Crowns of the Martyrs 4.1–7.65
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 4
4.1Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32
Bis novem noster populus sub uno Martyrum servat cineres sepulcro: Caesaraugustam vocitamus urbem, Res cui tanta est. Plena magnorum domus Angelorum Non timet mundi fragilis ruinam, Tot sinu gestans simul offerenda Munera Christo. Quum Deus dextram quatiens coruscam Nube subnixus veniet rubente, Gentibus iustam positurus aequo Pondere libram; Orbe de magno caput excitata Obviam Christo properanter ibit Civitas quaeque, pretiosa portans Dona canistris. Afra Carthago tua promet ossa, Ore facundo, Cypriane doctor: Corduba Acisclum dabit, et Zoellum; Tresque coronas. Tu tribus gemmis diadema pulchrum Offeres Christo genitrix piorum, Tarraco, intexit cui Fructuosus Sutile vinclum. Nomen hoc gemmae strophio illigatae est : Emicant iuxta lapides gemelli, Ardet splendor parilis duorum Igne corusco. Parva Felicis decus exhibebit Artubus sanctis locuples Gerunda: Nostra gestabit Calagurris ambos, Quos veneramur.
Our people keep in a single tomb the ashes of twice nine martyrs: we call the city Caesaraugusta, whose treasure is so great. The house full of great angels does not fear the ruin of the fragile world, carrying in its bosom so many gifts to be offered together to Christ. When God, shaking his flashing right hand, comes seated on a red cloud, to set up for the nations a just balance with equal weight, then each city, raising its head from the great world, will go in haste to meet Christ, carrying precious gifts in baskets. African Carthage will bring forth your bones, Cyprian, teacher of eloquent mouth; Cordoba will give Acisclus and Zoellus, and three crowns. You, Tarragona, mother of the pious, will offer Christ a beautiful diadem of three gems, for which Fructuosus wove the sewn band. This is the name of the gem bound into the fillet; twin stones flash beside it; the equal splendor of the two burns with flashing fire. Little Gerona, rich in holy limbs, will display the glory of Felix; our Calahorra will carry both whom we venerate.
Matt 25:31 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Thess 4:17 (echo, medium confidence) · Rev 14:14 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Saragossa keeps the eighteen martyrs in one tomb; at the judgment each city will bring its martyrs to Christ: Carthage Cyprian, Cordoba Acisclus and Zoellus, Tarragona Fructuosus and his two deacons, Gerona Felix, Calahorra its two.
- Peristephanon 4: the eighteen martyrs of Caesaraugusta (Saragossa). Matt 25:31–32; 1 Thess 4:17.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; turned-over word restored to its line; stray line number removed): Martyrutu → Martyrum; urbein, !.'• is cui tanta est. → urbem, Res cui tanta est.; rubonte → rubente; (jtentibus → Gentibus; portans K> → portans; AfVa Carthago → Afra Carthago; Acisclvm dabit, et Zoellvm → Acisclum dabit, et Zoellum; pulcrhum → pulchrum; Frvctvosvs → Fructuosus; illigatae Emicani iuxta lapidea gemelli, [esl : Axdet splendor parilia → illigatae est : Emicant iuxta lapides gemelli, Ardet splendor parilis; Felicis decna → Felicis decus; Axtubua sanctis locuples Gernnda → Artubus sanctis locuples Gerunda; Calagnrris → Calagurris; Qnoa TOneramur → Quos veneramur.
Topics: Martyrdom, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 4.1 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-1
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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.
4.33Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64
Barcinon claro Cucuphate freta Surget, et Paulo speciosa Narbo : Teque praepollens Arelas habebit, Sancte Genesi. Lusitanorum caput oppidorum Urbs, adoratae cineres puellae Obviam Christo rapiens, ad aram Porriget ipsam. Sanguinem Iusti, cui Pastor haeret, Ferculum duplex, geminumque donum Ferre Complutum gremio iuvabit, Membra duorum. Ingeret Tingis sua Cassianum, Festa Massylum monumenta regum ; Qui cinis gentes domitas coegit Ad iuga Christi. Singulis paucae, tribus aut duobus Forsan, et quinis aliquae placebunt Testibus Christi, prius hostiarum Pignore functae. Tu decem Sanctos revehes et octo, Cesaraugusta studiosa Christi, Verticem flavis oleis revincta Pacis honorae. Sola in occursum numerosiores Martyrum turbas Domino parasti, Sola, praedives pietate, multa Luce frueris. Vix parens orbis populosa Poeni, Ipsa vix Roma in solio locata, Te, decus nostrum, superare in isto Munere digna
Barcelona will rise, relying on famous Cucufas, and Narbonne, beautiful with Paul; and you, mighty Arles, will have you, holy Genesius. The city that is the head of the towns of Lusitania, snatching up the ashes of the adored girl to meet Christ, will hold her out herself to the altar. Alcalá will be glad to bring in its bosom the blood of Justus, to whom Pastor clings, a double burden and a twin gift, the limbs of two. Tangier will bring its Cassian, festive monument of the Massylian kings, whose ashes have forced conquered nations to the yoke of Christ. A few cities will be content with single witnesses, some perhaps with three or two, and some with five witnesses of Christ, having first discharged the pledge of victims. You, Caesaraugusta, devoted to Christ, will bring back ten saints and eight, your head bound with the yellow olive of honored peace. You alone have prepared more numerous crowds of martyrs to meet the Lord; you alone, very rich in devotion, enjoy much light. Scarcely the populous mother of the Punic world, scarcely Rome herself, set upon her throne, is worthy to surpass you, our glory, in this gift.
Notes and citation
Summary: The list of cities and their martyrs continues: Barcelona, Narbonne, Arles, Merida, Alcalá, Tangier; Saragossa will bring eighteen, a gift scarcely surpassed by Carthage or Rome.
- The head of the towns of Lusitania is Merida, with Eulalia. A leftover footnote on Merida was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; lines run together separated; leftover footnote removed; OCR slip): Cvctphate → Cucuphate; Snrget, et Pavlo Bpeciosa Narbo : Teqne praepollena Arelas haboliit. → Surget, et Paulo speciosa Narbo : Teque praepollens Arelas habebit,; Lusitauorum cai)ut → Lusitanorum caput; Porriget ipsam. (G) Lueitanor. eaput oppidor. Augusta Emerita, de qua Sanguinem Ivsrrr → Porriget ipsam. Sanguinem Iusti; donura → donum; duorura → duorum; Ingcret Tingis sua Cassianvm → Ingeret Tingis sua Cassianum; Massyltim → Massylum; Vi\ parens orbia popalosa Poeni, (l^ psa vix Boma in Bolio locata, Te, decua Dostrum, auperare iu isto → Vix parens orbis populosa Poeni, Ipsa vix Roma in solio locata, Te, decus nostrum, superare in isto.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 4.33 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-33
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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.
4.65Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96
Omnibus portis sacer immolatus Sanguis exclusit genus invidorum Daemonum, et nigras pepulit tenebras Urbe piata. Nullus umbrarum latet intus horror ; Pulsa nam pestis populum refugit ; Christus in totis habitat plateis, Christus ubique est. Martyrum credas patriam coronis Debitam sacris: chorus unde surgens Tendit in caelum niveus togatae Nobilitatis. Inde, Vincenti, tua palma nata est ; Clerus hic tantum peperit triumphum : Hic sacerdotum domus infulata Valeriorum. Saevus antiquis quoties procellis Turbo vexatum tremefecit orbem, Tristior templum rabies in istud Intulit iras. Nec furor quisquam sine laude nostrum Praeterit, aut clari vacuus cruoris: Martyrum semper numerus sub omni Grandine crevit. Nonne, Vincenti, peregre necandus Martyr, his terris tenui notasti Sanguinis rore speciem futuri Morte propinqua? Hoc colunt cives, velut ipsa membra Caespos includat suus, et paterno Servet amplectens tumulo beati Martyris ossa.
At all the gates the sacred blood that was sacrificed has shut out the race of envious demons, and driven away black darkness, the city being purified. No horror of shadows lurks within; for the plague, driven out, flees from the people; Christ dwells in all the streets, Christ is everywhere. You would think it the homeland owed to the martyrs for their sacred crowns: from here rises and goes to heaven a snow-white choir of toga-clad nobility. From here, Vincent, your palm was born; this clergy brought forth so great a triumph; here is the bishops’ house, wearing the fillet, of the Valerii. As often as the savage whirlwind with ancient storms has made the harassed world tremble, a grimmer rage has brought its wrath against this temple. No fury has passed by us without praise, or empty of glorious blood: the number of martyrs has always grown under every hailstorm. Did you not, Vincent, martyr who was to be slain away from home, mark these lands with a slight dew of blood, a likeness of what was to come, as your death drew near? The citizens honor this place as if their own turf enclosed his very limbs, and, embracing them in a father’s tomb, kept the bones of the blessed martyr.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: The martyrs’ blood guards Saragossa from demons; the city is a homeland of martyrs, the home of the deacon Vincent and the episcopal family of the Valerii, and has given martyrs in every persecution.
- The first word of line 22 is lost in the scan; read ‘Praeterit’ by sense.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; first letters of the line lost in the scan): Omnibns portia Bacer immolatas Sanguis exclusit genns inyidorum Daemonum, et nigras pepnlit tenebraa Drbe piata. NuIIua ambrarum latet intua horror Pnlsa nam pestis populnm refhgil ; Cbiistua in totis habitat plateis, Christua ubique est. Martyrnm credas patriam coronia → Omnibus portis sacer immolatus Sanguis exclusit genus invidorum Daemonum, et nigras pepulit tenebras Urbe piata. Nullus umbrarum latet intus horror ; Pulsa nam pestis populum refugit ; Christus in totis habitat plateis, Christus ubique est. Martyrum credas patriam coronis; surgena → surgens; Vixcexti, tua palma nata esi ; Clerus hic tantuui peperit triumpliuin → Vincenti, tua palma nata est ; Clerus hic tantum peperit triumphum; Saevns → Saevus; -it, aut clari → Praeterit, aut clari; nnmerns → numerus; perogri → peregre; lloc colunt → Hoc colunt; Servot → Servet.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 4.65 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-65
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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.
4.97Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128
Noster est, quamvis procul hinc in urbe Passus ignota dederit sepulcri Gloriam victor, prope litus altae Forte Sagunti. Noster et nostra puer in palaestra, Arte virtutis fideique olivo Unctus, horrendum didicit domare Viribus hostem. Noverat templo celebres in isto Octies partas deciesque palmas, Laureis doctus patriis eadem Laude cucurrit. Hic et, Encrati, recubant tuarum Ossa virtutum : quibus efferati Spiritum mundi violenta Virgo Dedecorasti. Martyrum nulli remanente vita Contigit terris habitare nostris : Sola tu morti propriae superstes Vivis in orbe. Vivis, ac poenae seriem retexis, Carnis et spolium retentans, Quam sulcos habeant amaros Vulnera, narras. Barbarus tortor latus omne carpsit, Sanguis impensus, lacerata membra, Pectus abscissa patuit papilla Corde sub ipso. Iam minus mortis pretium peractae est, Quae, venenatos abolens dolores, Concitam membris tribuit quietem Fine soporo.
He is ours, although far from here, in an unknown city, he suffered and gave the glory of his tomb as victor, near the shore, it may be, of lofty Saguntum. He is ours, and as a boy in our wrestling school, anointed with the art of virtue and the oil of faith, he learned to tame with his strength the dreadful enemy. He knew the palms won eight and ten times famous in this temple, and, trained by his fathers’ laurels, he ran the race with the same praise. Here too, Engratia, lie the bones of your virtues: by them, violent virgin, you put to shame the spirit of the maddened world. To none of the martyrs has it befallen to dwell in our lands with life remaining: you alone, surviving your own death, live on the earth. You live, and unfold the series of your punishment, keeping the spoil of your flesh, [and tell] how bitter the furrows your wounds have. The barbarous torturer tore every side; blood was spent, limbs torn; the breast lay open, the nipple cut off, right under the heart. Less is the price of a death that is completed, which, abolishing poisonous pains, gives swift rest to the limbs with a sleepy end.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Vincent, though martyred elsewhere, belongs to Saragossa, where he was trained; Engratia also lies here, the only martyr who survived her tortures, which were more cruel than a swift death.
- Vincent suffered at Valencia, near Saguntum. A few letters of line 22 appear lost in the scan; the sense of ‘you tell’ is from ‘narras’ in line 24.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray line number removed): Noster ost → Noster est; procul binc → procul hinc; sepnlcri → sepulcri; Martyrum nnlli → Martyrum nulli; terria habitare → terris habitare; snperstes 11"> Yivis → superstes Vivis; Vivis, ac poenae Beriem retezis, Carnis ei spolinm retentans, quam sulcos → Vivis, ac poenae seriem retexis, Carnis et spolium retentans, Quam sulcos; Sanguia impensns → Sanguis impensus; Pectns abscissa → Pectus abscissa; Qnae, venenatos → Quae, venenatos.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 4.97 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-97). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-97
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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.
4.129Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160
Cruda te longum tenuit cicatrix, Et diu venis dolor haesit ardens Dum putrescentes tenuat medullas Tabidus humor. Invidus quamvis obitum supremum Persecutoris gladius negarit, Plena te, martyr, tamen, ut peremtam, Poena coronat. Vidimus partem iecoris revulsam Ungulis longe iacuisse pressis : Mors habet pallens aliquid tuorum, Te quoque viva. Hunc novum nostrae titulum fruendum Caesaraugustae dedit ipse Christus, Iuge viventis domus ut dicata Martyris esset. Ergo ter senis sacra candidatis, Dives Optato, simul et Luperco Perge conscriptum tibimet senatum Pangere psalmis. Ede Successum ; cane Martialem, Mors et Urbani tibi concinatur: Iuliam cantus resonet, simulque Publium pandat chorus, et revolvat Quale Frontonis fuerit tropaeum ; Quid bonus Felix tulerit, quid acer Caecilianvs. Quantus, Evoti, tua bella sanguis Tinxerit, quantus tuus, Primitive: Tum tuos vivax recolat triumphos Laus, Apodemi. Quattuor posl hinc superest virorum
A raw scar held you long, and burning pain clung long in your veins, while wasting moisture thinned the rotting marrow. Although the persecutor’s envious sword denied you the final death, yet, martyr, a full punishment crowns you as though slain. We have seen part of the liver torn out and lying far off, squeezed by the claws: pale death has something of yours, even while you live. This new title Christ himself gave to our Caesaraugusta to enjoy, that it should be the dedicated house of an ever-living martyr. So, holy city, rich with the thrice six white-robed ones, with Optatus and Lupercus as well, go on celebrating in psalms the senate enrolled for you. Proclaim Successus; sing Martial; let the death of Urbanus be sung for you; let song resound with Julia, and together let the choir set forth Publius, and recount what the trophy of Fronto was; what good Felix bore, what keen Caecilianus. How much blood stained your battles, Evotius, how much yours, Primitivus; then let lively praise recall your triumphs, Apodemius. After these there remains of four men
Notes and citation
Summary: Engratia, crowned as a martyr though she survived, makes Saragossa the house of a living martyr; the poet names the eighteen: Optatus, Lupercus, Successus, Martial, Urbanus, Julia, Publius, Fronto, Felix, Caecilianus, Evotius, Primitivus, Apodemius and others.
- The common text has a further short line (‘Quintilianum’) after ‘simulque’; not in the scan, and not supplied.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray line number removed): partera iecoris → partem iecoris; alicraid → aliquid; Lvperco → Luperco; Ede Svccessvm → Ede Successum; Mors et Vrbani → Mors et Urbani; Ivliam cantus resonet, simukrae Pvblivm → Iuliam cantus resonet, simulque Publium; QuantuB, Evon, tm bella sanguis Tinxerit, qusntus fcua, Piumitiyk: 'L'um taos \i\;i\ recolal fcriumphoa Laus, Apodemi. L60 → Quantus, Evoti, tua bella sanguis Tinxerit, quantus tuus, Primitive: Tum tuos vivax recolat triumphos Laus, Apodemi..
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 4.129 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-129). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-129
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-prudentius-peristephanon-4-129) · 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.
4.161Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–203
Nomen extolli, renuente metro, Quos Saturninos memorat vocatos Prisca vetustas. Carminis Ieges amor aureorum Nominum parvi facit, et loquendi Cura de sanctis vitiosa non est, Nec rudis unquam. Plenus est artis modus, adnotatas Nominum formas recitare Christo, Quas tenet Caeli liber, explicandus Tempore iusto. Octo tunc Sanctos recolet decemque Angelus, coram Patre Filioque, Urbis unius regimen tenentes Iure sepulcri. Quin ad antiquum numerum trahentur Viva post poenae specimen puella, Morsque Vincenti, cui sanguis hinc est, Fons et honoris. Additis Caio (nec enim silendi), Teque, Crementi ; quibus incruentum Ferre provenit decus ex secundo Laudis agone. Ambo confessi Dominum, steterunt Acriter contra fremitum latronum : Ambo gustarunt leviter saporem Martyriorum . Haec, sub altari sita sempiterno, Lapsibus nostris veniam precatur Turba, quam servat procerum creatrix Purpureorum. Nos pio fletu, date, perluamus Marmorum sulcos, quibus est operta Spes, ut absolvam retinaculorum Vincla meorum. Sterne te totam, generosa, sanctis Civitas mecum tumulis ; deinde Mox resurgentes animas et artus Tota sequeris.
the name to be extolled, though the metre refuses, whom ancient antiquity records as called Saturninus. Love of the golden names thinks little of the laws of song, and care in speaking of the saints is not faulty, nor ever rude. The measure is full of art, to recite to Christ the noted forms of the names, which the book of heaven holds, to be unrolled in due time. Then the angel will recall the eight and ten saints before the Father and the Son, who hold the government of one city by right of their tomb. Moreover, to the ancient number will be added the girl who lived after the sample of punishment, and the death of Vincent, whose blood is from here, the source of his honor. Add Caius (for they must not be passed over in silence), and you, Crementius, to whom it befell to bear a bloodless glory from a second contest of praise. Both, confessing the Lord, stood fiercely against the roaring of the robbers; both tasted lightly the savor of martyrdom. This band, placed beneath the eternal altar, prays for pardon for our falls, the band that the mother of purple nobles keeps. Grant that we may wash with loving tears the grooves of the marble under which our hope is covered, that I may loosen the chains of my bonds. Prostrate yourself wholly, noble city, with me at the holy tombs; then soon you will follow, whole, the rising souls and limbs.
Rev 20:12 (echo, medium confidence) · Rev 6:9 (allusion, medium confidence) · Phil 4:3 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Four martyrs named Saturninus complete the eighteen, whose names are written in the book of heaven; Engratia, Vincent, and the confessors Caius and Crementius are added; the martyrs beneath the altar pray for the city’s sins, and the poet calls the city to prayer at their tombs.
- Rev 6:9; 20:12. The martyrs’ intercession is as written. The editor’s prose argument of Peristephanon 5 leaked into the end of this passage and was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; stray line number removed; OCR slips; OCR slips; the editor's prose argument of the next poem removed): NTomen extolli → Nomen extolli; Qaos Satvbninos raemorat → Quos Saturninos memorat; aureorura li>:> → aureorum; (^uas tenet Caeli liber → Quas tenet Caeli liber; deceinquo \iigelus → decemque Angelus; Yiva post → Viva post; Blorsque → Morsque; Crementi ; quihus → Crementi ; quibus; Amho gustarunt → Ambo gustarunt; suh altari → sub altari; Lapsihus → Lapsibus; Turha, quam → Turba, quam; Nbs pio fletu → Nos pio fletu; Marmoruni → Marmorum; ahsolvam → absolvam; Sterne fce totam, generosa sanctis 18 mecum tumulia ; deinde Bfoi resurgentes animaa et artua Tota Bequeris. lnvi.tim M iir.ir-u^ mirabilem, iuti-r v.iria t.iniiimt.iruiri genen, huius martyris conatantiam ac gloriosam exitora celebrat; deinde narral riuao tyrannna egerit, ut Bxanimum martyria corpus dissiparet; et quomodo divinitus servatum fuerit. → Sterne te totam, generosa, sanctis Civitas mecum tumulis ; deinde Mox resurgentes animas et artus Tota sequeris..
Topics: Martyrdom, Prayer, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 4.161 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-161). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/4-161
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-prudentius-peristephanon-4-161) · 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.
Chapter 5
5.1Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32
Beate martyr, prospera Diem triumphalem tuum, Quo sanguinis merces tibi Corona, Vincenti, datur. Hic te ex tenebris saeculi, Tortore victo et iudice, Evexit ad caelum dies, Christoque ovantem reddidit. Nunc angelorum particeps, Conlucia insigni stola, Quam testis indomabilis Rivis cruoris laveras. Quum te satelles idoli, Praecinctus atris legibus, Litare divis gentium Ferro et catenis cogeret, Ac verba primum mollia Suadendo blande effuderat ; Captator ut vitulum lupus Rapturus adludit prius. — « Rex, inquit, orbis maximus, Qui sceptra gestat Romula, Servire sanxit omnia Priscis deorum cultibus. Vos, Nazareni, adsistite, Rudemque ritum spernite : Haec saxa, quae princeps colit, Placate fumo et victima. » — Exclamat hic Vincentius, Levita de tribu sacra,
Blessed martyr, prosper your day of triumph, on which the crown, the reward of your blood, is given to you, Vincent. This day, the torturer and judge conquered, raised you from the darkness of the world to heaven, and gave you back triumphant to Christ. Now, sharer with the angels, you shine in the glorious robe which, an unconquerable witness, you had washed in streams of blood, when the attendant of the idol, girt with black laws, tried to force you with iron and chains to sacrifice to the gods of the nations. And at first he had poured out soft words, persuading you gently, as the wolf, a decoy, first plays with the calf it means to seize. “The king,” he said, “the greatest of the world, who bears the sceptre of Romulus, has decreed that all should serve the ancient worship of the gods. You Nazarenes, stand by, and spurn your crude rite: appease these stones, which the emperor worships, with smoke and victim.” Here Vincent cries out, a Levite of the sacred tribe,
Rev 7:14 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The poet hails the feast of the deacon Vincent, now among the angels in a robe washed in blood; the governor first tried gentle persuasion, ordering the Christians to sacrifice by imperial decree.
- Peristephanon 5: the deacon Vincent of Saragossa, martyred at Valencia (304). Rev 7:14. A leftover note on the reading ‘conlucis’ was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; leftover footnote removed; OCR slips): sanguinia merces til>i → sanguinis merces tibi; Eic t>' ex tenebria → Hic te ex tenebris; Turtore victo et iudico → Tortore victo et iudice; caolum → caelum; Ximc angelorum → Nunc angelorum; insigrii → insigni; testi3 → testis; lavoras → laveras; atri8 → atris; catenia cogeret. Conlucis insigni stola. Beins. ex cod. Putean. Alii in <- iiiida coniugat. conluces. Ac verba → catenis cogeret, Ac verba; Eapturus → Rapturus; — « Eex, inquit → — « Rex, inquit; Eomula → Romula; Sorvire → Servire; Eudemque → Rudemque; Vincentivs → Vincentius.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.1 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-1
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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.
5.33Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64
Minister altaris Dei, Septem ex columnis lacteis : — « Tibi ista praesint numina, Tu saxa, tu lignum colas; Tu mortuorum mortuus Fias deorum pontifex. Nos lucis auctorem Patrem, Eiusque Christum Filium, Qui solus ac verus Deus, Datiane, confitebimur. » — Hic ille iam commotior, — « Audesne, non felix, ait, Ius hoc deorum et principum Violare verbis asperis? Ius et sacratum et publicum, Cui cedit humanum genus? Nec te iuventae fervidae Instans periclum permovet ? Hoc namque decretum cape : Aut ara ture et caespite Praecanda iam nunc est tibi, Aut mors luenda est sanguine. » — Respondit ille altrinsecus : — « Age ergo, quidquid virium, Quidquid potestatis tibi est, Palam reluctor, exsere. Vox nostra quae sit, accipe : Est Christus et Pater Deus ; Servi huius et testes sumus : Extorque, si potes, fidem. Tormenta, carcer, ungulae, Stridensque flammis lamina,
minister of God’s altar, one of the seven milk-white columns: “Let these deities preside over you; you worship stones, you worship wood; you, dead, be the priest of dead gods. We, Datian, will confess the Father, author of light, and Christ his Son, who are the one true God.” At this he, now more stirred, “Do you dare, unhappy man,” he says, “to violate with harsh words this law of the gods and of the emperors, a law both sacred and public, to which the human race yields? Does not the danger that threatens your fervent youth move you? For take this decree: either the altar must now be entreated by you with incense and turf, or death must be paid with blood.” He answered in turn: “Come then, whatever strength, whatever power you have, put it forth: I resist you openly. Hear what our voice is: Christ and the Father are God; we are his servants and witnesses: wrench away our faith, if you can. Tortures, prison, claws, and the iron plate hissing with flames,
Acts 6:3 (echo, medium confidence) · John 17:3 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Vincent, one of the seven deacons, refuses to worship stones and wood and confesses the Father and Christ his Son as the one true God; the governor Datian threatens death, and Vincent defies him.
- ‘Levite’ and ‘one of the seven columns’: a deacon (Acts 6:3). ‘Who are the one true God’ (singular in the Latin), as written.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): Nos lncis auctorem Patrem, Eiasqne Christam Filiam, Qui solas ac veros Deus, → Nos lucis auctorem Patrem, Eiusque Christum Filium, Qui solus ac verus Deus,; Hic iHe → Hic ille; humanum geiras → humanum genus; permowt → permovet; sauguine → sanguine; Eespondit → Respondit; ongolae → ungulae.
Topics: Martyrdom, Church office
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.33 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-33
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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.
5.65Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96
Atque ipsa poenarum ultima Mors Christianis ludus est. O vestra inanis vanitas, Scitumque brutum Caesaris ! Condigna vestris sensibus Coli iubetis numina. Excisa fabrili manu, Cavis recocta et follibus, Quae voce, quae gressu carent, Immota, caeca, elinguia. His sumptuosa splendido Dulubra crescunt marmore : His colla mugientium Percussa taurorum cadunt. At sunt et illic spiritus. Sunt; sed magistri criminum, Vestrae et salutis aucupes, Vagi, impotentes, sordidi ; Qui vos latenter incitos In omne compellunt nefas, Vastare iustos caedibus, Plebem piorum carpere. Norunt et ipsi ac sentiunt Pollere Christum et vivere, Eiusque iamiamque adfore Regnum tremendum perfidis. Clamant fatentes denique Pulsi e latebris viscerum, Virtute Christi et nomine : Divique et idem daemones. » — His intonantem martyrem Iudex profanus non tulit. Conclamat: — « Os obtundite,
and death itself, the last of punishments, are a game to Christians. O your empty vanity, and the brutish decree of Caesar! You order deities to be worshiped that are worthy of your senses: cut out by the craftsman’s hand, recast with hollow bellows, which lack voice and step, unmoving, blind, tongueless. For these sumptuous shrines rise in splendid marble; for these the necks of lowing bulls fall struck. But there are spirits there too. There are; but they are masters of crimes, fowlers lying in wait for your salvation, roaming, powerless, filthy; who secretly drive you, roused, to every wickedness, to lay waste the righteous with slaughter, to pluck at the people of the pious. They themselves know and feel that Christ is strong and living, and that his kingdom will be at hand any moment, dreadful to the faithless. In the end they cry out, confessing, driven from the hiding places of the inner parts by the power and name of Christ, that they are both gods and demons.” The profane judge could not bear the martyr thundering these things. He shouts: “Beat his mouth,
Ps 115:5 (113:13 Vulg.) (allusion, medium confidence) · Jas 2:19 (echo, medium confidence) · Mark 1:24 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Vincent mocks the idols made by craftsmen and declares that the spirits behind them are demons who incite persecution yet tremble at Christ and confess themselves demons when exorcized; the judge orders him silenced.
- Ps 115:4–7; Jas 2:19.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; lines run together separated; stray line number removed): pocnarnm → poenarum; ludus ost. 0 vestra → ludus est. O vestra; nuniina → numina; colla mugientium 7."> → colla mugientium; tauroruin → taurorum; At sunt ct illic → At sunt et illic; N-.fiint rt ipsi ac Bentiunt Pollere Christum et irivere, → Norunt et ipsi ac sentiunt Pollere Christum et vivere,; deniqne Pnlsi → denique Pulsi; Virtnte → Virtute; Diyiqne → Divique; llis intonantem martyrem udei profanus non tulit. Conclamat: — « Os obtrndite, → His intonantem martyrem Iudex profanus non tulit. Conclamat: — « Os obtundite,.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.65 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-65
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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.
5.97Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128
Ne plura iactet improbus. Vocem loquentis claudite, Raptimque lictores date. Illos reornm carnibus Pastos, manuque exercitos. Iam faxo, ius praetorium Conviciator sentiat, Ne impune, ne nostris sibi Dis destruendis luserit. Tibi ergo soli, contumax, Tarpeia calcentur sacra? Tu porro solus obteras Romam, Senatum, Caesarem? Vinctum, retortis brachiis, Sursum ac deorsum extendite, Compago donec ossuum Divulsa membratim crepet. Posthinc hiulcis ictibus Nudate costarum abdita, Ut per lacunas vulnerum Iecur retectum palpitet. » — Ridebat haec miles Dei, Manus cruentas increpans, Quod fixa non profundius Intraret artus ungula. Ac iam omne robur fortium Eviscerando cesserat, Nisusque anhelus solverat Fessos lacertorum toros. Ast ille tanto laetior, Omni vacantem nubilo Frontem serenam luminat,
lest the wicked man boast any more. Shut the voice of the speaker, and bring the lictors at once, those who are fed on the flesh of the accused and trained in handiwork. I will soon see to it that the reviler feels the praetor’s law, lest he mock us with impunity, or the destruction of our gods. Are the Tarpeian rites, then, to be trampled by you alone, stubborn man? Are you alone, besides, to crush Rome, the Senate, Caesar? Stretch him out, bound, with his arms twisted back, up and down, until the framework of his bones cracks, torn apart limb by limb. After that, with gaping blows, lay bare the hidden parts of his ribs, so that through the hollows of the wounds his liver may throb, uncovered.” God’s soldier laughed at this, rebuking the bloody hands because the claw, fixed in, did not enter his limbs more deeply. And now all the strength of the strong men had given out in disemboweling him, and the panting effort had loosened the weary muscles of their arms. But he, all the more glad, lights up his calm brow, free from every cloud,
Notes and citation
Summary: Datian orders Vincent stretched on the rack and torn with claws; Vincent laughs at the torturers, who tire before he does.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): plnra tactet improbns → plura iactet improbus; clandite → claudite; Lam 1'axo, ius praetorium → Iam faxo, ius praetorium; Tn porro → Tu porro; Bomam, Senatum → Romam, Senatum; Postbinc → Posthinc; Tecur retectum → Iecur retectum.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.97 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-97). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-97
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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.
5.129Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160
Te, Christe, praesentem videns. « — Quis vultus iste, pro pudor! Datianus aiebat furens: Gaudet, renidet, provocat, Tortore tortus acrior. Nil illa vis exercita Tot noxiorum mortibus Agone in isto proficit, Ars et dolorum vincitur. Sed vos, alumni carceris, Par semper invictum mihi, Cohibete paullum dexteras, Respiret ut lassus vigor. Praesicca rursus ulcera, Dum se cicatrix colligit Refrigerati sanguinis, Manus resulcans diruet. » — His contra Levites refert : — « Si iam tuorum perspicis Languere virtutem canum, Age ipse, maior carnifex. Ostende, quo pacto queant Imos recessus scindere, Manus et ipse intersere, Rivosque ferventes bibe. Erras, cruente, si meam Te rere poenam sumere, Quum membra morti obnoxia Dilancinata interficis. Est alter, est intrinsecus, Violare quem nullus potest : Liber, quietus, integer,
seeing you, Christ, present. “What is that face, for shame!” Datian said, raging: “he rejoices, he smiles, he challenges, fiercer when tortured than the torturer. That force, practised in the deaths of so many guilty men, achieves nothing in this contest, and the art of pains is defeated. But you, nurslings of the prison, pair ever unconquered for me, hold back your right hands a little, so that tired strength may breathe again. Then, when the ulcers are quite dry, while the scar of the cooled blood draws itself together, your hand, furrowing again, will tear them apart.” To this the Levite replies: “If you now perceive that the strength of your dogs is flagging, come yourself, greater executioner. Show how they can tear the deepest recesses; put in your own hands too, and drink the boiling streams. You are wrong, bloody man, if you think you are taking your penalty from me when you kill limbs liable to death by tearing them to pieces. There is another, there is one within, whom no one can violate, free, quiet, whole,
2 Cor 4:16 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 10:28 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Datian is enraged that Vincent smiles under torture and orders a pause so the wounds can be reopened; Vincent challenges him to torture him himself, for the inner man cannot be harmed.
- 2 Cor 4:16; Matt 10:28.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray marks removed): pro pndor → pro pudor; Levites referi → Levites refert; Si iain tnornm → Si iam tuorum; guo pacto queanl Imoa recessus scindore → quo pacto queant Imos recessus scindere; Rivosque ferventes 1 bibe. » — Erras, cruentc → Rivosque ferventes bibe. Erras, cruente; snmere → sumere; Est altor est intrinsecns, Violare quem nullus potesl : → Est alter, est intrinsecus, Violare quem nullus potest :.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.129 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-129). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-129
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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.
5.161Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–192
Exsors dolorum tristium. Hoc, quod laboras perdere Tantis furoris viribus, Vas est solutum ac fictile, Quocumque frangendum modo. Quin immo nunc enitere Illum secare ac plectere, Qui perstat intus, qui tuam Calcat, tyranne, insaniam. Hunc, hunc lacesse; hunc discute Invictum, inexsuperabilem, Nullis procellis subditum, Solique subiectum Deo. » — Haec fatur, et stridentibus Laniatur uncis denuo. Cui praetor ore subdolo Anguina verba exsibilat: — « Si tanta callum pectoris Praedurat obstinatio, Pulvinar ut nostrum manu Abomineris tangere, Saltem latentes paginas, Librosque opertos detege, Quo secta pravum seminans Iustis cremetur ignibus. » — His martyr auditis, ait : — « Quem tu, maligne, mysticis Minitaris ignem litteris , Flagrabis ipse hoc iustius. Romphaea nam caelestium Vindex erit voluminum, Tanti veneni interpretem
exempt from sad pains. This which you labor to destroy with such great forces of fury is a vessel, loosened and of clay, to be broken in any way whatever. Rather strive now to cut and punish that one, who stands firm within, who tramples, tyrant, on your madness. Him, him provoke, him shatter, unconquered, insuperable, subject to no storms, subject to God alone.” So he speaks, and with hissing hooks he is torn again. To him the praetor with crafty mouth hisses out snakelike words: “If such obstinacy so hardens the callus of your heart that you abhor touching our sacred couch with your hand, at least uncover the hidden pages and the concealed books, so that the sect that sows depravity may be burned in just fires.” Having heard this, the martyr says: “The fire with which you, malicious one, threaten the mystic writings, you yourself will burn in more justly. For the sword will be the avenger of the heavenly volumes, burning with its lightning the tongue
2 Cor 4:7 (allusion, medium confidence) · Rev 19:15 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The body is only a clay vessel; the inner man is subject to God alone. Datian demands that Vincent at least hand over the Christian books to be burned; Vincent answers that God’s sword will avenge the sacred volumes on him.
- The demand to surrender the Scriptures reflects the persecution edict of 303. 2 Cor 4:7.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; stray line number removed): viribns → viribus; tietilc 1 Quocumque frangendnm mpdo. → fictile, Quocumque frangendum modo.; Dlum secare → Illum secare; qui tnam → qui tuam; Hunc, bunc lacesse; bunc discute Invictum, inexsnprabilem, Xullis procellis snbditum, → Hunc, hunc lacesse; hunc discute Invictum, inexsuperabilem, Nullis procellis subditum,; subdolo 17" → subdolo; lustis cremetur → Iustis cremetur; Eomphaea → Romphaea.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution, Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.161 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 161–192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-161). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-161
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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.
5.193Lanfranchi 1:lines 193–224
Linguam perurens fulmine. Vides favillas indices Gomorrheorum criminum : Sodomita nec latet cinis, Testis perennis funeris. Exemplar hoc, serpens, tuum est : Fuligo quem mox sulphuris, Bitumen et mixtum pice, Imo implicabunt tartaro. » — His persecutor saucius Pallet, rubescit, aestuat, Insana torquens lumina, Spumasque frendens egerit. Tum deinde cunctatus diu, Decernit extrema omnium : Igni, grabato, et laminis Exerceatur quaestio. Haec ille se se ad munera Gradu citato proripit, Ipsosque pernox gaudio, Poenae ministros praevenit. Ventum ad palaestram gloriae : Spes certat et crudelitas; Luctamen anceps conserunt Hinc martyr, illinc carnifex. Serrata lectum regula Dente frequenti exasperat, Cui multa carbonum strues Vivum vaporat halitum. Hunc sponte conscendit rogum Vir sanctus ore interrito, Ceu iam coronae conscius
of the interpreter of such poison. You see the ashes that are evidence of the crimes of Gomorrah; nor is the ash of Sodom hidden, witness of an everlasting funeral. This is your pattern, serpent: soon the soot of sulphur, and bitumen mixed with pitch, will entangle you in deepest Tartarus.” Wounded by this, the persecutor turns pale, reddens, seethes, rolling his maddened eyes, and, gnashing his teeth, pours out foam. Then, after long hesitation, he decrees the last of all: let the inquiry be carried out with fire, the bed and the plates. He hurries himself to these offices with quick step, and, sleepless all night with joy, outruns the very ministers of punishment. They came to the wrestling-ground of glory: hope and cruelty contend; they join a doubtful struggle, the martyr on this side, the executioner on that. A serrated bar roughens the bed with close-set teeth, which a great heap of coals heats with living breath. This pyre the holy man mounts of his own accord, with fearless face, as though, already aware of his crown,
Gen 19:24 (allusion, high confidence) · Jude 1:7 (allusion, medium confidence) · Rev 21:8 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Vincent warns Datian of the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah; the furious governor orders the gridiron, and Vincent climbs onto it willingly.
- Gen 19:24–25; Jude 7.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): indicea Gromorrheomm → indices Gomorrheorum; perennia fnneris → perennis funeris; Berpens, tuum esl → serpens, tuum est; snlphnris → sulphuris; tartaxo → tartaro; Ilis persecutor → His persecutor; ad mnnera → ad munera; gloriar» → gloriae; Tlunc sponte → Hunc sponte.
Topics: Martyrdom, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.193 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 193–224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-193). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-193
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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.
5.225Lanfranchi 1:lines 225–256
Celsum tribunal scanderet. Subter crepante adspergine Scintillat excussus salis, Punctisque fervens stridulis Sparsim per artus figitur. Arvina posthinc igneum Impressa cauterem lavit : Vis unde roris fumidi In membra sensim liquitur. Haec inter immotus manet, Tamquam dolorum nescius, Tenditque in altum lumina; Nam vincla palmas presserant. Sublatus inde fortior Lugubre in antrum truditur, Ne liber usus luminis Animaret altum spiritum. Est intus imo ergastulo Locus tenebris nigrior, Quem saxa mersi fornicis Angusta clausum strangulant. Aeterna nox illic latet Expers diurni sideris : Hic carcer horrendus suos Habere fertur inferos. In hoc barathrum coniicit Truculentus hostis martyrem : Lignoque plantas inserit Divaricatis cruribus. Quin addit et poenam novam Crucis peritus artifex, Nulli tyranno cognitam,
he were climbing to a high tribunal. Beneath, with crackling spray, the salt shaken out sparkles, and, boiling in hissing points, is fixed here and there through his limbs. After that, fat pressed on bathes the fiery brand, whence the force of the smoking dew melts little by little into his limbs. Amid these things he remains unmoved, as if knowing nothing of pain, and stretches his eyes on high; for chains had pressed his palms. Lifted from there, stronger, he is thrust into a mournful cave, lest the free use of light should animate his lofty spirit. There is within, at the bottom of the prison, a place blacker than darkness, which the stones of a sunken vault strangle, narrow and closed. Eternal night lurks there, without the star of day: this horrid prison is said to have its own underworld. Into this pit the savage enemy throws the martyr, and puts his feet into the stocks with legs spread wide apart. Moreover he adds a new punishment, a craftsman skilled in torture, known to no tyrant,
Notes and citation
Summary: On the gridiron Vincent is burned with salt and dripping fat but remains unmoved, eyes raised to heaven; then he is thrown into the darkest dungeon with his feet in the stocks.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): Expera dinrni Bideria : Hic caroar horrendns suos Habere fertnr inferos. In hoc barathrum coniicit Trucuk-ntus hostis inartyrem : Lignogne plantas Lnserit → Expers diurni sideris : Hic carcer horrendus suos Habere fertur inferos. In hoc barathrum coniicit Truculentus hostis martyrem : Lignoque plantas inserit; pocnam novam → poenam novam; Crncis peritns → Crucis peritus; Nnlli tyranno → Nulli tyranno.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.225 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 225–256; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-225). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-225
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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.
5.257Lanfranchi 1:lines 257–288
Nec fando compertam retro. Fragmenta testarum iubet Hirta, impolitis angulis, Acuminata, informia, Tergo iacentis sternerent. Totum cubile spiculis Armant dolores anxii, Insomne qui subter latus Mucrone pulsent obvio. Haec ille versutus vafra Meditatus arte struxerat: Sed Belzebulis callida Commenta Christus destruit. Nam carceralis caecitas Splendore lucis fulgurat, Duplexque morsus stipitis Ruptis cavernis dissilit. Agnoscit hic Vincentius Adesse, quod speraverat, Tanti laboris praemium, Christum datorem luminis. Cernit deinde fragmina Iam testularum mollibus Vestire semet floribus, Redolente nectar carcere. Quin et frequentes angeli Stant, ac loquuntur comminus, Quorum unus ore augustior Compellat his dictis virum : — « Exsurge, martyr inclite, Exsurge securus tui : Exsurge, et almis caetibus
nor learned before by report. He orders fragments of potsherds, rough, with unpolished corners, sharpened, shapeless, to be strewn under the back of the man lying there. Anxious pains arm the whole bed with spikes, to strike his sleepless side from beneath with point set against it. These things the crafty man had built, having planned them with cunning art; but Christ destroys the clever devices of Beelzebul. For the blindness of the prison flashes with the splendor of light, and the double bite of the stocks leaps apart, its holes broken. Here Vincent recognizes that what he had hoped for is present, the reward of so great a labor, Christ, the giver of light. Then he sees the fragments of the potsherds now clothing themselves with soft flowers, as the prison breathes nectar. Moreover, many angels stand and speak face to face, of whom one, more majestic of countenance, addresses the man with these words: “Arise, famous martyr, arise, secure for yourself; arise, and as a companion join
Acts 12:7 (echo, medium confidence) · Acts 16:26 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Vincent is laid on sharp potsherds in the dungeon, but Christ fills the prison with light, breaks the stocks, turns the shards to flowers, and angels come to speak with him.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): compertara → compertam; sterneront → sternerent; Bfeditatns → Meditatus; raorsus → morsus; Agnoscit hic Vincentivs → Agnoscit hic Vincentius; Eedolente → Redolente; bis dictis → his dictis.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.257 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 257–288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-257). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-257
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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.
5.289Lanfranchi 1:lines 289–320
Noster sodalis addere. Decursa iam satis tibi Poenae minacis munia, Pulchroque mortis exitu Omnis peracta est passio. O miles invictissime, Fortissimorum fortior, Iam te ipsa saeva et aspera Tormenta victorem tremunt. Spectator haec Christus Deus Compensat aevo intermino, Propriaeque collegam Crucis Larga coronat dextera. Pone hoc caducum vasculum Compage textum terrea, Quod dissipatum solvitur; Et liber in caelum veni. » — Haec ille. Sed clausas fores Interna rumpunt lumina, Tenuisque per rimas nitor Lucis latentis proditur. Hoc quum stuperet territus Obsessor atri liminis, Quem cura pernox manserat Servare feralem domum , Psallentis audit insuper Praedulce carmen martyris, Cui vocis instar aemulae Conclave reddit concavum. Pavens deinde introspicit, Admota quantum postibus Acies per artas cardinum
our fellowship. The duties of the threatening punishment have now been run through enough by you, and by a beautiful end of death your whole passion is complete. O most unconquered soldier, braver than the bravest, now the very tortures, savage and harsh, tremble at you, their victor. Christ God, a spectator of these things, repays them with endless age, and crowns with his generous right hand the companion of his own Cross. Lay down this perishable little vessel, woven with an earthy framework, which is loosened and dissolved, and come free to heaven.” So he spoke. And the light within bursts the closed doors, and through the cracks a thin gleam of the hidden light is betrayed. When the guard of the black threshold, whom an all-night duty had kept to watch the deadly house, was astonished and terrified at this, he hears besides the very sweet song of the martyr singing psalms, to which the hollow chamber gives back the likeness of an answering voice. Then, trembling, he looks in, as far as his eye, moved up to the doorposts, can enter through the narrow
2 Tim 4:7 (echo, medium confidence) · 2 Tim 4:8 (echo, medium confidence) · 2 Cor 5:1 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The angel tells Vincent his passion is complete and Christ will crown him; light bursts from the dungeon, and the guard hears the martyr singing psalms.
- 2 Tim 4:7–8; 2 Cor 5:1.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray line number removed): Nbster sodalis → Noster sodalis; 0 miles → O miles; Iam t« ipsa → Iam te ipsa; caducmn → caducum; Uaec ille. Scd clansas fores •i11"» → Haec ille. Sed clausas fores; Lucia latehtia → Lucis latentis; territua → territus; manscrat → manserat; cardiuum → cardinum.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.289 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 289–320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-289). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-289
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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.
5.321Lanfranchi 1:lines 321–352
Intrare iuncturas potest. Vernare multis floribus Stramenta testarum videt, Ipsumque vulsis nexibus Obambulantem pangere. Implentur aures turbidi Praetoris hoc miraculo : Flet victus, et volvit gemens Iram, dolorem, dedecus. — « Exemptus, inquit, carceri, Paullum benignis fotibus Recreetur, ut pastum novum Poenis refectus praebeat. » — Co'ire toto ex oppido Turbam fidelem cerneres, Mollire praefultum torum, Siccare cruda vulnera. Illo ungularum duplices Sulcos pererrat osculis ; Hic purpurantem corporis Gaudet cruorem lambere. Plerique vestem linteam Stillante tinguunt sanguine, Tutamen ut sacrum suis Domi reservent posteris. Tunc ipse manceps carceris, Et vinculorum ianitor, Ut fert vetustas conscia, Repente Christum credidit. Hic obseratis vectibus Densae specum caliginis Splendore lucis advenae
joints of the hinges. He sees the strewing of potsherds blooming with many flowers, and the man himself, his bonds torn off, walking about and singing. The ears of the troubled praetor are filled with this miracle: beaten, he weeps, and groaning turns over anger, pain and disgrace. “Let him be taken out of the prison,” he says, “and refreshed a little with kindly comforts, so that, restored, he may provide new food for punishments.” You might see the faithful crowd come together from the whole town, softening the propped couch, drying the raw wounds. This one goes over the double furrows of the claws with kisses; that one is glad to lick the crimsoning blood of the body. Many dip linen garments in the dripping blood, so as to keep at home a sacred protection for their descendants. Then the keeper of the prison himself, and doorkeeper of the chains, as conscious antiquity reports, suddenly believed in Christ. He had seen the cave of thick darkness, its bars barred, shining, closed as it was,
Acts 16:29 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The guard sees Vincent free and singing among flowers; Datian, defeated, orders him nursed so he can be tortured again; the faithful tend his wounds and keep cloths dipped in his blood, and the jailer believes in Christ.
- The keeping of cloths dipped in the martyr’s blood is described as written.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray line number removed): testanim → testarum; Eecreetur → Recreetur; Tnrbam → Turbam; Tutamen nt sacrum → Tutamen ut sacrum; carceris, 34 r → carceris,; specnm → specum.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.321 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 321–352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-321). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-321
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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.
5.353Lanfranchi 1:lines 353–384
Micuisse clausum viderat. At vero postquam lectuli Martyr quietem contigit ; Aeger morarum taedio, Et mortis incensus siti: Si mors habenda eiusmodi est, Quae corporali ergastulo Mentem resolvit liberam, Et reddit auctori Deo : Mentem piatam sanguine, Mortis lavacris ablutam, Quae semel ac vitam suam Christo immolandam praebuit. Ergo, ut recline mollibus Reiecit aulaeis caput, Victor, relictis artubus, Caelum capessit spiritus : Cui recta celso tramite, Reseratur ad Patrem via, Quam fratre caesus impio Abel beatus scanderat. Stipant euntem candidi Hinc inde sanctorum chori , Parique missum carcere Baptista Ioannes vocat. At Christiani nominis Hostem coquebant irrita Fellis venena, et lividum Cor efferata exusserant. Saevire inermem crederes Fractis draconem dentibus : — « Evasit, exsultans, ait,
with the splendor of a strange light. But after the martyr reached the rest of the little bed, sick with the weariness of delay and burning with thirst for death — if death of such a kind is to be held death, which releases the mind free from the prison of the body and gives it back to God its author: the mind atoned for with blood, washed in the bath of death, which once and for all offered its life to be sacrificed to Christ — so, as he laid back his head on the soft coverings, the spirit, victorious, leaving the limbs, takes possession of heaven; for it, by a lofty path, the straight way to the Father is opened, which blessed Abel, slain by his impious brother, had climbed. White choirs of saints throng him on this side and that as he goes, and John the Baptist, sent forth from a like prison, calls to him. But the useless poisons of gall were cooking the enemy of the Christian name, and had burned up his livid, savage heart. You would think a disarmed dragon raged with broken teeth: “He has escaped,” he says, exulting,
Gen 4:8 (allusion, medium confidence) · Heb 11:4 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 14:10 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Laid on a soft bed, Vincent, longing for death, dies, and his spirit rises to the Father by the way of Abel, welcomed by the saints and John the Baptist; Datian rages that he has escaped.
- Gen 4:8; Heb 11:4; Matt 14:10.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): Bfentem piatam sanguine, Mortia lavacris alntam, Quae Bemel ac vitam Buam → Mentem piatam sanguine, Mortis lavacris ablutam, Quae semel ac vitam suam; Beiecit → Reiecit; Caelnm capessit → Caelum capessit; bcatus → beatus.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.353 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 353–384; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-353). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-353
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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.
5.385Lanfranchi 1:lines 385–416
Rebellis, et palmam tulit? Sed restat illud ultimum Inferre poenam mortuo, Feris cadaver tradere; Canibusve carpendum dare. Iam nunc et ossa exstinxero, Ne sit sepulcrum funeris, Quod plebs gregalis excolat, Titulumque fingat martyris. » — Sic frendit, et corpus sacrum Profanus ( ah dirum nefas ! ) Nudum, negato tegmine, Exponit inter carices. Sed nulla dirarum fames Aut bestiarum aut alitum Audet tropaeum gloriae Foedare tactu squalido. Quin, si qua clangens improbe Circumvolarat eminus, Trucis volucris impetu Depulsa vertebat fugam. Nam corvus, Heliae datus Olim ciborum portitor, Hoc munus implet sedulo, Et inremotus excubat. Hic ex frutetis proximis Infestus alarum sono, Oculosque pennis verberans Exegit immanem lupum. Quis perfidorum credere Ausit, rapacem belluam,
“the rebel, and carried off the palm? But there remains this last thing: to inflict punishment on the dead man, to hand over the corpse to wild beasts, or give it to dogs to tear. I will now destroy even the bones, so that there may be no tomb of his corpse for the common herd to honor and to fashion a martyr’s title.” So he gnashes, and, profane man (ah, dread wickedness!), exposes the sacred body naked, covering denied, among the sedges. But no dire hunger of beasts or birds dares to defile the trophy of glory with a filthy touch. Rather, if any bird, screeching wickedly, had flown around from afar, driven off by the attack of a fierce bird it turned in flight. For the raven, once given to Elijah as carrier of food, fulfils this duty diligently, and keeps watch close by. This raven, from the nearest thickets, hostile with the sound of its wings, beating his eyes with its feathers, drove off a monstrous wolf. Who of the faithless would dare to believe that a ravenous beast,
1 Kgs 17:6 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Datian throws Vincent’s body to the beasts so that no tomb may be honored, but no beast or bird touches it; a raven, like Elijah’s, guards it and drives off a wolf.
- 1 Kgs 17:4–6. A leftover note on ‘exsultans’ was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leftover footnote removed): Bebellis → Rebellis; Tnferre → Inferre; dare. (:j) exsultans. propric intcllige. Iam nunc → dare. Iam nunc; Quocl plebs grcgalis → Quod plebs gregalis; Profanua → Profanus; Nuduin → Nudum.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.385 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 385–416; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-385). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-385
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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.
5.417Lanfranchi 1:lines 417–448
Tauris paratam congredi, Cessisse plumis mollibus? Abit malignum murmurans, Levi volatu exterritus ; Praedamque visam fugerat Custodis imbellis minis. Quis, audienti talia, Datiane, tunc sensus tibi? Quantis gementem spiculis Pulsabat occultus dolor? Quum te perempti corporis Virtute victum cerneres, Ipsis et impar ossibus, Vacuisque iam membris minor? Sed quis, tyranne pertinax, Hunc impotentem spiritum Determinabit exitus ? Nullusne te franget modus? » — « — Nullus; nec umquam desinam; Nam, si ferina immanitas Mansuescit, et clementia Corvos voraces mitigat, Mergam cadaver fluctibus : Insana numquam naufragis Ignoscit unda, et spumeum Nescit profundum parcere. Aut semper illic mobilis Incerta per ludibria Vagis feretur flatibus, Squamosa pascens agmina ;
ready to fight with bulls, had yielded to soft feathers? It goes off, growling malignantly, terrified by a light flight; and it had fled from the prey it had seen at the threats of an unwarlike guardian. What feeling, then, hearing such things, Datian, did you have? With how many darts did hidden pain strike you as you groaned, when you saw yourself conquered by the power of the slain body, unequal even to the bones, and smaller than limbs now empty? But what end, stubborn tyrant, will set a limit to this uncontrolled spirit? Will no measure break you? “None; nor will I ever stop: for if beastly savagery grows gentle, and mercy softens voracious ravens, I will sink the corpse in the waves: the mad wave never pardons the shipwrecked, and the foaming deep knows not how to spare. Or else it will be carried there forever, moving through uncertain mockeries, by wandering winds, feeding the scaly shoals;
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: The wolf flees before the raven; Datian, defeated even by the dead body, resolves to sink it in the sea.
- This passage is badly damaged in the scan: footnotes on variant readings and a running head were interleaved with the verse and removed, and several lines were restored by sense (‘Abit malignum murmurans’, ‘Quis, audienti talia’, ‘Pulsabat occultus dolor’, ‘Quum te perempti corporis’, ‘Mergam cadaver fluctibus’, ‘Insana numquam naufragis / Ignoscit unda’); the translation follows these readings.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slips; lines run together separated; footnotes and running head removed; several damaged words read by sense): Cessisse plumis mollibus? bai malignum murmurans, 1 1 ) Levi rolata exterritus ; Praedamque visam fugerat Custodis iml»"llis minis. andienti talia, Datiane, tnnc Bensus tibi? Qnantis genientem Bpicnlis bal occnltus dolor? ^umii t>' perempti corporis Virtute victnm cerneres, psis et impar ossibns, Vacuisque iam membris minor? Sed quis, tvranne pertinax, Ilunc impotentem spiritum Determinahit exitus ? Nullus no te franget modus? » — « — Nullus; nec nmquam desinam Nam, si ferina immanrl Mansuescit, et clementia Corvos voraces mitigat, Biergam cadaver fluctibus : nsana numquam naufragis gnoscit onda, ei spumeum Nescit prorundum parcere. Aut semper illic mobilis Incerta per ludibria _ is feretur datibus ( l I, Squamosa pascens agmina ; impotentem, Don potentem, debilem. nullua. De iani baec snnt rerba, cuiut iecur bilis urebat. iii Vagia feretur flatibus, Complures codd. apud II I.'m\\iit.. aliique fluct\ a. ct multae editt. «'■ flatibus, aul flantibus, A. Phvdentii Opira. → Cessisse plumis mollibus? Abit malignum murmurans, Levi volatu exterritus ; Praedamque visam fugerat Custodis imbellis minis. Quis, audienti talia, Datiane, tunc sensus tibi? Quantis gementem spiculis Pulsabat occultus dolor? Quum te perempti corporis Virtute victum cerneres, Ipsis et impar ossibus, Vacuisque iam membris minor? Sed quis, tyranne pertinax, Hunc impotentem spiritum Determinabit exitus ? Nullusne te franget modus? » — « — Nullus; nec umquam desinam; Nam, si ferina immanitas Mansuescit, et clementia Corvos voraces mitigat, Mergam cadaver fluctibus : Insana numquam naufragis Ignoscit unda, et spumeum Nescit profundum parcere. Aut semper illic mobilis Incerta per ludibria Vagis feretur flatibus, Squamosa pascens agmina ;.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.417 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 417–448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-417). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-417
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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.
5.449Lanfranchi 1:lines 449–480
Aut sub fragosis rupibus Scabri petrarum muriccs Inter recessus scrupeos Discissa rumpent viscera. Ecquis virorum, strenue Cumbam peritus pellere, Remo, rudente, et carbaso, Secare qui pontum queas, Rapias palustri e cespite Corpus, quod intactum iacet; Levique vectum lembulo Amplum per aequor auferas. Sed complicatum sparteus Claudat cadaver culleus, Quem fune connexus lapis Praeceps in altum deprimat. At tu per undas emices, Rorante praepes palmula, Donec relictum longior Abscondat adspectus solum. » — Haec iussa quidam militum, (Eumorphio nomen fuit) Violentus, audax, barbarus, Furore fervens arripit. Panale textum conserit, Suto quod implet corpore, Emensus et multum freti, Inter procellas excutit. O praepotens virtns Dei ! Virtus creatrix omnium ! Quae turgidum quondam mare Gradiente Christo straverat,
or beneath crashing cliffs the rough spikes of the rocks, among the rugged recesses, will burst the torn entrails. Is there any man, skilled to drive a boat vigorously, who can cut the sea with oar, rope and sail, to snatch from the marshy turf the body that lies untouched, and, carrying it in a light skiff, take it out across the wide sea? But let a sack of broom enclose the folded corpse, and a stone, tied with a rope, drag it headlong into the deep. And you, flash through the waves, swift with your dripping oar-blade, until a longer view hides the land left behind.” One of the soldiers seizes on these orders (Eumorphius was his name), violent, bold, barbarous, boiling with fury. He weaves together a rush basket, which he fills with the body sewn in, and, having traversed much of the strait, throws it out amid the storms. O mighty power of God! Power, creator of all things! which once had laid flat the swollen sea when Christ walked on it,
Matt 14:25 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Datian orders the body sewn into a sack, weighted with a stone and dropped far out at sea; the soldier Eumorphius carries out the order.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): rnpibus → rupibus; petrarnm → petrarum; stremie → strenue; Eemo, rudente → Remo, rudente; Eumorpbio → Eumorphio; Suto qnod implel → Suto quod implet; Emensus ei multam → Emensus et multum; procellaa → procellas; < ) praepotens → O praepotens; omniom → omnium; torgidom → turgidum.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.449 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 449–480; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-449). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-449
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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.
5.481Lanfranchi 1:lines 481–512
Ut terga calcans aequoris Siccis mearet passibus, Plantas nec undis tingueret Vasti viator gurgitis. Haec ipsa virtus iusserat Rubrum salum dehiscere, Patente dum fundo aridum Secura plebs iter legit. Nec non et ipsa nunc iubet Servire sancto corpori Pontum, quietis lapsibus Ad curva pronum litora. Saxum molaris ponderis, Ut spuma candens, innatat; Tantique custos pignoris Piscella fertur fluctibus. Cernunt stupentes navitae Vectam remenso marmore, Labi retrorsum leniter, Aestu secundo et flamine. Certant et ipsi concito Pontum phaselo scindere : Longe sed artus praevolant Telluris ad mollem sinum. Prius relatos denique Humus quieta suscipit, Quam pulsa summis nisibus Carina portum tangeret. Felix amoeni litoris Secessus ille, qui sacra Fovens arenis viscera Vicem sepulcri praebuit?
so that, treading the backs of the sea, he passed with dry steps, and did not wet his feet in the waves, a traveller over the vast deep. This same power had ordered the Red Sea to gape, while the people, safe, chose a dry way over the open bottom. And this same power now bids the sea serve the holy body, sloping with quiet glidings to the curved shores. The stone of millstone weight floats like gleaming foam; and the little basket, guardian of so great a pledge, is carried by the waves. The astonished sailors see it borne back over the marble sea they had measured, gliding gently backward with tide and wind in its favor. They themselves strive with their hurried skiff to cut the sea; but far ahead the limbs fly to the soft bosom of the land. In short, the quiet earth receives them, brought back, before the keel, driven with the utmost efforts, could touch the harbor. Happy that retreat of the pleasant shore, which, cherishing the sacred flesh in its sands, provided the place of a tomb!
Matt 14:25 (allusion, high confidence) · Exod 14:21 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The power that let Christ walk on the sea and parted the Red Sea makes the weighted body float; it outruns the sailors back to shore and is received by the land as a tomb.
- Matt 14:25; Exod 14:21–22.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): torga calcans → terga calcans; mearel passibns → mearet passibus; via&or → viator; llaec ipsa → Haec ipsa; Patente dnm → Patente dum; Ncc non et ipsa nunc inbet → Nec non et ipsa nunc iubet; TJt spuma → Ut spuma; Tantiquc → Tantique; Cemunt → Cernunt; mollom → mollem; Povens → Fovens; scpulcri → sepulcri.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.481 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 481–512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-481). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-481
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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.
5.513Lanfranchi 1:lines 513–544
Dum cura sanctorum pia Deflens adornat aggerem ; Tumuloque corpus creditum Vitae reservat posterae. Sed mox, subactis hostibus, Iam pace iustis reddita, Altar quietem debitam Praestat beatis ossibus. Subiecta nam sacrario, Imamque ad aram condita, Caelestis auram muneris Perfusa subtus hauriunt. Sic corpus ; ast ipsum Dei Sedes receptum continet, Cum Macchabaeis fratribus, Sectoque Esaiae proximum. Simplex sed illis contigit Corona poenarum, quibus Finem malorum praestitit Mortis supremus exitus. Quid tale sector ausus est? Truncata numquid corporis Segmenta post serram feris Obiecit, aut undis dedit? Nunc Macchabaei martyris Linguam tyrannus erutam, Raptamve pellem verticis Avibus cruentis obtulit? Tu solus, o bis inclite, Solus brabei duplicis Palmam tulisti : tu duas Simul parasti laureas.
while the loving care of the saints, weeping, adorns the mound, and keeps the body entrusted to the tomb for the life to come. But soon, the enemies subdued, and peace now restored to the righteous, an altar gives the due rest to the blessed bones. For, placed beneath the sanctuary and laid at the foot of the altar, they drink in from below, bathed, the breath of the heavenly gift. So the body; but he himself is received and held in the seat of God, with the Maccabean brothers, and next to Isaiah who was sawn. But to them fell a single crown of punishments, for whom the final exit of death brought an end of evils. What such thing did the sawyer dare? Did he throw the cut-off pieces of the body after the saw to beasts, or give them to the waves? Did the tyrant offer the torn-out tongue of the Maccabean martyr, or the skin snatched from his scalp, to bloody birds? You alone, O twice-glorious, alone carried off the palm of a double prize: you prepared two laurels at once.
Heb 11:37 (echo, medium confidence) · Rev 6:9 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Vincent’s body, first buried by the faithful, now rests beneath an altar; his soul is in heaven with the Maccabean martyrs and Isaiah, but he alone won a double crown, conquering both in death and after it.
- 2 Macc 7; Isaiah sawn asunder: a tradition reflected in Heb 11:37. The first word of line 14 is damaged in the scan; read ‘Sedes’ by sense.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; first word of a line read by sense; stray line number removed): - L - receptum continet, Cum Brfacchabaeifl firatribns, Sectoque Esaiae proximuui. (_'i Simplei sed illis conti_it Corona poonarum, quibus Finem malorum praestitit Ifortis sapremns exitns. → Sedes receptum continet, Cum Macchabaeis fratribus, Sectoque Esaiae proximum. Simplex sed illis contigit Corona poenarum, quibus Finem malorum praestitit Mortis supremus exitus.; sector ansns est → sector ausus est; Truncata nnmquid → Truncata numquid; ant undis → aut undis; erntam → erutam; Kaptamve pellem rerticis → Raptamve pellem verticis; Tn solus → Tu solus; laureas. :>1(» → laureas..
Extrabiblical texts: 2 Macc 7:4-10 (2 Maccabees [in RC, EO canons]; allusion)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.513 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 513–544; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-513). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-513
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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.
5.545Lanfranchi 1:lines 545–578
In morte victor aspera, Tum deinde post mortem pari Victor triumpho proteris Solo latronem corpore. Adesto nunc, et percipe, Voces precantum supplices, Nostri reatus efficax Orator ad thronum Patris. Per te, per illum carcerem, Honoris augmentum tui ; Per vincla, flammas, ungulas, Per carceralem stipitem; Per fragmen illud testeum, Quo parta crevit gloria, Per, quem trementes posteri Exosculamur, lectulum, Miserere nostrarum precum, Placatus ut Christus suis Inclinet aurem prosperam, Noxas nec omnes imputet. Si rite solemnem diem Veneramur ore et pectore ; Si sub tuorum gaudio Vestigiorum sternimur, Paullisper huc illabere, Christi favorem deferens ; Carnem resumat spiritus, Virtute perfunctam pari, Ut, quae laborum particeps Commune discrimen tulit, Sit et cohaeres gloriae Cunctis in aevum saeculis.
In death a victor over harsh things, then after death, with equal triumph, a victor, you trample down the robber with your body alone. Be present now, and receive the suppliant voices of those who pray, effective pleader for our guilt before the Father’s throne. By yourself, by that prison, the increase of your honor; by the chains, the flames, the claws, by the prison stocks; by that fragment of earthenware by which your won glory grew; by the little bed which we, your trembling posterity, kiss: have pity on our prayers, so that Christ, appeased, may incline a favorable ear to his own, and not reckon all our sins. If we rightly venerate this solemn day with mouth and heart; if we lie prostrate in joy beneath your footprints, glide down here for a little while, bringing the favor of Christ; let the spirit take back the flesh, which has performed with equal virtue, so that the flesh, which, sharing in the labors, bore the common danger, may also be co-heir of the glory through all ages forever.
Rom 8:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Vincent, victor in death and after it, is asked to present the people’s prayers before the Father’s throne so that Christ may forgive them, and the poet prays that the flesh, which shared the martyr’s labors, may share his glory in the resurrection.
- The martyr is invoked as intercessor, as written. A leftover note (on ‘brabei’/‘bravii’) was removed; the scan may lack a line or two before ‘Carnem resumat spiritus’.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leftover footnote removed): asp, ra , Tura deinde → aspera, Tum deinde; Yictor triumpho → Victor triumpho; Christi favorem deferens ; Inde nos Itali, nisi probe erro, fecimus bravo. — Vaticc. niss. habent bravii. → Christi favorem deferens ; ; Carnem resnmat spiritns, Virtute perfunctam pari. i t. quae labornm particeps Conunun»' discrimen tulit, Sil el cohaeres gloriae Cnnctis in aovnm saecnlis. → Carnem resumat spiritus, Virtute perfunctam pari, Ut, quae laborum particeps Commune discrimen tulit, Sit et cohaeres gloriae Cunctis in aevum saeculis..
Topics: Martyrdom, Prayer, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 5.545 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 545–578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-545). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/5-545
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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 6
6.1Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32
Felix Tarraco, Fructuose, vestris Attollit caput ignibus coruscum, Levitis geminis procul relucens. Hispanos Deus adspicit benignus, Arcem quandoquidem potens Hiberam Trino martyre Trinitas coronat. Ardens Augurius capessit aethram, Nec non Eulogius simul superbum Christi lucidus ad sedile tendit. Dux et praevius et magister illis Ad tantum decus, ex episcopali Clarus nomine Fructuosus ibat. Accitus quia praesidis repente Iussu venerat ad forum sacerdos Levitis comitantibus duobus. Inde ad carceream viros catenam Fastus sanguine carnifex trahebat: Gaudet currere Fructuosus ultro, Ac, ne quis socios timor feriret, Praeceptor vehemens eundo firmat, Incenditque fidem calore Christi. — « Mecum state, viri : vocat cruentus Ad poenam coluber Dei ministros ; Ne mors terreat, est parata palma. Carcer Christicolis gradus coronae est : Carcer provehit ad superna caeli: Carcer conciliat Deum beatis. » — His dictis, adeunt specum reorum, Exercent ibi mysticum lavacrum, Et purgamen aquae stupent tenebrae. Sex hic continuis latent diebus, Tandem stant trucis ad tribunal hostis :
Happy Tarragona, Fructuosus, lifts up its head, flashing with your fires, shining far with its twin Levites. God looks kindly on the Spaniards, since the mighty Trinity crowns the Spanish citadel with a threefold martyr. Burning Augurius takes possession of the sky, and Eulogius too, shining, makes for the proud seat of Christ. As leader, forerunner and master to them to so great a glory, Fructuosus went, famous by his episcopal name. For, summoned suddenly at the order of the governor, the bishop had come to the forum with two Levites accompanying him. From there the executioner, fed on blood, was dragging the men to the prison’s chain: Fructuosus is glad to run of his own accord, and, lest any fear should strike his companions, the vehement teacher strengthens them as he goes, and kindles their faith with the warmth of Christ. “Stand with me, men: the bloody serpent calls God’s ministers to punishment; let not death frighten you: the palm is ready. Prison is for Christians a step to the crown; prison carries them up to the heights of heaven; prison wins God for the blessed.” With these words they enter the cave of the accused, and there they perform the mystic washing, and the darkness is astonished at the cleansing of water. Here they lie hidden for six continuous days; at last they stand at the tribunal of the cruel enemy:
Notes and citation
Summary: Bishop Fructuosus of Tarragona and his deacons Augurius and Eulogius are arrested; he encourages them on the way to prison, where they baptize, and after six days they are brought before the governor.
- Peristephanon 6: Fructuosus, bishop of Tarragona, and his deacons (d. 259). ‘Levites’ is the poet’s word for deacons. The ‘mystic washing’ in prison is baptism.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray line number removed): Fdix Tarraco, Frvctvose → Felix Tarraco, Fructuose; Attolit caput → Attollit caput; Eispanos Dens adspicii benignns, Arcem qnandoqnidem potens Hiberam r> → Hispanos Deus adspicit benignus, Arcem quandoquidem potens Hiberam; AvGvmvs → Augurius; Evlogivs simul snperbnm Christi Incidns ad sedile t<-ndit. Dux et praevius et magister illis 1C → Eulogius simul superbum Christi lucidus ad sedile tendit. Dux et praevius et magister illis; Fkvctvosvs → Fructuosus; Iqssu → Iussu; Fevctvosvs → Fructuosus; vebemens → vehemens; cruentua → cruentus.
Topics: Martyrdom, Baptism, Church office
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 6.1 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-1
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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.
6.33Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64
Fratres tergeminos tremunt catastae. Iudex Aemilianus imminebat Turbidus, insolens, profanus : Aras daemonicas coli iubebat. — « Tu, qui doctor, ait, seris novellum Commenti genns, ut leves puellae Lucos destituant, Iovem relinquant, Damnes, si sapias, anile dogma. Iussum est Caesaris ore Gallieni, Quod princeps colit, ut colamus omnes. » Haec fanti placidus refert sacerdos : — « Aeternum colo principem, dierum Factorem, dominumque Gallieni, Et Christum Patre prosatum perenni, Cuius sum famulus, gregisque pastor. » — Subridens ait ille : « — iam fuisti. » — Nec differt furor aut refrenat iram ; Saevis destinat ignibus cremandos. Exsultant, prohibentque flere vulgum. Quosdam de populo videt sacerdos Libandum sibi poculum offerentes : — « Ieiunamus, ait; recuso potum. Nondum nona diem resignat hora : Numquam conviolabo ius dicatum, Nec mors ipsa meum sacrum resolvet. Sic Christus sitiens crucis sub hora Oblatum sibi poculum recusans, Nec libare volens, sitim peregit. » — Intrant interea locum rotunda Conclusum cavea, madens ferarum Multo sanguine, quem furor frequentat, Quum spectacula perstrepunt cruenta, Ac vilis gladiator ense duro
the racks tremble at the three brothers. The judge Aemilian loomed over them, turbulent, insolent, profane; he ordered the demonic altars to be worshiped. “You who are a teacher,” he says, “and sow a new kind of invention, so that fickle girls abandon the groves and leave Jupiter, condemn, if you are wise, the old wives’ doctrine. It has been commanded by the mouth of Caesar Gallienus that we all worship what the emperor worships.” To him as he spoke the bishop calmly replies: “I worship the eternal Prince, the maker of days, and the master of Gallienus, and Christ begotten of the everlasting Father, whose servant I am, and shepherd of his flock.” Smiling, the other says: “You have been.” His fury neither delays nor reins in its anger; he destines them to be burned by savage fires. They exult, and forbid the crowd to weep. The bishop sees some of the people offering him a cup to drink: “We are fasting,” he says; “I refuse the drink. The ninth hour has not yet unsealed the day; never will I violate a dedicated law, nor will death itself undo my sacred observance. So Christ, thirsting at the hour of the cross, refusing the cup offered to him, and not willing to taste it, endured his thirst.” Meanwhile they enter a place enclosed by a round arena, wet with much blood of beasts, which fury throngs when bloody spectacles resound, and the cheap gladiator, struck by the hard sword,
Matt 27:34 (allusion, high confidence) · Mark 15:23 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 4:7 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The judge Aemilian orders Fructuosus to worship the emperor’s gods; the bishop confesses the eternal God and Christ, and is sentenced to the fire; on the way he refuses a drink because he is keeping the fast until the ninth hour, as Christ refused the cup on the cross.
- Matt 27:34; Mark 15:23. 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; stray line number removed): tudex A.emilianns imminebal '' irbidua, insolens, profanus : Ara> daemonicas → Iudex Aemilianus imminebat Turbidus, insolens, profanus : Aras daemonicas; oovellnm → novellum; levea pnellae Lncofl destituant, [ovem relinqnant, Damnee, si sapias, anile dogma. nssnm esi Caesaris ore < i ; i ] 1 i • - 1 1 i . Quod princeps colit, ut colamus omnef Saec fanti placidus referi sacerdos : — Leternnm colo principem, diernm Factorem, dominumqne Grallieni , 4o → leves puellae Lucos destituant, Iovem relinquant, Damnes, si sapias, anile dogma. Iussum est Caesaris ore Gallieni, Quod princeps colit, ut colamus omnes. » Haec fanti placidus refert sacerdos : — « Aeternum colo principem, dierum Factorem, dominumque Gallieni,; Patre prosaturo → Patre prosatum; ait Qle → ait ille; destinal ignibns → destinat ignibus; Bxsnltant, probibentque → Exsultant, prohibentque; popnlo videt sac«-rdos Libandnm silii → populo videt sacerdos Libandum sibi; « [einnamns, ait; recnso → « Ieiunamus, ait; recuso; Xumquam → Numquam; peregit. » — GO → peregit. » —; cruerita → cruenta; ense duro G5 → ense duro.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 6.33 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-33
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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.
6.65Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96
Percussus cadit, et fremit voluptas. Hic flammante pyra, niger minister, Ardens supplicium parare iussus, Construxit facibus rogum supremis. Qui, dum corpora concremata solvit, Ferventes animas amore lucis Fracto carceris expediret antro. Certant officiis pii sodales : Plantis calceamenta dissolutis Pronus detrahere studebat unus. Sed sanctus vetat ora Fructuosus Inclinata premi : — « Facessite, inquit, Ne nostram gravet obsequela mortem. Quin ipse meos pedes resolvam, Ne vestigia praepedita vinclis Tardis gressibus irruant in ignem. Cur lamenta rigant genas madentes? Cur vestri memor ut fiam rogatis? Cunctis pro populis rogabo Christum. » — Vix haec ediderat, relaxat ipse Indumenta pedum: velut Moyses Quondam fecerat ad rubum propinquans. Non calcare sacram cremationem, Aut adstare Deo prius licebat, Quam vestigia pura figerentur. Stabat calce mera : resultat ecce Caelo spiritus, et serit loquelam, Quae cnnctos tremefecit andientes. — « Non est, credite, poena, quam videtis, Quae puncto tenui citata transit ; Nec vitam rapit illa, sed reformat. Felices animae, quibus per ignem
falls, and pleasure roars. Here, with a flaming pyre, the black minister, ordered to prepare the burning punishment, built the pyre with final torches, which, while it dissolved the burned bodies, might set free the souls, burning with love of light, from the broken cave of their prison. The loving companions vie in services: one, bending down, was eager to take off the shoes, their laces loosed, from his feet. But holy Fructuosus forbids them to bow down and press their faces: “Stop,” he says, “lest your homage weigh on our death. Rather I will loose my feet myself, lest my footsteps, hampered by bonds, rush into the fire with slow steps. Why do laments water your wet cheeks? Why do you ask me to remember you? I will pray to Christ for all the peoples.” Scarcely had he spoken this, when he himself loosens the coverings of his feet, as Moses had once done when approaching the bush. It was not allowed to tread on the sacred burning, or to stand before God, before pure footsteps were set down. He stood barefoot: see, a spirit resounds from heaven, and sows a speech that made all who heard it tremble: “It is not punishment, believe me, that you see, which passes, hurried in a slight moment; nor does it snatch away life, but reshapes it. Happy the souls to whom through fire
Exod 3:5 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: At the pyre in the amphitheatre Fructuosus refuses his friends’ homage, takes off his own shoes as Moses did at the bush, and promises to pray for all; a voice from heaven declares that this fire is not punishment but the reshaping of life.
- Exod 3:5. A leftover reference (to Cardinal Bona on the psalmody) was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leftover reference removed; lines run together separated): supplicinm → supplicium; vetat ora Frvctvosvs → vetat ora Fructuosus; mortem. C. xv ; Card. Bonam, De divina Psalmod., C. 3. qnin ipae meos pedes resolvam, Ne vestigia praepedita rincks BO 'J*;ir<lis gressibus irrnant in ignem. t'ur Lamenta rigant genaa madentes? dir vestri memor ut fiam rogatis? Cnnctis pro popnlis rogabo Christnm. » — Vix haec ediderat, relaxal ipse ndnmenta pednm: velut Btoyses Qnondam fecerat ad rubnm propinqnans. X"ii calcare sacram cremationem, Aut adstare Deo prius licebat, Qnam restigia pnra figerentnr. Stabat calce mera : resnltat ecce → mortem. Quin ipse meos pedes resolvam, Ne vestigia praepedita vinclis Tardis gressibus irruant in ignem. Cur lamenta rigant genas madentes? Cur vestri memor ut fiam rogatis? Cunctis pro populis rogabo Christum. » — Vix haec ediderat, relaxat ipse Indumenta pedum: velut Moyses Quondam fecerat ad rubum propinquans. Non calcare sacram cremationem, Aut adstare Deo prius licebat, Quam vestigia pura figerentur. Stabat calce mera : resultat ecce; qnam videtis → quam videtis; vitaiu → vitam.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 6.65 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-65
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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.
6.97Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128
Celsa scandere contigit Tonantis; Quas olim fugiet perennis ignis. » — Haec inter, rapidis focos crepantes Intrant passibus, et minantur ipsis Flammarum trepidantibus caminis. Nexus denique, qui manus retrorsnm In tergum revocaverant revinctas, Intacta cute decidunt adusti. Non ausa est cohibere poena palmas, In morem Crucis ad Patrem levandas: Solvit brachia, quae Deum precentur. Priscorum specimen trium putares, Quos olim Babylonicum per ignem Cantantes stupuit tremens tyrannus. Illis sed pia flamma tum pepercit, Nondum tempore passionis apto, Nec mortis decus inchoante Christo. Hos quum defugeret vaporus ardor, Orant, ut celer ignis advolaret, Et finem daret anxiis periclis. Exorata suos obire tandem Maiestas famulos iubet, caducis Missos corporibus, sibique reddi. Vidit praesidis ex domo satelles Caelum martyribus patere apertum, Insignesque viros per astra ferri. Quin et filiolae monens herili Ostendit sceleris notam paterni, Caelo vivere, quos forum peremit. Illum virginitas palam videre Per sudum meruit, parente caeco, Ut crimen domini domus timeret.
it has befallen to climb the heights of the Thunderer; the everlasting fire will one day flee from them.” Amid this they enter the crackling hearths with rapid steps, and threaten the very furnaces trembling with flames. At last the bonds which had drawn back their hands, tied behind their backs, fall off, burnt, with their skin untouched. The punishment did not dare to hold back the palms, which were to be raised to the Father in the form of the Cross: it loosens the arms, so that they may pray to God. You would think it a likeness of the three of old, whom once, singing through the Babylonian fire, the trembling tyrant wondered at. But then the loving flame spared them, the time of the passion not yet being fit, nor Christ yet beginning the glory of death. When the burning heat shunned these, they pray that the fire may fly swiftly to them and put an end to their anxious dangers. Prevailed upon, the Majesty at last bids his servants die, sent forth from their perishable bodies, and be restored to himself. A guard from the governor’s house saw heaven lying open to the martyrs, and the illustrious men carried through the stars. Moreover he showed it to his master’s little daughter, warning her, as the mark of her father’s crime: those whom the forum slew live in heaven. The maidenhood deserved to see it openly through the clear sky, while her parent was blind, so that the house might fear its master’s crime.
Dan 3:25 (allusion, high confidence) · Acts 7:56 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The martyrs enter the fire; their bonds burn away and they raise their arms in the form of the cross, like the three young men in the furnace; at their prayer God takes them; a servant of the governor and the governor’s daughter see them borne into heaven.
- Dan 3:23–25. The last line is damaged in the scan (‘i i crimea domini domns timerut’); read ‘Ut crimen domini domus timeret’ by sense: uncertain.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; last line read by sense; words run together separated): fngiet → fugiet; minantor → minantur; Flammaram trepidantibns → Flammarum trepidantibus; In tcrgum → In tergum; palmns → palmas; defugeretvaporus → defugeret vaporus; II luni virginitas palam vidcre Per Budum meruit, paronte caeco, 1 1 ) i i crimea domini domns timerut. → Illum virginitas palam videre Per sudum meruit, parente caeco, Ut crimen domini domus timeret..
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 6.97 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 97–128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-97). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-97
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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.
6.129Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–162
Tum de corporibus sacris favillae, Et perfusa mero leguntur ossa, Quae raptim sibi quisque vindicabat. Fratrum tantus amor, domum referre Sanctorum cinerum dicata dona, Aut gestare sinu fidele pignus. Sed ne relliquias resuscitandas, Et post cum Domino simul futuras, Discretis loca dividant sepulcris, Cernuntur niveis stolis amicti, Mandant restitui, cavoque claudi Mixtim marmore pulverem sacrandum. O triplex honor, o triforme culmen, Quo nostrae caput excitatur urbis, Cunctis urbibus eminens Hiberis, Exsultare tribus libet patronis, Quorum praesidio fovemur omnes Terrarum populi Pyrenearum. Circumstet chorus ex utroque sexu, Heros, virgo, puer, senex, anulla: Vestrum psallite rite Fructuosum. Mixtis Eulogium modis coaequans, Reddamus paribus pares camoenas. Hinc aurata sonent in arce tecta, Blandum litoris extet inde murmur, Et carmen freta feriata pangant. Olim tempus erit, ruente mundo, Quum te, Tarraco, Fructuosus acri Solvet supplicio, tegens ab igni. Fors dignabitur et meis medelam Tormentis dare, prosperante Christo, Dulces hendecasyllabos revolvens.
Then the ashes from the sacred bodies, and the bones sprinkled with wine, are gathered, which each one hastily claimed for himself. So great was the brothers’ love, to carry home the dedicated gifts of the holy ashes, or to bear in their bosom a faithful pledge. But lest they should divide into separate tombs the relics that are to be raised again, and afterwards to be with the Lord together, they are seen clothed in snow-white robes, and command that the sacred dust be restored and shut, mixed together, in a hollow marble. O threefold honor, O three-formed summit, by which the head of our city is raised, eminent among all the cities of Spain, it is pleasing to exult in three patrons, by whose protection we are all cherished, peoples of the lands of the Pyrenees. Let a choir of both sexes stand around, hero, virgin, boy, old man, old woman: sing duly the psalm of your Fructuosus. […] matching Eulogius with mingled measures, let us render equal songs to equals. On this side let the gilded roofs on the citadel resound, on that let the gentle murmur of the shore stand out, and let the waves on holiday make song. A time will come, when the world is falling, when Fructuosus will release you, Tarragona, from sharp punishment, protecting you from the fire. Perhaps he will deign to give healing to my torments too, by the favor of Christ, as he turns over these sweet hendecasyllables.
1 Thess 4:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The faithful collect the martyrs’ ashes, but the martyrs appear in white and command that the relics be laid together in one tomb; Tarragona rejoices in its three patrons, and the poet hopes Fructuosus will protect the city and himself at the judgment.
- A line praising Augurius appears to be missing before ‘Mixtis Eulogium’; not supplied. A leftover note on ‘anulla’ was removed. Line 8 is damaged in the scan; read ‘Et post cum Domino simul futuras’ by sense.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leftover footnote removed): favLUae, E< perfusa mero leguntur ossa, Qoae raptim sibi qnisqne vindicabat. Fratrum tantns amor, domnm referre Sanctornm cinernm dicata dona, Aut gestare Binn Qdele pignns. Sed ne relliqnias resnscitandas, Ei ip"\ cnm Domino simnl futuras, Discretis Ioca dividant sepnlcris, Cernuntur niveis stolis amicti, Bfandant restitui, cavoque claudi Mixtim marmore pulverera sacranduiu. 0 triplex honor, o triforme culmen, Qqo oostrae capnt ezcitatnr arbis, Cunctis arbibns eminens Hiberis, Exsnltare tribns libet patronis, Qnornm praesidio fovemur omnes Terrarnm popnli Pyrenearum. Circumstel chorns ex atroque sexu, Eeros, virgo, puer, senex, anulla: ili Vestrum psallite rite Fbvctvosvm. Ill anulla, anicula, ab anu. Nos vecchicrella , veechietta, Cellaeivs, et Weitzivs desuriijserunt anicla. Mixtis Evlogivm → favillae, Et perfusa mero leguntur ossa, Quae raptim sibi quisque vindicabat. Fratrum tantus amor, domum referre Sanctorum cinerum dicata dona, Aut gestare sinu fidele pignus. Sed ne relliquias resuscitandas, Et post cum Domino simul futuras, Discretis loca dividant sepulcris, Cernuntur niveis stolis amicti, Mandant restitui, cavoque claudi Mixtim marmore pulverem sacrandum. O triplex honor, o triforme culmen, Quo nostrae caput excitatur urbis, Cunctis urbibus eminens Hiberis, Exsultare tribus libet patronis, Quorum praesidio fovemur omnes Terrarum populi Pyrenearum. Circumstet chorus ex utroque sexu, Heros, virgo, puer, senex, anulla: Vestrum psallite rite Fructuosum. Mixtis Eulogium; sonont in arce → sonent in arce; Frvctvosvs acri → Fructuosus acri.
Topics: Martyrdom, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 6.129 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 129–162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-129). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/6-129
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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.
Chapter 7
7.1Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32
Insignem meriti virum Quirinum, placitum Deo, Urbis moenia Sisciae Concessum sibi martyrem Complexu patrio fovent. Hic sub Galerio duce, Qui tunc Illyricos sinus Urgebat ditionibus, Fertur catholicam fidem Inlustrasse per exitum. Non illum gladii rigor, Non incendia, non ferae Crudeli interitu necant, Sed lymphis fluvialibus Gurges, dum rapit, abluit. Nil refert, vitreo aequore, An de flumine sanguinis Tinguat passio martyrem : Aeque gloria provenit Fluctu quolibet uvida. Summo pontis ab ardui Sanctae plebis episcopus In praeceps fluvio datur, Suspensum laqueo gerens Ingentis lapidem molae. Deiectum placidissimo Amnis vertice suscipit, Nec mergi patitur sibi, Miris vasta natatibus Saxi pondera sustinens. Suspectant eminus e solo Doctorem pavidi greges ; Nam Christi populus frequens
Quirinus, a man of outstanding merit, pleasing to God, the walls of the city of Siscia cherish in a fatherly embrace, the martyr granted to them. Under Galerius’ rule, who then pressed the Illyrian regions with his sway, he is said to have made the catholic faith illustrious by his death. Not the hardness of the sword, not fire, not wild beasts kill him with a cruel death, but a whirlpool washes him in river waters while it carries him off. It makes no difference whether with glassy water or with a river of blood the passion dyes the martyr: glory comes equally, wet with any wave. From the top of a high bridge the bishop of the holy people is thrown headlong into the river, carrying, hung from a noose, the stone of a huge millstone. The river receives him, cast down, on its most gentle eddy, and does not let him sink, holding up the vast weight of the stone with wondrous swimming. From afar, from the ground, the frightened flocks look up at their teacher; for the numerous people of Christ
Notes and citation
Summary: Quirinus, bishop of Siscia, martyred under Galerius, was thrown from a bridge with a millstone tied to his neck, but the river held him up while his people watched from the banks.
- Peristephanon 7: Quirinus, bishop of Siscia (Sisak) in Pannonia (d. 309). The end of line 32 is damaged in the scan; read ‘greges’ by sense.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; end of a line read by sense; OCR slips; lines run together separated): Qvirinvm → Quirinum; Sicciao → Sisciae; llii- sub Galerio → Hic sub Galerio; Qui tunc I llvricos sinus ITrgebat ditionibns, Fertur catholicam fidem nlustrasse por exitum. Non illuin gladti rigor, → Qui tunc Illyricos sinus Urgebat ditionibus, Fertur catholicam fidem Inlustrasse per exitum. Non illum gladii rigor,; intoritu → interitu; Gufges → Gurges; NU refert, ntreo aequore, An de flumin».- Banguinis → Nil refert, vitreo aequore, An de flumine sanguinis; Suspcctant eminus e solo Do< torem pavidi gn i Nam Christi → Suspectant eminus e solo Doctorem pavidi greges ; Nam Christi.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 7.1 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 1–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/7-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/7-1
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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.
7.33Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64
Riparum sinuamina Stipato agmine saepserat. Sed Quirinus, ut eminens Os circumtulit, heu ! suo Exemplo trepidos videt, Nil ipse proprii memor Inter stagna periculi. Confirmat pia pectora, Verbis mitificis rogans, Ne quem talia terreant, Neu constans titubet fides, Aut poenam putet emori. Dicentem fluitantibus Amnis terga vehunt vadis, Nec substrata profunditas Saxoque et laqueo et viro Audet sponte dehiscere. Sensit martyr episcopus, Iam partam sibi praeripi Palmam mortis et exitus, Adscensumque negarier Aeterni ad solium Patris. — « Iesu cunctipotens, ait, Haudquaquam tibi gloria Haec est insolita, aut nova, Calcare fremitum maris, Prona et flumina sistere. Scimus discipulum Petrum, Quum vestigia tingueret Iam mergenti trepidus pede, Dextrae subsidio tuae Subiecisse salum solo.
had surrounded the windings of the banks with a packed throng. But Quirinus, as he looked around, raising his face, sees them, alas, frightened by his example, himself not at all mindful of his own danger amid the waters. He strengthens their loving hearts, asking with gentle words that such things should frighten no one, nor constant faith waver, nor anyone think it a punishment to die. As he speaks, the back of the river carries him on its floating shallows, nor does the depth beneath dare of its own accord to open for the stone and the noose and the man. The martyr bishop felt that the palm of death and departure, already won, was being snatched from him, and the ascent to the throne of the eternal Father denied. “Jesus, almighty,” he says, “this glory is by no means unusual or new for you, to tread on the roaring of the sea, and to stop the down-flowing rivers. We know that the disciple Peter, when he was wetting his footsteps, already sinking with trembling foot, with the help of your right hand found the sea set beneath him as ground.
Matt 14:29 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 14:31 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Quirinus encourages his frightened people from the water; fearing to lose his martyrdom, he prays to Jesus, recalling that Christ made the sea firm under Peter’s feet.
- Matt 14:28–31. Several damaged lines were restored by sense (‘Calcare fremitum maris’, ‘Iam mergenti trepidus pede’, ‘Dextrae subsidio tuae’).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; stray marks removed; damaged words read by sense; stray line number removed): Sed Qvirinys → Sed Quirinus; Nil ipso proprii → Nil ipse proprii; emori. !•"> → emori.; martyi* → martyr; — « [esu cnncfipotens, ait, Baudquaquam tilii gloria Haec esi insolita, aul nova, Calcare fremituin n Prona >'t flumina sistere. ,;" Scimnfl discipulum Petrum, Quum vestigia tingueret •.;li trepidus pede, trae subsidio tuae Subiecisse salum solo f_). → — « Iesu cunctipotens, ait, Haudquaquam tibi gloria Haec est insolita, aut nova, Calcare fremitum maris, Prona et flumina sistere. Scimus discipulum Petrum, Quum vestigia tingueret Iam mergenti trepidus pede, Dextrae subsidio tuae Subiecisse salum solo..
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 7.33 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 33–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/7-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/7-33
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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.
7.65Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–89
Iordanem quoque novimus Tortis vorticibus vagum, Dum fertur rapido impetu, Ad fontem refluis retro Confugisse meatibus. Haec miracula sunt tuae Virtutis, Domine; ut modo Suspendor, leve praenatans Summo gurgite fluminis, Quum collo scopulum traham. Iam plenus titulus tui est, Et vis prodita nominis, Quam gentilis habet stupor: Absolvas, precor, optime, Huius nunc animae moras. Quid possis, probat amnicus, Qui vectat silicem, liquor; Hoc iam quod superest, cedo, Quo nil est pretiosius Pro te, Christe Deus, mori. » — Orantem simul halitus Et vox deserit et calor; Scandit spiritus ardua : It pondus grave saxeum, Corpus suscipiunt aquae.
We know too that the Jordan, wandering with twisted eddies, while it was carried on in rapid rush, fled back to its source with backward-flowing courses. These are miracles of your power, Lord; as now I am held up, floating lightly on the top of the river’s flood, though I drag a rock on my neck. Now the title of your name is full, and its power revealed, which the pagans gaze at in astonishment: release now, I pray, best Lord, the delays of this soul. What you can do the river water proves, which carries the flint; grant now what remains, than which nothing is more precious: to die for you, Christ God.” As he prays, breath and voice and warmth leave him at once; the spirit climbs the heights; the heavy stone goes down, the waters receive the body.
Josh 3:16 (allusion, high confidence) · Ps 114:3 (113:3 Vulg.) (allusion, medium confidence) · Phil 1:21 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Quirinus recalls the Jordan turning back and asks Christ, whose power is now shown, to let him die for him; as he prays he dies, the stone sinks, and the waters take his body.
- Josh 3:16; Ps 114:3. The first word of the second-to-last line is damaged in the scan (‘Pit’); read ‘It’.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; OCR slips; stray line number removed): J Miin fertur rapido impetH, A,d fontem → Dum fertur rapido impetu, Ad fontem; Qnum collo scopuhim traham. 7"> → Quum collo scopulum traham.; Iam pleiras titulus tui cst, → Iam plenus titulus tui est,; Btupor → stupor; Pit pondus → It pondus.
Cite (SBL): Prudentius, Perist. 7.65 (Lanfranchi 1:lines 65–89; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/7-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/prudentius-peristephanon/7-65
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-prudentius-peristephanon-7-65) · 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.