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Medieval Sourcebook:
St.Perpetua: The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity 203
Vibia Perpetua, was executed in the arena in Carthage on 7 March 203. The account of her martyrdom - technically a Passion -is apparently historical and has special interest as much of it was written [section 3-10], in Latin by Perpetua herself before her death. This makes it one of the earliest pieces of writing by a Christian woman.
PROLOGUE
1. If ancient examples of faith kept, both testifying the grace
of God and working the edification of man, have to this end been
set in writing, that by their reading as though by the showing
of the deeds again, God may be glorified and man strengthened;
why should not new witnesses also be so set forth which likewise
serve either end? Yea, for these things also shall at some time
be ancient and necessary to our sons, though in their own present
time (through some reverence of antiquity presumed) they are made
of but slight account. But let those take heed who judge the one
power of the Holy Spirit according to the succession of times;
whereas those things which are later ought for their very lateness
to be thought the more eminent, according to the abundance of
grace appointed for the last periods of time. For In the last
days, says the Lord, I will pour my spirit upon
all flesh, and their sons and daughters shall prophesy; and upon my servants and upon my handmaids I will pour forth of my spirit; and the young men shall see visions, and the
old men shall dream dreams. [Acts 2:17, cf. Joel 2:28]
We also therefore, by whom both the prophecies and the new visions
promised are received and honored, and by whom those other wonders
of the Holy Spirit are assigned unto the service of the Church,
to which also was sent the same Spirit administering all gifts
among all men, according as the Lord hath distributed unto
each [I.Cor 7:17]- do of necessity both write them and by
reading celebrate them to the glory of God; that no weakness or
failing of faith may presume that among those of old time only
was the grace of divinity present, whether in martyrs or in revelations
vouchsafed; since God ever works that which He has promised, for
a witness to them that believe not and a benefit to them that
believe. Wherefore we too, brethren and dear sons, declare
to you likewise that which we have heard and handled [I Cor 15:1?]; that both you who were present may call
to mind the glory of the Lord, and you who now know by hearing
may have communion with those holy martyrs, and through them with
the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is glory and honor for ever and
ever. Amen.
2. There were apprehended the young catechumens, Revocatus and
Felicity his fellow servant, Saturninus and Secundulus. With them
also was Vibia Perpetua, nobly born reared in a liberal manner,
wedded honorably; having a father and mother and two brothers,
one of them a catechumen likewise, and a son, a child at the breast;
and she herself was about twenty-two years of age. What follows
here shall she tell herself; the whole order of her martyrdom
as she left it written with her own hand and in her own words.
PERPETUA'S ACCOUNT
3. When, she said, we were still under legal surveillance and
my father was liked to vex me with his words and continually strove
to hurt my faith because of his love: Father, said I, Do you
see (for examples) this vessel lying, a pitcher or whatsoever
it may be? And he said, I see it. And I said to him, Can it be
called by any other name than that which it is? And he answered,
No. So can I call myself nought other than that which I am, a
Christian.
Then my father angry with this word came upon me to tear out my
eyes; but he only vexed me, and he departed vanquished, he and
the arguments of the devil. Then because I was without my father
for a few days I gave thanks unto the Lord; and I was comforted
because of his absence. In this same space of a few days we were
baptised, and the Spirit declared to me, I must pray for nothing
else after that water save only endurance of the flesh. After
a few days we were taken into prison, and I was much afraid because
I had never known such darkness. O bitter day! There was a great
heat because of the press, there was cruel handling of the soldiers.
Lastly I was tormented there by care for the child.
Then Tertius and Pomponius, the blessed deacons who ministered
to us, obtained with money that for a few hours we should be taken
forth to a better part of the prison and be refreshed. Then all
of them going out from the dungeon took their pleasure; I suckled
my child that was now faint with hunger. And being careful for
him, I spoke to my mother and strengthened my brother and commended
my son unto them. I pined because I saw they pined for my sake.
Such cares I suffered for many days; and I obtained that the child
should abide with me in prison; and straightway I became well
and was lightened of my labour and care for the child; and suddenly
the prison was made a palace for me, so that I would sooner be
there than anywhere else.
4. Then said my brother to me: Lady my sister, you are now in
high honor, even such that you might ask for a vision; and it
should be shown you whether this be a passion or else a deliverance.
And I, as knowing that I conversed with the Lord, for Whose sake
I had suffered such things, did promise him nothing doubting;
and I said: Tomorrow I will tell you. And I asked, and this was
shown me.
I beheld a ladder of bronze, marvelously great, reaching up to
heaven; and it was narrow, so that not more than one might go
up at one time. And in the sides of the ladder were planted all
manner of things of iron. There were swords there, spears, hooks,
and knives; so that if any that went up took not good heed or
looked not upward, he would be torn and his flesh cling to the
iron. And there was right at the ladder's foot a serpent lying,
marvelously great, which lay in wait for those that would go up,
and frightened them that they might not go up. Now Saturus went
up first (who afterwards had of his own free will given up himself
for our -sakes, because it was he who had edified us; and when
we were taken he had not been there). And he came to the ladder's
head; and he turned and said: Perpetua, I await you; but see that
serpent bite you not. And I said: it shall not hurt me, in the
name of Jesus Christ. And from beneath the ladder, as though it
feared me, it softly put forth its head; and as though I trod
on the first step I trod on its head. And I went up, and I saw
a very great space of garden, and in the midst a man sitting,
white-headed, in shepherd's clothing, tall milking his sheep;
and standing around in white were many thousands. And he raised
his head and beheld me and said to me: Welcome, child. And he
cried to me, and from the curd he had from the milk he gave me
as it were a morsel; and I took it with joined hands and ate it
up; and all that stood around said, Amen. And at the sound of
that word I awoke, yet eating I know not what of sweet.
And at once I told my brother, and we knew it should be a passion;
and we began to have no hope any longer in this world.
5. A few days after, the report went abroad that we were to be
tried. Also my father returned from the city spent with weariness;
and he came up to me to cast down my faith saying: Have pity,
daughter, on my grey hairs; have pity on your father, if I am
worthy to be, called father by you; if with these hands I have
brought you unto this flower of youth- and I-have preferred you
before all your brothers; give me not over to the reproach of
men. Look upon your brothers; look upon your mother and mother's
sister; look upon your son, who will not endure to live after
you. Give up your resolution; do not destroy us all together;
for none of us will speak openly against men again if you suffer
aught.
This he said fatherly in his love, kissing my hands and grovelling
at my feet; and with tears he named me, not daughter, but lady.
And I was grieved for my father's case because he would not rejoice
at my passion out of all my kin; and I comforted him, saying:
That shall be done at this tribunal, whatsoever God shall please;
for know that we are not established in our own power, but in
God's. And he went from me very sorrowful.
6. Another day as we were at meal we were suddenly snatched away
to be tried; and we came to the forum. Therewith a report spread
abroad through the parts near to the forum, and a very great multitude
gathered together. We went up to the tribunal. The others being
asked, confessed. So they came to me. And my father appeared there
also, with my son, and would draw me from the step, saying: Perform
the Sacrifice; have mercy on the child. And Hilarian the procurator
- he that after the death of Minucius Timinian the proconsul had
received in his room the right and power of the sword - said:
Spare your father's grey hairs; spare the infancy of the boy.
Make sacrifice for the Emperors' prosperity. And I answered: I
am a Christian. And when my father stood by me yet to cast down
my faith, he was bidden by Hilarian to be cast down and was smitten
with a rod. And I sorrowed for my father's harm as though I had
been smitten myself; so sorrowed I for his unhappy old age. Then
Hilarian passed sentence upon us all and condemned us to the beasts;
and cheerfully we went down to the dungeon. Then because my child
had been used to being breastfed and to staying with me in the
prison, straightway I sent Pomponius the deacon to my father,
asking for the child. But my father would not give him. And as
God willed, no longer did he need to be suckled, nor did I take
fever; that I might not be tormented by care for the child and
by the pain of my breasts.
7. A few days after, while we were all praying, suddenly in the
midst of the prayer I uttered a word and named Dinocrates; and
I was amazed because he had never come into my mind save then;
and I sorrowed, remembering his fate. And straightway I knew that
I was worthy, and that I ought to ask for him. And I began to
pray for him long, and to groan unto the Lord. Immediately the
same night, this was shown me.
I beheld Dinocrates coming forth from a dark place, where were
many others also; being both hot and thirsty, his raiment foul,
his color pale; and the wound on his face which he had when he
died. This Dinocrates had been my brother in the flesh, seven
years old, who being diseased with ulcers of the face had come
to a horrible death, so that his death was abominated of all men.
For him therefore I had made my prayer; and between him and me
was a great gulf, so that either might not go to the other. There
was moreover, in the same place where Dinocrates was, a font full
of water, having its edge higher than was the boy's stature; and
Dinocrates stretched up as though to drink. I was sorry that the
font had water in it, and yet for the height of the edge he might
not drink.
And I awoke, and I knew that my brother was in travail. Yet I
was confident I should ease his travail; and I prayed for him
every day till we passed over into the camp prison. (For it was
in the camp games that we were to fight; and the time was the
feast of the Emperor Geta's birthday.) And I prayed for him day
and night with groans and tears, that he might be given me.
8. On the day when we abode in the stocks, this was shown me.
I saw that place which I had before seen, and Dinocrates clean
of body, finely clothed, m comfort; and the font I had seen before,
the edge of it being drawn to the boy's navel; and he drew water
thence which flowed without ceasing. And on the edge was a golden
cup full of water; and Dinocrates came up and began to drink therefrom;
which cup failed not. And being satisfied he departed away from
the water and began to play as children will, joyfully.
And I awoke. Then I understood that he was translated from his
pains.
9. Then a few days after, Pudens the adjutant, in whose charge
the prison was, who also began to magnify us because he understood
that there was much grace in us, let in many to us that both we
and they in turn might be comforted. Now when the day of the games
drew near, there came in my father to me , spent with weariness,
and began to pluck out his beard and throw it on e ground and
to fall on his face cursing his years and saying such words as
might move all creation. I was grieved for his unhappy old age.
10. The day before we fought, I saw in a vision that Pomponius
the deacon had come hither to the door of the prison, and knocked
hard upon it. And I went out to him and opened to him; he was
clothed in a white robe ungirdled, having shoes curiously wrought.
And he said to me: Perpetua, we await you; come. And he took my
hand, and we began to go through rugged and winding places. At
last with much breathing hard we came to the amphitheatre, and
he led me into the midst of the arena. And he said to me: Be not
afraid; I am here with you and labour together with you. And he
went away. And I saw much people watching closely. And because
I knew that I was condemned to the beasts I marvelled that beasts
were not sent out against me. And there came out against me a
certain ill-favored Egyptian with his helpers, to fight with me.
Also there came to me comely young men, my helpers and aiders.
And I was stripped naked, and I became a man. And my helpers began
to rub me with oil as their custom is for a contest; and over
against me saw that Egyptian wallowing in the dust. And there
came forth a man of very great stature, so that he overpassed
the very top of the amphitheatre, wearing a robe ungirdled, and
beneath it between the two stripes over the breast a robe of purple;
having also shoes curiously wrought in gold and silver; bearing
a rod like a master of gladiators, and a green branch whereon
were golden apples. And he besought silence and said: The Egyptian,
if shall conquer this woman, shall slay her with the sword; and
if she shall conquer him, she shall receive this branch. And he
went away. And we came nigh to each other, and began to buffet
one another. He tried to trip up my feet, but I with my heels
smote upon his face. And I rose up into the air and began so to
smite him as though I trod not the earth. But when I saw that
there was yet delay, I joined my hands, setting finger against
finger of them. And I caught his head, and he fell upon his face;
and I trod upon his head. And the people began to shout, and my
helpers began to sing. And I went up to the master of gladiators
and received the branch. And he kissed me and said to me: Daughter,
peace be with you. And I began to go with glory to the gate called
the Gate of Life.
And I awoke; and I understood that I should fight, not with beasts
but against the devil; but I knew that mine was the victory.
Thus far I have written this, till the day before the games; but
the deed of the games tehmsleves let him write who will.
SATURUS' ACCOUNT
11. And blessed Saturus too delivered this vision which he himself
wrote down.
We had suffered, he said, and we passed out of the flesh, and
we began to be carried towards the east by four angels whose hand
touched us not. And we went not as though turned upwards upon
our backs, but as though we went up an easy hill. And passing
over the world's edge we saw a very great light; and I said to
Perpetua (for she was at my side): This which the Lord promised
us; we have received His promise. And while we were being carried
by these same four angels, a great space opened before us, as
it had been a having rose-trees and all kinds of flowers. The
height of the trees was after the manner of the cypress, and their
leaves sang without ceasing. And there in the garden were four
other angels, more glorious than the rest; who when they saw us
gave us honor and said to the other angels: Lo, here are they,
here are they: and marvelled. And the four angels who bore us
set us down trembling; and we passed on foot by a broad way over
a plain. There we found Jocundus and Saturninus and Artaxius who
in the same persecution had been burned alive; and Quintus, a
martyr also, who in prison had departed this life; and we asked
of them where were the rest. The other angels said to us: Come
first, go in, and salute the Lord.
12. And we came near to a place, of which place the walls were
such, they seemed built of light; and before the door of that
place stood four angels who clothed us when we went in with white
raiment. And we went in, and we heard as it were one voice crying Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, without any end. And we saw
sitting in that same place as it were a man, white-headed, having
hair like snow; youthful of countenance; whose feet we saw not.
And on his right hand and on his left, four elders; and behind
them stood many other elders. And we went in with wonder and stood
before the throne; and the four angels raised us up and we kissed
him, and with his hand he passed over our faces. And the other
elders said to us: Stand you. And we stood, and gave the kiss
of peace. And the elders said to us: Go you and play. And I said
to Perpetua: You have that which you desire. And she said to me:
Yes, God be thanked; so that I that was glad in the flesh am now
more glad.
13. And we went out, and we saw before the doors, on the right
Optatus the bishop, and on the left Aspasius the priest and teacher,
being apart and sorrowful. And they cast themselves at our feet
and said: Make peace between us, because you went forth and left
us thus. And we said to them: Are not you our Father, and you
our priest, that you should throw yourselves at our feet? And
we were moved, and embraced them. And Perpetua began to talk with
them in Greek; and we set them apart in the pleasure garden beneath
a rose tree. And while we yet spoke with them, the angels said
to them: Let these go and be refreshed; and whatsoever dissensions
you have between you, Put them away from you each for each. And
they made them to be confounded. And they said to Optatus: Correct
your people; for they come to you as those that return from the
games and wrangle concerning the parties there. And it seemed
to us as though they would shut the gates. And we began to know
many brothers there, martyrs also. And we were all sustained there
with a savour inexpressible which satisfied us. Then in joy I
awoke.
NARRATIVE OF MARTYRDOM
14. These were the glorious visions of those martyrs themselves,
the most blessed Saturus and Perpetua, which they themselves wrote
down. But Secundulus by an earlier end God called from this world
while he was yet in prison; not without grace, that he should
escape the beasts. Yet if not his soul, his flesh at least knew
the sword.
15. As for Felicity, she too received this grace of the Lord.
For because she was now gone eight months (being indeed with child
when she was taken) she was very sorrowful as the day of the games
drew near, fearing lest for this cause she should be kept back
(for it is not lawful for women that are with child to be brought
forth for torment) and lest she should shed her holy and innocent
blood after the rest, among strangers and malefactors. Also her
fellow martyrs were much afflicted lest they should leave behind
them so good a friend and as it were their fellow-traveller on
the road of the same hope. Wherefore with joint and united groaning
they poured out their prayer to the Lord, three days before the
games. Incontinently after their prayer her pains came upon her.
And when by reason of the natural difficulty of the eighth month
she was oppressed with her travail and made complaint, there said
to her one of the servants of the keepers of the door: You that
thus make complaint now, what wilt you do when you are thrown
to the beasts, which you didst contemn when you would not sacrifice?
And she answered, I myself now suffer that which I suffer, but
there another shall be in me who shall suffer for me, because
I am to suffer for him. So she was delivered of a daughter, whom
a sister reared up to be her own daughter.
16. Since therefore the Holy Spirit has suffered, and suffering
has willed, that the order of the games also should be written;
though we are unworthy to finish the recounting of so great glory,
yet we accomplish the will of the most holy Perpetua, nay rather
her sacred trust, adding one testimony more of her own steadfastness
and height of spirit. When they were being more cruelly handled
by the tribune. because through advice of certain most despicable
men he feared lest by magic charms they might be withdrawn secretly
from the prison house, Perpetua answered him to his face: Why
do you not allow us to take some comfort, seeing we are victims
most noble, namely Caesar's, and on his feast day we are to fight?
Or is it not your glory that we should be taken out thither fatter
of flesh? The tribune trembled and blushed, and gave order that
they should be more gently handled, granting that her brothers
and the rest should come in and rest with them. Also the adjutant
of the prison now believed.
17. Likewise on the day before the games, when at the last feast
which they call Free they made (as far as they might) not a Free
Feast but a Love Feast*, with like hardihood they cast these words
at the people; threatening the judgment of the Lord, witnessing
to the felicity of their passion, setting at nought the curiosity
of those that ran together. And Saturus said: Is not tomorrow
sufficient for you? Why do you favorably behold that which you
hate? You are friends today, foes tomorrow. Yet mark our faces
diligently, that you may know us again on that day. So they began
all to go away thence astonished; of whom many believed.
[note: Apparently Roman, as with modern, custom the condemned
were allowed a choice of food. The martyrs used the opportunity
to celebrate an Agape, or Christian Love-Feast.]
18. Now dawned the day of their victory, and they went forth from
the prison into the amphitheatre as it were into heaven, cheerful
and bright of countenance; if they trembled at all, it was for
joy, not for fear. Perpetua followed behind, glorious of presence,
as a true spouse of Christ and darling of God; at whose piercing
look all cast down their eyes. Felicity likewise, rejoicing that
she had borne a child in safety, that she might fight with the
beasts, came now from blood to blood, from the midwife to the
gladiator, to wash after her travail in a second baptism. And
when they had been brought to the gate and were being compelled
to put on, the men the dress of the priests of Saturn, the women
the dress of the priestesses of Ceres, the noble Perpetua remained
of like firmness to the end, and would not. For she said: For
this cause came we willingly unto this, that our liberty might
not be obscured. For this cause have we devoted our lives, that
we might do no such thing as this; this we agreed with you. Injustice
acknowledged justice; the tribune suffered that they should be
brought forth as they were, without more ado. Perpetua began to
sing, as already treading on the Egyptian's head. Revocatus and
Saturninus and Saturus threatened the people as they gazed. Then
when they came into Hilarian's sight, they began to say to Hilarian,
stretching forth their hands and nodding their heads: You judge
us, they said, and God you. At this the people being enraged
besought that they should be vexed with scourges before the line
of gladiators (those namely who fought with beasts). Then truly
they gave thanks because they had received somewhat of the sufferings
of the Lord.
19. But He who had said Ask and you shall receive [John
16:24] gave to them asking that end which each had desired. For
whenever they spoke together of their desire in their martyrdom,
Saturninus for his part would declare that he wished to be thrown
to every kind of beast, that so indeed he might wear the more
glorious crown. At the beginning of the spectacle therefore himself
with Revocatus first had ado with a leopard and was afterwards
torn by a bear on a raised bridge. Now Saturus detested nothing
more than a bear, but was confident already he should die by one
bite of a leopard. Therefore when he was being given to a boar,
the gladiator instead who had bound him to the boar was torn asunder
by the same beast and died after the days of the games; nor was
Saturus more than dragged. Moreover when he had been tied on the
bridge to be assaulted by a bear, the bear would not come forth
from his den. So Saturus was called back unharmed a second time.
20. But for the women the devil had made ready a most savage
cow, prepared for this purpose against all custom; for even in
this beast he would mock their sex. They were stripped therefore
and made to put on nets; and so they were brought forth. The people
shuddered, seeing one a tender girl, the other her breasts yet
dropping from her late childbearing. So they were called back
and clothed in loose robes. Perpetua was first thrown, and fell
upon her loins. And when she had sat upright, her robe being rent
at the side, she drew it over to cover her thigh, mindful rather
of modesty than of pain. Next, looking for a pin, she likewise
pinned up her dishevelled hair; for it was not meet that a martyr
should suffer with hair dishevelled, lest she should seem to grieve
in her glory. So she stood up; and when she saw Felicity smitten
down, she went up and gave her her hand and raised her up.. And
both of them stood up together and the (hardness of the people
being now subdued) were called back to the Gate of Life. There
Perpetua being received by one named Rusticus, then a catechumen,
who stood close at her side, and as now awakening from sleep (so
much was she in the Spirit and in ecstasy) began first to look
about her; and then (which amazed all there), When, forsooth,
she asked, are we to be thrown to the cow? And when she heard
that this had been done already, she would not believe till she
perceived some marks of mauling on her body and on her dress.
Thereupon she called her brother to her, and that catechumen,
and spoke to them, saying: Stand fast in the faith, and love you
all one another; and be not offended because of our passion.
21. Saturus also at another gate exhorted Pudens the soldier,
saying: So then indeed, as I trusted and foretold, I have felt
no assault of beasts until now. And now believe with all your
heart. Behold, I go out thither and shall perish by one bite of
the leopard. And immediately at the end of the spectacle, the
leopard being released, with one bite of his he was covered with
so much blood that the people (in witness to his second baptism)
cried out to him returning: Well washed, well washed. Truly it
was well with him who had washed in this wise. Then said he to
Pudens the soldier: Farewell; remember the faith and me; and let
not these things trouble you, but strengthen you. And therewith
he took from Pudens' finger a little ring, and dipping it in his
wound gave it back again for an heirloom, leaving him a pledge
and memorial of his blood. Then as the breath left him he was
cast down with the rest in the accustomed place for his throat
to be cut. And when the people besought that they should be brought
forward, that when the sword pierced through their bodies their
eyes might be joined thereto as witnesses to the slaughter, they
rose of themselves and moved, whither the people willed them,
first kissing one another, that they might accomplish their martyrdom
with the rites of peace. The rest not moving and in silence received
the sword; Saturus much earlier gave up the ghost; for he had
gone up earlier also, and now he waited for Perpetua likewise.
But Perpetua, that she might have some taste of pain, was pierced
between the bones and shrieked out; and when the swordsman's hand
wandered still (for he was a novice), herself set it upon her
own neck. Perchance so great a woman could not else have been
slain (being feared of the unclean spirit) had she not herself
so willed it.
O most valiant and blessed martyrs! O truly called and elected
unto the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Which glory he that magnifies,
honors and adores, ought to read these witnesses likewise, as
being no less than the old, unto the Church's edification; that
these new wonders also may testify that one and the same Holy
Spirit works ever until now, and with Him God the Father Almighty,
and His Son Jesus Christ Our Lord, to Whom is glory and power
unending for ever and ever. Amen.
From W.H. Shewring, trans. The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity, (London: 1931).
The translation has been modernized [not re-translated] for this etext version in the following ways:
- Archaic tenses and forms have been altered.
- Paragraphs have been introduced within sections to clarify
meaning.
- Some phrasing has been altered
Much of this was done with reference to Peter Dronke, Women Writers of the Middle Ages, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984), 2-4
This text is part of the Internet Medieval Source Book. The Sourcebook is a collection of public domain and copy-permitted texts related to medieval and Byzantine history.
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(c)Paul Halsall April 1996
halsall@murray.fordham.edu
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