Chapter VIII.—Polycarp is brought into the city. Now, as soon as he had ceased praying, having made mention of all that had at any time come in contact with him, both small and great, illustrious and obscure, as well as the whole Catholic Church throughout the world, the time of his departure having arrived, they set him upon an ass, and conducted him into the city, the day being that of the great Sabbath. And the Irenarch Herod, accompanied by his father Nicetes (both riding in a chariot103), met him, and taking him up into the chariot, they seated themselves beside him, and endeav- oured to persuade him, saying, “What harm is there in saying, Lord Cæsar,104 and in sacri- ficing, with the other ceremonies observed on such occasions, and so make sure of safety?” 41 But he at first gave them no answer; and when they continued to urge him, he said, “I shall not do as you advise me.” So they, having no hope of persuading him, began to speak bitter105 words unto him, and cast him with violence out of the chariot,106 insomuch that, in getting down from the carriage, he dislocated his leg107 [by the fall]. But without being disturbed,108 and as if suffering nothing, he went eagerly forward with all haste, and was conducted to the stadium, where the tumult was so great, that there was no possibility of being heard. 103 Jacobson deems these words an interpolation. 104 Or, “Cæsar is Lord,” all the mss. having κύριος instead of κύριε, as usually printed. 105 Or, “terrible.” 106 Or, “cast him down” simply, the following words being, as above, an interpolation. 107 Or, “sprained his ankle.” 108 Or, “not turning back.” Chapter VIII.—Polycarp is brought into the city. 116 Chapter VIII.—Polycarp is brought into the city.