Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.
His pursuers then, along with horsemen, and taking the youth with them, went forth
at supper-time on the day of the preparation95 with their usual weapons, as if going out
against a robber.96 And being come about evening [to the place where he was], they found
him lying down in the upper room of97 a certain little house, from which he might have
escaped into another place; but he refused, saying, “The will of God98 be done.”99 So when
he heard that they were come, he went down and spake with them. And as those that were
present marvelled at his age and constancy, some of them said. “Was so much effort100
made to capture such a venerable man?”101 Immediately then, in that very hour, he ordered
that something to eat and drink should be set before them, as much indeed as they cared
for, while he besought them to allow him an hour to pray without disturbance. And on their
giving him leave, he stood and prayed, being full of the grace of God, so that he could not
cease102 for two full hours, to the astonishment of them that heard him, insomuch that
many began to repent that they had come forth against so godly and venerable an old man.
95 That is, on Friday.
96 Comp. Matt. xxvi. 55.
97 Or, “in.”
98 Some read “the Lord”
99 Comp. Matt. vi. 10; Acts xxi. 14.
100 Or, “diligence.”
101 Jacobson reads, “and [marvelling] that they had used so great diligence to capture,” etc.
102 Or, “be silent.”
Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.
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Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.