The Book of Emperors: A Translation of the Middle High German Kaiserchronik

XIX. Decius

177 that no sort of Christian should judge over the Empire. He ordered his vassals to appear before him, and to them he passionately complained about what had happened and commanded them to set up ambushes and lie in wait for Philip at all times. Wherever they heard he might be they were to surprise and capture him. One day, spies arrived and told Decius that the king was staying at a palace familiar to him. Decius was delighted to hear this and speedily made preparations and arrived at that palace: Decius with a horde of men; the king kneeling in prayer; Decius with weapons; the king with alms; Decius with armed force; the king with faithful simplicity; Decius seething with anger; the king with goodly love; Decius bringing destruction; the king concerned with saving his soul; Decius found the king true to his faith. With his own hand he sent father and son and others of the royal household altogether into God’s kingdom to receive abundant honors. Seven and a half years they had ruled. XIX Decius Sources friendly to Decius (r. 249-251) claim that he was proclaimed emperor against his will (see introduction to preceding chapter). After disposing of Philip, Decius was occupied mostly with fighting off the Goths, a conflict that put an end to his short reign when both he and his son were killed in battle. Decius was the first emperor to undertake a widespread and systematic persecution of Christians, hoping thereby to revitalize the ancient Roman religion. 178 Chapter Nineteen because he had killed the king, Decius—that violent and angry man—was able to call the heathens together and address them, saying that he would be most fitting to hold the Empire; which they would surely want to let him do, since he would make a good judge. When Decius held the Empire—the Book tells us this—he did not want to tolerate any Christians living in Rome under him any longer. He pronounced his ban over all of them, demanding that they be brought before him quickly and that whoever would hide them out of his sight would be guilty of a capital offense. Very soon then Decius understood that good Saint Sixtus was converting , baptizing, and instructing the heathens. He heard that he was the foremost teacher of Christianity and had no intention of hiding himself. The overly vicious man, Decius—furore repletus [full of fury]—ordered that good Saint Sixtus be seized at Saint Peter’s throne. He ordered him brought before him very quickly and said, “You deceitful old man, how dare you flaunt your power so openly before me in Rome? Without delay begin praying to my god, or you will lose your life.” Good Saint Sixtus lost no time in answering him, saying “Our Lord Jesus Christ was born to a virgin, in order that with his sublime death he might redeem back the otherwise lost numbers of mankind. I would be a very happy man if I were worthy to be called a martyr. Then I would live splendidly and receive my promised crown. It is certainly right and proper for a vassal to follow in the squadron of his lord. I am willing and eager to die for the sake of my dear Lord that I might escape the pains of hell.” These words enraged the king further. He ordered Saint Sixtus and two of his chaplains, one named Felicissimus, the other Agapitus, who had been seized with him, to have their heads chopped off. Then, when they were about to be led off to their martyrdom, Saint Laurence realized what was happening and spoke. “Hail to you, sublime father! What could I ever have done to offend you? Remember I was your private chaplain and was very accustomed to doing things together with you always and wherever we should be able to perform God’s services. Why are you letting me down now? Let me partake of your sublime martyrdom since you promised me I Decius 179 would never be separated from you. I plan to divide your earthly treasures among widows and orphans. Do not let me remain tormented, but let me go with you.” The holy man answered him. “My dear son, I never will abandon you, but listen to what I have to tell you. Three days from now, Our Lord will reward you with so...