The Martyrdom of Polycarp

Now, as soon as he finished praying, mentioning everyone he had ever come in contact with, both small and great, famous and unknown, as well as the whole Catholic Church throughout the world, the time for his departure arrived. They set him on a donkey and brought him into the city, on the day of the great Sabbath. The Irenarch Herod, accompanied by his father Nicetes, both riding in a chariot, met him and took him up into the chariot. They sat beside him and tried to persuade him, saying, “What harm is there in saying, Lord Cæsar, and in sacrificing, with the other ceremonies observed on such occasions, and thus ensuring your safety?” At first, he gave them no answer, but when they continued to pressure him, he said, “I shall not do as you advise me.” Having no hope of persuading him, they began to speak bitter words to him and forcibly threw him out of the chariot, causing him to dislocate his leg when he got down. Yet, without being disturbed and as if he were not suffering, he eagerly went forward with all haste and was taken to the stadium, where the tumult was so great that there was no possibility of being heard.