Crowns of the Martyrs 1.1–3.193
Latin text: Lanfranchi, Opera (Turin 1898) (Latin text: Lanfranchi, Turin 1898 (public domain), via the Internet Archive OCR).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0).
Chapter 1
1.1Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32
Scripta sunt caelo duorum martyrum vocabula, Aureis quae Christus illic adnotavit litteris : Sanguinis notis eadem scripta terris tradidit. Pollet hoc felix per orbem terra Hibera stemmate. Hic locus dignus tenendis ossibus visus Deo, Qui beatorum pudicus esset hospes corporum. Hic calentes hausit undas caede tinctus duplici ; Inlitas cruore sancto nunc arenas incolae Confrequentant obsecrantes voce, votis, munere. Exteri nec non et orbis huc colonus advenit; Fama nam terras in omnes percucurrit proditrix, Hic patronos esse mundi, quos precantes ambiant. Nemo puras hic rogando frustra congessit preces ; Laetus hinc tersis revertit supplicator fletibus, Omne, quod iustum poposcit, impetratum sentiens. Tanta pro nostris periclis cura suffragantium est ! Non sinunt, inane ut ullus voce murmur fuderit: Audiunt, statimque ad aurem Regis aeterni ferunt. Inde larga fonte ab ipso dona terris influunt, Supplicum caussas petitis quae medelis inrigant. Nil suis bonus negavit Christus unquam testibus : Testibus, quos nec catenae, dura nec mors terruit Unicum Deum fateri sanguinis dispendio : Sanguinis; sed tale damnum lux rependit longior. Hoc genus mortis decorum est, hoc probis dignum viris, Membra morbis exedenda, texta venis languidis, Hostico donare ferro, morte et hostem vincere. Pulchra res ictum sub ense persecutoris pati ! Nobilis per vulnus amplum porta iustis panditur ; Lota mens in fonte rubro sede cordis exsilit. Nec rudem crudi laboris ante vitam duxerant Milites, quos ad perenne cingulum Christus vocat;
The names of two martyrs are written in heaven, which Christ has noted there in golden letters; the same names he has handed down to earth, written in marks of blood. The happy land of Spain is powerful throughout the world with this lineage. This place seemed to God worthy to hold the bones, to be the chaste host of the blessed bodies. It drank in warm streams, dyed with a double slaughter; now the inhabitants throng the sands smeared with holy blood, beseeching with voice, vows and gifts. Even the dweller of the outside world comes here; for report, the betrayer, has run through all lands that here are patrons of the world whom they may approach with prayers. No one here has heaped up pure prayers in asking in vain; the suppliant returns from here glad, his tears wiped away, feeling that everything he justly asked has been obtained. So great is the care of these intercessors for our dangers! They do not let anyone pour out an empty murmur with his voice: they hear, and at once carry it to the ear of the eternal King. From there generous gifts flow to earth from the very fountain, watering the cases of suppliants with the remedies they seek. Good Christ has never denied anything to his witnesses: witnesses whom neither chains nor hard death frightened from confessing the one God at the cost of their blood; of their blood, but a longer light repays such a loss. This kind of death is fitting, this is worthy of upright men: to give the limbs, which disease would eat away, woven with languid veins, to the enemy’s sword, and to conquer the enemy by death. It is a beautiful thing to suffer the blow beneath the persecutor’s sword! A noble door is opened to the righteous through a broad wound; the mind, washed in a red font, leaps out of the seat of the heart. Nor had these soldiers, whom Christ calls to the everlasting belt, formerly led a life untrained in hard toil;
Luke 10:20 (echo, medium confidence) · Rev 6:9 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The two martyrs of Calahorra, whose names are written in heaven, are honored by pilgrims who find their prayers heard through the martyrs’ intercession; death by the persecutor’s sword is a glorious door to heaven.
- Peristephanon 1: the martyrs Emeterius and Chelidonius of Calagurris (Calahorra) in Spain. The martyrs as intercessors who carry prayers to Christ: as written.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; note marks removed; OCR slips; turned-over line end rejoined; OCR slips): voi-abula → vocabula; tra-li^lit . → tradidit.; Pollet hoc fclix per orbem terra Hibera stemmate 1 2 r, → Pollet hoc felix per orbem terra Hibera stemmate.; ffic locus → Hic locus; Qni beatorum → Qui beatorum; liic rogando → hic rogando; nllus voce murmur faderit → ullus voce murmur fuderit; unqaam → unquam; hocprobis dignum vi- Membra morbis exedenda texta venis languidis fris, Hostico donaro ferro, morte et hostem vlneere. → hoc probis dignum viris, Membra morbis exedenda, texta venis languidis, Hostico donare ferro, morte et hostem vincere.; cradi laboris → crudi laboris.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 1.1 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
1.33Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64
Sueta virtus bello et armis, militat sacrariis : Caesaris vexilla linquunt, eligunt signum Crucis, Proque ventosis draconum, quos gerebant, palliis Praeferunt insigne lignum, quod draconem subdidit. Vile censent expeditis ferre dextris spicula, Machinis murum ferire, castra fossis cingere, Impias manus cruentis inquinare stragibus. Forte tunc atrox secundos Israelis posteros Ductor aulae mundialis ire ad aram iusserat, Idolis litare nigris, esse Christi defugas. Liberam succincta ferro pestis urgebat fidem: Illa virgas et secures, et bisulcas ungulas Ultro fortis expetebat, Christi amore interrita. Carcer inligata duris colla baccis impedit. Barbaras forum per omne tortor exercet manus ; Veritas crimen putatur, vox fidelis plectitur. Tunc et ense caesa virtus triste percussit solum . Et, rogis ingesta moestis, ore flammas sorbuit: Dulce tunc iustis cremari, dulce ferrum perpeti. Hic duorum cara fratrum concalescunt pectora, Fida quos per omne tempus iunxerat sodalitas : Stant parati ferre quidquid sors tulisset ultima , Seu foret praebenda cervix ad bipennem publicam, Verberum post vim crepantum, post catastas igneas . Sive pardis offerendum pectus, aut leonibus. Nosne Christo procreati mammonae dicabimur? Et Dei formam gerentes serviemus saeculo? Absit ut caelestis ignis se tenebris misceat. Sit satis, quod capta primo vita sub chirographo Debitum persolvit omne, functa rebus Caesaris : Tempus est Deo rependi quidquid est proprium Dei. Ite, signorum magistri, et vos tribuni absistite ; Aureos auferte torques, sauciorum praemia :
their courage, used to war and arms, now serves the sanctuary: they leave Caesar’s standards, they choose the sign of the Cross, and instead of the windy cloths of dragons that they carried they bear before them the glorious wood that subdued the dragon. They think it worthless to carry javelins in ready right hands, to strike a wall with engines, to surround a camp with ditches, to stain impious hands with bloody slaughter. At that time, as it happened, the cruel leader of the worldly court had ordered the later descendants of Israel to go to the altar, to sacrifice to black idols, to be deserters of Christ. The plague, girt with the sword, pressed hard on free faith; faith, brave, of its own accord sought rods and axes and the two-pronged claws, undaunted through love of Christ. Prison hampered necks bound with hard chains; the torturer plies his barbarous hands through every forum; truth is thought a crime, a faithful voice is punished. Then courage, cut down by the sword, struck the sad ground, and, thrown onto the grim pyres, swallowed flames with its mouth: then it was sweet for the righteous to be burned, sweet to endure the sword. Here the dear hearts of two brothers grow warm, whom faithful comradeship had joined through all time: they stand ready to bear whatever the final lot brought, whether the neck must be offered to the public axe, after the force of cracking scourges, after fiery gridirons, or the breast offered to leopards or to lions. “Shall we, begotten for Christ, be dedicated to mammon? And, bearing God’s image, shall we serve the world? Far be it that heavenly fire should mix itself with darkness. Let it be enough that our life, taken at first under a written bond, has paid every debt, having performed the things of Caesar: it is time to pay back to God whatever is God’s own. Go, masters of the standards; and you tribunes, stand aside; take away the golden collars, rewards of the wounded:
Matt 6:24 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Cor 6:14 (echo, medium confidence) · Col 2:14 (echo, low confidence) · Matt 22:21 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The two soldiers leave the army for the Cross; in a persecution that forced Christians to sacrifice, they stand ready for any torture, declaring that they have paid Caesar his due and now owe themselves to God.
- ‘The later descendants of Israel’ are the Christians. Matt 22:21; 6:24; 2 Cor 6:14; Col 2:14.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; stray line number and note mark removed; OCR slips; OCR slips; lines run together separated; OCR slips; note marks removed; first words of two lines lost in the scan; OCR slips; words run together separated; stray mark removed): ris rexilla linquunt, eliguni signum Crucis, Proqin- ventosis draconum, quos gerebant, palliis 1 1 > ferunt insigne lignum, quod draconera subdidit. Vile censent expeditis ferre deztris spicula, Kachinis murum ferire, castra fossis cingere, lnipias manus → Caesaris vexilla linquunt, eligunt signum Crucis, Proque ventosis draconum, quos gerebant, palliis Praeferunt insigne lignum, quod draconem subdidit. Vile censent expeditis ferre dextris spicula, Machinis murum ferire, castra fossis cingere, Impias manus; Pbrte tunc atrox secundos [sraelis posteros Ductor aulae mundialis ire ad aram iusserat, dolis litare ili nigris, esse Christi defugas. → Forte tunc atrox secundos Israelis posteros Ductor aulae mundialis ire ad aram iusserat, Idolis litare nigris, esse Christi defugas.; el Becures → et secures; Ohristi amore → Christi amore; irapedit → impedit; rogifl ingesta raoestis → rogis ingesta moestis; Seuforetpraebenda eervixadbip snnem publicam, Verberam posl vim crepantum → Seu foret praebenda cervix ad bipennem publicam, Verberum post vim crepantum; , Nosne Christo → Nosne Christo; misceat. GO Sit satis, quod capta primo vita sub chirpgrapho (_) → misceat. Sit satis, quod capta primo vita sub chirographo; Tompus est → Tempus est.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 1.33 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-33
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
1.65Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96
Clara nos hinc Angelorum iam vocant stipendia. Christus illic candidatis praesidet cohortibus, Et throno regnans ab alto, damnat infames deos, Vosque, qui ridenda vobis monstra divos fingitis. Haec loquentes obruuntur mille poenis martyres : Nexibus manus utrasque flexus involvit rigor, Et chalybs attrita colla gravibus ambit circulis O vetustatis silentis obsoleta oblivio ! Invidentur ista nobis, fama et ipsa extinguitur ; Chartulas blasphemus olim nam satelles abstulit, Ne tenacibus libellis erudita saecula Ordinem, tempus, modumque passionis proditum Dulcibus linguis per aures posterorum spargerent. Hoc tamen solum vetusta subtrahunt silentia, Iugibus longum catenis an capillum paverint : Quo viros dolore tortor, quave pompa ornaverit. Illa laus occulta non est, nec senescit tempore, Missa quod sursum per auras evolarunt munera, Quae viam patere caeli praemicando ostenderent. Illius fidem figurans nube fertur annulus, Hic sui dat pignus oris, ut ferunt, orarium: Quae superno rapta flatu lucis intrant intimum. Per poli liquentis axem fulgor auri absconditur, Ac diu visum sequacem textilis candor fugit : Subvehuntur usque in astra, nec videntur amplius. Vidit hoc conventus adstans, ipse vidit carnifex, Et manum repressit haerens, ac stupore obpalluit; Sed tamen peregit ictum, ne periret gloria. Iamne credis, bruta quondam Vasconum gentilitas, Quam sacrum crudelis error immolarit sanguinem ? Credis in Deum relatos hostiarum spiritus? Cerne, quam palam feroces hic domantur daemones, Qui lupino capta ritu devorant praecordia, Strangulant mentes et ipsas, seque miscent sensibus.
the glorious pay of the angels now calls us from here. Christ presides there over the white-robed cohorts, and, reigning from his high throne, condemns the infamous gods, and you who fashion for yourselves laughable monsters as gods.” As they say this, the martyrs are overwhelmed with a thousand punishments: a stiff bond binds both their hands in twisted knots, and steel circles their chafed necks with heavy rings. O worn-out forgetfulness of silent antiquity! These things are begrudged us, and even the report itself is extinguished; for long ago a blasphemous guard took away the records, lest the ages, instructed by tenacious little books, should spread with sweet tongues through the ears of posterity the order, time and manner of the passion they had handed down. This alone, however, the silence of antiquity withholds: whether in perpetual chains they let their hair grow long, with what pain the torturer tormented the men, or with what pomp he adorned them. That glory is not hidden, nor does it grow old with time, that gifts sent up flew upward through the air, to show by flashing ahead that the way to heaven lay open. The one’s ring, figuring his faith, is borne up in a cloud; the other gives his handkerchief, as they say, as a pledge of his mouth: these, snatched up by a breath from above, enter the inmost light. The gleam of the gold is hidden in the axis of the clear sky, and the whiteness of the cloth long escapes the eye that follows it: they are carried up to the stars and are seen no more. The assembly standing by saw this, the executioner himself saw it, and held back his hand, hesitating, and grew pale with astonishment; but yet he completed the blow, lest the glory perish. Do you now believe, once brutish heathenism of the Basques, what sacred blood cruel error sacrificed? Do you believe the spirits of the victims were carried back to God? See how openly the fierce demons are tamed here, who in wolfish fashion devour the hearts they have seized, strangle the very minds, and mingle themselves with the senses.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Rev 7:9 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The records of the martyrs’ passion were destroyed by a persecutor, but it is remembered that at their execution a ring and a handkerchief were carried up to heaven; the poet calls on the once-pagan Basques to see the martyrs’ power over demons.
- Several lines run together in the OCR were separated; the first words of two lines (‘Missa’, ‘Iamne’) are lost in the scan and read by sense.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; lines run together separated; OCR slips; lines run together separated; stray line number removed; stray line number removed): Cbristus illic candidatis praesidet cobortibus → Christus illic candidatis praesidet cohortibus; 0 vetustatis → O vetustatis; abstulit, ?•"> → abstulit,; prodituni → proditum; aui-es → aures; Eoc tamen solnm vetosta subtrahunt silentia, ugibus longum catenis an capillum paverinl : Quo viros dolore tortor, qnave p<>inpa ornaverit. Illa lans occnlta oon est, oec senescit tempore, quod snrsum per anras evolarnnt mnnera, Quae viain patere caeli praemicando ostenderent. Qlins Bdem fignrans nnbe fertor annulus, Eic sni dat pignns oris, ut fernnt, <>rarium r.'i: Quae snperno rapta flatn lucis intrant intimnm. Per poli liquentis axem fulgor auri absconditur. A.c din visum sequacem textilis candor fiigit : Subvebuntnr usque in astra, necvidentur aniplius. → Hoc tamen solum vetusta subtrahunt silentia, Iugibus longum catenis an capillum paverint : Quo viros dolore tortor, quave pompa ornaverit. Illa laus occulta non est, nec senescit tempore, Missa quod sursum per auras evolarunt munera, Quae viam patere caeli praemicando ostenderent. Illius fidem figurans nube fertur annulus, Hic sui dat pignus oris, ut ferunt, orarium: Quae superno rapta flatu lucis intrant intimum. Per poli liquentis axem fulgor auri absconditur, Ac diu visum sequacem textilis candor fugit : Subvehuntur usque in astra, nec videntur amplius.; ne periret u-loria. amne credis, brnta quondam Vasconum gentilitas, Quam sacrum crudelis error immolarit sanguinem ? <'i"'li.s in Deum relatos hostiarium spiritus? Cerne, quam palam feroces hic domantur daemon Qui lupino → ne periret gloria. Iamne credis, bruta quondam Vasconum gentilitas, Quam sacrum crudelis error immolarit sanguinem ? Credis in Deum relatos hostiarum spiritus? Cerne, quam palam feroces hic domantur daemones, Qui lupino.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 1.65 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-65
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
1.97Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–117
Tunc, suo iam plenus hoste, sistitur forens homo, Spumeas efflans salivas, cruda torquens lumina, Expiandus quaestione non suorum criminum. Audias, nec tortor instat, eiulatus flebiles : Scinditur per flagra corpus, nec flagellum cernitur ; Crescit et suspensus ipse vinculis latentibus. His modis spurcum latronem martyrum virtus quatit : Haec coercet, torquet, urit, haec catenas incutit; Praedo vexatus relictis se medullis exuit : Linquit inlaesam rapinam, faucibus siccis fugit, Ungue ab imo usque ad capillum salva reddit omnia , Confitens ardere sese ; nam gehennae est incola. Quid loquar purgata longis alba morbis corpora? Algidus quum decoloros horror artus concutit, Hic tumor vultum relinquit, hic color verus redit. Hoc bonum Salvator ipse , quo fruamur , praestitit , Martyrum quum membra nostro consecravit oppido, Sospitant quae nunc colonos, quos Hiberus adluit. State nunc, hymnite, matres, pro receptis parvulis ; Coniugum salute laeta vox maritarum strepat: Sit dies haec festa nobis, sit sacratum gaudium.
Then the raving man, already full of his enemy, is set before them, blowing out foaming spittle, rolling bloodshot eyes, to be purged by a trial for crimes not his own. You may hear tearful wailings, though no torturer presses; the body is torn by lashes, though no whip is seen; and he is hoisted up himself, hung by hidden chains. In these ways the power of the martyrs shakes the filthy robber: it restrains, it tortures, it burns, it puts on chains; the plunderer, harassed, strips himself out of the marrow he leaves; he leaves his prey unharmed, he flees with dry jaws, he gives everything back safe, from the bottom of the nail to the hair, confessing that he burns; for he is a dweller of Gehenna. Why should I speak of bodies cleansed and made white after long illnesses? When cold shivering shakes the discolored limbs, here the swelling leaves the face, here the true color returns. This good the Savior himself provided for us to enjoy, when he consecrated the limbs of the martyrs in our town, which now keep safe the settlers whom the Ebro washes. Stand now, mothers, and sing hymns for little ones restored; let the glad voice of wives resound for the safety of husbands: let this day be a feast for us, let it be a sacred joy.
Notes and citation
Summary: At the martyrs’ shrine the possessed are delivered as the demons are tormented and flee, and the sick are healed; the people of the Ebro valley are called to celebrate the feast.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slips; stray line number removed): lumina, [100 → lumina,; fiagra corpus, nec flagelluin → flagra corpus, nec flagellum; praestitit ,115 → praestitit ,.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 1.97 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-97). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/1-97
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 2
2.1Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32
Antiqua fanorum parens, Iam Roma Christo dedita, Laurentio victrix duce Ritum triumphas barbarum. Reges superbos viceras, Populosque frenis presseras; Nunc monstruosis idolis Imponis imperi iugum. Haec sola deerat gloria Urbis togatae insignibus, Feritate capta gentium Domaret ut spurcum Iovem, Non turbulentis viribus, Cossi, Camilli, aut Caesaris, Sed martyris Laurentii Non incruento proelio. Armata pugnavit fides, Proprii cruoris prodiga ; Nam morte mortem diruit, Ac semet impendit sibi. Fore hoc sacerdos dixerat Iam Xystus, adfixus cruci, Laurentium flentem videns Crucis sub ipso stipite : Desiste discessu meo Fletum dolenter fundere : Praecedo, frater; tu quoque Post hoc sequeris triduum. Extrema vox episcopi Praenuntiatrix gloriae Nihil fefellit; nam dies Praedicta palmam praestitit.
Ancient mother of temples, Rome, now given over to Christ, victorious under Lawrence’s leadership, you triumph over barbarous rites. You had conquered proud kings and pressed peoples under your reins; now you put the yoke of your rule upon monstrous idols. This glory alone was lacking to the honors of the toga-clad city, that, having captured the savagery of the nations, it should tame filthy Jupiter, not by the turbulent forces of Cossus, Camillus or Caesar, but by the not-bloodless battle of the martyr Lawrence. Faith fought armed, lavish of its own blood; for by death it destroyed death and spent itself for itself. This the bishop Sixtus had foretold, already fixed to the cross, seeing Lawrence weeping beneath the very trunk of the cross: “Stop pouring out tears in grief at my departure: I go before, brother; you too will follow after these three days.” The bishop’s last words, foretelling glory, were not at all false; for the day foretold gave him the palm.
Notes and citation
Summary: Rome, once mother of temples, has conquered its idols through the martyr Lawrence; Bishop Sixtus, on the cross, foretold that his deacon would follow him in three days.
- Peristephanon 2: the deacon Lawrence of Rome (d. 258). The poet places Sixtus II on a cross; as written.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): fanorura → fanorum; Lavkextio victrix → Laurentio victrix; harbarum → barbarum; Xunc monstruosis → Nunc monstruosis; Drbis togatae msignibus → Urbis togatae insignibus; Domarot → Domaret; Laveentii → Laurentii; Annata pugnavit → Armata pugnavit.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.1 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.33Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64
Qua voce, quantis laudibus Celebrabo mortis ordinem? Quo passionem carmine Digne retexens concinam? Hic primus e septem viris, Qui stant ad aram proximi, Levita sublimis gradu, Et ceteris praestantior, Claustris sacrorum praeerat, Caelestis arcanum domus Fidis gubernans clavibus, Votasque dispensans opes. Versat famem pecuniae, Qua vi latentes eruat Nummos, operta existimans Talenta sub sacrariis, Cumulosque congestos tegi. Laurentium sisti iubet, Exquirit arcam ditibus Massis refertam, et fulgidae Montes monetae conditos . « Soletis, inquit, conqueri, Saevire nos iusto amplius, Quum christiana corpora Plusquam cruente scindimus. Abest atrocioribus Censura fervens motibus : Blande et quiete efflagito Quod sponte obire debeas. Hunc esse vestris orgiis Moremque et artem proditum est, Hanc disciplinam foederis,
With what voice, with what praises shall I celebrate the order of his death? With what song shall I worthily unfold and sing his passion? He was first of the seven men who stand nearest the altar, a Levite lofty in rank and more excellent than the rest; he was in charge of the doors of the sacred things, governing with faithful keys the secret of the heavenly house and dispensing the offered wealth. [The prefect] turns over a hunger for money, by what force he may dig out the hidden coins, thinking that talents lay covered beneath the sanctuaries, and that heaped-up piles were concealed. He orders Lawrence to be brought before him; he demands the chest stuffed with rich lumps, and the hidden mountains of gleaming coin. “You are accustomed,” he says, “to complain that we rage more than is just, when we tear Christian bodies more than cruelly. Severity, fervent with harsher emotions, is absent here: I demand mildly and quietly what you ought to carry out of your own accord. That this is the custom and the art in your rites has been reported, this the discipline of your covenant,
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Lawrence, chief of Rome’s seven deacons, kept the church’s treasury; the greedy prefect, believing gold was hidden in the churches, summoned him and demanded it.
- ‘Levite’ is the poet’s term for a deacon. A few lines appear lost in the scan before ‘Versat famem pecuniae’ (the subject, the prefect, is supplied in brackets).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray marks removed; stray line number removed): Gelebrabo niortis → Celebrabo mortis; gubernana → gubernans; Vbtaaque → Votasque; - Versat fameui pecuniae 1' Qua vi latentes ernat Nummos, operta ezistimans → Versat famem pecuniae, Qua vi latentes eruat Nummos, operta existimans; Lavbentiym → Laurentium; M.i-sis refertam → Massis refertam; Rfontes monetae → Montes monetae; inquit. conqueri → inquit, conqueri; scindimus. GO → scindimus.; qniete → quiete; Bioremqne → Moremque.
Topics: Martyrdom, Church office
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.33 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-33
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.65Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96
Libent ut auro antistites. Argenteis scyphis ferunt Fumare sacrum sanguinem, Auroque nocturnis sacris Adstare fixos cereos. Tum summa cura est fratribus, Ut sermo testatur loquax, Offerre, fundis venditis, Sestertiorum millia. Addicta avorum praedia Foedis sub auctionibus Successor exheres gemit, Sanctis egens parentibus. Haec occuluntur abditis Ecclesiarum in angulis, Et summa pietas creditur Nudare dulces liberos. Deprome thesauros, malis Suadendo quos praestigiis Exaggeratos obtines, Nigrante quos claudis specu. Hoc poscit usus publicus, Hoc fiscus, hoc aerarium, Ut dedita stipendiis Ducem iuvet pecunia. Sic dogma vestrum est, audio: Suum quibusque reddito ; En, Caesar agnoscit suum Numisma nummis inditum. Quod Caesaris scis, Caesari Da : nempe iustum postulo: Ni fallor, haud ullam tuus
that the bishops pour libations from gold. They say that the sacred blood smokes in silver cups, and that at the nocturnal rites wax tapers stand fixed in gold. Then the brothers’ greatest care is, as talkative report bears witness, to offer, when their estates are sold, thousands of sesterces. The heir, disinherited, groans that his ancestors’ estates have been knocked down in shameful auctions, made needy by saintly parents. These things are hidden in the secret corners of the churches, and it is believed the height of piety to strip one’s sweet children bare. Bring out the treasures, which, by persuading with wicked tricks, you hold heaped up, which you shut in a dark cave. Public need demands this, the imperial purse, the treasury demands this, so that the money, given over to pay, may help the commander. This is your doctrine, I hear: Render to each his own; see, Caesar recognizes his own image stamped on the coins. What you know is Caesar’s, give to Caesar: I ask only what is just, surely; unless I am mistaken, your God
Matt 22:21 (allusion, high confidence) · Rom 13:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The prefect alleges that Christian bishops use gold and silver vessels and that the faithful sell their estates to enrich the churches, and demands the treasure for the state, quoting Christ’s saying about rendering to Caesar.
- The prefect’s accusation, as the poet gives it. Matt 22:21.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; stray line number removed): fundis venditis, 7"> → fundis venditis,; D;i : nempe → Da : nempe; Xi (allor, haial ullam tuua → Ni fallor, haud ullam tuus.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.65 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-65
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.97Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128
Signat Deus pecuniam ; Nec, quum veniret, aureos Secum Philippos detulit, Praecepta sed verbis dedit, Inanis a marsupio. Implete dictorum fidem, Quam vos per orbem venditis ; Nummos libenter reddite : Estote verbis divites ». Nil asperum Laurentius Refert ad ista, aut turbidum ; Sed, ut paratus obsequi, Obtemperanter adnuit. « Est dives, inquit, non nego, Habetque nostra Ecclesia Opumque et auri plurimum ; Nec quisquam in orbe est ditior. Is ipse tantum non habet Argenteorum aenigmatum Augustus, arcem possidens, Cui nummus omnis scribitur. Sed nec recuso prodere Locupletis arcam numinis ; Vulgabo cuncta, et proferam Pretiosa, quae Christus tenet. Unum sed orans flagito, Induciarum paullulum, Quo fungar efficacius Promissionis munere, Dum tota digestim mihi Christi supellex scribitur;
stamps no money; nor, when he came, did he bring golden Philips with him, but gave commands in words, empty of purse. Fulfil the faith of his sayings, which you sell throughout the world; give back the coins willingly: be rich in words.” Lawrence replies nothing harsh or turbulent to this, but, as one ready to comply, he nods obediently. “She is rich,” he says, “I do not deny it; our Church has very much wealth and gold; nor is anyone in the world richer. He himself has not so much of silver tokens, Augustus, who holds the citadel, for whom every coin is inscribed. But I do not refuse to bring out the chest of the wealthy Godhead; I will make all public and bring forth the precious things that Christ holds. One thing only I beg and ask: a little respite, so that I may discharge more effectively the duty of my promise, while the whole furniture of Christ is written down for me item by item;
Matt 10:9 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The prefect taunts that Christ brought no money and taught in words alone; Lawrence calmly agrees that the Church is richer than the emperor and promises to bring out Christ’s treasures if given a little time.
- ‘Philips’: gold coins (of Philip of Macedon). Matt 10:9. A leftover footnote (‘arcem: scil. imperii’) was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leftover footnote removed): Secum 1'hilippos detulit, Praecepta s"<i verbis dedit, Inanis a niarsupio. → Secum Philippos detulit, Praecepta sed verbis dedit, Inanis a marsupio.; Xil asperum Lavrentivs Befert → Nil asperum Laurentius Refert; Pretiosa, quae Christus tenet. (U) arcem. Scil. imperii. Unum → Pretiosa, quae Christus tenet. Unum; panllulum → paullulum; Quo ftmgar efficacius Promissioiiis niiincre → Quo fungar efficacius Promissionis munere; sapellex scrihitur → supellex scribitur.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.97 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-97). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-97
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.129Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160
Nam calculanda primitus, Tum subnotanda est summula. » Laetus tumescit gaudio Praefectus, ac spe devorat Aurum, velut iam conditum Domi maneret, gestiens. Pepigere tempus tridui ; Laudatus inde absolvitur Laurentius, sponsor sui, Et sponsor ingentis Iucri. Tribus per urbem cursitat Diebus, infirma agmina, Omnesque, qui poscunt stipem, Cogens in unum et congregans. Illic utrisque obtutibus Orbes cavatos praeferens, Baculo regebat praevio Errore mutantem gradum ; Et claudus infracto genu, Vel crure trunco semipes, Breviorve planta ex altera, Gressum trahebat imparem. Est ulcerosis artubus Qui tabe corrupta fluat ; Est, cuius arens dextera Nervos in ulnam contrahat. Tales plateis omnibus Exquirit, adsuetos ali Ecclesiae matris penu, Quos ipse promus noverat. Recenset exin singulos, Scribens viritim nomina ;
for it must first be reckoned up, then the sum must be noted down.” The prefect swells with joyful gladness, and in hope devours the gold, exulting, as if it were already stored up at his home. They agreed on a period of three days; then Lawrence is praised and released, his own surety, and surety for an immense profit. For three days he runs about through the city, gathering and collecting together the feeble bands and all who ask for alms. There one, holding out hollow orbs in place of both his eyes, guided with a staff going before him his step that strayed in error; and one lame with broken knee, or half-footed with a cut-off leg, or with one sole shorter than the other, dragged an unequal step. There is one with ulcerous limbs, who flows with corrupt decay; there is one whose withered right hand draws its sinews into the elbow. Such people he seeks out in all the streets, used to being fed from the store of mother Church, whom he as steward himself had known. Then he reviews them one by one, writing down their names man by man,
Luke 14:21 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Given three days, Lawrence gathers from all the streets the blind, the lame, the sick and maimed whom the Church fed, and records their names.
- The first word of line 31 is damaged in the scan (‘oset’); read ‘Recenset’ by sense.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; first syllables lost in the scan; stray line number removed): primitua, Tum suhnotanda est summnla. » → primitus, Tum subnotanda est summula. »; Laubentius → Laurentius; in ununi → in unum; utrisque obtutibus 14-v> → utrisque obtutibus; Talea plateis omnibns Bxquirit, adsuetoa ali → Tales plateis omnibus Exquirit, adsuetos ali; oset exin singulus, → Recenset exin singulos,.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.129 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-129). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-129
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.161Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–192
Longo et locatos ordine Adstare pro templo iubet. Praescriptus et iam fluxerat Dies: furebat fervido Iudex avarus spiritu, Promissa solvi efflagitans. Tum martyr: « Adsistas velim, Coramque dispostas opes Mirere, quas noster Deus Praedives in sanctis habet. Videbis ingens atrium Fulgere vasis aureis, Et per patentes porticus Structos talentis ordines. » It ille, nec pudet sequi. Ventum ad sacratam ianuam: Stabant catervae pauperum, Inculta visu examina. Fragor rogantum tollitur: Praefectus horrescit stupens, Conversus in Laurentium, Oculisque turbatis minax. Contra ille : « Quid frendens, ait, Minitaris? aut quid displicet? Num sordida haec, aut vilia? Num despuenda existimas? Aurum, quod ardenter sitis, Effossa gignunt rudera, Et de metallis squalidis Poenalis excudit labor;
and he bids them stand before the church, arranged in a long line. And now the prescribed day had passed; the greedy judge was raging with fervid spirit, demanding that the promises be paid. Then the martyr: “I would like you to be present and, in their presence, to marvel at the wealth set out, which our very rich God has in his saints. You will see a huge hall gleaming with golden vessels, and through the open porticoes rows built of talents.” He goes, nor is he ashamed to follow. They came to the sacred door: there stood crowds of poor people, swarms unkempt to look at. A din of beggars rises; the prefect shudders, astonished, turning on Lawrence, threatening with troubled eyes. But he: “Why do you threaten,” he says, “gnashing your teeth? Or what displeases you? Are these things squalid or cheap? Do you think them fit to be spat on? The gold for which you burningly thirst is produced by dug-up rubble, and penal labor beats it out of squalid mines;
Notes and citation
Summary: When the day came, Lawrence led the prefect to the church door, where the crowds of the poor stood as the Church’s treasure; the prefect was enraged, and Lawrence began to contrast them with gold dug from mines.
- Two leftover footnotes (on ‘structos talentis’ and ‘rogantum’) were removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leftover footnotes removed; OCR slip): A.dstare pro templo inbet. → Adstare pro templo iubet.; fluxeral → fluxerat; efflagitiins → efflagitans; noster D^us → noster Deus; Lavrentivm → Laurentium; Oculisque turbatis minax. (li Structos talentis etc. Talenta acervatim disposita. (b) rogantum. Stipe precaria rictitantium. Contra ille : « Quid frendons, → Oculisque turbatis minax. Contra ille : « Quid frendens,.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.161 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-161). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-161
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.193Lanfranchi 1:lines 193–224
Torrens vel amnis turbidis Volvens arenis implicat , Quod terrulentum ac sordidum, Flammis necesse est decoqui. Pudor per aurum solvitur, Violatur auro integritas, Pax occidit, fides perit, Leges et ipsae intercidunt. Quid tu venenum gloriae Extollis, et magni putas? Si quaeris aurum verius , Lux est, et humanum genus. Hi sunt alumni luminis, Quos corpus arctat debile, Ne per salutem viscerum Mens insolescat turgida. Quum membra morbua disiicit, Animus viget robustior: Membris vicissim fortibus Vis sauciatur sensuum. Nam sanguis in culpam calens Minus ministrat virium, Si fervor effetus malis Elumbe virus contrahat. Si forte detur optio, Malim dolore asperrimo Fragmenta membrorum pati, Et pulcher intus vivere. Committe formas pestium, Et confer alternas lues : Carnisne morbus foedior, An mentis, et morum ulcera?
or a torrent river, rolling it with muddy sands, entangles it, and, earthy and squalid as it is, it must be refined in flames. Chastity is undone through gold, integrity is violated by gold, peace perishes, faith dies, and the laws themselves fall away. Why do you exalt the poison of glory and think it great? If you seek truer gold, it is light, and the human race. These are the nurslings of light, whom a weak body confines, lest through the health of the flesh the mind grow insolent and swollen. When disease breaks up the limbs, the soul thrives the more robust; in turn, when the limbs are strong, the power of the senses is wounded. For blood that grows hot toward guilt supplies less strength if its fervor, exhausted by ills, draws in an enfeebling poison. If perhaps a choice were given, I would rather suffer with sharpest pain the breaking of my limbs, and live beautiful within. Compare the forms of plagues, and set the two diseases side by side: is the disease of the flesh fouler, or the ulcers of the mind and morals?
1 Tim 6:10 (echo, medium confidence) · 2 Cor 12:10 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Lawrence argues that gold corrupts chastity, peace and law, while the true gold is light and humankind; bodily weakness humbles and strengthens the soul, and disease of the mind is worse than disease of the flesh.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray marks removed): Vblvens arenis → Volvens arenis; Animus \ igei robustior: _' → Animus viget robustior:; Nam Banguis in curpam calens llinus ministrai virium, Si fervor effetua malis Elumbo virus contrahat. → Nam sanguis in culpam calens Minus ministrat virium, Si fervor effetus malis Elumbe virus contrahat.; Eragmenta → Fragmenta; yivere → vivere.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.193 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 193–224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-193). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-193
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.225Lanfranchi 1:lines 225–256
Nostri per artus debiles, Intus decoris integri, Sensum venusti innoxium Languoris expertes gerunt ; Vestros valentes corpore Interna corrumpit lepra, Errorque mancum claudicat, Et coeca fraus nihil videt. Quemvis tuorum divitum, Qui veste et ore praenitent, Magis probabo debilem, Quam quis meorum est pauperum. Hunc, qui superbit serico, Quem currus inflatum vehit , Hydrops aquosus lucido Tendit veneno intrinsecus ; Ast hic avarus contrahit Manus recurvas, et volam Plicans aduncis unguibus, Laxare nervos non valet. Istum libido foetida Per scorta tractum publica Luto et cloacis inquinat, Dum spurca mendicat stupra. Quid ille fervens ambitum, Sitimque honoris aestuans. Mersisne anhelat febribus, Atque igne venarum furit? Quisquis tacendi intemperans Silenda prurit prodere , Vexatur, et scalpit iecur, Scabiemque cordis sustinet.
Our poor, through their weak limbs, whole in their inward beauty, carry a lovely, harmless sense, free of languor; your people, strong in body, are corrupted by an inner leprosy, and error limps maimed, and blind fraud sees nothing. Any one of your rich men, who shine in dress and face, I will prove more feeble than any one of my poor. This man, who is proud in silk, whom a chariot carries puffed up, watery dropsy stretches within with a glistening poison; but this miser draws in his hands curved back, and, folding his palm with hooked nails, cannot loosen his sinews. That one foul lust, dragged through public harlots, pollutes with mud and sewers, while he begs for filthy acts of sexual immorality. What of that one, burning with ambition and seething with thirst for honor? Does he not pant with hidden fevers and rage with the fire of his veins? Whoever, intemperate in keeping silent, itches to betray what should be kept silent is harassed and scratches his liver, and suffers an itch of the heart.
Notes and citation
Summary: The poor, though weak in body, are sound within; the rich are diseased inwardly: the proud man with dropsy, the miser with crippled hands, the lustful man with filth, the ambitious man with fever, the gossip with an itching heart.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray line number removed): Eydrops → Hydrops; scalpit iecur, lJ">."> → scalpit iecur,.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.225 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 225–256; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-225). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-225
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.257Lanfranchi 1:lines 257–288
Quid invidorum pectorum Strumas retexam turgidas? Quid purulenta et livida Malignitatum vulnera? Tute ipse, qui Romam regis, Contemptor aeterni Dei, Dum daemonum sordes colis, Morbo laboras regio. Hi, quos superbus despicis, Quos exsecrandos iudicas, Brevi ulcerosos exuent Artus, et incolumes erunt , Quum, carne corruptissima Tandem soluti ac liberi, Pulcherrimo vitae statu In arce lucebunt Patris: Non sordidati aut debiles, Sicut videntur interim, Sed purpurantibus stolis Clari, et coronis aureis. Tum, si facultas suppetat, Coram tuis obtutibus Istos potentes saeculi Velim recensendos dari. Pannis videres obsitos, Et muculentis naribus, Mento salivis uvidum, Lipposque palpebra putri. Peccante nil est taetrius, Nil tam leprosum aut putidum: Cruda est cicatrix criminum, Oletque, ut antrum Tartari. Animabus inversa vice
Why should I unravel the swollen tumors of envious hearts? Why the festering and livid wounds of malice? You yourself, who rule Rome, despiser of the eternal God, while you worship the filth of demons, suffer from the ‘royal disease’. These, whom you proudly despise, whom you judge accursed, will shortly put off their ulcerous limbs, and will be whole, when, released at last and free from most corrupt flesh, in the most beautiful state of life they will shine in the Father’s citadel: not filthy or feeble, as they now seem, but bright in purple robes and golden crowns. Then, if the opportunity were at hand, I would like those powerful men of the world to be brought for review before your eyes. You would see them covered in rags, with snotty noses, chin wet with spittle, and bleary with rotting eyelids. Nothing is more hideous than a sinner, nothing so leprous or putrid: the scar of crimes is raw, and it stinks like the cave of Tartarus. By a reversed exchange, on souls
Rev 7:9 (echo, medium confidence) · Rev 4:4 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The prefect, a worshiper of demons, is himself diseased; the poor he despises will rise whole and crowned in heaven, while the powerful will appear in the soul’s true state, ragged and foul, for nothing is more hideous than a sinner.
- ‘Royal disease’ (morbus regius) is jaundice. Rev 7:9–14.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; lines run together separated): retexani → retexam; Bfalignitatum rulnera → Malignitatum vulnera; Tute ipse, qui Bomam regis, Contemptor aeterni Doi, I »11111 daemonum sordos colis, Bforbo laboras regio. Hi. quos → Tute ipse, qui Romam regis, Contemptor aeterni Dei, Dum daemonum sordes colis, Morbo laboras regio. Hi, quos; Quoa exsecrandos → Quos exsecrandos; ulccrosos exuent, Arlus → ulcerosos exuent Artus; corruptissiina → corruptissima; vitao → vitae; Bicut videntur intorim → Sicut videntur interim; coronia aureis → coronis aureis; obtutibus stoa potentea saeculi → obtutibus Istos potentes saeculi; Kt muculentis → Et muculentis; INI «i it mii salivis nvidum, → Mento salivis uvidum,; Xil tam Leprosum → Nil tam leprosum; eicatrix criniiimm → cicatrix criminum.
Topics: Eschatology, Ethics
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.257 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 257–288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-257). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-257
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.289Lanfranchi 1:lines 289–320
Corrupta forma infligitur, Quas puleher adspectus prius In corpore oblectaverat. En ergo nummos aureos, Quos proxime spoponderam, Quos nec favillis obruat Ruina, nec fur subtrahat. Nunc addo gemmas nobiles, Ne pauperem Christum putes : Gemmas corusci luminis, Ornatur hoc templum quibus. Cernis sacratas virgines, Mireris intactas anus, Primique post damnum tori Ignis secundi nescias. Hoc est monile Ecclesiae, His illa gemmis comitur ; Dotata sic Christo placet, Sic ornat altum verticem. Eccum talenta ; suscipe . Ornabis urbem Romulam, Ditabis et rem principis, Fies et ipse ditior. » Ridemur, exclamat fremens Praefectus, ac miris modis Per tot figuras ludimur : Et vivit insanum caput? Impune tantas, furcifer, Strophas cavillo mimico Te nexuisse existimas, Dum, scurra, saltas fabulam? Concinna risu urbanitas
a corrupted form is inflicted, which a beautiful appearance in the body had formerly delighted. See then the golden coins which I promised lately, which neither ruin may bury in ashes nor a thief steal away. Now I add noble gems, lest you think Christ poor: gems of flashing light, with which this temple is adorned. You see consecrated virgins; you may marvel at untouched old women, and those who, after the loss of their first marriage, know nothing of a second flame. This is the necklace of the Church, with these gems she is adorned; so dowered she pleases Christ, so she adorns her lofty head. Here are the talents: take them. You will adorn the city of Romulus, you will enrich the emperor’s estate, and you yourself will become richer.” “We are being laughed at,” cries the prefect, roaring, “and in wondrous ways we are mocked through so many figures! And is the mad fellow still alive? Do you think, you rogue, that you have woven such tricks with a mime’s jesting with impunity, while, buffoon, you dance your play? That elegant wit with laughter
Matt 6:20 (allusion, medium confidence) · Isa 61:10 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Lawrence presents the poor as the Church’s gold and the consecrated virgins and widows who refused second marriage as her jewels; the prefect, furious at being mocked, turns on him.
- The widows ‘who, after the loss of their first marriage, know nothing of a second flame’ are women who did not remarry after their husband’s death. Matt 6:20.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; stray line number removed): infligitur, _".io → infligitur,; Eb ergo → En ergo; Christuin → Christum; luininis → luminis; Imptme tantas, rurcifer, Strophas » cavUlo mimico → Impune tantas, furcifer, Strophas cavillo mimico; Bcurra, saltas fabolam → scurra, saltas fabulam; Concinna risa oxbanitas → Concinna risu urbanitas.
Topics: Martyrdom, Marriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.289 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 289–320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-289). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-289
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.321Lanfranchi 1:lines 321–352
Tractare nosmet ludicro? Ergon' cachinnis venditus Acroma festivum fui? Adeone nulla austeritas, Censura nulla est fascibus? Adeon' securem publicam Mollis retundit lenitas? Dicis : libenter oppetam ; Votiva mora est martyri. Est ista vobis, novimus, Persuasionis vanitas. Sed non volenti impertiam, Praestetur ut mortis citae Compendiosus exitus : Perire raptim non dabo. Vitam tenebo, et differam Poenis morarum iugibus, Et mors inextricabilis Longos dolores protrahet. Prunas tepentes sternite, Ne fervor ignitus nimis Os contumacis occupet, Et cordis intret abdita. Vapor senescens langueat, Qui fusus adflatu levi Tormenta sensim temperet, Semiustulati corporis. Bene est, quod ipse ex omnibus Mysteriarches incidit : Hic solus exemplum dabit, Quid mox timere debeant. Conscende constratum rogum ;
to treat us as a plaything? Have I then been sold to guffaws as a festive entertainment? Is there then no sternness, no severity left in the fasces? Does soft mildness so blunt the public axe? You say: ‘I will gladly meet death; to a martyr, delay is what he prays to be spared.’ This is your empty persuasion, we know it. But I will not grant you your wish that the short way out of a swift death should be provided: I will not let you perish quickly. I will keep you alive, and put it off with continual punishments of delay, and an inextricable death will draw out long pains. Spread out warm coals, lest the fiery heat too quickly seize the stubborn man’s mouth and enter the hidden parts of his heart. Let the vapor grow old and languish, so that, spread with a light breath, it may temper little by little the torments of the half-burned body. It is good that of them all the master of the mysteries himself has fallen in: he alone will give an example of what they ought soon to fear. Climb onto the spread pyre;
Notes and citation
Summary: The enraged prefect refuses Lawrence a quick death and orders him roasted slowly on gentle coals as an example to all Christians.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; stray line number removed): Tractare nosmet lndicr Ergon' cachinnis → Tractare nosmet ludicro? Ergon' cachinnis; AcrOma festivnm → Acroma festivum; Adeone nnlla ansteritas, Censnra → Adeone nulla austeritas, Censura; Esi ista → Est ista; novjmus → novimus; protrabet → protrahet; Ne? ervor → Ne fervor; incidit : 35$ → incidit :.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.321 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 321–352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-321). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-321
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.353Lanfranchi 1:lines 353–384
Decumbe digno lectulo : Tunc, si libebit, disputa Nil esse Vulcanum meum. » — Haec fante Praefecto, truces Hinc inde tortores parant Nudare amictu martyrem, Vincire membra, et tendere. Illi os decore splenduit, Fulgorque circumfusus est. Talem revertens Legifer De monte vultum detulit; Iudaea quem plebs aureo Bove inquinata et decolor Expavit, et faciem retro Detorsit impatiens Dei. Talemque et ille praetulit Oris corusci gloriam Stephanus, per imbrem saxeum Caelos apertos intuens. Inluminatum hoc eminus Recens piatis fratribus, Baptisma quos nuper datum Christi capaces fecerat. Ast impiorum caecitas, Os oblitum noctis situ, Nigrante sub velamine Obducta, clarum non videt. Aegyptiae plagae in modum, Quae quum tenebris barbaros Damnaret, Hebraeis diem Sudo exhibebat lumine. Quin ipsa odoris qualitas,
lie down on the bed you deserve: then, if you please, argue that my Vulcan is nothing.” As the prefect spoke so, the cruel torturers on this side and that prepare to strip the martyr of his clothing, to bind his limbs and stretch them. His face shone with beauty, and a brightness was poured around him. Such a face the Lawgiver, returning, brought down from the mountain, which the Jewish people, defiled and discolored by the golden calf, dreaded, and turned their faces back, unable to bear God. And such glory of a shining face that Stephen too displayed, looking upon the opened heavens through the rain of stones. This light was seen from afar by the brothers lately cleansed, whom the baptism recently given had made able to receive Christ. But the blindness of the impious, their face smeared with the mould of night, covered under a dark veil, does not see the brightness: like the Egyptian plague, which, when it condemned the barbarians to darkness, showed day to the Hebrews with a clear light. Moreover, the very quality of the smell,
Exod 34:29 (allusion, high confidence) · Exod 34:30 (allusion, high confidence) · Exod 32:4 (allusion, medium confidence) · Acts 7:55 (allusion, high confidence) · Acts 7:58 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Cor 3:15 (echo, medium confidence) · Exod 10:23 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: As Lawrence is stripped and bound, his face shines like Moses’ coming down from Sinai and Stephen’s at his stoning; the newly baptized see the light, but the blind impious do not, as in the plague of darkness on Egypt.
- Exod 34:29–35; 32:1–6; 2 Cor 3:13–16; Acts 6:15; 7:55–56; Exod 10:22–23.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): Dli os decore → Illi os decore; Talein revertena → Talem revertens; inqninata → inquinata; per imbrem Mxeum → per imbrem saxeum; Cbristi capaces → Christi capaces; Ast irapiorum → Ast impiorum; Qnin ipsa → Quin ipsa.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.353 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 353–384; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-353). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-353
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.385Lanfranchi 1:lines 385–416
Adusta quam reddit cutis, Diversa utrosque permovet : His nidor, illis nectar est. Idemque sensus, dispari Variatus aura, aut adficit Horrore nares vindice, Aut mulcet oblectamine. Sic, ignis aeternus, Deus : Nam Christus ignis verus est; Is ipse complet lumine Iustos, et urit noxios. Postquam vapor diutinus Decoxit exustum latus, Ultro e catasta iudicem Compellat adfatu brevi : — « Converte partem corporis Satis crematam iugiter, Et fac periclum, quid tuus Vulcanus ardens egerit. » — Praefectus inverti iubet. Tunc ille : — « Coctum est, devora; Et experimentum cape, Sit crudum, an assum suavius. » — Haec ludibundus dixerat; Caelum deinde suspicit, Et congemiscens obsecrat, Miseratus urbem Romulam: — « O Christe, numen unicum, O splendor, o virtus Patris, O factor orbis et poli, Atque auctor horum moenium, Qui sceptra Romae in vertice
which the burnt skin gives off, affects the two groups differently: to these it is a stench, to those nectar. And the same sense, varied by a different air, either affects the nostrils with avenging horror or soothes them with delight. So God is an eternal fire: for Christ is the true fire; he himself fills the righteous with light, and burns the guilty. After the long-lasting heat had cooked his burnt side, of his own accord, from the gridiron, he addresses the judge with a brief speech: “Turn over the part of my body that has been burned long enough, and make trial of what your burning Vulcan has done.” The prefect orders him turned. Then he: “It is cooked; devour it, and make the experiment whether it is sweeter raw or roasted.” These things he had said in jest; then he looks up to heaven, and, groaning, prays, pitying the city of Romulus: “O Christ, one Godhead, O splendor, O power of the Father, O maker of earth and sky, and author of these walls, who placed the sceptres of Rome on the summit
Heb 12:29 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Cor 2:16 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 1:24 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The smell of the roasting martyr is a stench to persecutors and nectar to believers, for Christ is a fire that lights the righteous and burns the guilty; Lawrence jests from the gridiron and then prays to Christ for Rome.
- Heb 12:29; Deut 4:24; 1 Cor 1:24.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): luminc lustos → lumine Iustos; Komulam → Romulam; — c 0 Christe, Qumen anicnm, < » gplendor, o virtus Patris, o factor orbifl ei poli, Atque auctor tioram moeninm , Qui Bceptra Romae iu vertice → — « O Christe, numen unicum, O splendor, o virtus Patris, O factor orbis et poli, Atque auctor horum moenium, Qui sceptra Romae in vertice.
Topics: Martyrdom, Christology
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.385 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 385–416; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-385). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-385
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.417Lanfranchi 1:lines 417–448
Rerum locasti, sanciens Mundum Quirinali togae Servire, et armis cedere, Ut discrepantum gentium Mores et observantiam, Linguasque, et ingenia, et sacra Unis domares legibus, En omne sub regnum Remi Mortale concessit genus: Idem loquuntur dissoni Ritus, id ipsum sentiunt. Hoc destinatum, quo magis Ius Christiani nominis, Quodcumque terrarum iacet, Uno inligaret vinculo. Da, Christe, Romanis tuis, Sit Christiana ut civitas , Per quam dedisti, ut ceteris Mens una sacrorum foret. Confoederantur omnia Hinc inde membra in symbolum ; Mansuescit orbis subditus: Mansuescat et summum caput. Advertat, abiunctas plagas Coire in unam gratiam ; Fiat fidelis Romulus, Et ipse iam credat Numa. Confundit error Troicus Adhuc Catonum curiam, Veneratus occultis focis Phrygum penates exules. Ianum bifrontem, et Sterculum
of things, ordaining that the world should serve the Quirinal toga and yield to its arms, so that the customs and observances, tongues, characters and rites of discordant nations you might tame under one law: see, the whole mortal race has passed under the rule of Remus; those dissonant in rites speak the same, they think the same thing. This was destined so that the more the law of the Christian name might bind with one bond whatever lands lie anywhere. Grant, Christ, to your Romans that the city may be Christian, through which you granted that the rest might have one mind in sacred things. All the members on every side are bound together into the creed; the subject world grows gentle: let the supreme head grow gentle too. Let it note that the separated regions come together into one grace; let Romulus become faithful, and Numa himself now believe. The error of Troy still confounds the senate-house of the Catos, which worships at hidden hearths the exiled household gods of the Phrygians. Two-faced Janus and Sterculus
Notes and citation
Summary: Lawrence prays that Rome, which Christ made ruler of a united world so that the gospel might bind all nations in one, may itself become Christian, for its senate still worships the old gods.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; stray marks removed; OCR slips): Berum locasti, sanciena Hundum Quirinali fcogae → Rerum locasti, sanciens Mundum Quirinali togae; discrepantnm → discrepantum; Bfores et → Mores et; Lingnasqne → Linguasque; Unia domares legibus., → Unis domares legibus,; Bemi BCortale → Remi Mortale; loqunntur → loquuntur; Bitns, id ipsum scntiunt. Hoc dcstinatum → Ritus, id ipsum sentiunt. Hoc destinatum; Qnodcnmqne terrarnm → Quodcumque terrarum; Eomanis → Romanis; ut ceterifl A^ → ut ceteris; Confooderantur → Confoederantur; raembra → membra; credat Nunia → credat Numa; Ianuin → Ianum.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.417 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 417–448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-417). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-417
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.449Lanfranchi 1:lines 449–480
Colit Senatus (horreo Tot monstra patrum dicere), Et festa Saturni senis. Absterge, Christe, hoc dedecus, Emitte Gabriel tuum, Agnoscat ut verum Deum Errans Iuli caecitas. Et iam tenemus obsides Fidissimos huius spei ; Hic nempe iam regnant duo Apostolorum principes. Alter vocator gentium, Alter, Cathedram possidens Primam, recludit creditas Aeternitatis ianuas. Discede, adulter Iuppiter, Stupro sororis oblite; Relinque Romam liberam, Plebemque iam Christi fuge. Te Paulus hinc exterminat, Te sanguis exturbat Petri ; Tibi id, quod ipse armaveras, Factum Neronis officit. Video futurum Principem Quandoque, qui, servus Dei, Tetris sacrorum sordibus Servire Romam non sinat ; Qui templa claudat vectibus, Valvas eburneas obstruat, Nefasta damnet limina, Obdens ahenos pessuios. Tunc pura ab omni sanguine
the Senate worships (I shudder to tell of so many monsters of the fathers), and the festivals of old Saturn. Wipe away, Christ, this disgrace; send forth your Gabriel, that the wandering blindness of Iulus may acknowledge the true God. And already we hold most faithful hostages of this hope; for here already two princes of the apostles reign. The one is the caller of the nations; the other, holding the first chair, opens the entrusted gates of eternity. Depart, adulterous Jupiter, defiled by sexual immorality with your sister; leave Rome free, and flee the people now Christ’s. Paul drives you out from here, the blood of Peter expels you; the deed of Nero, which you yourself had armed, works against you. I see that there will be a Prince some day who, a servant of God, will not allow Rome to serve the foul filth of rites; who will close the temples with bars, block the ivory doors, condemn the unholy thresholds, putting brazen bolts against them. Then, pure from all blood,
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Gal 2:8 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 16:19 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Lawrence prays that Christ will end pagan worship in Rome, where Peter and Paul, slain by Nero, already reign, and foresees a Christian emperor who will close the temples.
- Paul is the apostle of the nations; Peter holds ‘the first chair’ and the keys (Matt 16:19), as written. The last word of line 19 is lost in the scan (‘Christi I’); read ‘fuge’ by sense.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; last word of a line read by sense; stray line number removed): Agnoscat nt → Agnoscat ut; Et iain tenemns oteidee Fidissimoa hnins spei ; → Et iam tenemus obsides Fidissimos huius spei ;; AjHistoloram → Apostolorum; rocator gentium → vocator gentium; posaidens → possidens; recludit crcdi' → recludit creditas; Inppiter → Iuppiter; Bellnque Bomam liberam, Plebemqne iain Christi I → Relinque Romam liberam, Plebemque iam Christi fuge.; oxtenuinat → exterminat; quod ipso armaveras → quod ipse armaveras; sordibus 47-r> → sordibus; Yalvas → Valvas.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.449 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 449–480; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-449). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-449
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.481Lanfranchi 1:lines 481–512
Tandem nitebunt marmora; Stabunt et aera innoxia, Quae nunc habentur idola. » — Hic finis orandi fuit, Et finis idem vinculi Carnalis : erupit volens Vocem secutus spiritus. Vexere corpus, subditis Cervicibus, quidam patres, Quos mira libertas viri Ambire Christum suaserat. Repens medullas indoles Adflarat, et coegerat Amore sublimis Dei Odisse nugas pristinas. Refrixit ex illo die Cultus deorum turpium; Plebs in sacellis rarior: Christi ad tribunal curritur. Sic dimicans Laurentius Non ense praecinxit latus ; Hostile sed ferrum retro Torquens in auctorem tulit. Dum daemon invictum Dei Testem lacessit praelio, Perfossus ipse concidit, Et stratus aeternum iacet. Mors illa sancti martyris Mors vera templorum fuit; Tunc Vesta Palladios Lares Impune sensit deseri. Quidquid Quiritum sueverat Orare simpuvium Numae,
the marbles will shine at last; and the bronzes will stand harmless which are now held as idols.” This was the end of his prayer, and the same was the end of his fleshly bond: the spirit burst forth willingly, following his voice. Certain fathers carried the body on their shoulders placed beneath it, whom the wondrous freedom of the man had persuaded to seek Christ. A sudden disposition had breathed into their marrow and had compelled them, through love of the high God, to hate their former trifles. From that day the worship of the foul gods grew cold; the people were fewer in the shrines; they ran to the tribunal of Christ. So Lawrence, fighting, did not gird his side with a sword, but, turning the enemy’s iron back, bore it against its author. While the demon challenges God’s unconquered witness to battle, he himself falls, pierced through, and lies laid low forever. That death of the holy martyr was the true death of the temples; then Vesta felt that her Palladian Lares were deserted with impunity. Whoever of the Quirites had been used to pray at the ladle of Numa,
Notes and citation
Summary: Lawrence dies at the end of his prayer; senators carry his body, converted by his freedom, and from that day pagan worship in Rome declined, for the martyr’s death was the death of the temples.
- ‘Fathers’ are senators. Several lines run together in the OCR separated.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; lines run together separated; stray line number removed): patres, -4'.'0 → patres,; Cbristum → Christum; dirnicans Lavrentivs Non enso → dimicans Laurentius Non ense; martyria Mors rera templorniD fuit; Tunc Vesta Palladioa Lares mpune .-n.-it deseri. Iquid Quiritum sueveral Orare Bimpluvium Numae, → martyris Mors vera templorum fuit; Tunc Vesta Palladios Lares Impune sensit deseri. Quidquid Quiritum sueverat Orare simpuvium Numae,.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.481 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 481–512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-481). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-481
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.513Lanfranchi 1:lines 513–544
Christi frequentans atria, Hymnis resultat martyrem. Ipsa et Senatus lumina, Quondam Luperci aut Flamines, Apostolornm et martyrum Exosculantur limina. Videmus inlustres domos, Sexu ex utroque nobiles, Offerre votis pignora Clarissimorum liberum. Vittatus olim pontifex Adscitur in signum Crucis; Aedemque, Laurenti, tuam Vestalis intrat Claudia. O ter quaterque et septies Beatus Urbis incola, Qui te, ac tuorum cominus Sedem celebrat ossuum ; Cui propter advolvi licet: Qui fletibus spargit locum, Qui pectus in terram premit, Qui vota fundit murmura! Nos Vasco Hiberus dividit, Nos binis remotos Alpibus, Trans Cottianorum iuga, Trans et Pyrenas ninguidos. Vix fama nota est, abditis Quam plena Sanctis Roma sit, Quam dives urbanum solum Sacris sepulcris floreat. Sed qui caremus his bonis,
now thronging the halls of Christ, resounds the martyr in hymns. The very lights of the Senate, once Luperci or Flamens, kiss the thresholds of the apostles and martyrs. We see illustrious houses, nobles of both sexes, offering in vows the pledges of their most distinguished children. The pontiff once wearing the fillet is admitted to the sign of the Cross; and a Vestal, Claudia, enters your shrine, Lawrence. O thrice and four times and seven times blessed the dweller in the City, who honors at close hand you and the seat of your bones; who may kneel down nearby, who sprinkles the place with tears, who presses his breast to the ground, who pours out murmured vows! Us the Basque Ebro divides from you, us, removed beyond two Alps, beyond the ridges of the Cottians, and beyond the snowy Pyrenees. Scarcely is it known by report how full Rome is of hidden saints, how richly the City’s soil flowers with sacred tombs. But we who lack these goods,
Notes and citation
Summary: Romans of every rank, even former pagan priests and a Vestal, now honor the apostles and martyrs; the poet, far away in Spain, envies those who can pray at Lawrence’s tomb in a Rome full of saints.
- A leftover note line (‘… urbem confidebant reddituram’) was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray marks removed; leftover note line removed): Bymnis resnltai martyrem. Ipsa et Senatus luinina 1 3 1 . Quomlarn Luporci aut Flamii. → Hymnis resultat martyrem. Ipsa et Senatus lumina, Quondam Luperci aut Flamines,; donios → domos; Clarissimorum liberum. -'uabilem urbem confidebant reddituram. Vittatus → Clarissimorum liberum. Vittatus; Lavrenti → Laurenti; 0 ter quaterque → O ter quaterque; Vix faiiui nota est, abditia Qnanl plena Sanctia Etom Qnam dives urbanum solum Sacris sopulcris floivai. Sed qni caremns → Vix fama nota est, abditis Quam plena Sanctis Roma sit, Quam dives urbanum solum Sacris sepulcris floreat. Sed qui caremus.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.513 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 513–544; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-513). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-513
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
2.545Lanfranchi 1:lines 545–583
Nec sanguinis vestigia Videre coram possumus, Caelum intuemur eminus. Sic, sancte Laurenti, tuam Nos passionem quaerimus; Est aula nam duplex tibi, Hic corporis, mentis polo. Illic inenarrabili Adlectus urbi municeps, Aeternae in arce curiae Gestas coronam civicam. Videor videre inlustribus Gemmis coruscantem virum, Quem Roma caelestis sibi Legit perennem consulem. Quae sit potestas credita, Et muneris quantum datum, Probant Quiritum gaudia, Quibus rogatus adnuis. Quod quisque supplex postulat, Fert impetratum prospere : Poscunt, licenter indicant, Et tristis haud ullus redit. Ceu praesto semper adsies, Tuosque alumnos urbicos Lactante complexus sinu Paterno amore nutrias. Hos inter, o Christi decus, Audi et poetam rusticum, Cordis fatentem crimina, Et facta prodentem sua. Indignus, agnosco et scio, Quem Christus ipse exaudiat; Sed per patronos martyres Potest medelam consequi. Audi benignus supplicem Christi reum Prudentium, Et servientem corpori Absolve vinclis saeculi.
nor can see the traces of the blood before our eyes, look upon heaven from afar. So, holy Lawrence, we seek your passion there; for you have a double hall, here of the body, of the mind in heaven. There, enrolled as a citizen in the unspeakable city, in the citadel of the eternal senate you wear the civic crown. I seem to see the man flashing with illustrious gems, whom heavenly Rome has chosen for herself as perpetual consul. What power has been entrusted to you, and how great an office given, the joys of the Quirites prove, to whom, when asked, you nod assent. What each suppliant asks for he carries away, successfully obtained: they ask, they freely declare their needs, and no one returns sad. As if you were always present at hand, embracing your city nurslings in your nursing bosom, you nourish them with a father’s love. Among these, O glory of Christ, hear also a country poet, confessing the sins of his heart and revealing his deeds. I am unworthy, I acknowledge and know it, for Christ himself to hear; but through the martyrs as patrons I can obtain healing. Hear kindly the suppliant, Prudentius, guilty before Christ, and, enslaved as he is to the body, release him from the chains of the world.
Phil 3:20 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The poet honors Lawrence in heaven, a citizen and perpetual consul of the heavenly Rome who grants the prayers of the Romans, and asks him, as patron, to intercede for the sinful poet Prudentius.
- The first words of the passage are damaged in the scan (‘unis TBstigia’); read ‘Nec sanguinis vestigia’ by sense: uncertain. The martyr as patron and intercessor: as written.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; stray line number removed; OCR slips; first words of two lines read by sense): unis TBstigia Videre coram possumus, Caelnm intnemnr eminns. Sic, sancte Lavrexti, tuam Nos passionom quaerimus; anla nam dnplex tibi, Hic corporis, montis polo. Hlic inonarrabili Adlectus → Nec sanguinis vestigia Videre coram possumus, Caelum intuemur eminus. Sic, sancte Laurenti, tuam Nos passionem quaerimus; Est aula nam duplex tibi, Hic corporis, mentis polo. Illic inenarrabili Adlectus; Qucm Roma → Quem Roma; Q.uibus rogatus → Quibus rogatus; adsios → adsies; Tuosquo alumnos urbicos 'jTo → Tuosque alumnos urbicos.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 2.545 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 545–583; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-545). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/2-545
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 3
3.1Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32
Germine nobilis Eulalia, Mortis et indole nobilior, Emeritam sacra virgo suam, Cuius ab ubere progenita est, Ossibus ornat, amore colit. Qui tulit hoc decus egregium, Urbe potens, populis locuples, Sed mage sanguine martyrii, Virgineoque potens titulo. Curriculis tribus atque novem Tres hiemes quater attigerat, Quum crepitante pyra trepidos Terruit aspera carnifices, Supplicium sibi dulce rata. Iam dederat prius indicium, Tendere se Patris ad solium, Ludere nescia pusiola. Spernere succina, flere rosas, Fulva monilia respuere ; Ore severa, modesta gradu, Moribus et nimium teneris Ast ubi se furiata lues Excitat in famulos Domini, Christicolasque cruenta iubet Tura cremare, iecur pecudis Mortiferis adolere deis, Infremuit sacer Eulaliae Spiritus, ingeniique ferox Turbida frangere bella parat; Et, rude pectus anhela Deo, Femina provocat arma virum.
Noble by birth, Eulalia, nobler still in the character of her death, the holy virgin adorns with her bones her own Merida, from whose breast she was born, and cherishes it with love. [The place] that bore this outstanding glory, powerful in its city, rich in peoples, but more powerful through the blood of martyrdom and the title of the virgin. She had reached three winters four times, after three and nine courses of the year, when, with the crackling pyre, she in her harshness terrified the trembling executioners, thinking the punishment sweet for herself. She had already given an earlier sign that she was making for the Father’s throne, a little girl who knew not how to play, spurning amber, weeping over roses, rejecting golden necklaces; severe in face, modest in step, and in years very tender [grave as the aged]. But when the maddened plague rose against the servants of the Lord, and bloodily ordered the worshipers of Christ to burn incense, to offer the liver of a beast to the death-bringing gods, the holy spirit of Eulalia roared, and, fierce of character, she prepares to break up the turbulent wars; and, an untaught heart panting for God, a woman challenges the arms of men.
Notes and citation
Summary: Eulalia of Merida, a girl of twelve who as a child already scorned ornaments and play, rose up when the persecution forced Christians to sacrifice, determined to confront the persecutors.
- Peristephanon 3: the virgin martyr Eulalia of Merida (Emerita) in Spain. The scan appears to lack a line in the second stanza and the last line of the fourth stanza (in the common text ‘canitiem meditata senum’, whose sense is supplied in brackets). A leftover footnote on Merida and the Guadiana was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leftover footnote removed): Grermine aobilis Etlalia, Bfortis ct iiulolc nobilior, Emeritam sacra rirgo suam, Cuins ab nbere progenita est, Ossibus ornat, ainore colit. Qni tulit boc decns egreginm, Qrbe potens, populis locnples, Sed mage sangnine martyrii, Virgineoque potens titulo. Cnrricolis tribns atqne novem Tres hiemes qnater attigerat, Qonm crepitante → Germine nobilis Eulalia, Mortis et indole nobilior, Emeritam sacra virgo suam, Cuius ab ubere progenita est, Ossibus ornat, amore colit. Qui tulit hoc decus egregium, Urbe potens, populis locuples, Sed mage sanguine martyrii, Virgineoque potens titulo. Curriculis tribus atque novem Tres hiemes quater attigerat, Quum crepitante; Luderc nescia → Ludere nescia; I!.: nunc Merida nel Guadalquirir. — Auguata a C. Augusto Spernere succina → Spernere succina; ]\Ioribus et → Moribus et; Cbristicolasque → Christicolasque; Evlaliae → Eulaliae; Tivrbida → Turbida.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 3.1 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
3.33Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64
Sed pia cura parentis agit, Virgo animosa domi ut lateat, Abdita rure et ab urbe procul, Ne fera sanguinis in pretium Mortis amore puella ruat. Illa perosa quietis opem Nocte fores sine teste movet, Inde per invia carpit iter. Ingreditur pedibus laceris Per loca senta situ et vepribus, Angelico comitata choro : Et licet horrida nox sileat, Lucis habet tamen illa ducem. Sic habuit generosa patrum Turba columniferum radium, Scindere qui tenebrosa potens, Nocte viam face perspicua Praestitit, intereunte chao. Non aliter pia Virgo, viam Nocte secuta, diem meruit; Nec tenebris adoperta fuit, Regna Canopica quum fugeret, Illa gradu cita pervigili, Millia multa prius peragit, Quam plaga pandat Eoa polum : Mane superba tribunal adit, Fascibus adstat et in mediis, Vociferans : — « Rogo, quis furor est Perdere praecipites animas, Et male prodiga corda sui Sternere rasilibus scopulis, Omnipatremque negare Deum ?
But a parent’s loving care contrives that the spirited virgin should lie hidden at home, concealed in the country and far from the city, lest the fierce girl, for love of death, rush to the price of her blood. She, hating the help of quiet, moves the doors at night without a witness, and from there takes her way through trackless places. She goes on with torn feet through places rough with neglect and brambles, accompanied by an angelic choir; and though the bristling night is silent, yet she has a guide of light. So the noble crowd of the fathers had the column-bearing ray, which, able to cleave the darkness, provided at night a way with a clear torch, as the chaos perished. Not otherwise the holy virgin, following the way by night, deserved the day, nor was she covered by darkness, [as they were not] when fleeing the realm of Canopus. She, with quick and wakeful step, covers many miles before the eastern region opens the sky; in the morning, proud, she goes to the tribunal, and stands in the midst of the fasces, crying out: “I ask, what madness is it to destroy souls headlong, and to throw down hearts wickedly lavish of themselves before polished rocks, and to deny God the Father of all?
Exod 13:21 (allusion, high confidence) · Exod 14:20 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Her parents hid Eulalia in the country, but she slipped out at night and, guided by heavenly light as Israel was by the pillar of fire, walked to the city and at dawn confronted the governor at his tribunal.
- The pillar of fire: Exod 13:21. ‘The realm of Canopus’ is Egypt.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; note mark removed; OCR slip; stray line number removed; OCR slips): SimI pia cnra → Sed pia cura; Al>>lita → Abdita; Bangoinifl → sanguinis; Bfortis amore → Mortis amore; qnietifl → quietis; Xocte fores → Nocte fores; carpit iter. r> Engreditor → carpit iter. Ingreditur; vopribus, (A) → vepribus,; Lncis habet tamen illa dncem → Lucis habet tamen illa ducem; adoperta fait, Begna Canopica → adoperta fuit, Regna Canopica; Kogo, quis → Rogo, quis.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 3.33 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-33
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
3.65Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96
Quaeritis, o miseranda manus, Christicolarum genus? en ego sum Daemonicis inimica sacris : Idola protero sub pedibus, Pectore et ore Deum fateor. Isis, Apollo, Venus nihil est, Maximianus et ipse nihil : Illa nihil , quia facta manu ; Hic manuum quia facta colit : Frivola utraque, et utraque nihil. Maximianus opum dominus, Prostituat, voveatque suis Numinibus capnt ipse suum. Pectora cur generosa quatit? Dux bonus, arbiter egregius Sanguine pascitur innocuo ; Corporibusque piis inhians, Gaudet et excruciare fidem, Ergo age, tortor, adure, seca, Divide membra coacta luto. Solvere rem fragilem facile est; Non penetrabitur interior Exagitante dolore animus. » — Talibus excitus in furias Praetor, ait: — « Rape praecipitem Lictor, et obrue suppliciis: Sentiat esse deos patrios, Nec leve principis imperium.
Do you seek, O pitiable band, the race of Christ’s worshipers? See, I am one, an enemy of demonic rites: I trample idols under my feet, I confess God with heart and mouth. Isis, Apollo, Venus are nothing, and Maximian himself is nothing: they are nothing because they are made by hand; he, because he worships what hands have made: both are frivolous, and both are nothing. Let Maximian, lord of wealth, prostitute and vow his own head to his deities. Why does he shake noble hearts? The good leader, the excellent judge, feeds on innocent blood; and, gaping for pious bodies, he rejoices to torture faith. Come then, torturer, burn, cut, divide limbs compacted of clay. It is easy to dissolve a fragile thing; the inner soul will not be pierced by the pain that harasses it.” Roused to fury by such words, the praetor says: “Seize her headlong, lictor, and overwhelm her with punishments: let her feel that there are ancestral gods, and that the emperor’s command is not light.
Rom 10:10 (echo, medium confidence) · Ps 115:4 (113:12 Vulg.) (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 10:28 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Eulalia declares herself a Christian, calls the gods and the emperor Maximian nothing, and dares the torturer to do his worst; the enraged governor orders her punished.
- Ps 115:4; Rom 10:10; Matt 10:28. An inscription of Diocletian and Maximian printed by the editor in the notes leaked into the text and was removed; several damaged words restored.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; leftover inscription from the notes removed): Cbristicolarum → Christicolarum; voveatque suie → voveatque suis; I)ii\ bonua, arbiter egregius Sanguine pascitur innopuo ; → Dux bonus, arbiter egregius Sanguine pascitur innocuo ;; Erg irtor, adure, se Divide membra coacta luto. Solvere rem fragilem facile Non penetrabitur interior Exagitante dolore animus. » — Dioclesianus . Iovius . et Ma vimian. Ilcrculcus Caes. awjrj. Amplificato . per . oriett Talibus → Ergo age, tortor, adure, seca, Divide membra coacta luto. Solvere rem fragilem facile est; Non penetrabitur interior Exagitante dolore animus. » — Talibus; ot obrne → et obrue; iinperium → imperium.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 3.65 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-65
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
3.97Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128
Quam cuperem tamen, ante necem, Si potis es, revocare tuam, Torva puellula, nequitiam : Respice gaudia quanta metas, Quae tibi fert genialis honor. Te lacrimis labefacta domus Prosequitur, generisque tui Ingemit anxia nobilitas, Flore quod occidis in tenero, Proxima dotibus et thalamo. Non movet aurea pompa tori? Non pietas veneranda senum, Quos, temeraria, debilitas? Ecce parata ministeria Excruciabilis exitii. Aut gladio feriere caput, Aut laniabere membra feris : Aut facibus data fumificis, Flebiliterque ululanda tuis In cineres resoluta flues. Haec, rogo, quis labor est fugere? Si modicum salis eminulis Turis et exiguum digitis Tangere, virgo, benigna velis, Poena gravis procul afuerit. » — Martyr ad ista nihil ; sed enim Infremit, inque tyranni oculos Sputa iacit : simulacra dehinc Dissipat, impositamque molam Turibulis pede prosubigit. Nec mora : carnifices gemini Iuncea pectora dilacerant, Et latus ungula virgineum Pulsat utrimque, et ad ossa secat,
Yet how I would wish, before your death, if you are able, to call back your wickedness, grim little girl: consider what great joys you are cutting off, which the honor of marriage brings you. Your house, shaken with tears, follows you, and the anxious nobility of your family groans that you perish in the tender flower of youth, close to a dowry and a bridal chamber. Does the golden pomp of the marriage bed not move you? Not the venerable devotion of the old, whom, reckless one, you are weakening? See, the instruments are ready of an agonizing end. Either you will be struck on the head with the sword, or your limbs will be torn by wild beasts, or, given to smoking torches and lamented with wailing and weeping by your people, you will flow away, dissolved into ashes. What toil is it, I ask, to escape these things? If a little salt with your fingertips, and a tiny bit of incense, you would kindly be willing, virgin, to touch, the heavy punishment will be far away.” The martyr says nothing to this; but she roars, and spits into the tyrant’s eyes; then she scatters the images, and with her foot tramples down the meal placed on the censers. Without delay two executioners tear her slender breast, and the claw strikes the virgin’s side on both sides and cuts to the bone,
Notes and citation
Summary: The governor urges Eulalia to think of marriage and her family and to escape torture by touching a little salt and incense; she spits in his face and overturns the idols, and the torturers tear her with claws.
- Several lines run together in the OCR were separated and stray line numbers removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray line number removed; OCR slips; lines run together separated; stray line numbers removed; stray line number removed): genialis bonor. l'i"> → genialis honor.; tbalamo. llu → thalamo.; exitii. 11"» → exitii.; Turis i f eriguum digitds Tangere, \ir_r" benigna velis, Poena gravis procn] alfaerit. ■• — ili 1-'"' Martyr ad ista nihil ; sed enim nfremit, inqne tvranni ocnlos Spnta iacil : simulacra dehinc Dissipat, impositamqne molam Tnribnlia pede prosnbigit. L30 Nec mora : carnificcs gemini nncea pectora dOacerant, i 1 1 Kt latus ongnla virgineum 1 'uls.it atrimqne, ei ad ossa Becat, → Turis et exiguum digitis Tangere, virgo, benigna velis, Poena gravis procul afuerit. » — Martyr ad ista nihil ; sed enim Infremit, inque tyranni oculos Sputa iacit : simulacra dehinc Dissipat, impositamque molam Turibulis pede prosubigit. Nec mora : carnifices gemini Iuncea pectora dilacerant, Et latus ungula virgineum Pulsat utrimque, et ad ossa secat,.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 3.97 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-97). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-97
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
3.129Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160
Eulalia numerante notas. Scriberis ecce mihi, Domine : Quam iuvat hos apices legere, Qui tua, Christe, tropaea notant! Nomen et ipsa sacrum loquitur Purpura sanguinis eliciti. Haec sine fletibus et gemitu Laeta canebat et intrepida : Dirus abest dolor ex animo, Membraque picta cruore novo Fonte cutem recalente lavant. Ultima carnificina dehinc, Non laceratio vulnifica, Crate tenus nec arata cutis, Flamma sed undique lampadibus In latera stomachumque furit. Crinis odorus ut in iugulos Fluxerat, involitans humeris, Quo pudibunda pudicitia Virgineusque lateret honos , Tegmine verticis opposito : Flamma crepans volat in faciem, Perque comas vegetata caput Occupat, exsuperatque apicem : Virgo, citum cupiens obitum, Appetit et bibit ore rogum. Emicat inde columba repens, Martyris os nive candidior Visa relinquere, et astra sequi. Spiritus hic erat Eulaliae Lacteolus, celer, innocuus. Colla fluunt, abeunte anima,
while Eulalia counts the marks. “See, you are being written on me, Lord: how pleasant it is to read these letters, which record your trophies, Christ! The very purple of the blood drawn out speaks your sacred name.” These things she sang, glad and fearless, without tears or groaning: dire pain is absent from her mind, and her limbs, painted with new blood, wash the skin with a warm spring. Then the last butchery: not wounding laceration, nor skin ploughed to the hurdle, but flame from torches on every side rages against her sides and breast. Her fragrant hair had flowed down to her neck, flying about her shoulders, so that her bashful modesty and virgin honor might be hidden, with the covering of her head set against them: the crackling flame flies into her face, and, quickened through her hair, seizes her head and rises above its top; the virgin, desiring a swift death, seeks the pyre and drinks it with her mouth. Then suddenly a dove flashes out, seen to leave the martyr’s mouth, whiter than snow, and to follow the stars. This was the spirit of Eulalia, milk-white, swift, innocent. Her neck droops as the soul departs,
Gal 6:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Eulalia reads her wounds as Christ’s name written on her body and sings without tears; when the torches set her hair aflame she drinks in the fire, and a white dove is seen leaving her mouth for heaven.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; stray line number removed): Evlalia anmerante notas. Scriberis ecce mihi, Domine : Qnam iuval uos apices legere, (,»ui tua, Christe, tropaea ootaot? Nomen et ipsa sacrnm loqnitnr Pnrpnra sangninis eliciti. Hacc sine → Eulalia numerante notas. Scriberis ecce mihi, Domine : Quam iuvat hos apices legere, Qui tua, Christe, tropaea notant! Nomen et ipsa sacrum loquitur Purpura sanguinis eliciti. Haec sine; et gemita → et gemitu; lavant. 14"> → lavant.; stoniachumque → stomachumque; in faciein → in faciem; citum cupiens obitnm → citum cupiens obitum; Eruicat inde → Emicat inde; Spiritus hic erat Evlaliae → Spiritus hic erat Eulaliae; Colla ilnnt → Colla fluunt.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 3.129 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-129). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-129
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
3.161Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–192
Et rogus igneus emoritur : Pax datur artubus exanimis, Flatus in aethere plaudit ovans, Templaque celsa petit volucer. Vidit ut ipse satelles avem Foeminae ab ore meare palam, Obstupefactus et attonitus Prosilit, et sua gesta fugit : Lictor et ipse fugit pavidus. Ecce, nivem glacialis hiems Ingerit, et tegit omne forum : Membra tegit simul Eulaliae, Axe iacentia sub gelido, Pallioli vice linteoli. Cedat amor lacrimantum hominum, Qui celebrare suprema solent, Flebile cedat et officium : Ipsa elementa, iubente Deo, Exsequias tibi, Virgo, ferunt. Nunc locus Emerita est tumulo Clara colonia Vettoniae, Quam memorabilis amnis Anas Praeterit, et viridante rapax Gurgite moenia pulchra lavit. Hic, ubi marmore perspicuo Atria luminat alma nitor Et peregrinus, et indigena, Relliquias cineresque sacros Servat humus veneranda sinu. Tecta corusca super rutilant
and the fiery pyre dies down: peace is given to the lifeless limbs; the breath, triumphant, claps in the upper air, and flies swiftly to the lofty temples. When the guard himself saw the bird go openly from the woman’s mouth, amazed and thunderstruck he leaps up and flees from his own deeds: the lictor himself flees in fear. See, icy winter heaps up snow and covers the whole forum; it covers likewise the limbs of Eulalia, lying under the cold sky, in place of a little linen shroud. Let the love of weeping men give way, who are accustomed to celebrate the last rites; let the tearful office give way: the very elements, at God’s command, carry out your funeral, Virgin. Now Merida is the place of her tomb, the famous colony of Vettonia, which the memorable river Anas passes by, and, rushing in its green flood, washes the beautiful walls. Here, where with transparent marble a kindly brightness lights the halls for both stranger and native, the venerable earth keeps in its bosom the relics and sacred ashes. Glittering roofs gleam above
Notes and citation
Summary: The executioners flee at the sight of the dove; snow falls and covers Eulalia’s body as a shroud; her relics now rest in a splendid marble shrine at Merida beside the river Anas.
- A leftover note (on Mabillon’s Gothic liturgy and Cardinal Tommasi) was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray line number removed; leftover footnote removed; stray line number removed; stray mark removed): Et rogus [gneus emoritoi : l'a\ datOT artulius oxaiiimis, 1'latus in aethere plaudit ovans, Templaque celaa petit volucer. 17o Aidit ut → Et rogus igneus emoritur : Pax datur artubus exanimis, Flatus in aethere plaudit ovans, Templaque celsa petit volucer. Vidit ut; Obstupefactaa → Obstupefactus; Prosiiit → Prosilit; pavidus. 17"> → pavidus.; omne forom → omne forum; siinul Evlallye → simul Eulaliae; linteoli. . → linteoli.; officiura → officium; Exsequiaa → Exsequias; Vettoniae, Gothicum, editum a Mabillono in sua Liturgia Gallicana, L. III; Card. Thohaszi. — repcns adverbial., quemadmodum in hymno Quam memorabilis → Vettoniae, Quam memorabilis; Et peregrinus., et indigena, Rolliquias → Et peregrinus, et indigena, Relliquias; bumus veneranda → humus veneranda.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 3.161 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-161). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-161
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.
3.193Lanfranchi 1:lines 193–215
De laquearibus aureolis, Saxaque caesa solum variant, Floribus ut rosulenta putes Prata rubescere multimodis. Carpite purpureas violas, Sanguineosque crocos metite : Non caret his genialis hiems, Laxat et arva tepens glacies, Floribus ut cumulet calathos. Ista comantibus e foliis Munera, virgo, puerque, date : Ast ego serta choro in medio Texta feram pede dactylico, Vilia, marcida, festa tamen. Sic venerarier ossa libet, Ossibus altar et impositum : Illa Dei sita sub pedibus Prospicit haec, populosque suos Carmine propitiata fovet.
from gilded panelled ceilings, and cut stones vary the floor, so that you would think rosy meadows were reddening with many kinds of flowers. Pluck purple violets, gather blood-red crocuses: genial winter does not lack these, and the warming ice loosens the fields so as to heap baskets with flowers. Give these gifts from leafy foliage, girl and boy; but I in the middle of the choir will bring garlands woven in dactylic measure, cheap and withered, but festive. So it is pleasing to venerate the bones, and the altar placed over the bones: she, set beneath the feet of God, looks upon these things and, made favorable by the song, cherishes her peoples.
Rev 6:9 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The poet calls the young to strew flowers at Eulalia’s shrine and offers his own garland of verse, venerating her bones and the altar over them; she, at God’s feet, favors her people.
- The editor’s prose argument of Peristephanon 4 leaked into the end of this passage and was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slips; the editor's prose argument of the next poem removed; stray line number removed): calathos. 20-^ → calathos.; ns altar e< impositum : Ilhi I»ri Bita sub pedibus Prospicil baec, populosque suos Carmine propitiata fovel Tr.i.- ceteris Hispaniae arfaibna patriam Caesanognstam, quam vocat un, dnodenginti Muityrum relliauiis ditatam, celebrat; a qnorum . .n.lntivm indidem orinndura (luidem, sed Vah snpplicio aflectum, atque Virginem Encratidkm, Caiumqvi; et Cke- → Ossibus altar et impositum : Illa Dei sita sub pedibus Prospicit haec, populosque suos Carmine propitiata fovet..
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 3.193 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 193–215; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-193). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/3-193
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-prudentius-peristephanon-3-193) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Lanfranchi's edition (Turin, 1898; OCR, corrections logged). No public-domain English was used; FOTC 43 is not available, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.