Chapter V.—Ignatius is brought to Rome.
Having therefore, by means of this Epistle, settled,940 as he wished, those of the brethren
at Rome who were unwilling [for his martyrdom]; and setting sail from Smyrna (for Chris-
tophorus was pressed by the soldiers to hasten to the public spectacles in the mighty [city]
Rome, that, being given up to the wild beasts in the sight of the Roman people, he might
attain to the crown for which he strove), he [next] landed at Troas. Then, going on from
that place to Neapolis, he went [on foot] by Philippi through Macedonia, and on to that
part of Epirus which is near Epidamnus; and finding a ship in one of the seaports, he sailed
over the Adriatic Sea, and entering from it on the Tyrrhene, he passed by the various islands
and cities, until, when Puteoli came in sight, he was eager there to disembark, having a desire
to tread in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul.941 But a violent wind arising did not suffer him
to do so, the ship being driven rapidly forwards;942 and, simply expressing his delight943
over the love of the brethren in that place, he sailed by. Wherefore, continuing to enjoy fair
winds, we were reluctantly hurried on in one day and a night, mourning [as we did] over
the coming departure from us of this righteous man. But to him this happened just as he
wished, since he was in haste as soon as possible to leave this world, that he might attain to
the Lord whom he loved. Sailing then into the Roman harbour, and the unhallowed sports
being just about to close, the soldiers began to be annoyed at our slowness, but the bishop
rejoicingly yielded to their urgency.
940 Or, “corrected.”
941 Comp. Acts xxviii. 13, 14.
942 Literally, “the ship being driven onwards from the stern.”
943 Literally, “declaring happy.”
Chapter V.—Ignatius is brought to Rome.
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Chapter V.—Ignatius is brought to Rome.