Scenes of the Early Christians

IV.

Fourth Scene.

How do you dare in the Imperial palace
To protect the sorrowful Christians,
O Castulus! Castulus (died c. 286 AD) was a military officer and chamberlain to Emperor Diocletian. He secretly converted to Christianity and used his position in the palace to shelter other believers. and time after time original: "reis op reis"; literally "journey upon journey," meaning repeatedly or continually.
Have mercy upon their calamity?
You shelter them at the risk of your life,
Facing exile and penance, as a Martyr.

Do you not fear the hatred of the tyrant? Referring to Emperor Diocletian, notorious for the "Great Persecution" of Christians in the early 4th century.
Do you dare, with these innocent sheep—
Pursued, chased away, spied upon everywhere—
To sleep in the midst of the wolves?
Do you alone strive for praise through virtue,
In the midst of the murderous court?

Yes, Castulus, illustrious hero!
You have undertaken something greater
Than if you had struck an enemy in the field,
And triumphed within Rome;
You triumph in this vault original: "gewelf"; likely referring to the hidden chambers or catacombs where Christians met in secret.
Through your virtues over yourself.

God's Angels keep watch here,
While you sit down together in unity,
Beseeching the true God day and night
For help, with a pure conscience.
He who is protected by heaven,
Fears neither Tyrants, fire, nor sword.

Castulus, Christians, Martyr, Rome, God's Angels, Tyrants