# Epigrams

- Author: [Damasus I of Rome](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/damasus-of-rome/)
- Latin title: *Epigrammata*
- Date: 366–384 (probable)
- Source: M. Ihm, ed., Damasi epigrammata (Leipzig: Teubner, 1895) (Latin text: Ihm, Damasi epigrammata (1895), from the Internet Archive scan)

- Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/
- Passages: 27

## Epigram 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-1
- Source: Ihm
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's verses on David, the shepherd boy made king, psalmist, and slayer of Goliath, with five introductory lines inviting the thirsty to drink.

### Latin text

<^Nunc Damasi monitis aures praebete benignas.
quisque sitit ueniat cupiens haurire fluenta,
inueniet latices seruant qui dulcia mella:
sordibus expositis purgant penetralia cordis
pectora cum renouant Christo seruire parati.)>
Prophetam Christi sanctum cognoscere debes.
pastorem puerum, multis de fratribus unum,
angekis ex ouibus rapuit regemque dicauit,
organa qui sciret manibus componere solus,
psallere per citharam populis caelestia regna.
ingentem clipeoque graui frustraque minantem
impia, maledicum, faleras telaque gerentem,
surdorum demens coleret qui templa deorum,
mactauit saxo tereti truncumque reliquit,
iudicioque dei ingenti mox caede peracta
monstrauit populis tulerat quae ex hoste tropaea.
haec Damasus scit, sancte, tuos celebrare triumphos.

### English translation (Claude)

[Lend kind ears now to the counsels of Damasus. Let everyone who thirsts come, longing to drink from the streams: he will find waters that hold sweet honey; once the filth is laid bare, they cleanse the inner chambers of the heart, as they renew breasts made ready to serve Christ.]
You must come to know the holy prophet of Christ: a shepherd boy, one of many brothers, whom he snatched from the sheep and consecrated king; who alone knew how to set instruments in tune with his hands, to sing on the harp to the peoples of the heavenly kingdom. The huge man, threatening in vain with his heavy shield, the foul-mouthed one, wearing ungodly trappings and weapons, who in his madness worshipped the temples of deaf gods, he slew with a smooth stone and left a headless trunk; and soon, when by God's judgment the great slaughter was done, he showed the people the trophies he had taken from the enemy. These, holy one, are your triumphs, which Damasus knows how to celebrate.

### Scripture references

- John 7:37: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Sam 16:11–13: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Sam 16:23: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Sam 17:4–7: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Sam 17:49–54: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- The first five lines (in square brackets in the translation) are set off by the editor in angle brackets: an introductory piece transmitted with this poem, not part of the epigram proper. "Let everyone who thirsts come" echoes John 7:37 (cf. Isa 55:1). In line 8 the printed "angekis" is an OCR form, probably for a word meaning "lambs" or "flocks"; translated by sense as "from the sheep". "Holy one" in the last line addresses David.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 1 (Ihm; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/1).

## Epigram 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-2
- Source: Ihm, 3
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's verses on Paul: persecutor, converted at Damascus, caught up to paradise, sufferer of many trials, and teacher of the church.

### Latin text

Iamdudum Saulus procerum praecepta secutus
cum domino patrias uellet praeponere leges,
abnueret sanctos Christum laudasse prophetas,
caedibus adsiduis cuperet discerpere plebem,
cum lacerat sanctae matris pia foedera caecus,
post tenebras uerum meruit cognoscere lumen.
temptatus sensit posset quid gloria Christi.
auribus vit domini uocem lucemque recepit,
composuit mores Christi praecepta secutus.
mutato placuit postquam de nomine Paulus,
mira fides rerum: subito trans aethera uectus
noscere promeruit possent quid praemia uitae.
conscendit raptus martyr penetralia Christi,
tertia lux caeli tenuit paradisus euntem;
conloquiis domini fruitur, secreta reseruat,
gentibus ac populis iussus praedicere uera,
profundum penetrare maris noctemque diemque
uisere, cui magnum satis est vixisse latentem.
uerbera, uincla, famem, lapides rabiemque ferarum,
carceris inluuiem, uirgas, tormenta, catenas,
naufragium, lacrimas, serpentis dira uenena,
stigmata non timuit portare in corpore Christi.
credentes docuit possent quo uincere mortem.
dignus amore dei uiuit per saecla magister.
uersibus his breuiter, fateor, sanctissime doctor
Paule, tuos Damasus uolui monstrare triumphos.

### English translation (Claude)

Long ago Saul, following the precepts of the chief men, when he wished to set his ancestral laws above the Lord and denied that the holy prophets had praised Christ, longing to tear the people apart with continual slaughter, while in his blindness he was tearing up the holy covenant of the mother, after darkness was found worthy to know the true light. Put to the test, he felt what the glory of Christ could do. With his ears he received the voice of the Lord, and the light, and he ordered his ways, following Christ's precepts. After he chose to be called Paul, his name changed, (wonderful faith in the events!) he was suddenly carried across the sky and was found worthy to learn what the rewards of life could be. Caught up, the witness ascended into the inner chambers of Christ; the third light of heaven, paradise, held him as he went; he enjoys conversation with the Lord, he keeps the secrets, commanded to proclaim the truth to nations and peoples; to pass through the depth of the sea and to see a night and a day there, he for whom it was enough to have lived great in hiding. Blows, chains, hunger, stones, the rage of beasts, the filth of prison, rods, tortures, fetters, shipwreck, tears, the dread poisons of the serpent: he did not fear to bear the marks of Christ in his body. He taught believers how they could conquer death. Worthy of God's love, the teacher lives through the ages. In these verses, I confess, most holy teacher Paul, I, Damasus, have wished briefly to show your triumphs.

### Scripture references

- Acts 9:1–19: allusion, high confidence
- Gal 1:13–14: allusion, medium confidence
- Acts 13:9: allusion, medium confidence
- 2 Cor 12:2–4: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Cor 11:23–27: allusion, high confidence
- Acts 28:3–6: allusion, medium confidence
- Gal 6:17: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 15:32: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- Lines 4-26 had been lost from the digital text at a page break and are restored from the same OCR of Ihm's edition (see corrections). Line 8 is damaged in the OCR ("auribus vit domini uocem"); translated by sense. "The mother" is the church. "The third light of heaven, paradise" combines 2 Cor 12:2 and 12:4. The night and day in the deep is 2 Cor 11:25; the serpent is the viper of Acts 28:3-6. The line "cui magnum satis est vixisse latentem" is obscure; translated by sense.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 2 (Ihm, 3; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/2).

## Epigram 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-8
- Source: Ihm, 12
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on the martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, soldiers who left the tyrant's service, converted, and died confessing Christ.

### Latin text

Militiae nomen dederant saeuum]q(ue) [gerebant
officium pariter spectantes iussja ty[rannij
praeceptis pulsante metu seruijre par[ati.
mira fides rerum: subito posuejre furore[m,
c[onuersi fugiunt ducis impia castrja relinquunt,
proic[iunt clipeos faleras tel]aq(ue) cruenta,
confe[ssi gaudent Christi portar]e triumfos.
credit[e per Damasum, possit quid] gloria Christi.

### English translation (Claude)

They had enlisted in military service and were carrying out a cruel office alike, watching for the commands of the tyrant, ready to serve his precepts as fear drove them on. Wonderful faith in the events! Suddenly they laid aside their fury; converted, they flee, they leave the ungodly camp of their commander, they throw away shields, trappings and bloodied weapons; having confessed, they rejoice to carry the triumphs of Christ. Believe through Damasus what the glory of Christ can do.

### Translation notes

- On the tomb of Nereus and Achilleus in the cemetery of Domitilla (the names come from the edition's commentary, not the verses). The stone survives only in fragments; the square brackets mark letters the editor supplies from the manuscript copies, and the supplied text is translated.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 8 (Ihm, 12; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/8).

## Epigram 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-9
- Source: Ihm, 13
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's own epitaph: the Christ who walked on the sea and raised Lazarus will raise Damasus.

### Latin text

Qui gradiens pelagi fluctus compressit amaros,
uiuere qui praestat morientia semina terrae,
soluere qui potuit letalia uincula mortis,
post tenebras fratrem, post tertia lumina solis
ad superos iterum Marthae donare sorori,
post cineres Damasum faciet quia surgere credo.

### English translation (Claude)

He who, walking on the sea, stilled its bitter waves; who gives life to the dying seeds of the earth; who could loose the deadly bonds of death and, after darkness, after the third light of the sun, give the brother back again to the world above for his sister Martha: he, I believe, will make Damasus rise again after his ashes.

### Scripture references

- Matt 14:25–32: allusion, high confidence
- John 12:24: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Cor 15:36: echo, low confidence
- Acts 2:24: echo, low confidence
- John 11:1–44: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Damasus's epitaph for himself (Via Ardeatina). The last line had been lost from the digital text at a page break and is restored from the same OCR. "After the third light of the sun" is the poet's phrase; John 11:17, 39 says Lazarus had been four days in the tomb.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 9 (Ihm, 13; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/9).

## Epigram 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-10
- Source: Ihm, 15
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's epitaph for his sister Irene, a consecrated virgin who died before twenty, asking her to remember him when God comes.

### Latin text

Hoc tumulo sacrata deo nunc membra quiescunt:
hic soror est Damasi, nomen si quaeris, Irene.
uouerat haec sese Christo cum uita maneret,
uirginis ut meritum sanctus pudor ipse probaret.
bis denas hiemes necdum compleuerat aetas,
egregios mores uitae praecesserat aetas,
propositum mentis pietas ueneranda puellae,
magnificos fructus dederat melioribus annis.
te germana soror nostri tunc testis amoris,
cum fugeret mundum, dederat mihi pignus honestum.
quam sibi cum raperet melior tunc regia caeli,
non timui mortem, caelos quod libera adiret,
sed dolui, fateor, consortia perdere uitae.
nunc ueniente deo nostri reminiscere, uirgo,
ut tua per dominum praestet mihi facula lumen.

### English translation (Claude)

In this tomb now rest limbs consecrated to God: here, if you ask her name, is the sister of Damasus, Irene. She had vowed herself to Christ while life remained, so that holy modesty itself might prove the merit of a virgin. Her years had not yet completed twice ten winters; her excellent ways had outrun her age; the venerable piety of the girl was the purpose of her mind; she had yielded splendid fruits, as of riper years. You, my own sister, then the witness of our love, were given to me as an honourable pledge when [our mother] fled the world. When the better palace of heaven snatched her for itself, I did not fear her death, since she went free to heaven, but I grieved, I confess, to lose the companion of my life. Now, virgin, when God comes, remember us, so that through the Lord your torch may give me light.

### Scripture references

- Matt 25:1–13: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Lines 10-15 had been lost from the digital text at a page break and are restored from the same OCR. The subject of "when she fled the world" (line 10) is not stated; it is probably their mother, who entrusted Irene to Damasus, and is supplied in brackets; uncertain. Line 6 repeats "aetas" as printed; translated by sense. The torch echoes the parable of the virgins (Matt 25:1-13), as the editor notes.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 10 (Ihm, 15; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/10).

## Epigram 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-11
- Source: Ihm, 17
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: A badly mutilated epitaph praising the blameless and unworldly life of a certain Mark, probably the bishop of Rome of 336.

### Latin text

Insons] uita fuit Marci, quam nouimus omnes.
. . . am]ore dei posset qui temnere mundum^
srauit populus quod disceret omnis.
paruus] honor uitae, grandis contemptus habendi
uirtus tenuit penetralia cordis
te custos, Christi perfectus amicus.
et Damasus tumulum cum reddit honorem.
<(hic Marcus Marci uita fide nomine consors
et meritis )>

### English translation (Claude)

Blameless was the life of Mark, which we all knew; ... who through the love of God could despise the world; ... the people ..., which all might learn. Small regard for life, great contempt for possessing; ... virtue held the inner chambers of the heart; ... you, guardian, perfect friend of Christ. And Damasus, when he restores the tomb, [gives] honour. [Here lies Mark, sharer with Mark in life, faith, name, and merits.]

### Translation notes

- Most lines survive only in part (only line 8 is complete, the editor says); gaps are shown as "...". Lines 4-10 had been lost from the digital text at a page break and are restored from the same OCR. Many think this Mark is the bishop of Rome who sat in 336; the editor reports that Duchesne doubts it. The last two half-lines (in angle brackets in the edition) are an addition and are translated in square brackets; their "Mark" may be a namesake buried nearby.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 11 (Ihm, 17; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/11).

## Epigram 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-12
- Source: Ihm, 18
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's inscription for the crypt of the bishops in the cemetery of Callistus, where he would have wished to be buried but feared to disturb the saints.

### Latin text

Hic congesta iacet quaeris si turba piorum,
coi^pora sanctorum retinent ueneranda sepulcra,
sublimes animas rapuit sibi regia caeli.
hic comites Xysti, portant qui ex hoste tropaea:
hic numerus procerum, seruat qui altaria Chr(ist)i;
hic positus longa uixit qui in pace sacerdos;
hic confessores sancti quos Graecia misit;
hic iuuenes pueriq(ue) senes castique nepotes,
quis mage uirgineum placuit retinere pudorem.
hic, fateor, Damasus uolui mea condere membra,
sed cineres timui sanctos uexare piorum.

### English translation (Claude)

Here, if you ask, lies gathered a crowd of the godly. Venerable tombs hold the bodies of the saints; the palace of heaven has snatched their lofty souls to itself. Here are the companions of Sixtus, who carry trophies taken from the enemy; here the company of the chief men who keep the altars of Christ; here lies the bishop who lived in long peace; here the holy confessors whom Greece sent; here young men and boys, old men and chaste descendants, who chose rather to keep virgin modesty. Here, I confess, I, Damasus, wished to lay my own limbs, but I feared to disturb the holy ashes of the godly.

### Translation notes

- In the crypt of the bishops of Rome in the cemetery of Callistus (Via Appia). Lines 7-11 had been lost from the digital text at a page break and are restored from the same OCR. "Sacerdos" in Damasus means a bishop; "the chief men who keep the altars" are the bishops buried in the crypt; the bishop "who lived in long peace" is not named (often thought to be Miltiades or another bishop who died in peacetime); uncertain.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 12 (Ihm, 18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/12).

## Epigram 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-13
- Source: Ihm, 20
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram, in the person of the martyred bishop Sixtus II, on his arrest while teaching and his offering of himself to spare his people.

### Latin text

Tempore quo gladius secuit pia uiscera matris,
hic positus rector caelestia iussa docebam.
adueniunt subito rapiunt qui forte sedentem,
militibus missis populi tunc colla dedere.
mox sibi cognouit senior quis tollere uellet
palmam, seque suumque caput prior obtulit ipse,
impatiens feritas posset ne la]ed[ere quemquam.
ostendit Christus, reddit qu]i p[raemia uitae,
pastoris meritum, numerum g]reg[is ipse tuetur.

### English translation (Claude)

At the time when the sword pierced the holy womb of the mother, I, buried here, was as ruler teaching the heavenly commands. Suddenly they come and seize me as I happened to be sitting; then, when the soldiers had been sent, the people offered their necks. Soon the old man recognized who wished to take the palm from him, and was the first to offer himself and his own head, so that the impatient savagery might not harm anyone. Christ, who gives the rewards of life, shows the merit of the shepherd; he himself keeps the number of the flock.

### Scripture references

- John 10:11: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- On Sixtus II, bishop of Rome, killed in 258 in the cemetery of Callistus. The speaker is Sixtus himself. "The mother" is the church. Lines 6-9 had been lost from the digital text at a page break and are restored from the same OCR; the stone survives in fragments, and the square brackets mark letters supplied by the editor (translated). "Who wished to take the palm from him": the people offered to die in his place, and he gave himself first.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 13 (Ihm, 20; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/13).

## Epigram 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-14
- Source: Ihm, 21
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram joining the protomartyr Stephen and Tarsicius, who died rather than surrender the eucharist he was carrying.

### Latin text

Par meritum, quicumque legis, cognosce duorum,
quis Damasus rector titulos post praemia reddit.
Iudaicus populus Stephanum meliora monentem
perculerat saxis, tulerat qui ex hoste tropaeum,
martyrium primus rapuit leuita fidelis.
Tarsicium sanctum Christi sacramenta gerentem
cum male sana manus premeret uulgare profanis,
ipse animam potius uoluit dimittere caesus
prodere quam canibus rabidis caelestia membra.

### English translation (Claude)

Whoever reads, recognize the equal merit of the two, to whom Damasus, the ruler, gives inscriptions after their rewards. The Jewish people struck down with stones Stephen, who warned them of better things; he carried off the trophy from the enemy; the faithful deacon was the first to seize martyrdom. When a frenzied band pressed holy Tarsicius, who was carrying the sacraments of Christ, to display them to the profane, he chose rather to give up his life under blows than to betray the heavenly limbs to rabid dogs.

### Scripture references

- Acts 7:54–60: allusion, high confidence
- Acts 6:5: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 7:6: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- On Tarsicius, buried in the cemetery of Callistus. "The sacraments of Christ" and "the heavenly limbs" are the consecrated eucharistic bread he was carrying; the editor notes that the later legend of Tarsicius grew out of this epigram. "Rabid dogs" echoes Matt 7:6. The phrase about the Jewish people is translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 14 (Ihm, 21; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/14).

## Epigram 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-17
- Source: Ihm, 24
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Fragments of a martyr's epigram, too damaged to give connected sense.

### Latin text

p]raecept[a p]rofa[na
nobi]le corpus TVRCA
timc c]olla dedere
hostis inique
m]onstrat [h]onorem
uitae fas]tid[it am]orem
]ere possim
. . . tulerat qui ex hoste t]ropaeum
a]mictu

### English translation (Claude)

... profane precepts ... the noble body ... TVRCA ... then they offered their necks ... unjust enemy ... shows honour ... scorns the love of life ... I could ... who carried off the trophy from the enemy ... cloak ...

### Translation notes

- Only fragments of the stone survive; the square brackets mark letters supplied by the editor. "TVRCA" is printed in capitals as on the stone and its meaning is uncertain (possibly part of a name).

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 17 (Ihm, 24; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/17).

## Epigram 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-19
- Source: Ihm, 26
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Fragments of an inscription from the crypt of Cornelius recording Damasus's improvement of the tomb and its approach.

### Latin text

]to teneb[ri].sq(ue) [f]ugatis
t]umulu[mq(ue)] sacratum
Da]masi pra[es]tantia fecit
me]lior po[pu]lisq(ue) paratum
u]aleas si [f]undere puro
jmelior consurgere posset,
]r tenuit mage cura laboris

### English translation (Claude)

... and darkness put to flight ... and the consecrated tomb ... the excellence of Damasus made ... better and made ready for the peoples ... may you prevail, if you pour out with pure ... could rise better ... the care of the work held more ...

### Translation notes

- Fragments of a marble tablet from the crypt of Cornelius in the cemetery of Callistus; the square brackets mark letters supplied by the editor. Connected sense cannot be recovered.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 19 (Ihm, 26; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/19).

## Epigram 22

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-22
- Source: Ihm, 29
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's dedication on the tomb of the martyr Januarius.

### Latin text

Beatissimo martyri
IANVARIO
DAMASVS EPISCOP(^
FECIT

### English translation (Claude)

To the most blessed martyr Januarius, Damasus, bishop, made [this].

### Translation notes

- In the cemetery of Praetextatus. Januarius was, according to tradition, one of the seven sons of Felicitas.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 22 (Ihm, 29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/22).

## Epigram 23

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-23
- Source: Ihm, 29
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on Felicissimus and Agapitus, deacons of Sixtus II, who died with their bishop.

### Latin text

Aspice: et hic tumulus retinet caelestia membra
sanctorum, subito rapuit quos regia caeli.
hi crucis inuictae comites pariterque ministri
rectoris sancti meritumque fidemque secuti
aetherias petiere domos regnaque piorum.
unica in his gaudet Romanae gloria plebis,
quod duce tunc Xysto Christi meruere triumphos.
FELICISSIMO ET AGAPITO DAMASVS

### English translation (Claude)

Look: this tomb too holds the heavenly limbs of saints, whom the palace of heaven suddenly snatched away. These, companions and at the same time ministers of the unconquered cross, following the merit and faith of their holy ruler, sought the heavenly homes and the kingdoms of the godly. In them the glory of the Roman people uniquely rejoices, because then, with Sixtus as their leader, they won the triumphs of Christ.
Damasus to Felicissimus and Agapitus.

### Translation notes

- Felicissimus and Agapitus were deacons ("ministers") of Sixtus II (d. 258), buried in the cemetery of Praetextatus. The last line is the dedication as printed. A running head of the edition that had leaked into the text is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 23 (Ihm, 29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/23).

## Epigram 26

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-26
- Source: Ihm, 29
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram at the place "ad catacumbas" on the Via Appia, saying that Peter and Paul once dwelt there and that Rome claims them as her own by their martyrdom.

### Latin text

Hic habitasse prius sanctos cognoscere debes^
nomina quisque Petri pariter Paulique requiris.
discipulos oriens misit, quod sponte fatemur:
sanguinis ob meritum — Christumque per astra secuti
aetherios petiere sinus regnaque piorum —
Roma suos potius meruit defendere ciues.
haec Damasus uestras referat noua sidera laudes.

### English translation (Claude)

You must know that the saints once dwelt here, whoever you are who seek the names of Peter and Paul alike. The East sent the disciples, as we freely confess; but for the merit of their blood (having followed Christ through the stars, they reached the bosom of heaven and the kingdoms of the godly) Rome has earned the better right to claim them as her citizens. Let Damasus tell these your praises, new stars.

### Translation notes

- At San Sebastiano "ad catacumbas" on the Via Appia. Whether "dwelt here" means that the apostles lived here or that their remains once lay here has long been disputed. Translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 26 (Ihm, 29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/26).

## Epigram 27

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-27
- Source: Ihm, 29
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on the martyr Eutychius, tortured, starved, and thrown into a pit, whose hidden grave was revealed to Damasus in a dream.

### Latin text

Eutychius martyr crudelia iussa tyranni
carnificumq(ue) uias pariter tunc mille nocendi
uincere quod potuit monstrauit gloria Christi.
carceris inluuiem sequitur noua poena per artus,
testarum fragmenta parant ne somnus adiret,
bis seni transiere dies, alimenta negantur,
mittitur in barathrum, sanctus lauat omnia sanguis
uulnera quae intulerat mortis metuenda potestas.
nocte soporifera turbant insomnia mentem,
ostendit latebra insontis quae membra teneret,
quaeritur, inuentus colitur, fouet, omnia prestat.
expressit Damasus meritum: uenerare sepulchrum.

### English translation (Claude)

The martyr Eutychius was able to overcome the cruel commands of the tyrant and the thousand ways the executioners had of doing harm; the glory of Christ showed it. After the filth of the prison a new punishment follows through his limbs: they prepare fragments of potsherds so that sleep may not come to him. Twice six days passed; food is denied; he is thrown into a pit; holy blood washes all the wounds that the dreadful power of death had inflicted. In the sleep-bringing night dreams trouble my mind: the hiding place showed which limbs of the innocent it held. He is sought; found, he is honoured; he cherishes, he grants everything. Damasus has set forth his merit: venerate the tomb.

### Translation notes

- The inscription survives at San Sebastiano on the Via Appia. "Trouble my mind": the mind is not named, but the dream is evidently Damasus's own, through which the grave was found.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 27 (Ihm, 29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/27).

## Epigram 29

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-29
- Source: Ihm, 34
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on Marcellinus and Peter, whose executioner told the boy Damasus how they died and were secretly buried before Lucilla moved them.

### Latin text

Marcelline tuos pariter Petre nosse triumphos
percussor retulit Damaso mihi, cum puer essem.
haec sibi carnificem rabidum mandata dedisse:
sentibus in mediis uestra ut tunc colla secaret,
ne tumulum uestrum quisquam cognoscere posset;
uos alacres uestris manibus mundasse sepulcra
candidule, occulto postquam iacuisse sub antro,
postea commonitam uestra pietate Lucillam,
hic placuisse magis sanctissima condere membra.

### English translation (Claude)

Marcellinus, and you likewise, Peter: the executioner who struck you told me, Damasus, when I was a boy, so that I might know your triumphs: that the raging executioner had been given these orders, to cut your necks there in the middle of thorn bushes, so that no one could know your tomb; that you eagerly cleaned your graves with your own hands; that after you had lain hidden in a little white cave, Lucilla, later warned by your piety, preferred to lay your most holy limbs here.

### Translation notes

- On the martyrs Marcellinus and Peter, buried on the Via Labicana "ad duas lauros". The text survives through the writer of their Acts, who says Damasus heard this as a boy from their executioner. "Candidule" (line 7) is uncertain; translated "a little white cave".

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 29 (Ihm, 34; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/29).

## Epigram 30

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-30
- Source: Ihm, 35
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on the martyr Tiburtius, asking his favour for Damasus.

### Latin text

Tempore quo gladius secuit pia uiscera matris,
egregius martyr contempto principe mundi
aetheris alta petit Christo comitante beatus:
hic tibi sanctus honor semper laudesque manebunt.
care deo, ut foueas Damasum precor, alme Tiburti.

### English translation (Claude)

At the time when the sword pierced the holy womb of the mother, the outstanding martyr, despising the prince of the world, sought the heights of heaven, blessed, with Christ as his companion. Here holy honour and praises will remain for you always. Dear to God, kindly Tiburtius, I pray that you may favour Damasus.

### Scripture references

- John 12:31: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- On Tiburtius, buried on the Via Labicana. "The mother" is the church. "The prince of the world" echoes John 12:31.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 30 (Ihm, 35; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/30).

## Epigram 31

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-31
- Source: Ihm, 35
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on the tomb of the martyr Gorgonius on the Via Labicana, pointing visitors to the saints buried nearby.

### Latin text

Martyris hic tumulus magno sub uertice montis
Gorgonium retinet, seruat qui altaria Christi.
hic, quicumque uenit, sanctorum limina quaerat,
inueniet uicina in sede habitare beatos,
ad caelum pariter pietas quos uexit euntes.
DAMASI EPISCOPI

### English translation (Claude)

Here, beneath the great summit of the hill, the martyr's tomb holds Gorgonius, who keeps the altars of Christ. Here, whoever comes, let him seek the thresholds of the saints: he will find the blessed dwelling in the neighbouring seat, whom piety carried to heaven together as they went.
[Inscription] of Damasus, bishop.

### Translation notes

- The marble, later moved to San Martino ai Monti, was lost in the eighteenth century. The last line is printed after the verses in the edition and is taken as the signature of the inscription.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 31 (Ihm, 35; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/31).

## Epigram 32

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-32
- Source: Ihm, 37
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on the martyr Lawrence, whose faith overcame every torture.

### Latin text

Verbera carnificis, flammas, tormenta, catenas
uincere Laurenti sola fides potuit.
haec Damasus cumulat supplex altaria donis
martyris egregii suspiciens meritum.

### English translation (Claude)

The executioner's blows, flames, tortures, chains: only the faith of Lawrence could overcome them. Damasus, a suppliant, heaps these altars with gifts, looking up to the merit of the outstanding martyr.

### Translation notes

- Probably inscribed at the altar of the basilica of St Lawrence on the Via Tiburtina.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 32 (Ihm, 37; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/32).

## Epigram 35

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-35
- Source: Ihm, 40
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Fragment of a marble inscription describing a decorated building or tomb.

### Latin text

Marmoribus uestita .
quae intemerata fides
hic etiam paries iusto
omnia plena uides . .

### English translation (Claude)

Clothed with marble ... which undefiled faith ... here also the wall ... to the just ... you see all things full ...

### Translation notes

- Fragment found in the Campo Verano; only the beginnings of four lines survive.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 35 (Ihm, 40; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/35).

## Epigram 37

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-37
- Source: Ihm, 42
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Epigram on Hippolytus, said to have been a presbyter in schism who at his martyrdom told his followers to return to the catholic church.

### Latin text

Hippolytus fertur] premerent c[u]m iussa t[yranni,
presbyter in scismja semper mansisse No[uati;
tempore quo gladijus secuit pia uiscera ma[tris,
deuotus Christo peteret cu]m regna pio[rum,
quaesisset populus ubinam proce]dere [posset,
catholicam dixisse iidem sequerentur ut omnes.
sic noster meruit confessus martyr ut esset.
haec audita refe]rt Dam[asus, probat omnia Christus.

### English translation (Claude)

Hippolytus, it is said, when the commands of the tyrant pressed on him, had remained a presbyter in the schism of Novatus throughout; at the time when the sword pierced the holy womb of the mother, when, devoted to Christ, he was seeking the kingdoms of the godly, and the people asked him where they could go, he said that all should follow the catholic [church]. So our man earned the right to be a martyr who had confessed. Damasus reports what he has heard; Christ tests all things.

### Scripture references

- 1 Thess 5:21: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- From the crypt of Hippolytus on the Via Tiburtina. Damasus reports this only as hearsay ("it is said"); placing Hippolytus in the schism of "Novatus" (Novatian, after 251) does not fit the dates of the Hippolytus of the early third century. Translated as written. "The mother" is the church. The last line had been lost from the digital text and is restored from the same OCR.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 37 (Ihm, 42; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/37).

## Epigram 40

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-40
- Source: Ihm, 42
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's epigram on the virgin martyr Agnes, who went freely to her death and covered herself with her hair.

### Latin text

Fam]a refert sanctos dudum retulisse parentes
Ag]nen, cum lugubres cantus tuba concrepuisset,
njutricis gremium subito liquisse puellam^
sponte trucis calcasse minas rabiemq(ue) tyranni.
urere cum flammis uoluisset nobile corpus,
uirib(us) inmensum paruis superasse timorem,
nudaque profusum crinem per membra dedisse,
ne domini templum facies peritura uideret.
o ueneranda mihi, sanctum decus, alma, pudoris,
ut Damasi precib(us) faueas precor, inclyta martyr.

### English translation (Claude)

Report tells that her holy parents once related that Agnes, when the trumpet had sounded its mournful songs, suddenly left her nurse's lap as a girl and of her own will trod underfoot the threats and rage of the savage tyrant. When he wished to burn her noble body with flames, she overcame immense fear with her small strength and spread her loosened hair over her naked limbs, so that no mortal face might see the temple of the Lord. O you whom I venerate, holy glory of modesty, kindly one, I pray, glorious martyr, that you may favour the prayers of Damasus.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 6:19: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The marble survives in the church of St Agnes on the Via Nomentana. Lines 5-10 had been lost from the digital text at a page break and are restored from the same OCR. "The temple of the Lord" is her body (cf. 1 Cor 6:19).

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 40 (Ihm, 42; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/40).

## Epigram 42

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-42
- Source: Ihm, 46
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's epigram for a tomb of unnamed martyrs, adorned in thanks for the return of the clergy.

### Latin text

Sanctorum, quicumque legis, uenerare sepulchrum.
nomina nec numerum potuit retinere uetustas.
ornauit Damasus tumulum, cognoscite, rector,
pro reditu cleri Christo praestante triumphans
martyribus sanctis reddit sua uota sacerdos.

### English translation (Claude)

Whoever reads, venerate the tomb of the saints. Age could not keep their names, nor their number. Damasus the ruler adorned the tomb, know it: triumphing, with Christ's help, for the return of the clergy, the bishop pays his vows to the holy martyrs.

### Translation notes

- In the church of Saints Chrysanthus and Daria on the Via Salaria Nova. Which return of the clergy is meant is not stated (perhaps the clergy exiled during the disputes over Damasus's election in 366); uncertain.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 42 (Ihm, 46; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/42).

## Epigram 44

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-44
- Source: Ihm, 47
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's epigram for the tomb of the boy martyr Maurus.

### Latin text

Martyris hic Mauri tumulus pia membra retentat,
quem Damasus rector longo post tempore plebis
ornauit supplex, cultu meliore decorans
insontem puerum, cui poena nulla ^deiecti.

### English translation (Claude)

Here the tomb of the martyr Maurus holds his holy limbs; Damasus, ruler of the people, long afterwards adorned it as a suppliant, honouring with better worship the innocent boy, who deserved no punishment.

### Translation notes

- Maurus, a boy martyr buried in the cemetery of Chrysanthus and Daria on the Via Salaria. The last half-line is corrupt ("cui poena nulla deiecti"; the manuscripts also read "delicti", "for wrongdoing"); translated by sense.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 44 (Ihm, 47; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/44).

## Epigram 46

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-46
- Source: Ihm, 49
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's epigram on Saturninus, a Carthaginian martyred at Rome, whose persecutor Gratianus could not make him deny Christ.

### Latin text

Incola nunc Christi fuerat Carthaginis ante,
tempore quo gladius secuit pia uiscera matris,
sanguine mutauit patriam nomenque genusque;
Romanum ciuem sanctorum fecit origo.
mira fides rerum: docuit post exitus ingens.
cum lacerat pia membra, fremit Gratianus ut hostis,
posteaquam fellis uomuit concepta uenena,
cogere non potuit Christum te, sancte, negare;
ipse tuis precibus meruit confessus abire.
supplicis haec Damasi uox est: uenerare sepulchrum.
<(soluere uota licet castasque effundere preces,
sancti Saturnini tumulus quia martyris hic est.)>
[Saturnine tibi martyr mea uota rependo.]

### English translation (Claude)

Now a dweller with Christ, he had formerly been of Carthage. At the time when the sword pierced the holy womb of the mother, by his blood he changed his homeland, his name and his race; his birth among the saints made him a Roman citizen. Wonderful faith in the events! His great departure showed it afterwards. While he tears the holy limbs, Gratianus rages like an enemy; after he had vomited out the poisons conceived in his gall, he could not force you, holy one, to deny Christ; he himself, by your prayers, earned to depart having confessed. This is the voice of Damasus, a suppliant: venerate the tomb.
[It is permitted to pay vows and pour out chaste prayers, because here is the tomb of the holy martyr Saturninus.]

### Translation notes

- On Saturninus, buried on the Via Salaria Nova. Lines 6-13 had been lost from the digital text at a page break and are restored from the same OCR. The two lines in angle brackets in the edition are an addition, translated in square brackets; a further line in square brackets ("Saturninus, martyr, I repay my vows to you") is deleted by the editor and left out. "Gratianus" is the persecutor; "he himself ... earned to depart having confessed" seems to say that the persecutor too came to confess Christ through the martyr's prayers; uncertain. "The mother" is the church; "his birth among the saints" is his martyrdom.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 46 (Ihm, 49; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/46).

## Epigram 48

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-48
- Source: Ihm, 51
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's epigram on Marcellus, bishop of Rome, who required penance of the lapsed and was exiled by the tyrant after the resulting strife.

### Latin text

Veridicus rector lapsos quia crimina flere
praedixit, miseris fuit omnibus hostis amarus.
hinc furor, hinc odium sequitur, discordia, lites,
seditio, caedes, soluuntur foedera pacis.
crimen ob alterius Christum qui in pace negauit^
finibus expulsus patriae est feritate tyranni.
haec breuiter Damasus uoluit comperta referre,
Marcelli ut populus meritum cognoscere possit.

### English translation (Claude)

Because the truthful ruler told the lapsed to weep for their crimes, he was a bitter enemy to all those wretched men. Hence came rage, hence hatred, discord, quarrels, sedition, slaughter; the bonds of peace are broken. For the crime of another, who in time of peace denied Christ, he was driven out from the borders of his homeland by the savagery of the tyrant. Damasus wished to report briefly what he had learned, so that the people might know the merit of Marcellus.

### Translation notes

- Marcellus was bishop of Rome 308-309 and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla. The "tyrant" is the emperor (Maxentius is usually meant). "The lapsed" are Christians who had denied the faith in persecution; the "other" who "denied Christ in peace" is not named.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 48 (Ihm, 51; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/48).

## Epigram 49

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/damasus-epigrammata/1/#p-49
- Source: Ihm, 52
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-22

Summary: Damasus's epigram on the brother martyrs Protus and Hyacinth, whose hidden tomb he brought to light.

### Latin text

Extremo tumulus latui[t sub aggere montis.
hunc Damasus monstrat^ [seruat quod membra piorum.
te Protum retinet mel[ior sibi regia caeli,
sanguine purpureo se[queris, Hyacinthe, probatus.
germani fratres, anim[is ingentibus ambo,
hic uictor meruit pal[mam, prior ille coronam.

### English translation (Claude)

The tomb lay hidden under the farthest mound of the hill. Damasus reveals it, because it keeps the limbs of the godly. You, Protus, the better palace of heaven holds for itself; you, Hyacinth, proved by purple blood, follow. Brothers, both of mighty spirit: this one, as victor, won the palm; that one, first, the crown.

### Translation notes

- In the cemetery of Hermes on the Via Salaria Vetus (Pinciana). Lines 4-6 had been lost from the digital text and are restored from the same OCR; the square brackets mark letters supplied by the editor where the stone is broken.

### Citation (SBL)

Damasus, Epigr. 49 (Ihm, 52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/damasus-epigrammata/49).