The Martyrdom of Polycarp

His pursuers, along with horsemen and taking the youth with them, went out at supper-time on the day of preparation with their usual weapons, as if going out against a robber. Arriving in the evening at the place where he was, they found him lying in the upper room of a small house, from which he might have escaped to another place; but he refused, saying, “The will of God be done.” When he heard they had come, he went down and spoke with them. Those present marveled at his age and constancy, and some of them said, “Was so much effort made to capture such a venerable man?” Immediately, at that very hour, he ordered that food and drink be set before them, as much as they wanted, while he asked them to allow him an hour to pray without disturbance. When they granted him leave, he stood and prayed, full of the grace of God, so that he could not stop for two full hours, to the astonishment of those who heard him, such that many began to repent that they had come against such a godly and venerable old man.