Whilst that the warders were asleep,
then came there heavenly light to the holy man,
into the blind prison, as it were a bright sunbeam.
And a bed was prepared for him with soft bedding,
and he himself then sang his blithe psalms,
praising his Lord with his inward heart.
Then wondered the warders at the winsome light,
being very affrighted at the sudden miracle.
Then saith the holy man, ' Of the heavenly light
be ye not affrighted. I am now comforted
with angelic ministration. Come in and behold.
Ye brought me into darkness, and I rejoice now in light;
my bands are loosened, and I rejoice with a song.
I am now strengthened, and softly underlaid.
Wonder at this — that he who worshippeth God
with a true confession, that he shall be victorious ever.
Tell now quickly your profane lord,
what light I enjoy, and what (soft) bedding;
that he may yet bethink him of some worthy torture;
may he diminish nothing from my glory,
that may turn to the glory of my martyrdom.
His mercy alone I dread the most,
lest he be turned away so as to take pity.'
They told this then to the fierce tormentor,
and he became vexed, [the profane Datianus],
and, pallid in face, spake in answer to them: —
' What may we do more to him, we are now overcome!
Bear him now, I bid you, from that blind prison
to some soft bed, that so he may rest him.
I desire not to make him more glorious still,
(as he will be) if, tormented in the torments, he fails (dies).'
They then bare him blithely in their arms
