23. But I will not make use of the voice of
evil spirits in support of the martyrs. Their holy sufferings are
proved by the benefits they confer. These have persons to judge
of them, namely, those who are cleansed, and witnesses, namely, those
who are set free. That voice is better than that of devils, which
the soundness of those utters who came infirm; better is the voice
which blood sends forth, for blood has a loud voice reaching from earth
to heaven. You have read how God said: “Thy
brother’s blood crieth unto Me.” Gen. iv. 10. This blood cries by its colour,
the blood cries by the voice of its effects, the blood cries by the
triumph of its passion. We have acceded to your request, and have
postponed till to-day the deposition of the relics which was to have
taken place yesterday.