Epiphana the body exists, & is venerated on the 12th of July (which there is to be inquired & defined) about whom by writing or memorially it be handed down, with clubs under Diocletian slain to have been; this I would not doubt to be diverse from the Leontine; although Ferrarius, in the Topography of the Saints of the Roman Martyrology, this thither translated to have been supposes.

CHAPTER VIII.

SS. Thecla's & Justina's offices toward the Saints, the acts of Alexander about to withdraw.

[51] Afterward when now the middle course the night was passing, Thecla & Justina with eight handmaids the house having left, SS. Thecla & Justina solicitous for the Saints toward the prison their journey had, & the soldiers asked that to the holy Boys to enter they might be permitted: for with most grievous tribulation they were pressed, because they had heard the Saints very soon to be slain; & the more because they had understood by cutting off the tongue, the gridiron & frying-pan they were to be tortured: for this they wept bitterly, saying to one another: What stony heart & iron mind could without the greatest sorrow so many & so great torments behold, through which so great of the Boys beauty is disfigured? But they came from a far-off region, hither sent by a hostile & cruel Prince, that reproach in this Mesopolis they might suffer. Moreover they said: But let us not about these things basely weep, & in vain speak: for we know that in the Gospels Christ says to the holy Apostles, Before Kings & Governors you will be led on account of me for a testimony to them & to the Gentiles, & you will be hateful to all men on account of my name. Matt. 10, 18 By which words a most ardent desire of Martyrdom in them He excited: & therefore the Saints themselves these words to themselves proposing, utterly nothing weigh the torments, which are inflicted by the impious Tertyllus: inasmuch as they always have in mind Christ's words saying; Do not fear those, who kill the body, but the soul cannot kill. Ibid. These therefore courageously & manfully all things despised, & as from their own bodies pilgrimaging worthy they are made, who into the perpetual tabernacles be sent. Since also Christ Himself says, in the house of my Father mansions many there are. John 14, 2 These things Thecla related to Justina her kinswoman, & added: But those mansions holy, some are of the Prophets, some of the Apostles, some of the holy Martyrs, who their own blood poured out: for worthy is, as the Apostle says, they come to the prison; the laborer of his hire. 1 Tim 5, 18 These & many other things among themselves Thecla & Justina along the way discoursing, came at length to the prison: but the soldiers prohibited them to the doors to approach, although according to custom money had been offered: for they dared not Alexander's mandates to transgress. But the women asked,

for what reason the accustomed monies they did not take & to enter permit, answered they: Because the Lord Alexander having entered to the Saints with his wife, that no one to the prison's doors to approach we should permit, had commanded.

[52] The women asked, that someone of them should announce to Alexander, Thecla & Justina to be present, & to enter to wish. & Alexander commanding they are admitted This dared to do one of the soldiers, & to the doors of the prison approached: & after applying his ears, he heard Alexander name & confess Christ, & cried out saying: O my Lord Alexander, have come hither your kinswomen Thecla & Justina, & wish to enter to the Saints. Alexander ordered that they be introduced as quickly as possible: they congratulate them which also was done. The women therefore having entered fell at the feet of the Saints, with many tears saying; Hail Saints of God, in the Lord rejoice, who have illumined this city, & the demons' crowd have expelled from it. Behold as we see, the Lord Alexander, our kinsman, malignant once against you, now benign in Christ & to you; once your persecutor, & against you like a lion with teeth gnashing; now we see like a sheep before your feet lying, confessing & adoring Christ. Thanks therefore we give to our Savior, through you Saints, after it pleased Christ, above all this city's inhabitants, our kindred to regard & to save. But approaching Epiphana, herself inclined to both, & asked, that for her they would pray. Answering the Saints, said to Thecla & Justina: & in turn they are praised by them, Hail you, who us always have refreshed, who our burden on your own neck have borne, who with hospitality yours for us have provided, who with no shamefacedness delaying our chains have kissed. You holy women, monies many on account of us humble Christ's servants have spent, & like have been made to those women who to the Apostles ministered, Behold now from you & from your kindred has arisen this new plant, most beautifully germinating. For not so much rejoices God on account of ninety-nine just men, as much as He rejoices on account of one sinner doing penance. So also on account of this one rejoices God, as once on account of B. Paul, who from a persecutor was made a vessel of election, that he might bear His name before the Gentiles & Kings, as is written. Acts 9, 15 Of religious men religious sons, of a good root a good branch, this good & true fruit from you has flowered forth.

[53] When these & many other things to Thecla & Justina the Saints had set forth, they added about Epiphana: who to Alexander prescribe restitution This Lady sister Epiphana the best part of martyrdom has chosen, which will not be taken away from her, according to the Lord's word. But they said to Alexander: What about the monies you told us, thus hold: whatsoever from these holy women about to enter to us you have received, to them render; but the rest to those from whom unjustly you extorted, & you will not be accused by God. Go therefore into your house, there you will place yourself in bed as if with adverse health burdened, & what you can you will distribute to beggars: & the next night taking with you two faithful servants, you will flee from the face of Tertyllus. & flight from the city: For after five days, as we told you, he is to stir up an immense tumult on account of you, whom most diligently he will seek through all the Mesopolis; & you not found, many he will destroy, & Epiphana herself martyrdom will enter. But you having set out hence will hide, until you the Lord through us will admonish. These things hearing Alexander, the Saints saluted he betook himself home with his wife: but they rejoiced & glorified God for the things which they had heard from the Saints. Then indeed Alexander & his wife the monies all brought into the midst: & first separated them Alexander, which from his kinsmen he had received: then also others, as much as his memory could recall, which unjustly for himself he had prepared; but this he did with feigned health, lying in bed.

[54] But Thecla & Justina with the Saints remained weeping, & their feet kissing, & that for them they would pray beseeching: & Thecla indeed not moderate had a solicitude of asking the Saints, how old they were, but she dared not. But the Saints Thecla standing by interrogated: they indicate their age, Why do you stand before us, Lady Thecla, nor anything do you speak? She at once their feet grasped, & said: I will dare now I to interrogate you, how old you are. Answered S. Alphius: Believe, Lady, that, as our father wrote, & our mother among the saints blessed, often said: I am born years twenty-two & months seven; but Philadelphus, my unanimous brother, the twenty-first now has completed year, but Cyrinus, most desired by me, years ten & nine & months eight has fulfilled. These things heard Thecla & Justina rejoiced with joy great, for long they had desired that to know, & never had they dared to inquire. And when they had known, quickly them from life to migrate, on the ground prostrate, & their feet having kissed, from the prison they went out. Then of Justina's handmaids one having a withered hand, alike having entered with the others, after the Ladies had gone out, ran to the Saints: & weeping prayed & said, Have mercy on me, Saints. And the Saints the petition's cause knowing, & the withered hand they heal. said: Depart, sister, in peace. Our Lord Jesus Christ heal you through our humble prayers. And forthwith was healed her hand like the other, which whole was: & went out the girl praising & glorifying God, who to her gave health of hand through the holy Boys' prayers. Thecla & Justina now home had come, whither came also the handmaid: from whom, what had been done, they knew, & marveling God they glorified, because such & so great to the Leontines' city He conferred dignity through the Saints' visitation.

[55] But morning being made sent Alexander his servants, Alexander intent on restoring ill-gotten things & summoned whomsoever he could from the Leontine city, from whom unjustly the monies he had taken away: & to each his own to restore he began, to some even double he rendered. Divulged was this in the Mesopolis & to Tertyllus announced it was, that his Counselor Alexander labored in extremity. He summoned Herpio the Prince, & Marullus: to whom he said, go to Alexander my Counselor, beloved by me as a son, & interrogate what to him has happened; & admonish, that the immortal gods he pray, & from them benevolence ask: so indeed propitious they will become, & we of his fellowship & friendship will not be deprived. But approaching Herpio & Marullus Alexander, by Tertyllus's command visiting him found him lying in bed, & many standing by of the people, & said as them had charged Tertyllus. Moreover they interrogated, who they were who stood by, & what to itself wished that distribution of monies. To whom said Alexander: Since many to me riches badly I procured, them now I distribute to those from whom I took away. But you hence having set out, report these things to our Lord Tertyllus, & ask that against us he be not disturbed, & such a distribution prohibit: & he indeed, if God's will it is, of the gods' gifts will enjoy with the Emperor & Lord Valerian: but me the extreme of death's necessity has seized, wherefore I fear, lest perhaps the sin's load with which I am pressed me destroy. as one about to die he addresses them: Then what they had heard Herpio & Marullus to Tertyllus related; at which he was saddened greatly, & again by Herpio thus to be reported ordered: Do what you wish, my son & counselor: for although the monies those now you pour out, we shall be able double to you to repay: for our friend you are & the Emperor's, & of Valerian himself my Lord. Do therefore whatsoever you wish with the goods, which many you possess. Then again to him by Herpio answered Alexander: I indeed, Tertyllus, although in the present I die, always however to my God I shall live. Herpio this did not understand: for when Alexander God named, believed he of Apollo it to be said. But in the hour of dinner sent Tertyllus to Alexander certain edibles from his table, which taking Epiphana cast to the dogs, yet so that by no one it was seen.

[56] But Thecla & Justina, having heard that Alexander was dying, the same visited by SS. Thecla & Justina, approached him: who the rest forth to go ordered, & to his kinswomen Thecla & Justina said; Since, Ladies, to me you are kinswomen, henceforth we shall be all one body & one spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. But you know, that while in darkness I was, many I destroyed, not knowing what I did. But when the grace of the holy Spirit appeared in me, through the holy three Boys' prayer, lives the Lord, not from works of justice which I did, as says the Blessed Apostle. Tit. 3, 5 For I committed grave & nefarious things before God & His Saints, especially on these holy Martyrs, & many I slew Christians; wishing to please Tertyllus, & to demons depravedly ministering; but denying the true & sincere faith of the Christians, which the only-begotten Son of God Himself, descending from the bosom of the eternal Father, His holy Disciples taught. But all who His doctrine follow will be found in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ immaculate, & without end will enjoy that good, which the eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor into the heart of man has ascended, which has prepared God for those loving Him: at length they will reign with Christ, & will receive the crown of the kingdom of beauty from His hands, remaining in the light of His countenance for ages. But now, Ladies my mothers, take all your monies, as the Saints have ordained, he returns the monies received from them. which I from you received about to enter to the Saints; & especially when them to you, Lady Thecla, to approach I permitted. Those all & others from mine I give you, as the Saints have ordered: about these do whatsoever you wish. For Alexander was very rich & much more than his own kinswomen. All moreover servants & handmaids with liberty he gifted, & for their living also bestowed necessaries: for of children he was without, whom none he had begotten from his wife, with whom he had remained nine years. And she indeed from Christian parents was born, from the village of the Mandini ^b: but often Thecla & Justina she had consulted, whether she should flee from the face of Alexander, & herself into martyrdom hand over for Christ. Who that to be done did not permit, saying; Do not that, daughter, for it could happen that through you may be saved Alexander: & the rest he disposes. which also was done: for he by admonitions assiduous & by night & day wearied, at length was converted to our Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover she continually the Saints, since to the Leontines they came, prayed, that they would beseech God for her husband, that worthy he might be made of the holy Spirit's grace. Alexander therefore all things, which had remained over, ^c distributed to beggars, widows,

orphans, & others who with various languors were pressed; nor for himself anything did he leave, except certain cheap tunics which he was clothed with.

[57] Then with his kinswomen he arranged, that in the night of first sleep alike to the Saints they should assemble, & from them mandates take of those things which they were to do. And the kinswomen indeed having gone out departed, rejoicing & glorifying God. But Alexander two of his servants summoned, & said: Behold I you from servitude's yoke have freed: hasten therefore, & you yourselves your souls free through the right faith in Christ, whom the Christians worship & announce. & 2 servants taken I wish to you a secret certain to reveal, which if with you hidden you retain, you will save both yourselves & me in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom you will be called to the right hand. The servants faith to keep promised, & what he wished interrogated. He answered & said: I have determined from the face of Tertyllus to flee away, & you with me to lead away I wish: that, wherever there is need, I may send from the place, which to us the Lord shall prepare for a refuge & defense against those who to us shall approach. Promised the servants that they all things which to their Lord should please faithfully would do, & prompt always would be in life & in death. But after with dense darkness the night came on, with his wife approached Alexander to the prison: whom having entered prone the soldiers venerated. But there were present now Thecla & Justina, he approaches the Saints about to say farewell. who had come before & had entered, because to the soldiers had charged Alexander, that them whensoever they should approach to enter they should permit. The husband therefore & wife falling on their faces adored the Saints' feet; who said: Hail Neophyte, who lately regenerated yesterday wast proud & a reviler of the Church; but now Christ's servant gentle, placid & orthodox, & a firm column of the Church. But we you forewarn: that, when Christ's grace in you shall be made, you stand as a good ^e helmsman, & the rudder of faith ruling, the ship lead into the port of immortal victory; that you may hear the blessed voice crying: Come blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the constitution of the world. But Alexander with tears & with lowered voice said, as is written: Have mercy on me, from whom he hears he is to be a Bishop; O you Saints of God: for I an idiot since I am, to excuse myself I know not or to answer the wisdom, which to you by God has been given. The Saints ordered Alexander to rise from the ground, & standing to hear what they should say: then to him these words they directed: Behold, brother Alexander, the time of our dissolution is at hand. But you go into the place which has prepared for you God: & remain there until shall say through us to you the Lord, & you transfer whither He wills; & then you will attain the holy & salutary baptism from some venerable Bishop, worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ. Behold now we have told you, go in peace. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who led us from far-off regions, & us here to die ordered; He you save & all yours. Let us believe, brother, nothing to be hidden from the Lord, but all things naked & open to His eyes: the Lord's is the earth & its fullness.

[58] & Epiphana his wife commended to them These things hearing Alexander most bitterly wept, & to his tears a measure could not apply, grieving also the servants with Thecla & Justina. At length took Alexander his wife Epiphana, & inclined her to the feet of the Saints, saying: You have been made authors of our salvation: to you her I commend, you her will lead into the knowledge of our Lord: you for her supplicate Christ, lest fail her faith in the many torments, which is to inflict the impious & iniquitous Tertyllus. Answered the Saints: We trust & most certainly believe, that our Lord Jesus Christ strength will afford to conquer the worst Tertyllus's fury: that there may be demonstrated to his iniquitous assessors, that the feminine sex weak has conquered his attack, & led him into hell living: for his power, with which us he can harass, death & perdition to his soul will bring. he bids farewell to SS. Thecla & Justina Moreover Alexander approaching to Thecla & Justina, fell on their necks, saying; Hail, my Lady kinswomen, nay mothers, with inmost heart's affection: pray for me wretched, that may illumine also me the Son of God, who illumines every man coming into this world: behold to you I flocks & herds & all buildings leave. Said Thecla & Justina: But son, after you shall have withdrawn from the face of Tertyllus, he us to the fire will deliver. But the Saints said: Far be it, Ladies our mothers, nor indeed will permit God to you badly to be done: for our Lord of you has need, on account of your most prompt services about the faith & purity of mind: for indeed through you many good things will be done in the Mesopolis, & will follow after this age men lovers of good works, & religious worshippers of the Saints, who receiving your good institution, an example from you will take. Then necks mutually embracing Alexander & his kinswomen so long wept, until of strength deprived they were. But Alexander said: Pray for me wretched sinner in the consummation of your martyrdom. Then the Saints having prayed for Alexander, him in peace dismissed.

ANNOTATIONS.

d. In the same place is omitted such a salutation, little apt for one not yet baptized, unless for the past time here be understood the future, when also the name of Neophyte to him was conferred.

CHAPTER IX.

Alexander's withdrawal; the death & burial of the holy Brothers.

[59] Alexander therefore himself went out of the Mesopolis at the hour of cock-crow with two little servants, He withdraws to a cave, & most swiftly came into a place, whose name was ^a Selinodium, near a river great flowing from the mountain ^b Therræus. There by God's nod he found in the middle of the mountain a small cave, capable of about three men: & there having entered he found ^c water from the cave drop by drop flowing down, & said: This is my rest for age of age. Thither to go were wont certain Christians, & themselves there to hide, on account of the blindness of men adoring vain idols & the fear of Tertyllus: & as they saw Alexander coming, they judged themselves by someone to have been betrayed, & therefore the cave being left to flee away. But far from him standing, they considered & among themselves said: If to us this one had been sent, an army surely with him he would have, & by no means alone would have come: since in so great with Tertyllus esteem & with all glory he has been held always. These & other things among themselves they agitated about Alexander. After three days indeed they observed Alexander, & his servants at every hour praying noticed. & there finding three Christians he salutes them, They said therefore to one another: If hither he is sent that us he may apprehend, ourselves to him let us hand over: for hiding on account of the fear of Tertyllus no from God reward we shall receive. These things said they approached Alexander, & stood before him, nor anything did they say: for they thought that still he with the vain constancy of mind was held. But he these seeing & recognizing, said: Hail brothers in Christ. Answered those men: Hail also you Lord Alexander, if Christ our you worship. He says: Christ Himself the Son of God knows, that Him I worship, Him I desire, Him only I serve, Him I adore. Were those men from the Leontines' city, who said again: Blessed God, who you has chosen, & led into the way of blessedness, that you might do His will. Then they interrogated saying; Are, our Lord, those young newcomers alive still, or dead are they? Answered Alexander: They live still in the prison: & indicates that the Martyrs are still alive. but quickly them the iniquitous Tertyllus with death will affect. They with one voice answered: Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us on account of those holy & blessed Boys. We fled from the face of him: but these endured many & grievous from him tortures, generously truly: would, Lord, that we might see present the vengeance on that dog most impious! Says Alexander: Behold, brothers, we all today have been made of one fold, & of one shepherd Christ sheep: If the will of Christ it is, let us sit here, until He Himself shall wish to lead us into the way right. Said they: We indeed with fear great were held on account of you, whom our mind to have known we believed: but since God's grace has overshadowed you, henceforth truly not the least Tertyllus's care shall we have. These things hearing Alexander glorified the God of heaven, saying: Thanks to thee I give, my Lord Jesus Christ, that worthy me thou hast made through the holy three Boys' martyrdom & prayer, to find rest & the society of men, who with me of the holy baptism's laver worthy will be. Thou, Lord, guard thy handmaid Epiphana, & a place of salvation for her prepare.

[60] Were called those three men Stratonicus, Cleonicus & ^d Thallelæus. Thecla's flocks a little from the mountain were distant, & the flock's shepherd himself, by the will of his Lady, those men nourished. & that by Thecla's command there they are sustained he understands. For she when she had known from the shepherd such men there to be present, each thing to them abundantly to be supplied ordered. On a certain day therefore when he, who over the other shepherds was set, into the mountain had gone, that to those three men loaves he might bring; he found Alexander sitting in the cave, together with the servants & men to whom he brought loaves on the several days. Whom when he had recognized, running up he fell on his face, & him reverently venerated. But rising Alexander, said to him: Whose servant are you? Says he: Of Thecla I am, Lord, a shepherd, & into this mountain I have gone, that I might see, lest perhaps some sheep had strayed from the flock, & by wild beasts were devoured. Interrogated Alexander; To whom loaves he brought. Answered he; On account of my necessity them I bear, & that I may distribute to the other shepherds who with me are. But Alexander the servant testing, said again. How have you dared these men to hide, & food to them to supply? But Tertyllus's decrees have you despised? But the boy answering said: My Lady Thecla with all her house worships Christ, whom all Christians adore, the bloody & impious Tertyllus's decrees pertinaciously despising. We daily into the Leontines' Mesopolis going hear from our Lady, that now for seven months certain newcomers by the impious Tertyllus are tortured, on whose feet of heated iron shoes he imposed: nor in any way however after such blows their mind could he change & from the right &

irreprehensible faith of the Christians to remove: from his Shepherd wont to bring bread thither. nay rather they both spit out & with injuries affect, both him & the gods, with the vain & impure of them faith. And these indeed Boys by prayer alone our Lady healed, who long sick had lain, nor by anyone be healed could. These things heard, Alexander glorified God, saying: Blessed God & father of our Lord Jesus Christ, because thou hast hidden these things from the wise & prudent, & hast revealed them to little ones, or rather to those observing thy will. After these things he charged the servant that one, that the next day he should return to be sent to Thecla; & he the loaves left departed. Then the holy men assiduously God prayed & besought, that their He would receive praises.

[61] But Tertyllus very many of the Mesopolis Princes summoned; & on the tribunal sitting the gridiron, frying-pan & iron hooks to be brought ordered; besides lead, pitch, asphalt, & resin; & these all into the frying-pan to be cast, & a fire vehement being kindled to be melted. The Saints variously slain on the 10th of May, Then the Saints before himself led he said: Behold against you these things are prepared. Wherefore unless me you obey, & to our gods you sacrifice, you with these torments most atrociously I will torture. They answered: What you wish to do, iniquitous & impious dog, do quickly. For us, as often we said elsewhere, no one will separate from the love of Christ. Then ordered Tertyllus Alphius's tongue to be cut off. But Alphius said: Hear dog most shameless, although you take away of my voice the instrument, God yet the silent hears. Then the soldiers him seized, & when his mouth they had opened the executioners, S. Alphius's tongue extracted with the hooks, & cut off. Then with the greatest effusion of blood the holy man to God his spirit delivered in peace. But afterward S. Philadelphus on the gridiron they set: who while he was being roasted, said, Lord Jesus Christ, into thy hands I commend my spirit. But when by the coals with the dripping from his body drops nearly now he was being extinguished, he his spirit delivered to God. But Saint Cyrinus giving thanks to God, himself into the frying-pan cast. In this manner therefore died the true soldiers of Christ, who very many torments & grievous & bitter endured from the most cruel Tertyllus. But they died on the sixth of the Ides of May, in a place, whose name was Public.

[62] But after the holy & blessed Martyrs from life had migrated, the cruel & impious Tertyllus the Saints' feet with a rope to be bound, & the very blessed Martyrs through the ground dragged to be cast ordered into a well dry, in a place which Strobilius was called, near the house of Justina & Thecla: which women kinswomen indeed were, The bodies into a well were cast: & in riches all who dwelt in the Mesopolis of the Leontines surpassed. And when they had seen what had done the wicked wild beast Tertyllus, especially that the holy Boys he had cast into the well, their faces & breasts they struck, & weeping vehemently said; Do not permit, Lord God of powers, these holy & blessed Martyrs in the well to remain: who on account of thy name their blood poured out, while pressures & torments very many they suffered. These things said they rested at home until evening. But afterward when the night of first sleep came, fifteen of their servants to themselves they called & said: You know, my dearest sons, for taking which away Thecla & Justina with their servants having gone out, that the God whom worship the Christians is powerful in work & word: for He can heal those believing in Him. You know also that the holy three Boys newcomers many torments underwent, which inflicted the iniquitous & impious Tertyllus, nor could through them their mind from Christ's love turn away: but at length their bodies to the fire he delivered, & thus they to God their spirit delivered, confessing Him & His only-begotten Son our Lord & coeternal & holy Spirit, the Trinity namely itself holy & equal in power. Answered the servants: We know, our Ladies, you true things to have said, that the God of the Christians great & strong is: & we know that these holy Martyrs for Him suffered & death underwent. But what do you wish we do? Then Justina & Thecla said: We wish that secretly with us you come to the well, into which the Saints cast were; & into it constantly & courageously descending, the Saints' bodies you draw out. Then they with joy the mandates receiving, went together with them into the well, into which the Saints to be cast had ordered Tertyllus. And when they had run before & the women had gone before, before they came to the well, it with an odor & light heavenly when not far they were, a great of good odor fragrance they perceived, & within themselves said; Perhaps this good odor is of the Saints. And not so long after looking back, they find above the well whole, they saw a light most gleaming around the well: then nearer approaching they saw the bodies of the Saints above the well, but their faces shone forth, & the very bodies whole sound were, as though not even the breath of the fire they had felt.

[63] Which spectacle admirable seen, the servants running to their Ladies returned, & to them meeting said: Truly, as you said, our Ladies, great is the God of the Christians, & great His power, & of His greatness there is no end. Behold now the Saints' bodies from the well drawn out are, nor far are they distant. Then they looking back saw a light great gleaming around the bodies of the holy & glorious Martyrs. Approached Thecla & Justina with servants & handmaids five, who them had followed: & with trembling to the Saints' feet they fell, & said weeping: Blessed God, who you has chosen & led from so far-off bounds for the correction & salvation of those, who through you are to believe in the only-begotten of God Son. Afterward they adored & kissed the Saints' feet; then the servants & handmaids. & after hearing restored to the handmaid, But one of Thecla's handmaids, who deaf was, nor ever a voice had perceived any; the Saints' feet only being kissed, hearing received. But this perceiving & marveling, at the Saints' feet she rolled weeping & saying: Thanks I give to God through you, Saints, because opened are my ears, with which I hear as I desired. Thecla but & Justina this miracle in the beginning by no means understood; but with fear & trembling said to the servants: Lay your hands with all fear & trembling, & let us take hence the Saints & hide them in a secret place. Then three servants namely Barnabas, Julianus & Agathonicus, having laid only their hands, they carry them away & bury them. with no labor the Saints took up on their shoulders, so lightly as if nothing to bear they seemed; & led into the house of Thecla & Justina & ^e there laid them in a certain little cell, where the place most pure was, a cave namely. But before it a little house had been built: so that nothing anyone could suspect, nor know that there a cave was. But in it those women the venerable & vivifying Cross kept hidden, which on the several days they & the whole house adored. There indeed to the Saints themselves a temple was built, after the Churches of God peace received, through the grace of Him whom befits glory & empire, & praise & greatness, with the Father & the holy Spirit, now & always & unto the ages of ages. Amen ^f.

ANNOTATIONS.

d. Thalelæus's death below is noted num. 71, & is recalled on the 24th of May: but the two companions their martyrdom completed (as is said below) on the 24th of July: but the things which on either day about them should be said, hence we prefer to be sought.

the following: which, & all the rest thereafter, even to the end of the Neapolitan MS., were had indeed in the Greek Vatican, yet described for us they are not by him, who here believing to be ended SS. Alphius's, Philadelphus's, & Cyrinus's Acts, our mandate to have been discharged believed: nor do we think it worth the trouble that we should do by taking care that the rest still be described.

PART TWO,

suspected wholly, by the same Author.

CHAPTER I.

The Martyrdom of Epiphana, by the example of the Saints excited.

[64] When had withdrawn Alexander from the Leontines' Mesopolis, S. Epiphana interrogated about her husband, after five days Tertyllus called Herpio, Marullus, & Colymbio, & said to them: Go to Alexander our Counselor, & hither him summon; because of him we have need. Departed those three Princely men into the house of Alexander, & found his wife alone with two only handmaids, & said to her: What has been done about our friend Alexander? for him our Lord Tertyllus to him to come orders. Answered his wife: Believe me, that he, whom you seek, where he is I know not. These things heard forthwith to the iniquitous Tertyllus they returned, & say: Has fled Alexander from your face. This hearing Tertyllus was disturbed vehemently, & a little after said: Altogether he has gone to those wretches in the prison, & he sent to interrogate whether there perhaps he was present. And soldiers approaching into the prison, Alexander did not find: but the Saints themselves alone. Which thing understood Tertyllus said: Perhaps into some city he has betaken himself, & having entered some ship he has sailed to Rome to Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio: Lord, not doubtful is it, that his wife all things knows, & especially whither he has gone. Then again he sent Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio with ten soldiers, who her apprehended & led into the praetorium. she denies that she knows where he is: Approaching indeed with all promptitude & alacrity saw her Tertyllus, & her beauty admired: afterward interrogated where was her husband Alexander, his Counselor. She said: In what manner should I know, whither my husband has gone: do I over my husband have dominion? not depends on the wife the husband, but the wife on the husband. Answered Tertyllus: Lay aside

your foolish & vain excuses, & true things to us report about your husband. She says: I, as I said, have no dominion over my husband, that I should know whither he goes. Says Tertyllus, Have anything of evil against him I shown? for what then has he hidden himself, & from me fled away? Says Epiphana, You yourself know. But see, lest you have sent him, whither wont you are, into the Christians' perdition. Said he: I him did not send: but he himself withdrew from me, on account of those accursed Boys, whom he guarded in the prison. For he himself narrated to me of the magic prestiges of them, that namely a certain man to them entered, & food brought & drink, & them comforted & exhorted. By these things therefore your husband has been deceived.

[65] Said Epiphana: Whoever magic uses incantations is to be destroyed. & herself & him Christians having confessed, But these always by divine aid conquer your grievous & bitter tortures. Then Tertyllus said: What religion do you worship? She answered, The Christians' religion I worship, & a Christian am I, & my husband Alexander. Said Tertyllus: A Christian therefore has been made your husband? Answered she: So truly, for he himself before you a Christian called himself. These things hearing Tertyllus ordered her to be guarded in the praetorium. And when her they dragged into the custody's place, to follow she would not: but resisting with great voice she said: Why me do you order to be guarded, impious & iniquitous? Inquire of me whatsoever you wish before all, but to be guarded do not order. For behold to you I say, & in her purpose constant, that a Christian I am, & let it be to you most certain that I serve the God of heaven & earth, & His only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ. These things hearing the iniquitous Tertyllus, near himself called Epiphana, & said: Do not be mad, lest also you badly die with bitter tortures subjected. Therefore deny before all Christ, whom you said yourself to confess; & receiving from us pardon, you will return into your house. She answered: You rather deny what you worship idols, & you will have pardon from the heavenly King our Lord Jesus Christ. Tertyllus but said: I by mercy moved these things to you say: but if in this purpose you remain, you badly I will destroy, by the greatest gods & by the head of the Emperor. These things hearing the woman, said to him: I told you, dog most shameless, that you will not change the mind mine from the love of Christ, whom the holy three Boys preach: who from so far-off places, that in this Mesopolis the martyrdom's contest they might consummate, came. On account of this a graver judgment you will undergo of the Lord God & Savior our Jesus Christ. These things hearing the iniquitous Tertyllus, ordered before all to be stripped her body: & the executioners as ordered was running up, her garments cut off. But she to Tertyllus said: O wretched & unhappy dog, by Tertyllus's command she is stripped; are not you too of the same nature? How then are you not ashamed & do you not blush these my members naked to your impious assessors to demonstrate? Likewise through her soul revolving within herself she said, that which the Lord said in the Gospels: He who shall be ashamed of me & my words, of him the son of man will be ashamed when He comes in His majesty & the Father's & the holy Angels'. Luke 9, 26 Yet He says these things, who created man & called males & females: how then on account of you should I blush, when the Creator Himself me naked formed & brought forth from the womb of my mother? & with ox-sinews beaten, Then ordered Tertyllus her to be scourged with ox-sinews for a long time, & said: Sacrifice to the gods, & you will be removed from torments: but if you persevere in that opinion, of life you will be deprived. But she said: May beat you the Angel of God with an invisible sword, most iniquitous & most unclean dog. Then he ordered into prison to be shut up, & diligently ^b with wooden bonds to be confined, & guarded. This thing heard Thecla & Justina approached her, & the prison having entered wept, & exhorted her, saying: Lady Epiphana, endure a little while the pains of the torments: for brief is the torture, but everlasting fruition to you will be in the heavenly kingdom: behold now you have opened the way of martyrdom. After these words her with an old cloak they clothed, because naked she was: & together there until daybreak remained.

[66] But morning being made into the praetorium to be led Tertyllus ordered: & Alexander by chance the same day sent his servant into the city, that he might see what to his wife had happened. Thecla, when about Alexander informed she had been, greatly rejoiced: & to the servant ^c charged that amply necessaries he should afford. The servant himself, why into the Mesopolis he had been sent, set forth: him therefore to wait ordered Thecla, & with her into the praetorium alike to go, that he might see what was done about Epiphana. Tertyllus the princes summoned, & Epiphana thus addressed: What about yourself have you determined? She answered? What rather you about yourself have determined, dog wretched & unhappy, who badly your spirit to Satan will give? But there ran together all the Leontines' Mesopolis, that they might see how constantly before Tertyllus stood Epiphana. Then Tertyllus says: Where is your husband? what was done about him? whither has he betaken himself? Says Epiphana: After Christ he goes, whither Christ's will him leads. by a second question Then Tertyllus said: Where is Christ after whom you say Alexander to have gone? Answered Epiphana: Invisible He stands in the midst of those, who fear Him. Tertyllus said: Now therefore with you is He? She said: Certainly with me He is. Tertyllus says: it is persuaded to Tertyllus that he not torture her in the city, How do I not see Him I? But says Epiphana: You are not worthy Him to see. Then Tertyllus said: You therefore as you say see Him? She answered: Certainly see I Him with the inmost of my heart's eye. Tertyllus says: Do I eyes not have to see Him? And she answered: If eyes you had, you would have seen the desired Christ in me & in all who from Him a name have taken & Christians are called: but now you, exceedingly wretched & of truth the enemy, blind are, neither walking, nor seeing, nor hearing. Looking around Tertyllus like a lion hither & thither, saw the people's crowd standing by: fearing greatly lest by Alexander it had been sent, he called the Nobles. From whose consultation decreed it was, that Epiphana out of the Mesopolis should be led, & not far from the walls should be tortured: but while a kind of torment for her he devised, & in what place she was to be tortured he considered, he sent back into prison.

[67] But meanwhile Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio to himself he called, & said: What suitable for torturing her place seems, in which the same from life I may drive. They said let us go out, Lord, into Ceramium, where Theope is, a place solitary; nor her let us punish in the Mesopolis, lest perhaps her husband live, & come with his kinsmen & us slay. But Tertyllus said: Who are these kinsmen? They answered: Thecla & Justina, the chief women of this city. Said Tertyllus: Let us lay hands on them, & with death affect. They answered: If this we attempt, & that he dissimulate with SS. Thecla & Justina. will hear Alexander, & the people stirred to sedition & defection, us will slay: for all this Mesopolis is prepared for them their souls to spend, because these women are hospitable, & merciful, & with riches immense all here surpass. Tertyllus says: Do they Christ profess? Then those princely men said: Not openly Christ they profess: but this they do; if anyone either a Christian or of this religion a follower has migrated from life; they run together to him, clothe & bury him, nor that to do cease ever. Then Tertyllus said: Do our gods they not blaspheme nor the Emperor? If this so is, on them to lay hands it is not fitting. Answered they: By no means Lord: otherwise also the province we should disturb, because the whole venerates them as goddesses. This but they on the contrary answered, not from any good custom: but because God wished them to be guarded, & preserved even to the time of His revelation: for the supreme benignity of Him knows to guard those believing in Him as long as He wishes. Which thus accomplished, the servant the flock's procurator Thecla did not permit to withdraw, until of Epiphana the end he should see.

[68] S. Epiphana led to Ceramium, But morning being made Tertyllus went out into a place, whose name was Ceramium, where is Theope: & there he sat with the Nobles, but there stood by the army; & to be led ordered Epiphana, & said to her: Will you not now believe in our gods, O most wretched? She answered: Far be it that I deny whom always I have confessed Christ, & God's only-begotten Son. He said: How long will you remain in this torture wretched? She answered: You are wretched & unhappy & demented: behold I spit out your vain prudence, which Satan has put into you, with whom you will obtain by lot the fire eternal. with breasts cut off, These things hearing Tertyllus, the executioners ordered, that with a knife the breasts they should cut off, in this manner, that of one halved the part the other cut they should take away, the other leave: but the remaining utterly ^d they should cut off. Which when had been done, & the greatest force of blood flowed out; Epiphana said: O iniquitous Tertyllus, were you not afraid this to do? since you are a man, who with similar breasts' milk nourished, a man now grown have been made. Would begotten you had not been & milk you had sucked never, because you this doing God will overthrow at last, & a similar sorrow to experience will compel. You are not yet sated, she dies. nor satiated is your soul, with all kinds of vices infected, with the Saints' punishments: whom with fire you burned, & of one of them the tongue you cut off two days ago? do you also against the weak sex your fury kindle? & feminine members have you cut? Yet whole these you will find in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, & you it will refute bitterly, & into the fire will cast eternal. These things said when the punishments' bitterness to bear she could not, she said: Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit, because thee having confessed this I suffer: & at once her spirit she delivered to God. Then Tertyllus ordered by the neck, with a rope around bound, dragged into a cave dark to cast: & said that no one her to take or to bury should dare.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER II.

The desire of martyrdom in Alexander repressed, the death of Thallalæus.

[69] But Thecla & Justina, having seen the death of Epiphana, returned into the house, rejoicing & glorifying God: then to themselves the servant they called, & said:

Go announce to Alexander what you yourself with your eyes have seen. Alexander having heard of his wife's death, But the servant, having received necessaries, went away rejoicing to Alexander, where with others he was hidden. Whom when he had seen Alexander, first said? What is it, son? He answered, & each thing narrated, in what manner Epiphana had been into the prison cast, with blows beaten, outside the city led out, by the tearing off of her breasts tortured, & at last of life's gift deprived. Which heard S. Alexander wept bitterly, & said with loud voice: Woe me! alas me! Lady Epiphana, you a little woman in the feminine sex, which than the virile is certainly weaker, the tyrant's roaring did not fear: but I by what reason shall be joined to you? in what manner me will receive Christ, when nothing for Him I have labored? These too who with him were wept, until no in them strength remained: & in the servants indeed neither patience, nor measure of grieving any was: for their breasts they beat, & by no consolation be calmed could: nor did they eat, nor water even that day taste. Afterward Alexander about the body interrogated, solicitous about the burial of the body. & learned how into the cave it had been cast: then he asked, whether it he knew. He said, that he rightly knew it: & in the hour of the consummation of the martyrdom Thecla & Justina the kinswomen had been present, & had lamented exceedingly. Then Alexander interrogated, whether his kinswomen had said that they wished the body of Epiphana to transfer, & to burial to deliver, as the bodies of the holy & blessed Martyrs, through whom the way of salvation had been made plain. Then the servant said; Tertyllus guards set, & charged that the body of Epiphana should be guarded: which if anyone it to bury should attempt, to the fire should be delivered.

[70] Then Thallalæus, Stratonicus & Cleonicus approached & said: Hear Alexander; She indeed through the way of salvation has walked, with the other three he resolves to go forth to martyrdom & to our Lord Jesus Christ has come: but we why sit here & hide, nor demonstrate the faith, & hand over ourselves into martyrdom? What use to us will be from this hostile war present, if we do not contend, while there is time, before the gate be shut, & us exclude? These words heard Alexander consulted those three holy men: whose opinion was, that the next day themselves they should hand over to Tertyllus, & for Christ with all promptitude & alacrity the martyrdom they should consummate. Pleased this Alexander, & so he determined to act: for he had asked from the holy & blessed Martyrs, that they would deign him with the laver of regeneration to cleanse, whence he might obtain remission of sins, & they said: Brother if you wish, behold now is the acceptable time, behold now the day of salvation: behold Christ cries saying: Come to me all, who labor & are burdened, & I will refresh you. Matt. 11, 28 But if indeed it has been pleasing to Him, that baptism you receive, thanks be to Him & praise: but if not by your own blood you will be baptized. These things he had heard from the holy Boys related Alexander, & added: Therefore better is it for me by my own blood to be baptized, than baptism to receive through water, after which it could happen that into a multitude of sins I should slip. All therefore with this purpose remained, that into the Mesopolis having set out themselves they should hand over to Tertyllus.

[71] But after a few days called Alexander the servant the flock's procurator, & said: Go, son, to your Ladies, Thecla & Justina, our kinswomen, & tell them, that I have determined with Thallalæus, Stratonicus & Cleonicus to enter the city, that ourselves to Tertyllus we may hand over. He, as ordered was, a horse mounted, & into the Mesopolis proceeded to his Lady. Saw him Thecla, & said: Why so quickly to us have you returned? He answered: but dissuade it SS. Thecla & Justina, My Lord Alexander sent me, that I should announce to you, in what manner both he & the men, whom you know, have decided to enter the Mesopolis, & to hand themselves to Tertyllus, & to take the martyrdom's crown. These things hearing that pious woman, said to the servant: Go to Alexander, & to him report, that I know not any reason to him to render, or counsel to give, or anything about this to command: for those three holy & blessed Boys before us this for him determined, & ordered that from Tertyllus he should hide; not as if he could not his torments endure, but for a hidden certain dispensation's cause this to him they charged. For since they themselves a foreknowledge of future things have, from the divine spirit's both grace & illumination they said, that him it behooved baptism to receive from a certain great Bishop. They also foretold that Tertyllus after five days him would seek out, & holy & blessed Epiphana martyrdom would receive: which so was done. And her indeed death they foretold for an example: but to Alexander himself they said that he should remain in the place, into which him had led God. By our counsel therefore he will pass whither will God Himself. Yet let us ask Him, & the Saints' help let us seek, through whom God Himself for us will provide. But that the harsh Tertyllus ordered Epiphana unburied to lie, we his unwisdom & vanity derided: yet if of the merciful God & His holy & blessed Martyrs, who many signs did in this place, the will it is; we wish her to take away, & to deliver to burial where it shall please God Himself. These things having spoken Thecla & Justina the servant sent back to Alexander: to whom he each thing set forth. Which known Alexander said: Be done the will of God.

[72] But the next night the Saints appeared to Alexander in sleep, & said: & the Saints appearing to the same prohibit: We to you signified, what the Lord about you had indicated to us: why then do you bring labors to Lady Thecla about this? Behold to you we foretell, a little after much more the devil's fury against the Christians will grow strong. You meanwhile remain in that place, until you visit God; because, as we foretold, you are work for God. He indeed the soul of Epiphana has received into heaven, & yours to the same will lead. But about her body solicitous be not: for we tomorrow in the night time will go with Thecla & Justina your kinswomen, & her will carry thither, where we are. Remain therefore there with Thallalæus, Stratonicus & Cleonicus: of whom Thallalæus within a few days will undergo death; but Stratonicus & Cleonicus for Christ martyrdom will undergo. These things said they vanished: but Alexander awakened gave glory to God, saying: Who am I, Lord, that for me a sinner, who thee always have persecuted, & thee above all have blasphemed, to be provided thou hast wished? What excuse shall I bring to thee? according to whose prediction Yet this I say & cry: I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned, & my sins I acknowledge. But he prayed assiduously: & weeping on the several days in memory recalled, what he had done against the Christians, but especially against the three blessed Boys, who from so far-off shores had come into these places. A few days after in the same place Thallalæus by sickness oppressed died, confessing & adoring Him, who to us spirit gave & life: & on account of whose death the rest were saddened greatly. And when about the burial's place they consulted, Alexander said, Let us carry him into the suburb of the Antziani, Thallalæus dead is buried. & let us bury where laid up are the relics of the holy twenty Soldiers, & so they did. And when they had come into that place, they found one sepulchre open: in which some of the Soldiers had been buried. There therefore Thallalæus they laid, & the sepulchre closed, God's benignity glorifying. Alexander but running approached the sepulchre of his mother Neophyta & Isidora her sister, who Thecla's mother had been, & there wept vehemently, saying: Woe me! Lady mine, supplicate the Lord, for whom your blood you poured out, that He save my soul humble; as Holy & Blessed Isidora your sister supplicates for Thecla her daughter, on account of which was given to her the grace of hospitality & mercy; so you too ask God, that for the evils which I did pardon He grant, especially which I perpetrated against the holy & Blessed Boys, Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus: to them too, Lady mother, supplicate, that for these things, which against them most grievously I committed, they spare. Returned afterward they were from the Antziani, & came into the place in which they dwelt.

[73] But after two days Thecla summoned Herpio, whom in place of Alexander Tertyllus Counselor for himself had constituted, & said: Herpio, take money from me, Justina & Thecla having gone out to bury the Body of S. Epiphana & render the body of Epiphana. He answered: I fear, Lady, lest Tertyllus afterward seek it: & it not found me slay. Thecla answered: Most certain to you be it, that if to seek he shall wish, you he will send: to whom you will answer as you wish. Herpio therefore the money received the body in the night time to take away permitted. Wherefore when the night's darkness had come, called Thecla servants ten, with whom also Justina came into Ceramium, where cast was the body of Epiphana. But when the servants to the mouth of the cave had come; all thoroughly terrified were, & to enter feared. Then Thecla & Justina ran, & having entered into the cave, saw the Saints Epiphana's body guarding, whose face shone like the sun, & a light great around shone before the Saints. Which thing seen they rejoiced with joy great, & falling down adored them. Meanwhile a wondrous of good odor fragrance through the cave flowed. And when they had risen, they see it by the Saints carried to their own burial: they saw the Saints carrying the body of Epiphana: which seized at once they vanished. The servants saw & recognized the Saints entering into the cave, & for fear onto the ground fallen, as dead remained. Then having gone out their Ladies roused them, said: Rise, let us go, because the Saints have taken the body & departed. But followed the holy women the Saints' light, which saw they themselves, until they came into the place where lay the Saints. Into which having entered Thecla & Justina, saw Epiphana lying at the side of the Saints. Then they ran & cast themselves at the feet of them, weeping & saying: Truly wonderful God in His Saints, & glorious in His majesty: great indeed & terrible is He to all, who in His circuit are. We glorify your presence, Saints: because through you we have learned to worship & adore one God true, & His only-begotten son our Lord Jesus Christ. And there the women remained, praying God until daybreak: nor however any of the Leontines knew it. But they knew not where the Saints were hidden: for it was a place solitary outside the city toward the west, & was called Strobilius. But after God's grace permitted, there was built a holy & venerable temple of the holy Martyrs. which with joy understands Alexander, The servant by Alexander again

sent interrogated about Epiphana's body; to whom said Thecla: Announce to Alexander that we marvelous things have seen about the body of Epiphana: for although her breasts had been cut off, the Saints however the Boys her body sound hither brought, & the breasts into wholeness restored. Then the servant departed, & to Alexander related, what had been done about the body of Epiphana's relics. Which hearing Alexander gave glory to God, together with those who alike remained. There moreover months two & days ten & eight they remained: so as had disposed God, whom befits glory, honor & adoration with the Father uncreated & the holy & vivifying Spirit, now & always & unto the ages of ages. Amen.

PART THREE

Likewise suspected, by the same Author.

CHAPTER I.

The coming of Agatho the Bishop of Lipari into Sicily: the baptism of Alexander, & his ordination under the name of Neophytus.

[74] When the depraved error, Satan instigating, among mortals flourished & reigned, & a most savage persecution the Christians harassed, on account of this that Licinius & his Counselor Valerian, through all regions & cities, the Christians' race, S. Agatho Bp. of Lipari, wheresoever it had been found, to the fire to be delivered had commanded; there was in the Liparenses' island a certain Bishop, who was called Scripture very zealous. But when with attack the greatest & tumult most grievous there the impious Diomedes many; Agatho also the Bishop he sought out, that to death he might deliver. But God, who knows all things before they are done, disposed also this mystery. For blessed Agatho, seeing what was done in that island & in the rest adjacent, where the ministers of demons the Christians destroyed all; landed in Sicily, the chief men of the city having consulted left his place, & entered into a little ship with three little servants, & sailed into Sicily: which indeed by divine nod was done. But that little ship was carried into a river flowing from the mountain Therreus, & when first onto land they had gone forth, a certain man who near the river was met them: but he was a Christian, & God feared, & was called Dometius. Who when he had seen the Bishop, him into his house invited: for he had a dwelling in a place, which ^d Cyparissius was called, where alone in a certain cave he dwelt, & with affluence much abounded, but with benignity much more he excelled. Blessed therefore Agatho thither ascended, by his host Dometius with him: by whom he was received, in a certain cave, which alone was on the side of the mountain. But Dometius Agatho interrogated, for what cause thither alone he had come. He each thing about the tyrants' persecution set forth; & in what manner left alone, persuading certain Christians, he had fled away, that the Lord his matters might dispose & his soul save. Dometius answered: Believe me, Father, that here too much perturbation & atrocious persecution there is against the Christians, under Tertyllus impious & cruel: who this island governs, & in the Mesopolis of the Leontines for the most part dwells, on account of the place's convenience & nobility, & on account of the waters' abundance & of all things the affluence.

[75] he is taught the 3 Saints' deeds & miracles; Afterward this Dometius all things related about the three Brothers Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, in what manner by the foulest Valerian to Diomedes sent they were, & by him to the impious Tertyllus: who at Tauromenium their heads shaved, faces with pitch blackened, heavy wood their necks set around, & how that at the mountain of the Maschali by God's will removed, & into the sea cast was; their faces purged were, & the hairs grew again; & how the Saints themselves sound made the soldiers astonished & on the ground prostrate roused, the river Symethus by rains augmented easily crossed over, by the impulse of certain soldiers: who seeing the Saints unharmed to have crossed over, the river entering were drowned, & even to the next day appeared not; but the Saints on the other bank the remaining soldiers awaited, until the river decreased. Moreover he narrated the Saints, the bonds being broken, with which their hands were bound, & prayers poured forth to God, the Hebrew's son from a demon to have freed: & the cast-out demon with a clear voice Tertyllus to have threatened, & at the Mesopolis Thecla the paralytic to have healed, & Justina in one eye blind to have cured, & many other miracles to have done. Hearing severally all things the most holy Bishop, was stupefied: & on that day did not eat nor drink, but cast himself onto the ground weeping & wailing. And when his soul wretched he esteemed, he said: & panting toward martyrdom, What shall I do wretched? because the martyrdom's contest I fled, & myself did not hand over to Diomedes, that by him I might be tortured, & my blood pour out for the Lord Jesus Christ. These things to himself discoursing the Bishop, remained fasting even to evening: but Dometius approached, & him exhorted, that from the ground he should rise & food take. But he refused, & on the ground rolled, & copious of tears floods pouring forth, said: Lord Jesus Christ, God before all ages born of the Father, hear me & direct my humility, & demonstrate; Whether it behooves me here to remain, or into my island to return? Thou God of these holy three Martyrs, direct me as thou wilt.

[76] by the 3 Saints he is instructed These things having prayed B. Agatho the Bishop fell asleep, & in sleep saw the three holy Boys, whose faces were beautiful & comely, & greatly shining like the sun, & approaching themselves inclined to him. Who thoroughly terrified said: Who are you, sons, with aspect endowed foreign, & that exceedingly pleasant? They again themselves inclining said: We are Boys sinners, whom hither sent Licinius, the Christians' persecutor & destroyer, & of God Himself blasphemer: but he sent to Tertyllus unanimous with him, who although our bodies has slain, our souls however to slay could not. But we when we saw you hither to have come, & our matters to have heard from this man, by whom received you were in hospitality; perceiving you with sadness pressed, we have come that of your Sanctity the prayer may be heard. about future & to-be-done things: Wherefore know that the Lord Jesus Christ you has sent hither, by a hidden certain of God Himself disposition. Behold therefore you will rejoice & glorify God. For on account of His benignity it behooves you to pass into a certain Sicilian place, where you may remain even to the death of Tertyllus. For at that time through you of many souls will be saved: but it behooves for forty days you to remain in these caves: after that time you will migrate whither God will lead you. Which said, the Saints with head inclined the Bishop saluted & departed. Then Blessed Agatho awakened glorified God saying: Blessed God, who did not spurn my prayers, & His mercy did not remove from me, but demonstrated to me the desired Martyrs' aspects, & to me a sinner a doubtful & uncertain mind stable rendered & firm. This work thine is & not of human nature. Thanks to thee I give, Lord Jesus Christ, because made I am worthy to see thy Saints, who to thee well pleased, & for thee suffered & died.

[77] But after it grew light remaining still in the same cave, Dometius he called & said: Blessed God, Lord Dometius, because I have merited through you of this so good & so great treasure a beholder to be made: & all things set forth, which he had seen through sleep. Which hearing Dometius, he too God glorified, saying: Behold, Father, this cave the greatest dignity has obtained; in that it the Saints, which to Dometius he indicates who came to us, with their presence have deigned. Then the Bishop interrogated & learned the names of the Saints, & said: Believe, brother, me to have seen men, whom never I have beheld. But after a few days Dometius went into the Mesopolis by necessity led, & to S. Thecla relates & betook himself to Thecla, to whom he announced in what manner had come the Bishop: who having heard the marvelous Saints' deeds, with tears had believed, & sleeping had seen the holy three Boys, beautiful & pleasant to him, who to him marvelous certain things set forth. Thecla called one of her household, & having given, what need was, said: Go with Lord Dometius into Cyparissium, & address in my name the man, whom to you will demonstrate Dometius, & say: My Lady, Father venerable, says she hopes herself to enjoy your holy prayers. Then he with three servants & with Dometius made his journey, & into the cave came: with the glad notice of all, into which having entered the Bishop he adored, as had ordered Thecla, & the mandates set forth. The Bishop said, to the servants: These things report to Lady Thecla: Blessed you, blessed your house, & blessed all things which are in your house. We have heard now your toward God constant faith, who you comforts on account of your alms & ministries toward the holy Martyrs, whom you served with Justina your kinswoman: & in this indeed life long you will remain, & desired things you will obtain: after this but life's course a partaker you will be of the good things, which enjoy these Saints, whom with faith & charity into your house you have led. These all things by the Bishop said the servants to their Lady related.

ANNOTATIONS.

b. S. Agatho's Acts hence & elsewhere has Roccus Pirrus in volume 2 of Sicily sacred notice 8, & says he died on the 27th of July, & on that day his feast is celebrated by the Leontines: on which also day it is referred by Cajetan & Ferrarius.

CHAPTER II.

The Passion of SS. Cleonicus & Stratonicus. The baptism & ordination of Alexander.

[78] Then after days few from ^a Licinius & Valerian to Tertyllus letters were brought, A new edict published by which they ordered that the whole utterly Christians' race from Sicily he should remove, & not the name even of Christ to be uttered permit. Which letters received Tertyllus ordered to assemble all the Mesopolis Princes, & the iniquitous commands against the Christians to be read. Which heard the great by birth & the lesser, men & women, shuddered at so great of the Emperor Licinius & Valerian madness, who an army also to Tertyllus sent; that more safely he might seek out the hiding Christians. But when so harsh a storm the orb of the earth & the island of Sicily especially had invaded; the parent the son, the son the parent, the brother the brother, friends friends to Tertyllus betrayed. Then Stratonicus & Cleonicus said to Alexander: Neither is it right, nor profitable for us longer to hide & to fear Tertyllus's threats. Let us depart now & hand over ourselves to him according to God's will, who will dispose our matters. Answered Alexander: SS. Stratonicus & Cleonicus Martyrs of their own accord present themselves: Depart, brothers, in peace, & of me mindful be in the consummation of

your martyrdom. Setting out therefore thence they came into the Mesopolis of the Leontines: & into the praetorium having entered, Tertyllus they found, six strangers interrogating. But approaching they cried out; Christians we are, O iniquitous Tyrant. Then the soldiers them seized, & before Tertyllus set. He them looking around, said: Whence are you? & what are your names? They answered: We of this city citizens are. Tertyllus again interrogated: Who you persuaded or you compelled hither to enter, & us to injure? They said: You truly are worthy of all injury & ignominy, because persecuting Christians you spit out & contemn your creator God. These things hearing Tertyllus, with fury filled, their teeth with stones to be broken ordered. & variously tortured And this the soldiers performed, saying: Do not contradict our Princes. And a little after Tertyllus ordered them with ox-sinews cruelly to be scourged by four men. And while they were beaten the Saints, said: Lord our God, indulge us, & receive our souls into eternal tabernacles: & us join to thy Saints Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus. Then the foul & cruel Tertyllus to be brought ordered the hooks, with which the holy Alphius's tongue he had cut off: & with them of these two the tongues by the executioners to be extracted & cut off he charged. they die Which thing accomplished, the bodies outside the city by ropes dragged, into a most deep well with water gushing to be cast down he commanded, in a place whose name was Heracleum: many also others both at the Leontine & at its bounds & fields he took care to be slain. After some days he set out with an army much into a fortress which is called ^b Mineum, where the Christians he slew who were from the Leontines' Mesopolis & others there existing, many Martyrs at Mineum. & thence the Christians' name utterly eradicated, as the impious Valerian had commanded: for it was given to such tyrants also this, on account of those who heirs of the empire to be were.

[79] But the forty days being accomplished, when was B. Agatho in the caves, in which he hid; passed there certain of Tertyllus's unanimous & faithful followers: & heard the voices of those chanting in the caves, & having entered saw the Bishop with three others. Thence returned that Tertyllus from the Leontine city had departed they learned, by the Saints appearing taught S. Thecla & reported in the Mesopolis, in what manner they had seen the Bishop & others with him. But the next night the Saints appeared to Thecla very manifestly, & said to her: Lady mother, send into Cyparissium your servant who to Alexander ministers; that the Bishop he may bring to Alexander, that with him he may remain as long as it shall please God: because men certain listening, him with his companions chanting heard, & saw, & to Herpio to betray they have decided. These things said the Saints withdrew; & Thecla awakened the servant called, who by chance some had come from the flock sent by Alexander, & said to him: Son Hermyllus, take with you some of the servants who with you are, she takes care that S. Agatho migrate to Alexander: who each his horse may have, & three other besides horses, & go into Cyparissium, where is the Bishop with his Clerics, & them lead to Alexander before the sun's rising. Hermyllus quickly the mandates performed, & Cyparissium's caves having entered, found the Bishop reading & the divine Scriptures investigating: whom he adored & said to him: Rise, Father venerable, & a horse quickly mount. For my Lady, your handmaid & daughter spiritual, sent us, that we should save you & lead into a place all utterly suspicion lacking. Blessed the Bishop marveled at the woman's faith & the Saints' admonitions, who foretold that after forty days he would set out thence. They therefore by the horses' ministry from Cyparissium before cock-crow to the place came, where was Alexander: to whom him present they exhibited, & said; This to you sent the holy three Boys, Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, that you he may illumine & teach the symbols of the Christian religion.

[80] Alexander when he had seen the Bishop, rose, & inclined himself to his feet saying: Blessed God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who didst not leave me without thy grace. And to the Bishop he said: Hail, Father venerable, who art a shepherd good, & your soul lay down for your sheep, God you sent to seek the lost sheep, that it found you might lay on the shoulders of mercy, & join to the number of the rest, which are in the flock of the Lord, that there be one fold & one shepherd. These things hearing the Bishop from Alexander, gave glory to God, saying: Thanks I give to thee, Lord Jesus Christ, that not in vain I have labored. Now indeed I believe, that by thy will I have been led into this island. These things said they sat in the cave, & the servants returned to Thecla, & all things set forth to her. Who gave thanks to God & to the servants themselves, because so quickly the mandates they had performed. But in that mountain the holy Bishop taught Alexander the holy mother Church's precepts, & all Ecclesiastical institutions. whom in that two-year period he instructs: Learned Alexander the Epistles of Paul, the Psalter & the holy Gospel, of all the Scriptures the most perfect: & he was made of the divine Scripture zealous so, that within months eight these all he perceived, nor anything else he longed for or strove to know, than the divine Scripture's interpretation: & in this study years two in that mountain they passed. But Tertyllus at Mineum remained year one & months three: thence he betook himself to Catania, destroying all the Christians, whom he found. But at the Mesopolis he had left Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio, men evil, inhuman & cruel, whom for Alexander he had substituted. But these the Christians grievously tortured, wheresoever them they found: of whom many constantly the torments enduring, were slain; but many to endure not being able, to the gods to sacrifice were compelled.

[81] After two years the holy Boys appeared in the mountain to Alexander & Agatho, & said: Again by the Saints ordered to depart: Depart hence, because Tertyllus the iniquitous returns: & certain ones have heard you singing to God psalms & hymns, & have decided to Tertyllus to announce. Wherefore go hence to the maritime parts of Græcus ^c, & there you will remain even to the death of Tertyllus: but there will be revealed to you by God what you ought to do. Then a salutation said the Saints vanished, & departed. In the same also night they appeared to Thecla, & said: Lady mother, send two servants to the mountain with two horses, that they may lead Alexander & the Bishop to the maritime shore of the place, whose name is Græcus: for God does not permit Tertyllus into those places to go. Thecla awakened ordered one of her servants that he should see, & ask whether had come Hermyllus from the flock: but he was standing before the doors. And having heard this voice he answered: Behold I am here, my Lady. She said: Take seven horses & one servant with you, & go quickly to Alexander: whom with his companions you will lead into the maritime shore of that place, which Græcus is called. He said: Be it done, Lady, as you have ordered; but the way I know not, because it is night. Says she: Go without fear, & the holy three Boys' help implore, for they to you aid will bring. Hermyllus therefore horses seven & an equal number of servants taking, proceeded to the mountain, where was Alexander & the Bishop: who according to the Saints' admonitions the horses mounting, with the rest the journey took. And when a little they had proceeded, the prince of the evil & of men the pernicious prevaricator the devil, wished them into a marsh carried to destroy. But the horses when they had come into the marsh's place dangerous, the same showing the way they come to Græcus: held themselves back. But Hermyllus the place noting, cried out with great voice, saying: Take heed, our Lords: for I fear lest we have strayed from the way. Help us God of the three Boys Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, & us lead whither thou wilt. And forthwith the Saints approaching, cried out: Follow us little servants. And proceeding & the way before showing, them unharmed they led even to the shores maritime of the place which is called Græcus. Thither when they had come, the Saints said: Behold Græcus: remain here. These things said they vanished.

[82] But after it grew light, a man certain very pious & fearing God, whose name was Publius, came to them; & running fell at the feet of the Bishop & Alexander saying: Of what country are you? for your aspect foreign to me seems. where they are received by Publius, And they said: Strangers we are, son. He interrogated & heard, that on account of Tertyllus's fear thither they had come: & gave them a little cell, which he had in the middle of the mountain ^d near the river Assia, & afforded for their living necessaries. Since Publius was loved by the Bishop & Alexander, never did he depart from them, but especially because he learned sacred matters from Agatho. This Publius had built a temple very venerable & well adorned, nor another better was in those parts, & it was named of our Queen the Mother of God & ever Virgin Mary: into which to go he feared on account of the fear of the pestilent Tertyllus; for the most savage Armatus, who before Tertyllus to Sicily had been given, in that place had destroyed many men & women, of whom some with fire he had burned. But blessed Agatho into that temple having entered, exulted greatly saying: Do you wish, my son, Publius, that we paint this temple to the glory & honor of the Lord? He answered: I would wish truly, my Lord: but at present no painter is present. & in his church Agatho paints the 3 Saints, Answered B. Agatho: I myself of painting the attempt will make: which if to you I shall please, I will continue. Then Publius falling at his feet, asked him saying: Help Lord, me thy most humble servant. At length indeed the Bishop ordered to be brought to him what is required for composing colors: which brought first of all on the wood, ^e which in the middle of the temple was; he painted S. Alphius in that form, in which him he had seen in sleep: in like also manner S. Philadelphus on the second column, & S. Cyrinus on the third, so as to him they appeared at Cyparissium: which to do B. Agatho desired greatly. Afterward a baptism's laver new ^f he made so well, that marveled Publius so beautiful & artful a work.

[83] These things accomplished for days forty in sacred things Alexander he instructed; he baptizes Alexander, afterward Publius ordered that with water he should fill the laver of baptism, & the very water he blessed & sanctified; & baptized ^g Alexander, & with name changed called him Neophytus ^h, & Publius was his godfather in the holy & salutary baptism. And when with holy oil he had anointed him, a partaker he made him of the immaculate & precious blood of Christ: & on the several days the most holy Christ's body received Alexander. Then after days eight asked from the Bishop Neophytus (for a true Neophyte in the new plant of the Church he was, just as the holy Boys had foretold) but he asked that a Cleric he be made. The Bishop

knowing his faith, ordains him a Cleric, cut off his hair & after days forty into a Deacon he chose. But when had come the fortieth day, then a Deacon, before a Deacon he was made, he asked from Agatho that to the forty days one other he should add, which was granted. But because Neophytus daily fasted, & did not taste neither flesh nor wine; the Bishop wished ⁱ that for two days from fasting he should abstain. There moreover he remained year one & months ten: daily indeed at daybreak he rose, & the Bishop ministered, by whom in sacred letters most excellently he was instructed. But Thecla on the several months sent to them, that about Neophytus her kinsman his salvation more certain she might be made: & when she had known that a Deacon he had been chosen, gave glory to God.

[84] But after these things the Bishop said to Alexander: Son Neophytus, & finally after much instruction, I wish to you the Presbyterate's dignity through my sinful hands to impose. He says, Heavy indeed is this yoke, Father venerable: I fear lest it to bear I may not be able. Answered the Bishop: Heavy indeed to the pusillanimous, but light to those obeying & enduring on account of the name of Christ. Said Alexander. What of that the tyrants us assail; nor have we faculty of demonstrating ourselves Bishops & the sacred doctrine? The Bishop said: Certainly at present we are assailed by tyrants impious & iniquitous, but like hay they will wither, & like the herbs of plants quickly will fall, & will conquer the Lord those assailing us. But take heed, Neophytus son; that another war interior we have, by which in mind we are assailed: but where wars, there rewards; where struggle, there a crown. Moreover B. Paul the Apostle cries: There is not to us a wrestling against flesh & blood; but against principalities & powers, against the rulers of the world of these darknesses, against the spirituals of wickedness in the heavenlies. Eph. 6, 12 This therefore war if we can conquer, always we shall be with Christ: but the Tyrants' struggle against us avails not. For yet a little, & not will be the sinners: you will seek their place, & not find: for they to the fire inextinguishable will be delivered, which is prepared for the devil & his angels. Said Neophytus: How can we, Father, this war extinguish? with what resources, with what remedies? B. Agatho answered: Hear, son Neophytus. These wars to be extinguished can be by fastings, prayers, alms, hospitalities; long-suffering, gentleness, & peace; not assenting to evil thoughts, which us invisibly assail; not like the tyrants themselves, who us beat & cut off heads: for this war is invisible: & in the very heart. These things hearing Neophytus said to the Bishop: Believe, Father, a Presbyter. that to contend I have decided: & the Lord assenting, my soul into the port of salvation I will lead. Then the Bishop said: What do you say about the Presbyterate's honor, to which by hands my you I wish to promote? He said: I will do as you command. But when had come the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, after the Masses' solemnities the Bishop promoted Alexander to the Presbyterate's honor: who by Christ's grace was changed into another man, so that marveled the Bishop.

ANNOTATIONS.

but about these & very many other Martyrs we treated on the 18th of February, no apparent cause why such a day to their cult is ascribed.

g. There does not appear a cause why Alexander for two years & more deferred the baptism so ardently sought, unless perhaps for the sacred instrument's & place's default: & this too with difficulty is credible, since even in the most savage persecutions the Bishops of the Christians brought Agatho, in Sicily yet to procure for himself he could have through S. Thecla, by whose munificence there he was sustained.

h. This reason of changing in baptism the name unknown seems to have been to the first Church's ages, & therefore not a little suspect to me it is. Add that num. 57 here Alexander by the Saints still living by the name of Neophyte is saluted long before baptism; & below num. 115 it is indicated that he wished not by the Leontines to be known in his life; that this to him was, if there was any, a cause of changing the name at once from the beginning of his conversion: for also num. 119 it is said therefore he wished to hide, because Alexander the Christians not less feared than Tertyllus they dreaded.

CHAPTER III.

The slaying of Tertyllus, the end of the persecution, the relics of the three Brothers sought in vain.

[85] Tertyllus, of the hope of apprehending the Saints frustrated, When had returned Tertyllus from the city of the Catanians into the Mesopolis, certain men, who had seen the Bishop & other Christians in the caves of Cyparissius ^a, betrayed to Tertyllus: who gave soldiers that them they should apprehend, & to him lead. They having set out, when they had come into the caves in which they had seen the Bishop, having entered no one found. Then the soldiers the betrayers themselves seized, & them to beat began, saying: Why have you mocked Lord Tertyllus? demonstrate to us which you betrayed Christians? They with fear shaken, & before Tertyllus to appear not daring, the soldiers asked that they be dismissed: but the soldiers refused & bound them led to Tertyllus, & said: Liars are these, Lord, no one we found in that place, who was ordered, & after a few days on the tribunal sitting into the midst to be led commanded, & to those now present said: How to me to lie have you dared? They said: By the great & immortal gods, & by your & the Emperor's head, Lord, we swear, that we saw them. Tertyllus however ordered their heads to be cut off. But Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio & the rest who were present said: If this you do, Lord, know: scarcely he abstains from the slaying of the betrayers: that the Christians in a brief time will multiply so, that on us hands they will lay: no one indeed any more them to betray will dare. Order therefore these to be spared. Tertyllus therefore obeyed the words of the Counselors, & those men unharmed to go away permitted.

[86] Then the prince of the evil the devil, conquered to see Tertyllus not bearing & most grievous against Thecla envy burning with, assumed the form of a man, & approached Tertyllus, & said: Why do you wish of these men punishment to take? I to you will demonstrate those, who hide them, whom these to you betrayed. Thecla indeed this city's chief woman sent servants & horses into the Selinodium mountain: then having followed the devil, those to betray promising & through them into a safe place they were led, where also hides Alexander. These things heard, Tertyllus said to the devil, who had assumed the form of a man: Do you know the place, most beloved, where they hide? He said: I know truly the place & cave where they are hidden. Tertyllus therefore to have found himself Alexander believing, greatly rejoiced: & ordered Herpio & Marullus, that while he went to seek Alexander, Thecla & Justina into prison they should cast. But Marullus said: Let us not lay, Lord, our hands on Thecla: lest on account of her the Mesopolis be tumultuous against us; because, as we said to you, not openly Christ she professes: but Alexander himself first let us apprehend, & through him all things, which are said, understand. Who knows whether on account of fear of you he hides? But if he be found, you perhaps he will appease: & you with changed opinion him will restore into his former place, & he will be again Pleased Tertyllus this discourse, & an army to be gathered ordered, that with it he might go thither whither him the devil was leading. Through the middle of the city to make their journey they began: & them the devil did not lead through the way right (for a man foolish & iniquitous walks a way not good) but through the Hebrews' dwellings. Wherefore the Princes Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio said: The way, which leads into the Selinodium mountain, is not that: but you, man, badly us have led. Answering the devil said: Not so it is; for we intend this way, lest the dust by us excited they see & flee away. Through this place therefore secretly we shall walk, & through the tops of the mountains unexpectedly them we shall apprehend; nor us they will perceive unless we come first to them, & before them are present.

[87] They proceeded therefore, & into certain of the Mesopolis deep valleys fell. Then Satan transformed was into a great stag, & offered himself to Tertyllus. But that place deep & dark was & rocky. In it therefore the stag to chase began Herpio, Marullus & Colymbio & others, the horses with spurs urging. And behold the holy three Boys most manifestly appeared, by the Saints appearing he is slain. having swords in their hands, with which Tertyllus they struck; Alphius indeed in the mouth, Cyrinus but in the shoulders, Philadelphus indeed in the heart: & the very nobles in that place obscure prostrate were to the ground together with the horses: ^b & the supervening night's darkness, even to the next day there they hid (But we affirm that anger divine them invaded) no one however of the whole army saw what about them had been done ^c. But those having gone out from the Mesopolis, one of Alexander's servants came to Thecla & Justina, weeping & wailing & his beating face. And they interrogated, what it was? was dead indeed his Lord, On account of a rumor about S. Thecla to be apprehended, or into the hands of Tertyllus had come? He answered a certain man came to Tertyllus, & said: Thecla has snatched from your hands the Bishop & others, who were with him on the Selinodium mountain: where also was Alexander. He ordered you into prison to be thrust: but the Princes counseled, that then at that time it to do he should beware. But having returned, on you many he will inflict torments. Then Thecla said to the servant: Why glories in malice he who is powerful? Iniquity has spoken his tongue. What shall I say? Let not glory the crooked, as the upright.

[88] Afterward Thecla & Justina to the Saints entered, & falling down to the ground beside the feet of them, the very bodies they kissed weeping & saying: Do not permit, holy & glorious Martyrs, to be handed over us into

the hands of the impious & nefarious Tertyllus: not that his torments we fear, but that what we desire to accomplish we may be able, as you know: let not be delivered, Lord, the old age of your handmaids into his hands. in her defense gathered the servants, While these things they said in the cave, through Thecla's house divulged it was, that had decided Tertyllus them with punishments to affect: & at once the servants gathered were in number three hundred fifty-two: & Alexander also this matter heard, freedmen two hundred twenty ^d sent, who themselves equipped with arms, that they might engage with the army of Tertyllus: & these all were of the household, but the Ladies were ignorant of that which they prepared. Now scattered the night's darkness through the earth went out Thecla & Justina, from the place where were the bodies of the Saints, & found the servants gathered & equipped for battle: & said to them: What is it with you, sons? They answered: We have heard that the iniquitous Tertyllus wishes to torture you. The women answered: We, sons, your vengeance need not, since we have the God of the admirable Saints, who will be protector & defender our, for whom died those three Boys unanimously & concordantly. Go, sons, to perform your business; by her they are dismissed, for we wish not that for us this you accomplish, lest we lose our reward: for you the tyrant to resist will not be able, to whom by God given is a time of harming & doing evil to us, that may be manifested the elect of God: but rather you yourselves pour out your blood for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the servants said: We indeed boldly contend for you to pour out the blood of those, who Christ do not worship. After many things at length withdrew the servants, no one however still knew what to Tertyllus had happened & to his princes: but the soldiers went away to the places to them appointed.

[89] But in the night the Saints through sleep with cheerful countenance appeared to Thecla, saying: Rejoice, Lady mother, behold we announce that the iniquitous Tertyllus is dead with all of his Princes' power. Now send a messenger to your most desired brother Alexander, to whom transferred is the name into Neophytus the Presbyter, that he betake himself into this place together with our spiritual Father the Bishop Agatho. These things said they withdrew. But rising Thecla called Hermyllus her servant, To the Leontines come Agatho, Neophytus, Publius: & said: Take horses, & go to the blessed Bishop Agatho & Neophytus, the holy Mother Church's pure vessel lately elaborated; & to them announce, that Tertyllus & his Princes iniquitous have died by anger divine, & to Satan their spirit badly have delivered. The servants having received horses proceeded into Græcus. Whom seen the Bishop & Presbyter Alexander said: Why to us have you come? They said: Our Lady sent us, that we should announce to you, that is dead Tertyllus, & his powerful Princes. This matter known, the Bishop & Neophytus together with Publius came to the Mesopolis, & in the evening entered into the house of Thecla. Justina & the handmaids forth proceeded to meet, & with head inclined & knees bent them received. Blessed Agatho said: Blessed you are in this place, because the Saints on account of you many signs have done here: & he asked that they show the relics of the Saints, which long he had desired to see. they venerate the Relics of the three Saints. Then the women, with the Bishop Agatho & Presbyter Neophytus & the rest, who were with them, entered into the cave, where were the bodies of the holy Martyrs. Into which having entered they perceived a wondrous of sweet odor fragrance, & a light saw shining around the bodies of the Saints: & approaching kissed the holy feet of them, & wept so long that them strength failed; & there through the whole night they remained sleepless, reading & singing psalms & hymns, & in that indeed place daily they remained, until God's grace shone forth: & the Churches rebuilt were.

[90] But four years now accomplished after the death of the holy Martyrs Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, the cruel & impious Tertyllus, with his depraved & iniquitous Senate, by will divine perished. For although with slow step divine proceeds anger, it is wont sometimes also in this life grave to take punishments of those who act against Him unjustly. After therefore drowned in the deep Tertyllus, The Soldiers from the city fleeing, was gathered the whole army, him & his Princes seeking: whom not found terrified the soldiers from the Mesopolis withdrew: for they feared greatly, because many of the friends, whom they had in the Mesopolis, set forth, themselves with eye sight to have seen the Saints, who a great after them army leading, them expelled, & said: Go hence, depraved men, into the fire eternal, prepared for the devil & his angels & you too. Go out as soon as possible from the city of God, & go into the perdition prepared for you. Then the people's multitude came into the house of Thecla, & all blessed her, & her kinswoman Justina, saying: Truly great is the God of the Christians, whom these holy Boys newcomers announced to us: great His power; & of His greatness there is no end. Behold now all Christians both we are & to be called we wish, casting away from us of infidelity the putrid stench; The Christians approach S. Thecla, & to Christ Himself we approach, whom these Saints preached, that we may be illumined, & our faces may not be confounded. After these & many other things the people's crowd discoursed, & set forth to Thecla & Justina; it fell to the ground, & with knees bent them interrogated: into what place Tertyllus had cast the bodies of the Saints? They answered saying; We feared Tertyllus's threats, & therefore this we are ignorant of: but you, who were present, ought to know the place. eager to see the Relics of the three Saints Then many of those who were in Thecla's hall, said that they knew, & the people's crowd drew after themselves, & went into the well, into which had cast the saints Tertyllus. It was indeed with a sweet odor overflowing, but into it zealously having descended nothing they found: wherefore they were saddened greatly, & to Thecla returned with the greatest sadness. Thecla that them to her returned she might console, said: Wait, brothers, a little while, & if truly you believe, on account of faith your will demonstrate them to us God. They vehemently cried out saying: We believe in the Lord, whom to us preached these three holy Boys. Thecla this hearing, good hope them ordered to have, because if truly they believed, the Lord would demonstrate them to them: wherefore believing then they withdrew from her.

[91] After those cruel men, of the Christian faith enemies, were struck; wild beasts Tertyllus devoured: & after thirty days appeared the head of Tertyllus at the summit of the cave, within which hid the bodies of the Saints. But a certain of the Nobles of the Mesopolis, who was a man good, & never to Tertyllus had consented, but especially against the holy Boys, but on account of fear nothing had dared to speak against him, & was called Lucianus: this one therefore passing by, saw the head of Tertyllus; The head of Tertyllus above the cave of the Martyrs appears placed: & having returned called Thecla & the whole people, saying: Come with me, & to you I will demonstrate a miracle great, the head namely of Tertyllus, hanging at the cave's summit outside the city toward the West. But he knew not that there within the cave were the bodies of the Saints. Thither therefore approaching, they saw the head of Tertyllus, & recognized it manifestly: on account of which greatly marveling, they said: Truly wonderful are these holy Boys, & wonderful the God whom they worship. And by equal consent they decided that head to burn: but Thecla & Justina forbade, saying: Do not do, brothers, but rather let us leave it in the place, in which it appeared: until shall demonstrate to us God, for what cause so demonstrated it was, & also let us dismiss it for a reproach of all not believing in Christ. Below the head therefore, as has been said, was the cave: & in it remained those venerable men, Agatho namely the Bishop & Neophytus the Presbyter, but this no one knew.

[92] After a few days again assembled the multitude of the city to Thecla in the city, asking & saying: [To those inquiring for the bodies of the 3 Saints S. Thecla enjoins a fast of 40 days] What shall we do, Lady, that the hidden treasures, the bodies namely of the Saints, to find we may be able. Thecla answered: Let us ask God & He to us altogether will indicate. Wherefore let us fast forty days, nothing tasting except bread & water, & so we shall entreat God & the holy Martyrs, & to us will be revealed all things. Pleased all this discourse & Thecla's counsel they approved, & asked that something else she add, by which more easily the desired they might obtain. But Thecla with herself thinking, perceived not to be of her right to enjoin a fast on the people; but to pertain to the Priests: & said to the crowds; Wait a little while. And having entered her house, herself she cast at the feet of the Bishop saying: My Lord, the people has asked from me how they could find the bodies of the Saints, & I have enjoined them a fast of forty days, & that all promised themselves they would do: but as your Beatitude well knows, you being present that for me to do is not lawful. Wherefore go out you to the people, & with useful & necessary words use. Went out therefore B. Agatho with Neophytus the Presbyter & the rest: whom when the crowds had seen they ran up & fell at the feet of them, & marveled at the aspects of them venerable. by the Bishop to 3 days restricted. He therefore the Bishop said: Since, my sons, the Holy Spirit's grace your hearts has kindled, & you seek the holy & blessed Martyrs, who on account of your salvation into the Mesopolis came; & Lady Thecla on you has enjoined a fast of forty days; I to you say: Fast three days, & all things to you we will indicate which shall please God. And the crowd which was present, answered: Be it done, Father, as you command; but no one recognized Alexander.

[93] Then departed each one into his house, & the Bishop & Neophytus with the Clerics returned into the cave, in which were the Saints: & falling on their faces with tears, said; Lord Jesus Christ, God on account of whom these Saints their blood poured out, show us whether to thee it pleases that of these Saints the bodies be revealed at this time. The whole but night sleepless they remained. within which the same is warned that the Saints are not yet to be revealed. Then about cock-crow the cave having gone out, they lay down in the little cell which they had built before the cave, so that no one anything could suspect, for all judged of some necessity's cause it to have been constructed. There therefore to those lying down appeared the Saints, saying: Not at this time will you reveal us to the crowds: but when the Lord shall dispose, through one of the Saints will be revealed to you, & our bodies will be indicated. But you Father Agatho, called hither by the Lord, will remain here, until He Himself permit: for the island Lipara Diomedes vexes, & the Saints still persecutes. The head but of the iniquitous Tertyllus, which is above the cave, hang on a wood & leave for a reproach

of his friends. But after three days assembled the multitude of the Mesopolis to Thecla, & B. Agatho having gone out said: Depart, Brothers, in peace: for the Lord does not wish the Saints to be revealed to us at this time: believe however faithfully, & sometime to us will reveal them Jesus Christ: to whom befits glory with the Father & the holy Spirit, now & always & unto the ages of ages. Amen ^e.

ANNOTATIONS.

a. This done after two years, in which with Alexander had remained Agatho, as above num. 80 is said; & then num. 82 is subjoined that the same from Cyparissius's place departed Græcus, there had remained year one & months ten: of which forgetful the author here, joins the indignation of Tertyllus against the betrayers, with the same's expedition against the Saints, which followed by death was.

c. Whether indeed anyone saw the Saints, Tertyllus, as is said, striking? But if saw no one, whence that so distinctly could the author relate?

similarly in Greek to be had in the MS. of Grotta-Ferrata is gathered from Cajetan. In the MS. Vatican nothing such we read; but a new title, which in the Latin Neapolit. such is: On the woman with an issue of blood & on Euthalia her daughter, & how her slew Servilianus her brother.

PART FOUR,

of a more recent Author, insipidly fabulous.

INT. SIRMOND.

CHAPTER I.

The conversion of Eutropia, & of her daughter Euthalia; slain by her brother Servilianus, the martyrdom.

[94] The contest of truth, with the tenor of speech is adorned. But it is fitting of SS. the Martyrs Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus the deeds to narrate, which through them the Lord brought forth, in this Mesopolis of the Leontines. For the will, He says, of those fearing Him He will do, To see the head of Tertyllus many flowing together, & their supplications He will hear, & will save them. For since it has been said, that a very great crowd from this Mesopolis to Lady Thecla's house had assembled, that the sacred of the aforesaid Martyrs Relics they might investigate, & answered to her it had been by B. Agatho the Bishop, if confidence they had in Christ, it would be that by Him they would be made partakers of their vow; come now, Brothers, hear now a stupendous & incredible miracle, which in these days his body indeed as food to the wild beasts fell, but the head outside the city cast above the cavern, in which the Saints by Thecla & Justina had been laid. Of which matter when the report to the neighboring places had spread, the head namely of Tertyllus in Strobilius toward the East to lie; flew together an immense multitude from everywhere, both from the city itself & from the neighboring villages, men, women & boys, that the impious one's head they might see, by whom the holy Martyrs were slain, & many everywhere Christian men with torments were tortured: which lay cut off from the body nefarious, mockery providing to the people, & by many was beheld with execration of those who to the spectacle had come. Many moreover men & women from the Mesopolis their own venom too with fraudulent heart poured forth, some bewailing him, & approaching nearer to that wicked head, for its cause wept, in this manner crying out: Woe to us, Lord Tertyllus, who with so great & many benefits us will adorn, as you daily with your benignity us adorned? Who to the great & immortal gods our victims will offer & sacrifices, in his place wishing Alexander, as you did? Who moreover hereafter with punishments them will punish, who their name traduce? Yet we know, what counsel we should take: Alexander your best assessor, you still living, fled on account of Epiphana his wife's madness, & on account of those nefarious boys newcomers, who of their blasphemy the punishments with their head paid; him we everywhere will seek out, & into your place we will raise, that the whole of the Sicilians province he govern ^b, & avenge all who the unconquered & great gods despise.

[95] Heard these things Agatho the Bishop & Neophytus, & Thecla with Justina not without grave sorrow, which by the impious were uttered. Of whom Neophytus, when them of himself such things repeatedly saying he heard, his breast he beat. But the Bishop Agatho to him said: Do not son, do not so lament: for not partakers are we of his impiety: but if we have persecuted him, He Himself said, Do penance, ^c for it has approached near the kingdom of heaven: thence heirs & coheirs we shall be. Matt. 3, 2 To Him we shall approach, & His goodness invoke, & He as merciful to us pardon will grant: for He can through penance those who are tempted help. But when were heard also by the people, what those impious uttered, & they understood these things in the Saints' contumely to be said; seizing stones they rushed on them, & persecuted them, not permitting that they enter the Mesopolis: & although fewer they were in number, they compelled however those into the mountain which at the side was; & would have slain utterly, if no one had inhibited. But Justina & Thecla these things beholding, forthwith ran up with their servants, others wishing the Martyrs' slaying to avenge, turn away Justina & Thecla: & the people with great voice addressed: Cease, brothers, to persecute your brothers; & do not evil to those who evil you affect; nor indeed do the Saints need defense your or vengeance. We rather their protection & protection let us implore, this certainly knowing, God soon punishment about to exact: wherefore we adjure you, let us go rather to the spiritual father our Bishop, & from him salutary admonitions let us hear. Answered the People: By no means, Ladies, by no means: but as those blessed & holy Boys, who in these places Christ the life's leader announced, their blood for their toward Him charity poured out; so also we our blood ours for their cause let us pour out. With difficulty moreover them to restrain they could, that the impious they should not persecute; for they said, Of an evil shepherd the flock is perverse, & of an evil master the depraved documents.

[96] At length to the Bishop they come & to Neophytus, & others who together were. The Bishop therefore, enjoining with his hand silence, & nearer them calling, thus addressed: Hear, sons by Christ beloved. Grateful indeed & acceptable to our Lord is your will & desire of pouring out for Him your blood, whom S. Agatho instructs: but God does not wish that ourselves in this manner we avenge: for it is written, To me vengeance & I will repay says the Lord, because to me will bend every knee, of the heavenly, earthly & infernal, & every tongue will confess. Rom. 12, 19 Let us take therefore the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God: & so those who us assail debelling, we shall overcome both the visible & invisible enemies our. For have you not heard, that in the Kings' history is narrated to have been done, when Rapsaces the Leader of Sennacherib the King of the Assyrians besieging Jerusalem, the living God little made, & one by the Prophet Isaiah's prayer was sent that night an Angel by the Lord into the camp of the enemies, & slew of them thousands a hundred eighty-five, & fled Sennacherib, & was slain also he himself. What indeed are these, if with those they be compared, fleas dead? Rather therefore, sons in Christ beloved, unanimous the Lord let us pray, that worthy them He make of the knowledge of the inviolate & sincere faith & charity, which toward Jesus Christ the Lord you have through the holy Martyrs' intercessions, that there be extinguished all impiety in this Mesopolis your. Which when they heard, all with vehement joy were suffused on account of B. Agatho's exhortation. Who again said to them, I pray you, brothers, since the harvest indeed is much, but the laborers few: let us adjure God that He send laborers into His harvest, & be fulfilled the faith of the Catholic Church. These things when they heard, fell down all on their faces, & adored the Bishop & Neophytus & those, who with them were, saying: Blessed you by the Lord, & praiseworthy your doctrine: for you the course have followed of the consummation of the Saints, & of our salvation counselors have been.

[97] But while was addressing B. Agatho the people, of penance & salvation discoursing, behold there was present a woman certain, by name Eutropia, who Tertyllus's head to behold could not. But going out from the crowd, Meanwhile Eutropia the woman with an issue of blood & standing by chance above the cave, in which the Saints lay, thus with herself reasoned: Truly these Saints a God some strong & powerful to us announced: &, as to me indeed it seems, our gods whom we worship of no moment are, who neither to themselves aid can bring, nor to us who worship them. I judge altogether, the God of the Christians great to be above all gods: since Lady Thecla the chief woman of this place, the Saints invoking is healed, when for six years she had lain down, & hither had come those blessed Boys, asked Alexander her kinsman, & a payment given obtained that he should send to her them by night: who as soon as her only they had seen, & by her asked prayers had poured, forthwith healed she was, & into the prison having gone ministered to them; in the same manner also Justina her kinswoman herself too in faith ministering to them, one of them his hand applying to her eye dead, sight received forthwith. Her with herself thus speaking no one saw except a Hebrew certain woman, who a small from her space was distant. But she her eyes raising to heaven, & her hands also a little, so that no one could see, thus prayed: Lord God of heaven & earth, founder of all creature visible & invisible, who through these thy Saints, who in this place a contest performed, marvelous things hast done; thou now, Lord Jesus Christ, regard me humble through thy Saints' intercession; & as once the woman with an issue of blood, twelve years with the disease wrestling, by thy power thou didst heal, when of thy garment's fringe she had touched, & at once ceased the flux of her blood; so me heal, Lord, on account of thy Saints: for laboring was also she herself with a blood flux. These things when with herself had said the woman & weary she was, she sat down, that some rest she might take in the same place, & to sleep herself composed. And behold the same hour appeared to her the Saints; with white garment shining, & to her say: Hail in the Lord, sister Eutropia: [henceforth you are to believe in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. But from this day now sound made you are: but also Euthalia your daughter, who Christ confesses, after days six with the sword

will be consummated] ^d & henceforth with us will dwell, Thecla carrying to us her body. These things said they were taken up from her sight. Awakening the woman sound herself found: & rising hastened to the place, in which sat the Bishop & Presbyter & their companions, but also Thecla & Justina there were present, crying out & praising together the great God of the Christians, whom the holy Boys announced. When therefore running the woman thither had come, she fell at the feet of the Bishop & Presbyter, & Thecla & Justina; & narrated before the people whole, what to her that very hour had happened, & the benign & easy of the Saints coming. Which hearing the Bishop & Presbyter & the people, were stupefied at the woman's narration: & rising to God glory gave, saying: Blessed, Lord God, who alone marvelous things doest, & blessed the name of thy glory holy unto age of age. Who will be able to tell thy powers? to make heard all thy praises? since in of the Sicilians island a place so manifest thou hast exhibited glory thy, & to ungrateful men of this Mesopolis.

[98] by which message Agatho & Thecla moved After these things when had been dismissed all into their houses joyful & praising God; entered the Bishop with Neophytus & the rest the house of Thecla: & when they had sat down, Thecla & Justina being summoned, What this, they say, matter is, Ladies? What to itself wishes that terrible voice, which we heard from the woman, who by a miracle was healed, that within days six is to be consummated by the sword her daughter. What here do we think? Are to be sent from the City of Rome tyrants who the Christians may persecute & slay, like Tertyllus? Answered Thecla & Justina: O Father in us it is not to your words to answer: you rather, as spiritual & who God's fear before your eyes always have, you to know these things can through revelation of the Holy Spirit, what to itself wishes this formidable message, which to the woman revealed was. These things therefore when she had said they rise all, & the cave seek, in which lay the bodies of the holy Martyrs: & prone to the ground with much groaning they cried out, at the bodies of the Saints they spend the night praying, saying: We bless God & the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ through you Saints: because future things all to this Mesopolis you have foretold. But also to us unworthy show the secret, which to the woman your presence revealed. You since future foreseeing did not wish your holy bodies at this time to be manifested. These things when they had said, the whole that night sleepless they passed, persevering in hymns & prayers even to daybreak. Morning but being made they went out of the cave & set out for Thecla's house: & this very thing they did, on the several nights going to the cave, in which were the Saints, & there chanting: but to none of them revealed God about the daughter of Eutropia, until accomplished was, what about her had foretold the Saints.

[99] Having set out to her house Eutropia found her daughter, who to her coming mother said: The Mother to the daughter indicates about the head of Tertyllus, What matter is it, mother, that your return so long you have delayed? But she to her answered: Do you not know, daughter, what has been done? And the daughter: Nothing Lady Mother. Then Eutropia: Cast has been Tertyllus's head outside the Mesopolis into Strobilius, & thither had flowed together a very great of the people multitude, & at the marvelous matter were stupefied, how namely & whence cast thither it was, especially into that place. Hearing these things the girl greatly marveled: & when to food to take they had sat down (now indeed the evening had advanced) the woman bread having taken & her eyes to heaven raising, said: Thanks to thee I give, Lord Jesus Christ, who me unworthy thy handmaid to the knowledge of thy name hast led: & curing me freely, through the holy Boys' penance, many signs & prodigies through them to the people thou hast shown. For truly not dost thou wish the death of the sinner, but that he be converted from his way depraved, & live he in penance? since thou art God of those doing penance. When these things said the woman, fixed on her was the daughter, marveling at what she said: for never such anything had she heard from her mother's mouth, nay & was wont she rather to abominate & detest the name of the Christians. Soon therefore at her feet herself rolled the girl with tears, & full at once of joy thus addressed her: O Lady mother to me most desired, a lot also to you on this present day has been offered of the Christians through those holy Martyrs, who from so remote regions hither have come, namely according to God's will & predestination. For He has done as wishes He Himself the Lord King great, most high above all the earth, & of His kingdom there will not be an end. These things but saying the girl to her mother, the mother in turn for her words rejoiced, & God praised.

[100] But food being taken, set forth Eutropia to her daughter all things which had happened by the holy Martyrs' benefit, & herself by the Martyrs healed, & which to herself through the Holy Spirit's grace had been revealed; in what manner suddenly she had recovered from infirmity her own, by which for seven years' space detained she had been in a blood flux: yet she did not tell the girl, what by the Saints had been indicated about her own death, which by the sword she was to undergo on account of Christ's faith. She said but to her: Hear, daughter, I a Christian am from this day, & a Christian myself I call, & Christ I confess, & through Him I adore God's son to the Father consubstantial, & the coeternal Spirit, the Trinity holy inseparable, just as it was announced to us by the holy Martyrs: & prepared I am my life to lay down for His love. Then the daughter said: Confess also I Christ just as you, & a Christian I am, & the laws & precepts of the Christians I observe. Said to her Eutropia: Hear, daughter: since, as you say, a Christian yourself to profess you wish, & Christ to confess, can you altogether your blood for His love pour forth? And she: Certainly, Lady mother, & greatly I desire to suffer. See indeed how great things the Saints those for our Lord's name endured, & with what eager & prompt mind themselves to the true God & Father a victim immaculate & holy offered, that from Him of immortality the crown they might obtain: for hope which is seen is not hope: they therefore hope having laid up in the heavens, & desiring martyrdom hastened to the port of immortal victory. Wherefore also myself unworthy I offer, hoping & believing what they to us revealed mysteries: for often you being present & me too together with Lady Thecla & Justina they taught, that just as B. Paul the Apostle said: The sufferings of this time are not worthy of the future glory which will be revealed in us; Rom. 8. 18 & that passes the figure of this world, & in death there is not who is mindful of God, nor in hell who confesses. 1 Cor. 7, 31 But to those loving God all things cooperate unto good, to those who according to purpose called are, & who await on account of His name of eternal goods the fruition, & the kingdom of God living to obtain by lot with Abraham, Isaac & Jacob & all the just, & in the light of His countenance they will walk. These things therefore when I have learned from those holy Boys gladly I will pour for Christ my blood. Which heard from Euthalia the daughter, the mother Eutropia, the same she promises. then each thing to her narrated which in sleep clearly she had known, that namely the Saints about her to her had signified, it would be that after days six by the sword she would be consummated & with them always be. But the girl, as soon as these things she heard from her mother, with immense joy was suffused: & with eyes to heaven raised, Lord, she said, Jesus Christ God, who to us through the holy Martyrs hast become known, make me worthy that the contest, which they endured, myself I undergo, & with the same consummation I be discharged: & give me on account of love thy to them to be numbered, according to thy good pleasure thy: for thou alone art merciful & wilt receive the prayers of those invoking thee with whole heart. And when these things she had said they persevered day & night praying without food, & on the ground prostrate & weeping before God, that their souls to receive He would deign, & partakers to render of the goods which from the Saints they heard.

[101] But had moreover Eutropia, a son, cruel to a degree & unjust, whose name Servilianus: to this one a friend was in morals like the son of Victorinus, one of the chief men of the Mesopolis, but the name to him Virgantinus. Servilianus the son, the body of Tertyllus sought in vain, But that Victorinus, impious likewise & savage & beyond measure given to the mad cult of vain images, very many Christians out of the midst had taken by his nefarious with Tertyllus arts & counsels. Through those therefore days mutually among themselves had agreed ^e Servilianus & Virgantinus, to seek the wretched Tertyllus's corpse, & by all means to investigate what to him had been done: for they knew not his head in Strobilius cast to lie, where the bodies were of the Martyrs holy. This between themselves arranged, they went out with their household, & the bounds all of the Mesopolis around surveyed; chasms also & rivers, & that also obscure place, in which had perished all: nothing however finding, the matter unaccomplished they returned to the Mesopolis: the mother & sister Christians to be he understands, & the house having entered Servilianus his mother found & his sister praying, & learned from one of the servants, his mother with his daughter Christians to have been made, & the Christians' God to worship. By which message greatly disturbed, & outside standing & knocking, heard not he was, since they were praying. But the doors being opened when he had entered, on the bed he is dashed. Which seeing his mother. What matter is it, son, she said. And he: How, mother, with sorrow am I not consumed, & how am I not disturbed? when my Lord Tertyllus, that gods' friend, to the Emperor beloved, of the worst Christians avenger & punisher, by the magics of those Boys has perished, & has disappeared together with all his forces. who therefore grieving, To me indeed by no means doubtful, but that the gods, whom assiduously he worshipped, have called him to themselves, since they are immortal & unconquered: for all the places around surveying nothing to find we could, I & my intimate Virgantinus. Not enough was this sorrow & grief, now also I hear that you with Euthalia my sister to the impure & delusive of the Christians cult seduced have turned aside.

[102] Then answered Eutropia: So, son, much having wandered with your friend Virgantinus, no were you able to find of his body trace? & of the head the finding And he, None, Lady mother, whence greatly in mind I am distressed & afflicted. Said to him the mother: Hear, son, & I will narrate to you. Before few days cast was Tertyllus's head into Strobilius outside the Mesopolis, & thither flowed together the people whole for the spectacle's sake: & the rest she subjoined all, which had happened. Which when had heard Servilianus, cried out: Great altogether of the immortal gods

power, the divine vengeance to be ascribed not bearing, & strength on those who them love: therefore He revealed to them the head of my Lord Tertyllus. Let us run together therefore all, who him loved, that the head thence carrying away we may place in the shrine of the greatest Gods, & it be venerated by the whole multitude of the Mesopolis: for this cause it the gods revealed. But again to his mother he said: See Lady Mother, how great Apollo & Æsculapius & Hercules & Dionysius, who Lord Tertyllus's head have shown. Answered the mother: Truly, son, great & powerful the God of the Christians, who this head in that place has shown, for the vituperation & confusion of the friends of the impious Tertyllus: since unjustly he raged against those blessed Boys, who in Christ believed, & many dire & bitter punishments for Him sustained: for by divine relying aid they broke the audacity of that impious tyrant, & of all his wicked counselors. he leaps upon his mother: These things hearing Servilianus, tore all his garments, crying out; What shall I do, he said, about that delirious & execrable one? And these things said with attack he leaped upon his mother his own, that he might slay her. But she outside escaped, & by her servants received fled away.

[103] Then Euthalia his sister; O wretch, she said, & unhappy! & therefore rebuked by his sister, did not she conceive you? did she not with milk feed you? did not God great parents by children to be honored command, & death & judgment everlasting on him appointed, who father & mother with evil affects? But you how have you dared such things against your mother, that on her hands to lay you did not doubt? But he to his sister turned, said: Do also you that vain Christian superstition worship? To whom she, Altogether, she said, the Christian faith I embrace, & Christ Himself the true God I worship, & His handmaid I am, & I detest & abominate of vain Gods the worshippers. These things when she had said with fury burning, & with anger impatient Servilianus, the doors shut with bolts, & sitting on the bed his sister in his sight to stand ordered, Tertyllus the impious imitating, & said to her: Who you led away from the gods' veneration? & why have you dared Christ to name? Do you not know how many for this name's cause have perished, not in this only of the Sicilies Province, but in the Romans' Mesopolis & in the Vascones' region ^f & in Britain, his persuasions & blandishments spurning, whence have arisen those worst ones who life lost on account of their obstinacy? Nor this only, but as far as it extends the whole East & West, Spain & Gaul, & the orb whole of the earth, wheresoever of this Christ the name has been heard, with grievous punishments have been condemned; whoever it to confess daring the immortal gods contumeliously have spurned. But the girl, with manly mind standing before Servilianus, answered him: Hear, fratricide, Cain execrable. Who to you seems this heaven to have founded & the earth & sea, & man to have fashioned from dust, & life to him a spirit to have put in, that might live he, from whom begotten all we are? Servilianus said, The gods altogether these things have done. The girl said: O foolish & sense lacking! If this you are ignorant of, by what reason will you recognize of all the founder God? Servilianus said: This one thing do, the gods to venerate yourself confess, & I you a sister unanimous will love, & to a wealthy man a wife will give to my intimate Virgantinus, & of the house the part which to me pertains to you I will grant. Answered the girl: Badly to you be it & to his friend Virgantinus: nor indeed to me a care are those things which you promise: nor I the present those & momentary so much make: Christ the true God I adore, who for earthly those eternal & heavenly, which to those loving Him He keeps, to give can.

[104] When so she had said, rushed on her with fury smitten Servilianus, her naked hung he beats with a rod: & his sister stripping of all her garments naked left, & said to her: Spare your beauty & your age, lest badly seduced by those Boys nefarious, badly you perish, & the same death obtain by lot. And she, God I adjure, she said, & the Saints, that if divine is the will a partaker I be made of the death of them. Then he bound her, & from on high hung, & a rod seized cruelly scourged, saying: Do not against the gods a blasphemer be. And she: Why me do you torment, fratricide Cain? Will strike you the Angel of God, because Him you have not feared: nor have you reconsidered, that in the same womb we were once, & with the same milk nourished; but also although a girl I am, in this sex naked me in your eyes to set you did not doubt. While these things she & similar spoke, heard outside standing by the mother her daughter, & prayed in this manner: Lord Jesus Christ of our fathers, who wast present at the contest & consummation of the holy three Martyrs, whom to thee it seemed in this place a happy death to undergo, in the grace of those who were to believe in thy holy name: be present, now Lord, & aid bring to thy handmaid Euthalia, & strength supply, that torments these she may endure, with which she is tortured by her impious brother. For thee confessing, the true God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, & the holy & vivifying Spirit, these things she suffers. After these things to Thecla went away Eutropia, that she might see what at last would befall her daughter Euthalia. When therefore her long had vexed with these scourges the brother, nor could be induced that to the gods worship she should exhibit; to a servant then to be ravished he hands her over, he took her down from the wood on which had hung her the unhappy one: & calling a servant, who before to him had announced her a Christian to be (for alone they were when his sister he beat) said to him: Force inflict on her, that with shame affected she may learn to obey me: & may I see whether those worst ones, whom she invokes, & the God whom she worships, snatch her can from my hands. These things when heard the girl, to prayers turned, Lord, she said, Jesus Christ, God of SS. Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus, who through them in this place marvels many hast wrought, who also my mother their work hast healed seven years with a blood flux laboring; thou now, Lord, through the same show thy great power, & do not permit that so great a crime against me be committed, lest ever say the enemy: I have prevailed against her.

[105] & by the Saints defended, After these things so she had prayed, when to handle her was preparing that most wicked one; forthwith were present the holy Martyrs, who the girl beholding, a garment on her threw, & the naked one covered, & that wicked one from her removed. Who indeed suddenly falling was bereft of life. And turned to Euthalia, Hail, they said, sister Euthalia: a little & still with you in rest you will be, Thecla carrying to us your relics, our spiritual mother. Be confident therefore in Christ sister. These things spoken, from sight they were taken up. But knew not Servilianus dead to be the servant, but thought him by the girl repelled to have fallen: for also he himself on the ground lay with fear struck, by the experience of the Saints, whose voice he had heard. But returning to himself, & approaching nearer to the servant, that him he might rouse, dead to be he found, & with grave voice proclaiming; Alas! whither shall I turn? To me also the magic Christians' incantations have penetrated, with his own hand he slays her: & the unanimous to me servant have slain. And at once these things saying, with anger & fury immense smitten by the devil, the sword drawing, the head he cut off his sister at daybreak: & forthwith the doors unbarred he fled away, the girl left in the middle of the bedroom, & the servant, who in a corner lifeless lay. A fugitive but Servilianus hid in the house of Victorinus. When therefore saw the mother cut off to have been the head of her daughter, hastily to Thecla she went, in whose house Agatho also was the Bishop.

ANNOTATIONS.

indeed it could be conceived Servilianus to have been absent from the city, then when Tertyllus's head to all a Spectacle was, & the mother healed & converted was.

ignorantly depraved, to have been made the names, in the middle age most known, but in the first ages of Christianity thus not yet named regions.

CHAPTER II.

Euthalia's burial: Servilianus's & his companions' blinding. Their conversion, his pertinacity.

[106] But that very hour in which by the sword slain had been Euthalia, seen in sleep by Thecla were the Saints; by the Saints admonished S. Thecla, saying: Rise, Lady mother, go into Eutropia's house, & take care of the funeral of Euthalia her daughter: now now indeed the head from her cut off Servilianus the brother, when to persuade her he could not that the vain gods she should venerate. Her body to us carry before it grows light. Awakened that pious & blessed woman, with hurried step into that part proceeded, in which S. Agatho dwelt; & to him the vision all & the Saints' commands set forth. But behold while together they speak, was present Eutropia, who entering narrated also herself each thing, in what manner by her brother against her had been done, & that had come the Martyrs, & the servant had slain a nefarious thing against Euthalia attempting. These things but hearing Agatho & Neophytus & those who together were, with fear great struck were that day: but at the same time God they praised & the Saints. the funeral she takes care of with others, Rising therefore Thecla, together with Eutropia & Justina & servants five, set out to Eutropia's house: & found by the sword slain Euthalia, & her funeral they took care of, just as of the Saints the funerals to take care of the custom was. But the garment which on Euthalia naked had imposed the Saints, of Thecla's linens was, of those namely which at their head had been placed. Seeing therefore those blessed women, & recognizing the linen, with great stupor struck were, & to God thanks gave. Pervaded of the deed done the report the whole Mesopolis, & a confluence great of men & women, & of those who through the Saints' preaching in Christ believed a multitude; & mourned & with great wailing bewailed her all, & she orders her to be carried to her own house. so that with difficulty the house to carry her out they could for the crowd. But ordered by Thecla the servants took her up & carried even to Thecla's house, & there the body laid: because the day now being light they could not even to the Saints lead. But when saw B. Agatho S. Euthalia's Relics,

he wept exceedingly, & Neophytus likewise, & the rest who with them were, & prayers after the custom performed. Feigns moreover Thecla, lest anyone should suspect in what place were the bodies of the Saints, herself a ditch to dig to wish for laying Euthalia. But when had come the evening, they carried her body to the crypt of the Saints, & laid it outside the cave at the left side of the little house, which had built Thecla; & there both spent the night, chanting at her sacred monument.

[107] But hiding, as has been said, the unhappy Servilianus in the house of Victorinus. For when had heard about him the people, that his sister he had slaughtered, they sought him for death. But forbade Thecla saying: Those wishing Servilianus to slay she hinders: Not so, sons, far be it. Swift the Lord's vengeance on those who not believe in Him. We indeed from divine letters have received: Not avenging yourselves, most beloved, but give place to anger. And a little after he subjoins: Be not conquered by evil, but conquer in good evil. Rom. 12, 19 Let us not so act, Brothers: nothing indeed will it help. Let us put on therefore Christ Jesus our Lord, & of your flesh the care do not make to desires & affections inconsiderate: for our Lord Himself humbling, delivered Himself to the unjust Jews, & of His own accord on account of our salvation spittings, scourges & blows, contumelies & opprobria endured, crucified at last death sustained immortal, & rose from the dead the third day, just as the Scriptures teach; immortality & life bestowing through the holy Apostles' preaching on those, who confess His holy resurrection. But these Saints, whom you have seen, the blessed Boys, who also of our all salvation the authors to us were, this discipline having followed & their Lord imitated, themselves to punishments offered, these corruptible things despising, hoping themselves from God an eternal reward to receive. For He Himself with His mouth holy & truthful said: Come all who labor & are burdened, & I will refresh you: for my yoke is sweet & burden my light. Matt. 11, 30 To this happy mandate obeying the blessed, never from the faith turned aside. Whom therefore now you see beheaded, they in the day of the Lord their persecutors will arraign with great freedom, & led them they will see to punishment everlasting. Wherefore, as now to you I said, brothers, let us not seek ourselves vengeance of those to take, who their blood for Christ poured out. To these things saying B. Thecla the people whole answered, Blessed are you, to whom assenting the people Lady mother, who a minister were of the holy Martyrs, & their disciple for our common usefulness: thanks we give to God through you, beloved & spiritual mother our, because again you have prohibited, that hands we should lay on the impious worshippers of vain images. For truly, as from you we hear, the God of vengeances the Lord & He avenging will avenge, & a judgment just will make for those injury suffering. But God we pray & adjure, she asks the bodies of the 3 Martyrs to be revealed: through you & through the blessed Bishop & the rest who with you are, that may be manifested the venerable & holy bodies of the glorious Martyrs; for in great fear we are & are distressed in mind, lest perhaps their countrymen from their region come, & these of our hope treasures from us snatch. Which heard Thecla & Justina say: Be gathered all before the Bishop most holy, Brothers, & about this matter you will hear what is expedient.

[108] On the next therefore day was gathered the multitude whole of men & women into Thecla's house to the holy Bishop: who having gone out with Neophytus to the people said: Be present, sons, & hear, the fear of the Lord I will teach you. Since before a few days you asked from us that God we should pray for the revelation of the bodies of the holy Martyrs, who in this place suffered for your salvation; but also this not to pursue to urge persuades S. Agatho; & to you we answered that a little still God's revelation you should await, & it would be altogether that the matter He would turn well for His good pleasure: but now since with the same kindled zeal you have come to us, that the sacred relics you may seek out; have seen you indeed in what manner into a cistern cast were their bodies by the impious; but transferred them God into a place which He Himself knows, & to you altogether is to manifest it the Saints working: nor indeed can be hidden a city on a mountain set, nor a lamp under a bushel, but upon a candlestick to be placed. So neither these Saints to be hidden it befits, but to be revealed in the world or in the Church, from bounds even to the bounds of the earth, that men may see their good works & believing may be saved through them. For they themselves like lamps burning in the world: shone from the inmost parts of the North ^a, & in this Mesopolis to be consummated them wished God; but that to B. Thecla you have signified, lest perhaps come their region's inhabitants, & snatch the desirable treasures, this I indeed judge, will not permit God; but also, if with whole heart to His goodness we turn, can certainly what from Him we ask grant. Yet do not solicitous be, in what place are their Relics: for where they are knows God, who also can reveal. For if you believe Christ, do not curiously inquire, where lie the bodies; this only knowing, that since from the bodies have flown out their souls, they rejoice, & with the just dwell. Wherefore I exhort you, brothers, do not solicitous about this be.

[109] These things when had heard the people Mesopolitan, falling to the ground answered: Good & useful exhortation yours, Father most holy: but indeed from this day believing God & His words we hope to be revealed to us the desired place, in which the sacred bodies rest. And since about this matter you have satisfied us & salutary things have counseled, about the fratricide Cain what to do us do you order? for we have decided Victorinus's house to burn, in which he lurks, & him together with Virgantinus his comrade with bitter death to affect. & for Servilianus he prays. Which when so they spoke, greatly were saddened B. Agatho the Bishop & Neophytus & Thecla & Justina, & said to them the Bishop: Sons dearest, in no way you that to do we wish, that hands on them you lay, & God's power contemn, the fruit losing of faith, which toward Him you received through His holy Boys Martyrs. For of vengeance your neither God has need, nor the Saints: but; as you admonished the Lady & sister Thecla, that them not avenge this do: for it is written God of vengeances the Lord, the God of vengeances freely has acted. Ps. 93, 1 Wherefore we beseech you, brothers, dismiss them & do not persecute them as before you did: for swift God's vengeance against those who Him not believe. Pray therefore the Lord, that to you rather this He pardon & forgive. These things said the Bishop, & many besides added salutary exhortations, dismissed all in peace. But persevered with him the faithful, & daily increased of the believing the number.

[110] But after some days, when saw Servilianus to have quieted the people, nor any more to pursue him; he summoned his unanimous Virgantinus, & to him said: Hear, brother unanimous, counsel I will suggest the best: let us go together to that place, in which it is said to have been found the head of our Lord Tertyllus: for they say in Strobilius to have been seen by the gods' benignity. This therefore by night secretly taking away with our servants, we will place in the shrine of the greatest gods, who about the head of Tertyllus solicitous & in the middle place, that it be adored by all his friends. The best, says Virgantinus, your counsel, my brother. Let us send before the servants, that the place noted they may report to us; & we thence take it away, wrapping in a garment shining, & set in the temple of the gods. After this also a smith excellent seeking, a statue from wood incorruptible to be made we will take care, equal to the stature of our Lord: & on it the head placing, & with gold very much covering, among the gods we will place, & especially with great Apollo. Pleased Servilianus Virgantinus's discourse, & calling the servants two; Go, they say, into Strobilius, where to have appeared they say the head of our Lord Tertyllus, & note the place with great zeal, where to find we may be able. Report to us then, that by night with honor we may take it up, & with the gods place. They set out into Strobilius the servants. But the boys mocked, the head of the impious with stones pelting, & dragging hither & thither, & with their feet trampling. Therefore this seeing the servants, that day there remained. But toward evening they hung from a wood the head, just as had ordered the Saints, for the ignominy of his friends, & also of Satan who in them worked. it he does not find: Which all things beholding the servants reported to Servilianus & Virgantinus: who these things hearing broke out both into tears; & in the evening, while was resting the people of the Mesopolis, a garment clean having taken having gone out from the house of Victorinus, together with the servants two (but knew not Victorinus the counsel of them) came to Strobilius, seeking the place where the head to be they had heard; nor it to find could they, when all the places near for two hours they had surveyed. Then against the Saints to be indignant they began, saying, Perhaps the incantations of those worst ones, who burned & of tongues deprived were, our Lord's head have hidden.

[111] & therefore blaspheming against the three Saints, Then Servilianus: I know, he said, Virgantinus brother, what to us counsel is to be taken. I know the place, into which ordered my Lord to be cast burned those. Let us take therefore the bodies of them, & to fire commit, & the dust of the bones into the air let us scatter. These things they agitating & to set out preparing, by divine judgment suddenly seized were with immense trembling, & appeared men three of terrible aspect in that place, & others with them ministering to them, all white garment clothed. And said the three men to those who ministered to them: Strike the worst, & execrable those, who against heaven have set their mouth, & have spoken against the Lord iniquity, & against His Saints have blasphemed. Then when them they had beaten, said again the three men those: [by their order he is beaten & blinded with his servants & comrade Virgantinus:] Rouse them & lift from the pavement, & strike their faces, & blind them, that they may learn their Founder not to blaspheme. They blinded therefore them, & there left having gone away, & remained there blind not being able thence themselves to move. But in the morning there a journey making a certain one, by name Julianus, when he saw four those lying, & nearer approaching recognized them, & not knowing them blind to be, said to them: Rise, men, from the middle of the way that I may pass. Answering Virgantinus said to him: Believe, brother, we know not in what place we are: & this hour, whether day it be or night, we are ignorant. Then Julianus: What then, he said, blind are you all? Says Virgantinus: Whom you see blind we are. who summoned to Thecla's place And what

cause is it, says Julianus, that blind made you are? Answered Virgantinus: It shames me, brother, the cause to tell why blind we are. But he recognized Servilianus, who his own sister slew. But he trembling nothing answered, not a word even. Wherefore perceiving them Julianus in so great misery, forthwith went away to Thecla's house, & said to her: Come, Lady, into Strobilius, & you will see there a thing marvelous by God done, through the Saints in that place who suffered, & by you honored to the glory of God.

[112] Hastened Thecla, & came to the place where was the head of the impious Tertyllus: at the same time came girls five & servants four: & when near now they were to those men blinded, she recognized them & grievously lamented, & at length said to them, feigning herself not to know who they were. Who are you, she said, O brothers? & what cause was it, that hither you came? How stripped from you your lights? To whom answering Virgantinus, Victorinus's son (for his voice she had recognized.) his lot & his companions' he narrates, Are not you Thecla the chief of this Mesopolis, who to those three Boys holy, whom the impious Tertyllus by death took away, ministered? We, Lady, wretched & unhappy, in this night straying hither came, the head of the impious Tertyllus to take away hence thinking, that to the Gods' temple we might bring it: & when find it we could not, we began against the Saints to be indignant: this moreover comrade mine with contumelies them assailed. Nor this was the end of our iniquity: for we deliberated to that well to go, into which to be cast the bodies ordered Tertyllus, & them with fire to burn, & reduced to ashes the bones to scatter. Which we altogether agitating, & to the destined place to go preparing, suddenly a great trembling us beset, & before us three men terrible we beheld, such as nowhere we saw, & others to them ministering, white at the same time garment clothed, who of the three men by command us with blows affected, & of eyes deprived, so that, in what place now we are, we are ignorant plainly. S. Agatho after the narrated vision about the cave of the Martyrs, These things hearing Thecla from Virgantinus, hastily home returned; where was Agatho the Bishop with Neophytus & others, to whom all things in order she narrated. Great all seized a wonder, & a little after privately called Thecla & Neophytus, said to them the Bishop: Did you not see the linen which hung at the door of the cave, in which rest the holy bodies, in what manner with none of us touching, after performed by us ^b last offices, of its own accord moved it was; again also in what manner opened was the cave, & with whole light filled; & from above taken up the sublime ^c treasure, & thence seen as a flash to go out, & a little after again the same light remained in the ^d chamber for hour one & another of the day, then thereupon the light the same descended into the cave, & forsook sight: nor any more terrible that light was unspeakable, around the holy bodies resplendent, & a sweet odor thence flowing, so that by faithful many it was perceived. Answering Neophytus said: Truly, Father honorable, all these things we have seen, just as you said, & out of our senses set we remained as dead, until restored was the light to the cave with the chamber, & the treasure to its place restored is.

[113] he approaches the blind men; When these things among themselves had spoken the Bishop & Neophytus with Thecla, they went out quickly, & came to Strobilius: & found those four there blind, Servilianus & Virgantinus & servants two. When therefore nearer approached the Bishop, said to Virgantinus: What here you do, son? & what this matter, that to you has happened & to your comrade? Did you not yesterday day in the City be with whole eyes? And he: Who you, he said, are who me interrogate, that to you I should answer? Said to him Thecla: Son, this is the common of all Father most holy the Bishop, if perhaps him you have seen at my house. Then Virgantinus: Father most holy, my sin & blasphemy, which against the blessed Boys those I uttered, me with that evil have punished. While indeed we sought the impious Tertyllus's head, & hence it to the vain gods' shrine to transfer thought; with a vehement certain terror beset we were, & formidable men we saw, such as on earth no one ever has beheld; & with them men strong & robust, who us at their command cruelly beat, & of eyes deprived, & the cause of them from Virgantinus learned. & in this place left, so affected, as you see. Then the Bishop said: But you what say of yourself? whom do you think it is who has done these things with such power? And Virgantinus: Other namely to say I cannot, than great to be the God whom the Christians worship, & whom venerated the holy Boys, in this place slain. His power alone these things in us has wrought on account of our malice, for His terrible forces together with the Saints standing by, us have struck: them indeed alone we recognized, but they to the rest charged that us so they should treat, just as to Lady Thecla now I have set forth. But Servilianus sat near, full of malign spirit & hatred, nor a word any did he pour forth nor answer. But came the report into the Leontines' Mesopolis of all things which to those wretches happened: & at once was poured out the people whole to the cave, so that all could not hold Strobilius, but mutually the crowds suffocated.

[114] Then Victorinus, after he heard what things to his son had happened (for an only son he was) & his mother likewise, dust threw on their heads, & their garments tore, & set out to Strobilius: lamenting for their son the parents, not could however for the crowded throng nearer approach, for they had brought forth them into a more eminent place, where were together Agatho the Bishop & Neophytus & Thecla & Justina. But when saw Victorinus & his wife their son blinded, & his eyes as if with a sword-point gouged out, with great wailing raised into these words broke out: Woe to us, son, what shall we do or in what manner this your lot shall we endure? Better was it that you too had slain the fratricide that, than that so miserable a lot you sustained.

[115] Which when had heard B. Agatho & Neophytus & the rest, together all with them wept. But God on that day feared all, & the Saints celebrated: so that many of the unbelievers to Christ were converted, & before with great voice said: Christians we are, & Christ the Son of God we worship, whom blessed these Boys to us announced. Then Victorinus & his wife mourning, their garments tore, & their heads beat; & their son taking up, him to the Bishop's & Neophytus's & Thecla's feet set, with great sorrow praying: Have mercy on me, Fathers holy, of Jesus Christ servants: pray the Saints who for Christ's name bitter things here suffered & were consummated, to faith & penance he incites: who also many by their power have healed: for I have heard from you the God of the Christians benign to be & merciful & long-suffering. These things said to Victorinus subjoins the Bishop: Hear, brother; Truly benign is the God of the Christians, & merciful above men's malice: for as often has been said, He wishes not the death of the sinner, but that rather he be converted & live. but if you too with whole heart to Him approach, & penance do, & believe that powerful He is to heal all infirmities our; then altogether it will be answered to you, just as also in the Gospel was said to those who blind were, According to your faith be it done to you. Matt. 9, 29 But they God's word with faith receiving, at once with eyes opened saw. So therefore you, brother, if Christ you shall believe, as to you was said, difficult to Him it will not be to make, that your son sight receive: for says in a certain place the Scripture, The Lord is near to all invoking Him in truth. Ps. 44, 18 The boy therefore with them cried out, & all He converts Christ I confess, & Him I adore, & the Saints I praise, who on account of Him a contest sustained, & Christ Himself I invoke. Likewise the same also the boys two cried out with Virgantinus & his parents. Then the people whole of the Leontine Mesopolis cried out: Truly wonderful God in His Saints, the God of Israel, He will give power & fortitude to His people. Blessed God. For truly terrible & stupendous a miracle which has been done today. except Servilianus obstinate. But the wretched Servilianus alone sat, to no one answering. But approaching to him his mother, said to him: Why also you to God do you not approach, son, as also your companions: for I hope that also you He will save through them. But he: Withdraw from me, he said, trifler execrable, together with the burned ones like to you, & Thecla the deceiver of all to perdition: better indeed to me it is for the gods' love death to meet, than that to the faith myself I deliver which I know not, & to a God who openly is not seen. Which when had heard the Bishop & Neophytus & the rest, they said: This one now delivered is to Satan: leave him that by him he be instructed. Again indeed B. Thecla weeping for the words of the wretched Servilianus, him nearer approached & said: Son Servilianus, be converted to the true Christian faith, & I to you sponsor will be, that in Christ believing you will be saved. To whom he answered, Is it that flat one & impostor, whom they call Bishop? And the Bishop, I am, son, a sinner. Then Servilianus; By the gods' nobility, never by your words will I be induced that I believe; nor you from the gods' love me will sever, just as nor my Lord Tertyllus. Which when by the impious Servilianus were said, they left him not without sorrow.

[116] Another moreover miracle in the same place was done on that day. Lame was a certain one in the Mesopolis, a withered having right hand & the other foot which he dragged. A lame & blind man This last of all into Strobilius came, a staff in hand holding, moreover also this one a single eye had: but he had come that he might see what had happened. But when he could not those who blinded had been behold, by divine will it was done, that the cave he ascended, on which part the mouth lay open. For indeed this lame one very often, when the Saints still were kept in prison, was with them: because blind he was: but they to him supplied from those things which by Thecla were brought, & greatly him loved, in that to them he came. Then therefore he stood, as has been said, above the place, in which the holy bodies rested. Withdrawing the people, when by the crowd he had been pushed, he fell, nor indeed stand could he, & now on the ground slipped near he was that he be trampled by the crowd. Which perceiving with tears he cries out: Saints & my Lords, be present to me this hour, by S. Philadelphus he is healed. lest by that crowd I be crushed & slain. These things he

saying there was present to him S. Philadelphus & said: Crispus brother (for this to him a name was) rise in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ & walk: & his hand having grasped withered he raised him, & embracing kissed him. But in the very Saint's embrace at once opened was his eye, & he said to him: Go, brother, in peace, praising & glorifying God: & these things said dismissed him. But he went exulting & praising God with great voice & saying: Great the God of the Christians, great the three Boys' power, great their authority, great & stupendous the things which through them to us have been done miracles. And he proceeded in this manner crying out to the place even, in which were B. Agatho & Neophytus with Thecla & Justina. Who when him they saw recognized, & interrogated: Who then you healed? And he each thing narrated, which to him had done S. Philadelphus, & in what manner at once by him healed he was. When therefore each thing had heard the Bishop & the crowd which was present, praise to God they gave saying: Blessed God, who us has regarded through the Saints & glorious Martyrs. Then together all with voice raised they said: Kyrie eleison, so that that place with the cries was shaken. The prayer accomplished B. Agatho & the sign of blessing given, dismissed all in peace, saying: Behold, brothers & sons most beloved of the Catholic Church, in what manner our Lord Jesus Christ's grace through the intercession of His Saints us has overshadowed. Go therefore in peace, God glorifying, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: because Him befits glory unto the ages of ages. Amen ^e.

ANNOTATIONS.

CHAPTER III.

Virgantinus & two others blind illumined. S. Neophytus's Episcopate: a journey to Rome & into Vasconia.

[117] It has been said, in what manner Victorinus his son Virgantinus to Agatho the Bishop committed. But instructed him daily Neophytus. After 120 days spent in catechizing the blind, But he himself with his servants fasted, & prayed, that sight they might receive; & Victorinus likewise with them, in the house which inhabited the Bishop, with Neophytus. He taught therefore him for forty days: then they led him to the cave, in which were the bodies of the Saints, & there they remained other days forty. Then there appeared in sleep to S. Thecla saying: Report to Agatho, now days are eighty, since by divine judgment blind made were those; lead them hence into the house which you inhabit with Neophytus, & them to him deliver to catechize for days forty. After hither again lead them, that God's power they may recognize. So therefore they did, & taught them Neophytus days a hundred twenty, & led them into the little house of the cave of the Saints. On one therefore night when they had performed the middle of the night office, Neophytus by S. Andrew the Apostle is consecrated Bishop: standing by at the same time Thecla, a light immense the bodies shone around: & appeared Andrew the Apostle, the Bishop's habit bearing, & standing by him the holy Boys with a boy servant one: & there he consecrated Neophytus from a Presbyter Bishop of the Mesopolis of the Leontines, Cyrinus & the other Saints to him ministering. And after conferred on him the office of Bishop, he said to him: Since has chosen you Christ, the people you will baptize, & rule, as a good governor. For Agatho blessed to Rome is to go with you, that thence grace you may receive from the holy Co-apostles mine, ministering to you this B. Agatho, who your own Throne is to receive. But Thecla will build a church for these Saints, whom you see, & the rest together with them suffering Epiphana & Euthalia: just as you have seen divided the cave & the Pastophorium which to you appeared: similarly also the venerable temple of the Mother of the Lord. But what from Christ you ask through the Saints that sight the blind receive; in the rock of the cave, which to the East is over against the Saints, you will find oil flowing by Christ's grace: thence taking anoint with a finger their eyes. In the morning therefore as it grew light, who with the oil of the Saints the blind illumines: Neophytus Virgantinus & the other blind with the sacred oil anointed, & restored was to them sight. Which received with praises God they affected, & the Saints. But when had heard Victorinus his son now to see; he fell down at the feet of Agatho, & all his goods to Thecla's hands committed.

[118] But ill bearing the people, that they knew not where were the bodies of the Saints, said to Agatho: Therefore not to be revealed, that the people baptized not was: but this cause denied Agatho, it rather referring to God's disposition. Moreover, he said, nor to be baptized the people can without a Bishop. And when answered the people; You are the Bishop. By no means, he said: it is declared to the Leontines a Bishop: for not hither me sent the Lord to baptize, but to evangelize. Behold now I evangelize joy great: Neophytus this one has chosen God, that he may preside over the Mesopolis this: he will feed you & will baptize: & at the same time with Thecla & Justina, will rebuild the temple, which in the middle of the city of it to idols had been built by Greek certain Astronomers: in it you will be baptized all. But now we set out both to Rome: for so has the Ecclesiastical constitution, that without the first See holding the most holy Bishop & Pope, a Bishop be not made. But they cried out saying: Worthy is the man of the election: also at this very hour we see standing by him the holy Boys, & to him secret words certain with cheerful countenance signifying. Moreover Neophytus his face hid, downward looking, lest by anyone he be recognized. For he prayed lest in his life he be known. This holy Neophytus, since baptism from Agatho he had received, wine not touched, nor flesh: but fasted for two days, sometimes a week whole.

[119] After some days the Liparite island's Nobles & the rest with the Clergy, Agatho being recalled by his own when by divine revelation they had known B. Agatho in the Leontines' Mesopolis to be, with great desire came into Thecla's house, & to her signify to have ceased the persecution ^b against the Christians, & themselves now without molestation to live: & they stayed in that city days fifteen. And calling the Bishop Neophytus, Come, said Thecla, let us survey all our goods, which into the most sacred temple we are to place, but also the idols' shrine to Jobolus ^c near, which the Greeks of the Astronomers call, about a church to be constructed she deliberates, & under the cave is situated, in which dwelt those Greeks themselves, let us consecrate in the name of the glorious & ever to-be-praised Mother of God. But Neophytus to Thecla answered: I ^d … Which hearing Thecla entered alone the cave, & pouring into tears prayed saying: Lord, who didst deign these thy Saints into this place to lead from the parts of Britain & Vasconia, grant that the temple's promises to fulfill we may be able. The days therefore fifteen being completed, said Agatho to Thecla; Tomorrow to Rome we set out to the blessed Pope: make [e] a relation. To whom Thecla: Hear, Father; the people whole let us persuade, that to a common subscribe relation. Which approving Agatho stayed other seven days: & when had called Thecla first Justina & Eutropia & Victorinus, & his dowry being constituted & finally the multitude of the city, as with mouth one & tongue they wrote, & a relation to B. Agatho gave, with the deeds of those things, which to give they were to the Churches, which to build they prepared: for gave Thecla suburbs eighteen, Justina suburbs eight, of cattle Thecla thousands nine, Justina thousands three, & likewise other very many things. After these things took Neophytus some pious men, whom he knew apt for the Priesthood; Rhodippus [g] the brother of Epiphana his wife, Crispus, Palumbus, Phileleemon, Isidore, a certain one from the Village whose Troila is the name, Aquila moreover & Andronicus, & his servants & notaries. And they went out together from the Leontines' Mesopolis about the barley ^h harvest, & crossed over into the Lipari island, with him to Rome he departs. & thence to Rome they came on the 18th day of July. Received them the Pope ⁱ with singular gladness, & the next day led them to the church of the Apostle ^k Peter, calling together the neighboring Bishops & chief men of the Clergy: & they read the relation of Thecla, themselves marveling at it: then Blessed Agatho words made about Neophytus, & cried out all worthy him to be of the Episcopate.

[120] instructed about the country of the Saints, It happened one day that Neophytus into a monk coming: whom he interrogated, whether he knew the Prefect-town city of Vasconia! And when he himself to know affirmed, many things he added about Vitalis & Manducta ^m his wife (who from the city was ⁿ Locusta) & about the three boys & the daughter sole, & that this daughter from her husband a son had ^o Smaragdus; that from Byzantium coming Euodus a certain, a man religious, in Vitalis's house had dwelt, & the boys the Greek tongue & all discipline had taught; that excellent scribes [p] copyists had become; & had written Alphius indeed the Prophets, Philadelphus the Gospel, Cyrinus the Apostle. After time some had come men fourteen, of whom prefect was Onesimus, & all Christ worshipped: to these had adhered the boys, whose mother now to the tyrants herself had objected, & with the sword her life consummated: & the same he subjoined, [q] through those days had come from Licinius & Valerian sent [Nigellio, & had apprehended Onesimus & companions with the boys & Erasmus, & them to Rome had sent, & there by Licinius handed over were to Valerian, who all sent to Diomedes] [r] at Puteoli, & there Onesimus & his companions, together with Erasmus, life had finished: but from that day three boys seen not were, therefore their father, as who to find them could not, in grave grief was. These things hearing from the monk's mouth Neophytus was stupefied, he sets out into Vasconia, & to him said: Does it please that me to the place, in which Vitalis dwelt, you lead? And when assented he, forthwith the Pope approached Neophytus, asking that to him it might be lawful the neighboring around monasteries to survey. Assented the Pope: then the same also he said to Agatho. Together therefore from Rome went out Neophytus & the monk with Aquila on the 10th of August, & after months eleven [s] into Vasconia they came on the 24th day of June to the monastery: & received him the monks: & Vitalis approaching fell at his feet, his prayers imploring. But Neophytus perceiving him like to be of the boys, wept: & to him at once set forth about the Martyrs.

[121] After therefore three days were seen in sleep the sons,

ordering to Neophytus to be given the books, which with their hand they had written: & two days passed, when into one had assembled the Monks, read Aquila the narration, from their father he receives the books written by them, which from the Mesopolis he had brought, about the death of the Saints. Then ordered Neophytus to be brought forth the cloak of Alphius, & the girdle of Philadelphus, & Cyrinus's head-covering: which all together they had brought, & were dripping with blood. These when recognized Vitalis, vehemently he groaned. Kissed moreover these the Brothers, & from that kiss healed was a deaf one & the same a mute, who was in the monastery: another likewise who in bed lay, & others many: & the brought Vitalis codices, which the Saints had written, offered to Neophytus. Remained Neophytus in the monastery months seven, & the relics of the same to him he leaves. & in the month of December went away, leaving there the cloak, girdle, & veil of the head: & to Rome they returned on the 10th of October: & at once the Pope he approached. After these things called the Pope on a certain day Agatho & six other Bishops, & said to them: Since, as you know, the Order's rite otherwise to be done cannot than on the 25th [t] of March, signify to Neophytus, that not ill he bear it. But Lent coming Neophytus shut himself outside the City in the monastery of Saint Mark, no one conscious: & when sought the Pope he found not. And when had come the sacred Pentecost, called together the Pope the Bishops & blessed Mark, the Provost [v] of the monastery of the Augustians, & said, Tomorrow day we wish to ordain Neophytus. at Rome by the Pope ordained Bishop But by night appeared to him the Apostles, saying: What do you do? Do you not know him by Andrew ordained? But in the sacred Mystagogy, when you enter the Holy of Holies, you will find upon the altar, the Apostolic [x], & the Humeral, & impose on him. The next day all things executed the Pope, gave him the Apostolic & Humeral, & saw a plate golden upon his head, & by the hand of the Apostle written letters in this manner: The divine grace of Jesus Christ deigns this man from a Presbyter to transfer to the Episcopate. Ordained moreover the Pope also Palumbus a Presbyter, & Theodosius, Rhodippus, & Crispus Deacons.

of the month of June. And when they had come to the port of S. Hippolytus [z], he saw in sleep the Saints saying, & ordering to Puteoli to set out, & there to seek a Pilgrim, who Erasmus the brother of the Saints' sepulchre might indicate, & that he himself transfer it & to the Saints join. But when to Puteoli they had come, they detected the head to be lacking to the body, At Puteoli he receives the body of S. Erasmus, & seen again in sleep the Saints a well in the Theater showed, where the head lay hidden, & a sign added, that with hairs black it was, it had in the right ear an earring excellent: & all things as they had said they found: & they sailed within days seven & came to Lipari [aa], where days five they stayed. After into Sicily they crossed over to the Therreus river, on the 16th of July, & met them the city whole with Thecla & Justina. About the hour therefore eighth from the river they proceeded even to the place which is called of Hercules: & in the place of Hercules the bodies of 2 Martyrs: & he said to the Presbyters who together were: You know, brothers, Tertyllus this place to have cast of the holy Martyrs two [bb] bodies. Come therefore let us watch this night, that them to us the Lord may reveal. And when the night sleepless they had passed, about daybreak shone a light, & stood by the Martyrs Saints Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus; & led out the Saints two from the well, whom taking up into the Mesopolis with chant they carried. Had built moreover Thecla a temple to the Mother of God [cc], & of the Martyrs likewise another, in which ordered the Bishop to be laid the holy Martyrs' bodies: & he entered the Episcopal house, which to him Thecla had built, on the 17th of July month. But after days six, called together by Aquila & Andronicus the Deacons the people whole, he manifested himself Alexander to be, whom they sought. Which heard vehemently disturbed they were: more indeed him they dreaded than Tertyllus. The Leontines he baptizes to 150000 But he perceiving them terrified, with cheerful countenance them confirmed, & with the sacred font all washed. But also the Greeks, these things hearing & fearing, also themselves Alexander approached, & Christians made were, & with Catechesis them imbuing he baptized to thousands a hundred fifty [dd]. But this happened on the second day of August: & on the first day of September, he confirmed the multitude whole. And because were through that time Princes of the Mesopolis Anatolicus & Strobelius & Creus, men pious, counsel with them entered he sent into the city of the Catanians: who summoned the Bishop of that city. Went with letters Aquila & Andronicus, & led him. Met him Neophytus at Cyparessium, & led into the Episcopium & said to Severus [ee] (this name was to that Bishop) since on the eighth day of this month the Nativity is of the Mother of God [ff], & after this the exaltation of the Venerable [gg] Cross, we pray that together we consecrate the Church of the Mother of God, which Thecla built: & the people we baptize.

[123] & the churches consecrated But on the fourth day of the month they came to the Martyrs' Church, & introduced Neophytus Severus into the cave where the bodies were, & the Pastophorium which Thecla had placed, & they adored, to bear not being able the fragrance of the odor & the splendor with which the faces shone. Then they ascended to the Mother of God's church, & it they consecrated, & baptized also men 430: of whom all the mother was Thecla with Justina & Eutropia: & returned Severus into his own city, for he was aged: but Neophytus to baptize continued even to the first of December. But on the second day calling together the people he said: I wish to you to show the holy Bodies, which you desire. And they went down into the Martyrs' Church: & when men robust twenty at the basilica gate he had set, he shows the bodies of the 3 Martyrs he ordered ten by ten the Church to enter, showing to them the bodies: which indeed they beheld, & rejoicing went out even to the day 8 of the month. On the ninth day he placed them in caskets, which Thecla had fabricated within the sacred table: & the next day he consecrated the Church, & Palumbus there constituted a Presbyter; but the Chartulary & Steward of all things, which Thecla had given, Isidore a Deacon. After three years hh] appeared SS. [Alphius, Philadelphus & Cyrinus to Thecla saying, within days 30 her from life to migrate; but after years 30 S. Neophytus. But who indeed, they said, to this & others after him [ii six] will succeed Bishop, to exclude us from the place will wish, but not be able. But she when all things of her Church had distributed, after days 30 was buried in the left part of the holy Martyrs: but she departed on the 20th of January. & he dies in the year of the Episcopate 33. Neophytus therefore the first of the Leontines Bishop the see held years 32 & months five & laid was in the sepulchre of Thecla his kinswoman: but he died in the month of April on the 17th day, when also his mother Neophyta had died; & he lived years 80, months five.

[124] Ordained was after him Bishop Rhodippus the brother of Epiphana, & the Episcopate piously governed years 17: but after him Crispus, after Crispus Theodosius surnamed Marathonites, after Theodosius [kk] Felicinatus, & after him Herodion, & after Herodion Theodosius another, & after him Crescens the impious. He calling together the Presbyters & Elect of the Church said: It is impious to sacrifice, to whom seventh succeeding Crescens, as long as lie the bones near the sacred table. To whom they: What this is which you speak, & in what manner then the Bishops the altars sanctifying do not consecrate unless of holy Relics in them they place? But that impious one said: I these Saints do not call, but pilgrims, on account of the tongue's intemperance with fire consumed. On a certain finally day he came into the temple with unknown some men, & wished secretly to take away the casket of the Saints, had not anticipated Lucianus the Archdeacon. Which when to the people's notice had come, little was wanting but that they stoned him. injurious against the Martyrs Therefore for a three years' space he did not sacrifice in that place. Afterward thirty about men he brought into the temple: who the casket to take away having attempted, to move not could, but stiffened, & fell as dead. Then he sent Architects eight that the sepulchres they should demolish: who as they touched S. Alphius's loculus, suddenly as by some pushed with great force fell dead. And burst from the cave a splendor of lightning, & drove away the devil, who a man's figure assuming to Crescens stood by. Then interposed about three hours returning to himself Crescens, led was into the Episcopium: & a few days after taking the Gospel, which Vitalis gave to Neophytus, he broke, & the gold & gems all took away, & the Martyrs' acts & miracles which Marcus the Monk had written to the fire delivered & with trembling seized his soul poured out. miserably he perishes. Ordained was in his place Lucianus [ll] the Archdeacon, a man pious, who restored all to the Church, which Crescens had taken away: & was made a famine, so that on one day died a hundred sixty. And gathered the Bishop the people whole into the Church of the Martyrs, & all keeping vigil by night appeared the Saints, with whom was also a man aged, who said: You see the Boys whom Crescens hence to thrust out attempted, & therefore inflicted was this plague, in that you permitted: behold to Christ they have supplicated that be taken away the famine; he moreover Lucianus, when he had sat in the Episcopate years 27: buried was beside the doors of the Basilica, after him is ordained Alexander the Archdeacon [mm].

ANNOTATIONS, AND CENSURES.

a. Sufficiently indeed absurd it is, that in a four years' space, several being converted, no one was baptized except Alexander: but that, the whole people baptism asking, a scruple to himself made Agatho the same to confer, & the matter to be deferred thought to a year & more, all surpasses absurdity. But with such trifles teems this whole last Chapter. But where then were all those Bishops & Presbyters, to whom hiding in the mountains & caves, num. 18 had dismissed the Saints the Jews of baptism desirous? Did not they at once come forth the persecution ceasing, & with all the fields now white for the harvest?

e. Namely that in later ages by usage was received, that certain chief foundations of churches or monasteries with the Apostolic See's privilege were fortified, that in those first ages ineptly enough applied this author.

f. Much it would be if in full Church peace, after several ages, so opulent to have been believed the Leontine Church, which here is feigned in its very beginnings.

g. Rhodippus, as Bishop the second of the Leontines, celebrates Cajetan on the 2nd of February, the day as I think reading at his own judgment, nor from elsewhere than from these Acts him to have existed proving.

you may gather the Barley harvest in Sicily, so much hotter than is Italy, to be made at the beginning of April: & yet soon are said the Saints to Rome to have come the 19th of July, so that more than three months on that small journey are feigned spent, & at that season come to be Rome, in which it well-nigh deadly is held.

i. S. Stephen this to have been, judges Cajetan, & this journey into the year 258 to have fallen, erring in Chronology Baronius following, according to whom Stephen lived even to the year 260. But besides that then still at Rome raged Valerian, we have shown already from the year 255, Stephen being dead, to have succeeded S. Sixtus; & to him, with his Deacon S. Laurence in that very year 258 from the living taken away, to have succeeded S. Dionysius, who even to 269 the Chair held.

p. The monk author liberally attaches to the Saints, what in his own age was praised in monks.

q. So the sense requires, for that which in the Neapol. transcript is, & the faith he received.

r. Disturbed partly here was the transcript, partly mutilated: we take therefore words these To have sent to Rome & there by Licinius to have been handed over: to which before & after we have joined other things, for the full sense necessary, within [].

s. Vasconia eleven months' journey from Rome to be distant feigned the author: but lest anyone think only he wished, so much time spent in visiting the Italian around Rome monasteries (whereby however he would not escape reprehension, his host not straight thither leading where most need was) again it below he confirms; when in the month of December the journey remeasuring, not except the following October he leads back to Rome: so little namely pressed the care of the Leontine people, baptism awaiting.

t. Perhaps in the Greek was of the third month, & so the year from September beginning was noted December: in which month at Rome the customary ordinations to be done by the Pontiffs is established from the Lives of them in the 2nd Catalogue & in Anastasius the Librarian. But a youth then still Sirmond, & of Greek matters perhaps nothing besides the language knowing when these into Latin he rendered, the third month after our manner interpreted Lent, & in the place of the Lord's Advent, through which himself Neophytus prepared for the ordination to receive, substituted Lent. So will be excused the author from an error, which scarcely could to a dreamer creep up.

v. A monastery then any within or outside Rome to have been, no wise man will believe: but neither in those, which in the following ages many arose, any will you find by the name of the Augustians, whose Provost Marcus equally gratuitously here is feigned, as the Hierosolymitan monk Marcus, in the similar S. Gregory of Agrigentum's Life, to the same joined the leader & companion of all journeys.

x. The Apostolic in the Greek to be had, & in Achmet (I know not who) chapter 158 Apostolicium to be read, notes Cajetan, & interprets the Apostolic habit, that is, Pontifical or Episcopal: but ancient no writer he brings forward, by which his conjecture he may strengthen. Nor indeed to the matter does it make, that the Roman Pontiff is wont to be called Apostolic: but that is added the Superhumeral, in Greek Ὀμοφόριον; that the Pallium could have been rendered, by a word in such things usual.

y. Therefore the Pentecost, of which above, is reckoned celebrated the 10th of June, & accordingly Pascha the 22nd of April: but this, from the year of the common era 239 even to 311 not even once indeed happened, that is in the year 311; once also only at the same time it happened that Pascha was celebrated the 21st of April, that is in the year 291; or the 20th of the same, that is in the year 274: which I add on account of those who perhaps a flight might seek, the ordination of Neophytus into the second or third feria Pentecostal deferring.

z. In the diploma of Benedict VIII the Pope, to Benedict the Bishop of the holy Portuensian Church, referring to the year 1016, which recites Ughellus volume 1 column 136, is named the city Portuensian, to which the appellation is of S. Hippolytus, which to Xiphilinus the Port of Augustus, to Antoninus the Port of Augustus of the City, to Cassiodorus the Port of the City of Rome, to Paulinus the Roman Port was called: there under Alexander the Emperor about the year 229 on the 22nd day of August, suffered S. Hippolytus the Bishop, as Patron is venerated: & it is credible in some middle age, suppose 9 or 10, the Saracens being driven from Italy the old church being restored more solemnly was elevated the body, & roused the dormant toward the Saint religion; & for that age's frequent usage, to that new appellation occasion gave.

aa. What to Agatho was done, the Acts being silent, doubts Cajetan, whether he stayed in Lipara, or accompanied S. Neophytus, him in his See about to place: doubted at least it ought not to be but that by that deed he returned to Lipara, if truly in the time of our Martyrs the Liparite Island a Bishop had Agatho, & that appellation taken not be from him, for whom according to the quality of the excesses punished solicitous S. Gregory the Great book 2 Epist. 53, of humanity out of regard to be disposed orders in what manner he may be sustained. Is named indeed Agatho the Liparite Bishop, in the oration on the body of S. Bartholomew into that island brought, & him Roccus Pyrrhus wishes to be, of whom here is had a life: but that translation more willingly I would believe in the age of S. Gregory than of Decius made, & so still I require more certain about the other's existence a testimony: such indeed the Liparites probably among their Patrons would venerate, if they had had: which however not to do, persuades Pyrrhus's own about such cult silence, only commemorating the day, on which him proposes Cajetan in the Idea, as to the Leontines venerable.

bb. Stratonicus & Cleonicus he understands, who above num. 77 are said cast into a well, in a place which is called Heracleum.

cc. By no certain example can be proved, before made to the Christians by Constantine the power of constructing churches; & by S. Silvester instituted of consecrating them the rites, to have had the Christians oratories under the Saints' names: which however to be noted ought not; afterward to have come to those places which so are named. In vain therefore Cajetan hence congratulates the Leontines, as in the Mother of God's cult the first or certainly among the foremost.

dd. Enormous without doubt this is a hyperbole.

ee. Severus this Catanian Bishop Cajetan on the 21st of March places in the alphabetical Index of saints: but the number of the page noted deceiving, it is not easy the place to find: then as from this diverse he places S. Severinus, of Casana likewise Bishop, to be venerated the 8th of June, from the Translation of S. Agrippina, as if to her under the empire of Constantine a church he dedicated. Of neither mention is made in any S. Agatha's Acts, before or after death.

ff. Baronius in the Notes to this day refutes those, who this feast already from Augustine's age celebrated think, in that then is recited a certain of this saint's Homily, which he observes taken from Serm. 2 on the Annunciation, & with few changed to the Nativity adapted.

gg. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrated to be began after the Cross found in the time of Constantine, but whether before the other exaltation under Heraclius, to the whole Empire festive it was, in its own time may be inquired.

hh. Everywhere imperfect the sense variously to supply in this place necessary it was from those things which follow.

ii. These soon are named: but not of one even of all any anywhere memory.

kk. So our Transcript: perhaps to be read Felicianus.

ll. Lucianus, says Cajetan, nearly to have lived in the year 390, nay also 400 & beyond; he refers moreover on the 3rd day of January to be venerated, which we would wish ourselves not to have followed.

mm. Here finally follows the last title, On Samuel the leprous Hebrew, & how him healed the Saints: which because is added by way of an appendix, pertaining to things under Neophytus the Bishop done, separately we leave as we found it.

APPENDIX.

[125] In the Leontines' Mesopolis a man certain was first among the Hebrews, Samuel by name, this one with a foul leprosy labored from the year ^a twelfth: came Susanna his wife weeping to Eutropia, A leprous Jew & persuaded her Eutropia, if a Christian were made her husband, it would be that him would heal the Saints. While among themselves they speak, it came to pass that to Samuel they appeared & said: Go to Thecla, but he excited cried out: A Christian I am. And when had come his wife she marveled, & his sons seven, & daughters two, & they led him to Thecla, but she to the cave of the Saints, & by night went out the Saints, & calling Neophytus said; by a miracle is cured & with his whole family converted. Instruct & baptize this one, & call Donatus, & him a Presbyter make in the village Antziano, where holy Isidora's & Neophyta's your mother's lie bodies, & likewise the Martyrs' twenty & breathe into the face of him. And when three times had breathed Neophytus, healed was he, & baptized ^b was his family whole, & his first son was called Gregory, the second, Olympius, the third Isidore, the fourth Eustratius, the fifth Charito, the sixth Eustatius, the seventh Meletius: & two sons of his brother Benjamin, & a daughter elder Aquilina, the younger Christiana, with these souls in all 284, servants & handmaids. At that time to Rome set out Agatho & Neophytus; but Donatus remained in the house of Thecla, & all his goods to her gave, that them she might distribute. These things perceiving the Hebrews came into the Mesopolis with Susanna, & salutary words heard from Donatus. Thecla but began to build the Churches: under the ruin of the mountain that man is preserved with 35 others. & came three from Syria architects, Nicolaus, Eusebius & Eusignius; from Africa of the Saints, who to them had appeared, by the warning set out, for there then they dwelt. Was therefore beside Thecla's house a Chancery ^c place, in which stones they cut. Moreover not bearing the devil himself to be conquered, a rain great having arisen, when the cave had entered 30 stone-cutters, & Donatus & five others of the cart-drivers, the mountain

pushed upon them. But they the Saints Andrew's ^d help invoking, when fell the mountain, by him preserved were: but was scattered a report through the Mesopolis them to have died. Which hearing Thecla, with hands raised to heaven, said, I trust Lord, that just as thou didst preserve Elizabeth But at very early] morning, ran up the crowd with Thecla: & behold three Saints, & other twenty helpers ^f with the aged Apostle, the stones removed, & sound them showed.

[126] after the return of Neophytus Thecla but built a pastophorium, in the place where were the bodies, & a church very elegant; & at Zabulus a church [g] of the Mother of God, & a laver in it: & at the same time built the Episcopium. All things indeed accomplished she set out into her suburb Antzianum, & there built a church in honor of the holy women Isidora her mother & Neophyta her sister & of the holy twenty Soldiers, whom Tertyllus had slain. After three therefore years returned from the City Neophytus, & baptized first Donatus with all his family, but also many Hebrews in number 753: & Donatus he created & Isidore, Deacons in the Church Leontine; Eustratius indeed & Charito also Deacons, that they should remain with their father; Eustatius finally & Meletius Subdeacons, that also they with their father might remain at the Antziani, on the 22nd of October set out Neophytus to the village, & there constituted Donatus & his sons: & remained there Donatus, abstaining from flesh, wine & oil, shining with all virtue: & afterward he died in peace, & was buried in the right part of the temple within the 20 Martyrs, in the month of November on the day ^h 12, & he lived years 68: & was ordained Eustratius ⁱ his son, who the flock for him governed years 25: & after him Charito years 30. But at what time Crescens the impious the Saints' Relics, which at the Antziani are, to cast away wished, sent Lucianus to the Presbyter (he then was Eraclius) that he should watch the gates. But coming nearer Crescens to open not could, & returned into the Mesopolis: & when hands on the Saints he had laid, from life he departed with trembling.

ANNOTATIONS, AND CENSURES.

far times that appellation was, in the century 7 or 8 begun to be heard, & by the Latins to the Greeks transferred.

THE TRANSLATION OF THE RELICS.

[127] Sufficiently it is established, that the most holy Martyrs of Christ Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus, in the persecution of Decius among the Leontines for Christ slain were, & laid with a church built over; but their bodies, at what time, by what cause from the Leontines taken away they were, in obscurity remains. Handed down it is only by writers, a hundred thirty about years ago, that an ark filled with bones, the Relics in the year 1517 found in the monastery of Fragala, with a history in Greek written, was found in the monastery of S. Philip of Fragala at the Tyrrhenian sea. Although others in an old & deserted church dug up have related, which near the same monastery was, while its apse at the greatest altar was being demolished. Long however it was unknown what bodies they were, until an Abbot in Greek learned was set over the monastery: who the history having read through, when of the holy Martyrs Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus them to be the bodies he had known; with a solemn supplication & distinguished offices he honored: & this in the year of Christ the Lord 1517 to have been done is commemorated. Which when the Leontines through John Falcus, the Leontines send their own a man religious, received; at once for receiving the bodies their mind they applied. With great commotions then Sicily was shaken, the instigator being John Luke Squarcialupo. That occasion having gotten the Leontines, men some sent before, who the deed might attempt. Having set out at the beginning of August, when their counsels detected they had learned, the matter unaccomplished, within four days they returned.

[128] The chief men therefore of the Leontines, when about that business it was consulted, by force to act it was decreed. At once horsemen a hundred were gathered & with arms equipped, who those should seize: who the monastery should attack secretly from the city departed; saying repeatedly, when by those they met they were interrogated, soldiers to be of the Leader Squarcialupo, against those who robberies exercised. In the dead of night to the Fragalan monastery they come; & the doors broken having entered, of those bursting in the noise & of the horses the monks from sleep roused, the aspect of the armed men terrified. Then the Prefect of the band, pardon from the Abbot asked, if anything against his will he should suffer; Leontines to be them said, nor to themselves anything more deliberated to be than SS. Alphius's, Philadelphus's, & Cyrinus's relics into their fatherland to carry. On purpose thither to have come, by love of their pledges their drawn: therefore they should open, in what hiding-place they were concealed; for it was right that into their native lands they be carried, which with poured blood they had adorned, & in that soil to be laid & kept, which also was done, whence into heaven they had migrated. To go against the Abbot, & these attempts to oppose: but no his excuse, nor any prayers prevailed, that the Leontines should desist. Who when they saw nothing by blandishments to be profited, threats & terrors interposed. By these compelled the Abbot, in what hiding-places the relics were concealed indicated. Above the roof of the building hidden they were. The ark thence taken, the sacred bones one by one the Abbot showed: which adored, & again into the ark shut with the Greek history, the Leontines, lest by the neighboring towns' inhabitants they be hindered, by transverse roads into their fatherland hastened.

[129] The festive city to meet poured out, the Clergy & Magistrates, when their Martyrs' relics they had saluted, with great pomp & gladness into the city they brought them, on the 4th of the Nones of September. In the very Leontines' entry many miracles happened, which in the consequent also times by the holy Martyrs' merits continued were. Thence the magistrate & the people Leontine sent Paul Constantine to Leo X to Rome, who of the whole matter should inform him; Leo X indulging. & should beseech, lest the Leontines of the most ancient possession of their Martyrs to be moved he should permit, which before years 1264 they had obtained, when with their slaughter & blood they were suffused & adorned. The Roman Pontiff, by the prayers of the Leontines moved, the city of the Leontines from the curses freed, & the relics that they might retain by a diploma his confirmed. From that the Leontines a College of Canons to be instituted took care, in the church of the Saints Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus, already from most ancient times built; that with a more celebrated cult & a greater religion the most blessed Martyrs might be venerated. In which place many by them benefits are afforded, to the glory of God, who lives forever.

[130] Hitherto in the work on the Lives of the Sicilian Saints volume 1 page 72 Octavius Cajetan, about the year 1620 having ended his life. After his death when that work for various intervening causes was suppressed for years twenty (before namely than to the public light to be commended it was handed to P. Peter Salerno, the author's kinsman, by whom finally in the year 1657 it was published) his own Sicily sacred in a work not contemptible published Roccus Pyrrhus in the year 16 38; & about those sacred pledges not a little a diverse opinion wrote: which here too to be appended I judged, that what on either side more probable be may be more conveniently judged. Thus therefore he has in the Notice of the Syracusan Church, about the Leontines treating page 234. In the holy Martyrs the brothers Alphius's, Philadelphus's, & Cyrinus's, the city's Patrons honor, & a Collegiate church they build for the Saints: a magnificent temple in the year 1517 to be built up was begun by the Senate Leontine, three old shrines demolished of SS. Sebastian, Christopher & Frateus; which last to have been of the holy Brothers the first place they relate. That with greater dignity, of Canons namely a College to be illustrated took care the same Senate, & obtained from John Horoscus de Arze the Bishop of Syracuse, as from the letters of confirmation, given at Syracuse the 1st of May 1573 Indiction 1 it is established… Long by those Canons litigated it was with the Parish-priest & Beneficiary, as they call, namely the Parish-priest of the mother Church, in the Episcopal & Metropolitan curia: but in the year 15 98 in the Metropolitan it was decreed, that the Canons of the Collegiate precede the Beneficiaries of the Parochial & Mother church of S. Maria de Cava.

[131] By others those relics once at Aluntium to have been are said Here with more solemn feasts on the day 10 of May & 2 are venerated the Relics chief of the holy Brothers … the office by Pope Paul V, the 19th of November 1611 to all Sicilians granted. Their bodies, by the Leontines honorably laid, among them to the year about 800 remained, at which time the Leontine Church was presided over by Constantius the Greek, who in the year 787 had been present at the Council of Nicaea II, & in the sixth place subscribes among the Sicilian Prelates. He was of the Order of S. Basil, Abbot of S. Maria de Palatiis in the most ancient city Aluntium, foreseeing all to be by the Saracens' depredations consumed, cautiously acting, those bodies sacred into his native monastery Basilian transferred, & there hid. But when after the Saracens were cast out, from the ruins of Aluntium by the Lombards, about paces nearly five hundred higher up, was constructed a new town; found these sacred deposits of the holy Martyrs the Brothers were, & there also a Greek history the deeds by the Saints done & the illustrious martyrdom teaches: which honorably into the new town, whence the S. Fratello that is S. Philadelphus's name flowed, translated were: & by the Basilian cenobites three skulls are stolen, & thence translated to the town of S. Philadelphus, & given to the great monastery Messanan of S. Salvator; & by others of the same institute some Relics to the cenobium of Fragala. But in the year 1517 by this report excited the Leontines, to the sacred bodies to redeem their mind applied; & sent before first Priests certain to S. Fratello (as I read in a MS. there) that the manner by which recovered they could be they might investigate: & finally to the Leontines. then about a hundred men the cenobium of Fragala approaching, from the Abbot, by prayers & promises mitigated, those holy Relics with the history received, or rather stole away at the end of August, & them the 11th of September to the Leontines carried away. But fearing lest of the holy bodies the possession at any ever time they be deprived, from Pope Leo X an absolution & confirmation they obtained by entreaty, a day festive of the Translation they constituted, & the Relics in a silver ark they enclosed.

[132] Hitherto Pyrrhus, the very Cajetan's MS. having used, which also often he alleges in the margin: whether also the animadversions of the same he saw, less certain: of these indeed a good part of Peter Salerno to be I scarcely would doubt. Of whichever it be, what page 56, about the first removal of the holy bodies from the city

Leontine is read, The same to be said testifies Cajetan, here deserves to be transcribed. A rumor there is among the Leontines, that the bodies of SS. Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus, a new of tyrants fear swelling, by B. Thecla were carried away into towns of her dominion, Myrtum, & S. Philadelphus's, which of the holy Brothers more rightly you would call. Distant from this town, a thousand paces to the North & the sea, is old Aluntium, on a mountain situated, on whose lofty slope, a church is to SS. Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus dedicated; it underneath is vaulted, where the report relates, their bodies hidden to have been. For B. Thecla, when Myrtum the town of her dominion lay open, here to have stayed they say, & that church for laying the holy Martyrs' bodies to have built. Hence carried away they were into the town of the Holy-brothers as they call, after it was built. But many are the engines against this vulgar invention.

[133] First oppose the Acts, by which it is handed down B. Thecla to have laid for the Leontines the bodies of the holy Martyrs, but he disapproves it, adhering to the Acts, a church built over; & her, eight after years & months four, in the bosom of peace her soul to have breathed out, & in the same church to have been buried, at the left of SS. Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus. Falsely therefore the report relates, Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus elsewhere translated by B. Thecla, when by the Acts it is confirmed, the Leontines' they were, when B. Thecla her last day met. Nay from the series of the Bishops of the Leontine church sufficiently it is established, the bodies of Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus the Leontines' still to have been, even to the Bishop Lucianus, who nearly lived in the year 390. Grant by another that done. But by what fear compelling? Either in Diocletian's & Maximian's persecution, or in Maxentius's done it must have been: for after no of the Tyrants fears, flourishing Constantine's principate, under whom peace golden & deep; Julian the Apostate I except, who nothing in this matter moved. But the Leontines' to have been the bodies, a year beyond 390, now it is proved. Besides by what writer, or by what reason, or conjecture proves anyone, those towns B. Thecla's Toparchy to have existed, at that season when the Roman Caesars Sicily held? Finally I say; the towns Myrtum & the Holy-brothers' in the age of the Emperors did not exist, were then without a name lands; in which part they are more fabulous. nor were they founded except in the Saracens' & Normans' Princes' dominion.

[134] About those towns when they were founded I will not dispute: only, that in which they were founded, Thecla's farms or estates to have been, to which she herself withdrew, raised by Valerian the persecution not fleeing, nothing prohibits: as nor by her translated to have been to Aluntium, who from the impious' fury withdrawn wished, the sacred pledges. Nor therefore is there need that she built a church, in which afterward they were found: for not to be granted to the vulgar, the beginnings of things with their progresses to confound wont. The Acts indeed are repugnant: but in the fourth part, in which they most fabulous to be & altogether fictitious persuade the very many everywhere ineptitudes, by us in passing animadverted. Absent is the whole fourth part from that MS. which with the sacred Relics was found, to this perhaps by some Leontine patched together, & to the prior whatever narration added, that to the Aluntines, the holy Martyrs' cult among them most ancient to be contending, nothing should yield the Leontines; but rather might be judged to prevail. Nor indeed much to be trusted I believe to that which is pretended of the Bishops' series, while it by more certain no monuments is strengthened: & the impious that one, who is mentioned, Crescens, the Saints' enemy, if such things ever he attempted, such as scarcely I believe before the Iconomachs' times to anyone came into mind; better is deferred to the eighth century, & Leo the Isaurian's or his son Copronymus's Empire; & so Lucianus, who himself to Crescens opposed & to him succeeded, then would have lived, when, but that at Aluntium long before were the bodies, scarcely it can be doubted.

[135] To the Aluntine church an annual supplication. And these things for the old tradition's excuse let suffice: to Cajetan I return, who in the same place observes, that to the Aluntine church from the town of the Holy-brothers, a solemn supplication every year is held, on the birthday of SS. Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus: & in it are wrought many miracles, & several from diverse diseases are cured. Confirming then what about the partition of the holy Relics from Pyrrhus we said. At this, he says, season, a part of the bodies of the Saints Alphius, Philadelphus, & Cyrinus by the Leontines with great cult & veneration is kept, in the church to their name dedicated: a part in the town, as they call, of the Holy-brothers: the heads, not those indeed whole, at Messina in the monastery of S. Salvator of the order of S. Basil. Old is the opinion, that the relics of the holy Martyrs, which in the town of the Holy-brothers are had, were found in an old church, to their name dedicated on the neighboring mountain, on which the ancient Aluntium was; & from that church into the town brought, which a thousand paces is distant. It is called by Fasellus de Rebus Siculis decade I book 9 S. Philadelphus's town, which of the Lombards to be a work from the inhabitants', he says, idiom is gathered. But what if the name's appellation from this especially be taken, that of him one alone the relics thither from Aluntium were brought. Favors the conjecture the vulgar appellation, by which San-fratello it is named in the singular number, & better S. Fratris than S. Fratrum in Latin would be rendered. But Aluntium is, & so also S. Philadelphus's town, in the other that is the Northern side of the island far from the Leontines: whither prone it was for them to withdraw, who of the Roman Governors, the Eastern side more frequently inhabiting, fled the tyranny. Which there & elsewhere, at the holy Brothers' invocation, were done miracles, if to us sometime they be transmitted by those whose interest it is, a place will have in the Supplement of this month.