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Ethical

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I. On Repentance.

[8991] Optio.

[8992] [St. Aug. Opp. Tom. v. p. 1284.]

[8993] It seems uncertain what may be the meaning of this word. It is variously supposed to signify little round ornaments either of cloth or metal attached to the soldier’s dress, or the small bells on the priestly robe. Some also read the word galliculæ, small sandals.

[8994] [Concerning these visions, see Augustine, De Anima, cap. xviii. el seq.]

[8995] “Afa” is the Greek word ἁφή, a grip; hence used of the yellow sand sprinkled over wrestlers, to enable them to grasp one another.

[8996] [Psa. 44.5; 60.12; 91.13; 108.13.]

[8997] This was the way by which the victims spared by the popular clemency escaped from the amphitheatre.

Chapter IV.—Argument. Saturus, in a Vision, and Perpetua Being Carried by Angels into the Great Light, Behold the Martyrs. Being Brought to the Throne of God, are Received with a Kiss. They Reconcile Optatus the Bishop and Aspasius the Presbyter.

[8998] “Cadebant;” but “ardebant”—“were burning”—seems a more probable reading. [The imitations of the Shepherd of Hermas, in this memoir hardly need pointing out.]

[8999] Agios.

[9000] A presbyter, that is, whose office was to teach, as distinct from other presbyters. See Cyprian, Epistles, vol. i. Ep. xxiii. p. 68. note i. transl. [One of those referred to by St. James iii. 1, and by St. Paul, 1 Tim. v. 17.]

[9001] More probably, “rest and refresh yourselves.” [“Go and enjoy,” or, “play,” or “take pleasure,” in the section preceding.]

Chapter V.—Argument. Secundulus Dies in the Prison. Felicitas is Pregnant, But with Many Prayers She Brings Forth in the Eighth Month Without Suffering, the Courage of Perpetua and of Saturus Unbroken.

[9002] [To be regarded like the Shepherd of Hermas, merely as visions, or allegorical romances.]

[9003] “The gaolers,” so called from the “cataracta,” or prison-gate, which they guarded.

[9004] [A gentle banter, like that of St. Lawrence on the gridiron.]

Chapter VI.—Argument. From the Prison They are Led Forth with Joy into the Amphitheatre, Especially Perpetua and Felicitas. All Refuse to Put on Profane Garments. They are Scourged, They are Thrown to the Wild Beasts. Saturus Twice is Unhurt. Perpetua and Felicitas are Thrown Down; They are Called Back to the Sanavivarian Gate. Saturus Wounded by a Leopard, Exhorts the Soldier. They Kiss One Another, and are Slain with the Sword.

[9005] A row of men drawn up to scourge them as they passed along, a punishment probably similar to what is called “running the gauntlet.”

[9006] John xvi. 24.

[9007] Ita revocatæ discinguntur. Dean Milmam prefers reading this, “Thus recalled, they are clad in loose robes.”

[9008] [Routh, Reliq. Vol. I. p. 360.]

[9009] A cry in mockery of what was known as the effect of Christian baptism.

[9010] [Routh, Reliquiæ, Vol. I. p. 358.]

Elucidations.

[9011] Republished, Oxford, 1838.

 

 

 

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