Martyrdom Victor

After (these things) Michael released the soul of Apa Victor

'This death is not by any means death, but life everlasting.

I am able to endure patiently thy torturings.'

Wilt thou not hearken unto me?

Thou art perfect and righteous in thy generation as was Noah.'

and it came and entered again into his body, which was suspended upon the frame of the rack. And Michael informed him concerning everything that should happen to him.

Thou dost believe on God, as did Abraham.

It is thou thyself alone who hast drawn upon thy head these sufferings.

Other people, strangers, are eating up thy goods.'

Thou dost lay thy body on the altar as a sacrifice, as did Isaac.

Dost thou not know that thou art an only son,

Thou dost manifest patient endurance, as did Jacob at the time when Esau pursued him (when he was) going to Laban.

and that thy parents have no son (but thee) to succeed them?

Thou art a man of wisdom and understanding, as was Daniel the Prophet.

Thou hast been instructed in divine things by thy dreams like Joseph.

They have adopted (?) as a son the offspring (?) of (one) of their slaves.

And now he rideth the horses, and (the Emperor) hath made him a Count in thy place.

Thou hast manifested patient endurance like Job, the man of God.

The Enemy hath been envious of thee as he was of Isaiah the Prophet, whose body they sawed in twain lengthwise with a wood saw. And the fire hath not touched thee, even as the fire of Nebuchadnezzar touched not the Three Holy (Children).

He weareth thine apparel, and meanwhile thou art destroying thy soul with tribulations. And behold, thou art dwelling in this desert place!

Art thou not afraid lest thieves attack thee by night?

Thou hast given thy heart unto God, even as did David, the son of Jesse.

Then the Devil began to produce a written letter,

Behold, I swear by thy salvation, Apa Victor, that two crowns shall be sent down from heaven being borne by twenty-four angels

one of these is for thee, and the other shall be for me. Though like thee I am a vessel of infirmity, I shall have an inheritance among the mighty ones.

and he unrolled it before Apa Victor, and said unto him,

Look at this, and thou wilt recognize the handwriting of thy father and his seal.'

And when the Duke heard this woman proclaiming these things, he commanded his soldiers to bring her unto him.

And when they had brought her, the Duke said unto her,

How many years old art thou that thou dost dare to proclaim these violent words in such an impudent manner?

And she said unto him,

I am fifteen years and eight months old.

And the Duke said unto her,

How many years is it since thou didst marry (thy) husband?

And she said unto him,

Behold, one year and six months.'