Martyrdom of Polycarp 9

1But when at last he finished his prayer, after remembering everyone who had ever crossed his path—small and great, high and low—and the whole universal Church throughout the world, the hour of departure came. They seated him on a donkey and brought him into the city, since it was a high Sabbath. Herod, the captain of police, and his father Nicetes met him. They moved him into their carriage, sat beside him, and tried to persuade him, saying, “What harm is there in saying, ‘Caesar is Lord,’ and offering incense,” along with more words to this effect, “and saving yourself?” At first he gave them no answer. But when they persisted, he said, “I am not going to do what you advise me.” Then, having failed to persuade him, they spoke threatening words and made him get out quickly, so that he bruised his shin as he stepped down from the carriage. Without even turning around, he continued promptly and quickly on his way, as though nothing had happened to him, while he was taken to the stadium. There was such an uproar in the stadium that no one’s voice could even be heard.