Poems, Volume 1

8. ON A SPOT IN CALAHORRA WHERE MARTYRS SUFFERED AND WHERE NOW IS A BAPTISTERY

180 AURELIUS PRUDENTIUS CLEMENS 8. ON A SPOT IN CALAHORRA WHERE MARTYRS SUFFERED AND WHERE NOW IS A BAPTISTERYl This is a spot that was chosen by Christ for uplifting to Heaven Souls that are tested by blood, souls that are cleansed in this font. Here two brave soldiers once gave up their lives for the name of the Savior, Winning the martyr's bright crown blazoned with purpling blood. Here, too, the mercy of God in a limpid stream from this fountain2 Flows in a healing flood, washing away old sins. 5 1. This hymn is written in the manner of the epigrams of Damasus and the inscriptions found on baptisteries of the fourth and fifth centuries. See Schuster, The Sacramentary 1.25-25 and Ihm, op. cit. 101 and lOS; also PauIinus of Nola, Epistles 52 (PL 61.552). The fact that the name of the place is omitted in some manuscripts has led editors to see in the hymn a reference to the legend of the baptism of the two soldiers Processus and Martinian by St. Peter in the Mamartine Prison at Rome. The general opinion however is that the martyrs mentioned in lines 5 and 4 are Emeterius and Chelidonius of Calahorra, celebrated by Prudentius in Hymn I. 2. Cf. Vergil, Georgics 2.200. HYMNS Let him who fain would mount to the lasting kingdom of heavens Come in his thirst to this font opening a luminous way. Once victorious martyrs to heights celestial ascended, Now from baptismal floods souls to heaven take flight.4 Here the Spirit eternally flowing down on these waters, As He once gave the palm, now gives remission of sin. Be it water or blood, the earth drinks in the heavenly shower,1I Ever bedewed by this stream, which is poured forth to her God. He of this place is the Lord from whose wounds 181 10 two fountains once issued. 15 Water from one distilled and from the other blood.8 You will go hence, as to each is the grace, through the wounds of the Savior; One by the way of the sword, one by the water will rise. 11. Cf. Damasus, Epigram 511.8 (Ihm, op. cit. p. 55); Juvencus, Evan. Rist.lIAOO. 4. Cf. Vergil, Aeneid 7.lI4l1. 5. Cf. Ibid. 12.3119-lI40. 6. Cf. John 19.1I4; also Cathemerinon 9, n. 41. ...