That the six adversities[1]
May beset us never,
Pray, ye glorious ones, who now
Wear the Crown for ever!
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The names particularised by the poet are the only six which have come down to us. Of these S. Maurice was the commanding officer; Exuperius, a Senator; Candidus, a Campidoctor, that is, the officer who gave instruction in military exercises; Victor, a veteran; Innocent and Vitalis, simple soldiers.
The Theban Legion is commemorated on Sept. 22. The poet would remind us that the day which, had they remained in the world, would have had as many hours of darkness as of light, was changed for them into the everlasting day of heaven.
So the legend of S. Victor of Marseilles tells us that, at the very moment his head was struck off, a voice was heard from heaven, "Thou hast conquered, Blessed Victor, thou hast conquered." And so Adam of S. Victor:
Victor, effuso sanguine,
Victoris dignus nomine,
Cœlo receptus hodie,
Palmam tenet victoriæ.
