Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.

Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.

His pursuers then, along with horsemen, and taking the youth with them, went forth at supper-time on the day of the preparation⁴³¹ with their usual weapons, as if going out against a robber.⁴³² And being come about evening [to the place where he was], they found him lying down in the upper room of⁴³³ a certain little house, from which he might have escaped into another place; but he refused, saying, “The will of God⁴³⁴ be done.”⁴³⁵ So when he heard that they were come, he went down and spake with them. And as those that were present marvelled at his age and constancy, some of them said. “Was so much effort⁴³⁶ made to capture such a venerable man?”⁴³⁷ Immediately then, in that very hour, he ordered that something to eat and drink should be set before them, as much indeed as they cared for, while he besought them to allow him an hour to pray without disturbance. And on their giving him leave, he stood and prayed, being full of the grace of God, so that he could not cease⁴³⁸ for two full hours, to the astonishment of them that heard him, insomuch that many began to repent that they had come forth against so godly and venerable an old man.