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    "slug": "patrologia",
    "name": "Patrologia (Church Fathers)"
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  "chapter": {
    "num": 361,
    "slug": "leo-magnus--homily-on-guria-and-shamuna",
    "title": "Homily on Guria and Shamuna — St. Leo the Great",
    "of": 425,
    "words": 5175,
    "text": "## Homily on Guria and Shamuna\n\n*St. Leo the Great · Saint · Doctor of the Church*\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶1)]** Shamuna and Guria, martyrs who made themselves illustrious in their afflictions,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶2)]** Have in love required of me to tell of their illustrious deeds.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶3)]** To champions of the faith the doctrine calls me,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶4)]** That I should go and behold their contests and their crowns.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶5)]** Children of the right hand, who have done battle against the left,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶6)]** Have called me this day to recite the marvellous tale of their conflicts:—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶7)]** Simple old men, who entered into the fight like heroes,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶8)]** And nobly distinguished themselves in the strife of blood:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶9)]** Those who were the salt of our land, and it was sweetened thereby,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶10)]** And its savour was restored, which had become insipid through unbelief:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶11)]** Candlesticks of gold, which were full of the oil of the crucifixion,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶12)]** By which was lighted up all our region, which had turned to darkness:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶13)]** Two lamps, of which, when all the winds were blowing\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶14)]** Of every kind of error, the lights were not put out;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶15)]** Good labourers, who from the spring of day laboured\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶16)]** In the blessed vineyard of the house of God right duteously:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶17)]** Bulwarks of our land, who became to us as it were a defence\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶18)]** Against all spoilers in all the wars that surrounded us:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶19)]** Havens of peace, a place also of retreat for all that were distressed,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶20)]** And a resting-place for the head of every one that was in need of succour:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶21)]** Two precious pearls, which were\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶22)]** An ornament for the bride of my lord Abgar, the Aramæan's son.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶23)]** Teachers they were who practised their teaching in blood,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶24)]** And whose faith was known by their sufferings.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶25)]** On their bodies they wrote the story of the Son of God\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶26)]** With the marks of combs and scourges which thickly covered them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶27)]** They showed their love, not by words of the mouth alone,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶28)]** But by tortures and by the rending of their limbs asunder.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶29)]** For the love of the Son of God they gave up their bodies:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶30)]** Since it beseems the lover that for his love he should give up himself.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶31)]** Fire and sword proved their love, how true it was;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶32)]** And more beautiful than silver tried in a furnace of earth were their necks.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶33)]** They looked on God, and, because they saw His exalted beauties,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶34)]** Therefore did they look with contempt upon their sufferings for His sake.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶35)]** The Sun of righteousness had arisen in their hearts;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶36)]** And they were enlightened by it, and with His light chased they away the darkness.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶37)]** At the idols of vanity, which error had brought in, they laughed,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶38)]** Instinct with the faith of the Son of God which is full of light.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶39)]** The love of the Lord was as a fire in their hearts;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶40)]** Nor could all the brambles of idolatry stand before it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶41)]** Fixed was their love on God unchangeably:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶42)]** And therefore did they look with scorn upon the sword, all thirsty as it was for blood.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶43)]** With guilelessness and yet with wisdom stood they in the judgment-hall,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶44)]** As they had been commanded by the Teacher of that which is true.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶45)]** Despising as they did kindred and family, guileless were they;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶46)]** Forasmuch, also, as possessions and wealth were held in no account by them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶47)]** Nor guileless only: for in the judgment-hall with the wisdom of serpents too\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶48)]** They were heedful of the faith of the house of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶49)]** When a serpent is seized and struck, he guards his head,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶50)]** But gives up and leaves exposed all his body to his captors:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶51)]** And, so long as his head is kept from harm, his life abides in him;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶52)]** But, if the head be struck, his life is left a prey to destruction.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶53)]** The head of the soul is men's faith;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶54)]** And, if this be preserved unharmed, by it is also preserved their life:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶55)]** Even though the whole body be lacerated with blows,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶56)]** Yet, so long as faith is preserved, the soul is alive;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶57)]** But, if faith is struck down by unbelief,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶58)]** Lost is the soul, and life has perished from the man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶59)]** Shamuna and Guria of the faith as men\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶60)]** Were heedful, that it should not be struck down by persecutors:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶61)]** For they knew that, if faith is preserved,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶62)]** Both soul and body are preserved from destruction.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶63)]** And, because of this, touching their faith were they solicitous,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶64)]** That that should not be struck down in which their very life was hidden.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶65)]** They gave up their bodies both to blows and to dislocation,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶66)]** Yea to every kind of torture, that their faith should not be stricken down;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶67)]** And, even as the serpent also hides his head from blows,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶68)]** So hid they their faith within their hearts;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶69)]** And the body was smitten, and endured stripes, and bore sufferings:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶70)]** But overthrown was not their faith which was within their hearts.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶71)]** The mouth betrays the soul to death when it speaks,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶72)]** And with the tongue, as with a sword, works slaughter.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶73)]** And from it spring up both life and death to men:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶74)]** Denying a man dies, confessing he lives, and the mouth has power over it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶75)]** Denial is death, and in confession is the soul's life;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶76)]** And power has the mouth over them both, like a judge.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶77)]** The word of the mouth opens the door for death to enter in;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶78)]** This, too, calls for life, and it beams forth upon the man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶79)]** Even the robber by one word of faith\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶80)]** Won him the kingdom, and became heir of paradise, all fraught with blessings.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶81)]** The wicked judges too, from the martyrs, the sons of the right hand,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶82)]** Demanded that by word of mouth only they should blaspheme;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶83)]** But, like true men holding fast the faith,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶84)]** They uttered not a word by which unbelief might be served.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶85)]** Shamuna, beauty of our faith, who is adequate to tell of you?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶86)]** All too narrow is my mouth for your praise, too mean for you to be spoken of by it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶87)]** Your truth is your beauty, your crown your suffering, your wealth your stripes,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶88)]** And by reason of your blows magnificent is the beauty of your championship.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶89)]** Proud of you is our country, as of a treasury which is full of gold:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶90)]** Since wealth are you to us, and a coveted store which cannot be stolen from us.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶91)]** Guria, martyr, staunch hero of our faith,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶92)]** Who shall suffice you, to recount your beauties divine?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶93)]** Lo! Tortures on your body are set like gems of beryl,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶94)]** And the sword on your neck like a chain of choice gold.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶95)]** Your blood upon your form is a robe of glory full of beauty,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶96)]** And the scourging of your back a vesture with which the sun may not compare.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶97)]** Radiant you are and comely by virtue of these your sufferings, so abounding;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶98)]** And resplendent are your beauties, because of the pains which are so severe upon you.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶99)]** Shamuna, our riches, richer are you than the rich:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶100)]** For lo! The rich stand at your door, that you may relieve them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶101)]** Small your village, poor your country: who, then, gave you\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶102)]** That lords of villages and cities should court your favour?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶103)]** Lo! judges in their robes and vestments\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶104)]** Take dust from your threshold, as though it were the medicine of life.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶105)]** The cross is rich, and to its worshippers increases riches;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶106)]** And its poverty despises all the riches of the world.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶107)]** Shamuna and Guria, sons of the poor, lo! At your doors\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶108)]** Bow down the rich, that they may receive from you supplies for their wants.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶109)]** The Son of God in poverty and want\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶110)]** Showed to the world that all its riches are as nothing,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶111)]** His disciples, all fishermen, all poor, all weak,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶112)]** All men of little note, became illustrious through His faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶113)]** One fisherman, whose village too was a home of fishermen,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶114)]** He made chief over the twelve, yea head of the house.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶115)]** One a tentmaker, who aforetime was a persecutor,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶116)]** He seized upon, and made him a chosen vessel for the faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶117)]** Shamuna and Guria came from villages that were not wealthy,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶118)]** And lo! In a great city became they lords;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶119)]** And its chief men, its judges also, stand before their doors,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶120)]** And they solicit their charity to satisfy their wants.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶121)]** From their confession of the faith of the Son of God\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶122)]** These blessed men acquired riches beyond compute.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶123)]** Poor did He Himself become, and the poor made He rich;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶124)]** And lo! enriched is the whole creation through His poverty.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶125)]** The chosen martyrs did battle against error,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶126)]** And in the confession of the Son of God stood they firm like valiant men.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶127)]** They went in and confessed Him before the judge with look undaunted,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶128)]** That He too might confess them, even as they confessed Him, before His Father.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶129)]** There arose against them the war of pagans like a tempest;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶130)]** But the cross was their helmsman, and steered them on.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶131)]** They were required to sacrifice to lifeless images,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶132)]** But they departed not from their confession of the Son of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶133)]** The wind of idolatry blew in their faces,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶134)]** But they themselves were as rocks piled up against the hurricane.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶135)]** Like a swift whirlwind, error snatched at them;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶136)]** But, forasmuch as they were sheltered by the crucifixion, it hurt them not.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶137)]** The Evil One set on all his dogs to bark, that they might bite them;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶138)]** But, forasmuch as they had the cross for a staff, they put them all to flight.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶139)]** But who is sufficient to tell of their contests,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶140)]** Or their sufferings, or the rending asunder of their limbs?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶141)]** Or who can paint the picture of their coronation,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶142)]** How they went up from the contest covered with glory?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶143)]** To judgment they went in, but of the judge they took no account;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶144)]** Nor were they anxious what they should say when questioned.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶145)]** The judge menaced them, and multiplied his words of threatening;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶146)]** And recounted tortures and all kinds of inflictions, that he might terrify them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶147)]** He spoke great words, that by fright and intimidation,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶148)]** By menaces too, he might incline them to sacrifice.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶149)]** Yet the combatants despised the menaces, and the intimidations,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶150)]** And the sentence of judgment, and all bodily deaths;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶151)]** And they prepared themselves for insult and stripes, and for blows,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶152)]** And for provocation, and to be dragged along, and to be burnt;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶153)]** For imprisonment also, and for bonds, and for all evil things,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶154)]** And for all tortures, and for all sufferings, rejoicing all the while.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶155)]** They were not alarmed nor affrighted, nor dismayed,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶156)]** Nor did the sharpness of the tortures bend them to sacrifice.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶157)]** Their body they despised, and as dung upon the ground accounted they it:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶158)]** For they knew that, the more it was beaten, the more would its beauty increase;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶159)]** And, the more the judge increased his menaces to alarm them,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶160)]** The more did they show their contempt of him, having no fear of his threats.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶161)]** He kept telling them what tortures he had prepared for them;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶162)]** And they continued telling him about Gehenna which was reserved for him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶163)]** By those things which he told them he tried to frighten them to sacrifice;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶164)]** And they spoke to him about the fearful judgment yonder.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶165)]** Truth is wiser than wise words,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶166)]** And very hateful, however much it may be adorned, is falsehood.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶167)]** Shamuna and Guria went on speaking truth,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶168)]** While the judge continued to utter falsehood.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶169)]** And therefore were they not afraid of his threatening,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶170)]** Because all his menaces against the truth were accounted by them as empty sound.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶171)]** The intercourse of the world they despised, they contemned and scorned, yea they abandoned;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶172)]** And to return to it they had no wish, or to enter it again.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶173)]** From the place of judgment they set their faces to depart\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶174)]** To that meeting-place for them all, the life of the new world.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶175)]** They cared neither for possessions nor for houses,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶176)]** Nor for the advantages of this world, so full of evil.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶177)]** In the world of light was their heart bound captive with God,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶178)]** And to that country did they set their face to depart;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶179)]** And they looked to the sword, to come and be a bridge\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶180)]** To let them pass over to God, for whom they were longing.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶181)]** This world they accounted as a little tent,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶182)]** But that yonder as a city full of beauties;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶183)]** And they were in haste by the sword to depart hence\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶184)]** To the land of light, which is full of blessing for those who are worthy of it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶185)]** The judge commanded to hang them up by their arms,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶186)]** And without mercy did they stretch them out in bitter agony.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶187)]** A demon's fury breathed rage into the heart of the judge,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶188)]** And embittered him against the steadfast ones, inciting him to crush them;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶189)]** And between the height and the depth he stretched them out to afflict them:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶190)]** And they were a marvel to both sides, when they saw how much they endured.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶191)]** At the old men's frame heaven and earth marvelled,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶192)]** To see how much suffering it bore nor cried out for help under their affliction.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶193)]** Hung up and dragged along are their feeble bodies by their arms,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶194)]** Yet is there deep silence, nor is there one that cries out for help or that murmurs.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶195)]** Amazed were all who beheld their contests,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶196)]** To see how calmly the outstretched forms bore the inflictions laid upon them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶197)]** Amazed too was Satan at their spotless frames,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶198)]** To see what weight of affliction they sustained without a groan.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶199)]** Yea, and gladdened too were the angels by that fortitude of theirs,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶200)]** To see how patiently it bore that contest so terrible that was.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶201)]** But, as combatants who were awaiting their crowns,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶202)]** There entered no sense of weariness into their minds.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶203)]** Nay, it was the judge that grew weary; yea, he was astonished:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶204)]** But the noble men before him felt no weariness in their afflictions.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶205)]** He asked them whether they would consent to sacrifice;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶206)]** But the mouth was unable to speak from pain.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶207)]** Thus did the persecutors increase their inflictions,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶208)]** Until they gave no place for the word to be spoken.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶209)]** Silent was the mouth from the inflictions laid on their limbs;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶210)]** But the will, like that of a hero, was nerved with fortitude from itself.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶211)]** Alas for the persecutors! How destitute were they of righteousness!\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶212)]** But the children of light— how were they clad in faith!\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶213)]** They demand speech, when there is no place for speaking,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶214)]** Since the word of the mouth was forbidden them by pain.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶215)]** Fast bound was the body, and silent the mouth, and it was unable\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶216)]** To utter the word when unrighteously questioned.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶217)]** And what should the martyr do, who had no power to say,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶218)]** When he was questioned, that he would not sacrifice?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶219)]** All silent were the old men full of faith,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶220)]** And from pain they were incapable of speaking.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶221)]** Yet questioned they were: and in what way, if a man is silent\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶222)]** When he is questioned, shall he assent to that which is said?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶223)]** But the old men, that they might not be thought to assent,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶224)]** Expressed clearly by signs the word which it behooved them to speak.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶225)]** Their heads they shook, and, instead of speech, by a dumb sign they showed\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶226)]** The resolve of the new man that was within.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶227)]** Their heads hung down, signifying amidst their pains\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶228)]** That they were not going to sacrifice, and every one understood their meaning.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶229)]** As long as there was in them place for speech, with speech did they confess;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶230)]** But, when it was forbidden them by pain, they spoke with a dumb sign.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶231)]** Of faith they spoke both with the voice and without the voice:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶232)]** So that, when speaking and also when silent, they were alike steadfast.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶233)]** Who but must be amazed at the path of life, how narrow it is,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶234)]** And how straight to him that desires to walk in it?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶235)]** Who but must marvel to see that, when the will is watchful and ready,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶236)]** It is very broad and full of light to him that goes therein?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶237)]** About the path are ditches; full also is it of pitfalls;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶238)]** And, if one turn but a little aside from it, a ditch receives him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶239)]** That dumb sign only is there between the right and the left,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶240)]** And on Yea and Nay stand sin and righteousness.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶241)]** By a dumb sign only did the blessed men plainly signify that they would not sacrifice,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶242)]** And in virtue of a single dumb sign did the path lead them to Eden;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶243)]** And, if this same dumb sign had inclined and turned down but a little\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶244)]** Toward the depth, the path of the old men would have been to Gehenna.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶245)]** Upwards they made a sign, to signify that upwards were they prepared to ascend;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶246)]** And in consequence of that sign they ascended and mingled with the heavenly ones.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶247)]** Between sign and sign were Paradise and Gehenna:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶248)]** They made a sign that they would not sacrifice, and they inherited the place of the kingdom.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶249)]** Even while they were silent they were advocates for the Son of God:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶250)]** For not in multitude of words does faith consist.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶251)]** That fortitude of theirs was a full-voiced confession,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶252)]** And as though with open mouth declared they their faith by signs;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶253)]** And every one knew what they were saying, though silent,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶254)]** And enriched and increased was the faith of the house of God;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶255)]** And error was put to shame by reason of two old men, who, though they spoke not,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶256)]** Vanquished it; and they kept silence, and their faith stood fast.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶257)]** And, though tempestuous accents were heard from the judge,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶258)]** And the commands of the emperor were dreadful, yea violent,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶259)]** And paganism had a bold face and an open mouth,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶260)]** And its voice was raised, and silent were the old men with pain,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶261)]** Yet null and void became the command and drowned was the voice of the judge,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶262)]** And without speech the mute sign of the martyrs bore off the palm.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶263)]** Talking and clamour, and the sound of stripes, on the left;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶264)]** And deep silence and suffering standing on the right;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶265)]** And, by one mute sign with which the old men pointed above their heads,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶266)]** The head of faith was lifted up, and error was put to shame.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶267)]** Worsted in the encounter were they who spoke, and the victory was to the silent:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶268)]** For, voiceless they uttered by signs the discourse of faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶269)]** They took them down, because they had vanquished while silent;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶270)]** And they put them in bonds, threatening yet to vanquish them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶271)]** Bonds and a dungeon void of light were by the martyrs\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶272)]** Held of no account— yea rather as the light which has no end.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶273)]** To be without bread, and without water, and without light,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶274)]** Pleased them well, because of the love of the Son of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶275)]** The judge commanded by their feet to hang them up\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶276)]** With their heads downwards, by a sentence all unrighteous:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶277)]** Hanged up was Shamuna with his head downwards; and he prayed\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶278)]** In prayer pure and strained clear by pain.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶279)]** Sweet fruit was hanging on the tree in that judgment-hall,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶280)]** And its taste and smell made the very denizens of heaven to marvel.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶281)]** Afflicted was his body, but sound was his faith;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶282)]** Bound fast was his person, but unfettered was his prayer over his deed.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶283)]** For, prayer nothing whatsoever turns aside,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶284)]** And nothing hinders it— not even sword, not even fire.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶285)]** His form was turned upside down, but his prayer was unrestrained,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶286)]** And straight was its path on high to the abode of the angels.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶287)]** The more the affliction of the chosen martyr was increased,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶288)]** The more from his lips was all confession heard.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶289)]** The martyrs longed for the whetted sword affectionately,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶290)]** And sought it as a treasure full of riches.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶291)]** A new work has the Son of God wrought in the world—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶292)]** That dreadful death should be yearned for by many.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶293)]** That men should run to meet the sword is a thing unheard of,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶294)]** Except they were those whom Jesus has enlisted in His service by His crucifixion.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶295)]** That death is bitter, every one knows lo! From earliest time:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶296)]** To martyrs alone is it not bitter to be slain.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶297)]** They laughed at the whetted sword when they saw it,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶298)]** And greeted it with smiles: for it was that which was the occasion of their crowns.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶299)]** As though it had been something hated, they left the body to be beaten:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶300)]** Even though loving it, they held it not back from pains.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶301)]** For the sword they waited, and the sword went forth and crowned them:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶302)]** Because for it they looked; and it came to meet them, even as they desired.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶303)]** The Son of God slew death by His crucifixion;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶304)]** And, inasmuch as death is slain, it caused no suffering to the martyrs.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶305)]** With a wounded serpent one plays without fear;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶306)]** A slain lion even a coward will drag along:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶307)]** The great serpent our Lord crushed by His crucifixion;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶308)]** The dread lion did the Son of God slay by His sufferings.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶309)]** Death bound He fast, and laid him prostrate and trampled on him at the gate of Hades;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶310)]** And now whosoever will draws near and mocks at him, because he is slain.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶311)]** These old men, Shamuna and Guria, mocked at death,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶312)]** As at that lion which by the Son of God was slain.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶313)]** The great serpent, which slew Adam among the trees,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶314)]** Who could seize, so long as he drank not of the blood of the cross?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶315)]** The Son of God crushed the dragon by His crucifixion,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶316)]** And lo! Boys and old men mock the wounded serpent.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶317)]** Pierced is the lion with the spear which pierced the side of the Son of God;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶318)]** And whosoever will tramples on him, yea mocks at him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶319)]** The Son of God— He is the cause of all good things,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶320)]** And Him does it behoove every mouth to celebrate.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶321)]** He did Himself espouse the bride with the blood which flowed from His wounds,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶322)]** And of His wedding-friends He demanded as a nuptial gift the blood of their necks.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶323)]** The Lord of the wedding-feast hung on the cross in nakedness,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶324)]** And whosoever came to be a guest, He let fall His blood upon him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶325)]** Shamuna and Guria gave up their bodies for His sake\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶326)]** To sufferings and tomes and to all the various forms of woe.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶327)]** At Him they looked as He was mocked by wicked men,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶328)]** And thus did they themselves endure mockery without a groan.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶329)]** Edessa was enriched by your slaughter, O blessed ones:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶330)]** For you adorned her with your crowns and with your sufferings.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶331)]** Her beauty are you, her bulwark ye, her salt ye,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶332)]** Her riches and her store, yea her boast and all her treasure.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶333)]** Faithful stewards are you:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶334)]** Since by your sufferings ye did array the bride in beauty.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶335)]** The daughter of the Parthians, who was espoused to the cross,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶336)]** Of you makes her boast: since by your teaching lo! she was enlightened.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶337)]** Her advocates are you; scribes who, though silent, vanquished\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶338)]** All error, while its voice was uplifted high in unbelief.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶339)]** Those old men of the daughter of the Hebrews were sons of Belial,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶340)]** False witnesses, who killed Naboth, feigning themselves to be true.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶341)]** Her did Edessa outdo by her two old men full of beauty,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶342)]** Who were witnesses to the Son of God, and died like Naboth.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶343)]** Two were there, and two here, old men;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶344)]** And these were called witnesses, and witnesses those.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶345)]** Let us now see which of them were witnesses chosen of God,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶346)]** And which city is beloved by reason of her old men and of her honourable ones.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶347)]** Lo! The sons of Belial who slew Naboth are witnesses;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶348)]** And here Shamuna and Guria, again, are witnesses.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶349)]** Let us now see which witnesses, and which old men,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶350)]** And which city can stand with confidence before God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶351)]** Sons of Belial were those witnesses of that adulterous woman,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶352)]** And lo! Their shame is all portrayed in their names.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶353)]** Edessa's just and righteous old men, her witnesses,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶354)]** Were like Naboth, who himself also was slain for righteousness' sake.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶355)]** They were not like the two lying sons of Belial,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶356)]** Nor is Edessa like Zion, which also crucified the Lord.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶357)]** Like herself her old men were false, yea dared\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶358)]** To shed on the ground innocent blood wickedly.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶359)]** But by these witnesses here lo! The truth is spoken.—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶360)]** Blessed be He who gave us the treasure-store of their crowns!\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶361)]** Here ends the Homily on Guria and Shamuna.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶362)]** Source. Translated by B.P. Pratten. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 8. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0861.htm>.",
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  }
}