215. Then Xystus said: “I leave thee
not nor forsake thee. Greater struggles yet await thee. We
as old men have to undergo an easier fight; a more glorious triumph
over the tyrant awaits thee, a young man. Soon shalt thou
come. Cease weeping; after three days thou shalt follow me.
This interval must come between the priest and his levite. It was
not for thee to conquer under the eye of thy master, as though thou
neededst a helper. Why dost thou seek to share in my death?
I leave to thee its full inheritance. Why dost thou need my
presence? Let the weak disciples go before their master, let the
brave follow him, that they may conquer without him. For they no
longer need his guidance. So Elijah left Elisha. To thee I
entrust the full succession to my own courage.”