Martyrdom of Polycarp 11

1But when he persisted and said again, “Swear by the genius of Caesar,” Polycarp answered, “If you vainly suppose that I will swear by the genius of Caesar, as you say, and pretend not to know who I am, then hear me plainly: I am a Christian. But if you wish to learn the teaching of Christianity, appoint a day and grant me a hearing.” The proconsul said, “Persuade the people.” But Polycarp said, “I would have considered you worthy of a discussion, for we have been taught to give rulers and authorities appointed by God the honor that is proper, as long as it does us no harm. But I do not consider these people worthy of hearing me defend myself before them.”