Scenes of the Early Christians

SCENES OF THE
IV.

Fourth Scene.

How do you dare in the Imperial palace
To protect the sorrowful Christians,
O Castulus! original: "Kaſtulo" and time after time
Have mercy upon their calamity?
You hide them at the risk of your own life,
Facing banishment and punishment, as a Martyr. original: "Martelaar"

Do you not fear the tyrant’s original: "dwinglands," referring to the Emperor Diocletian hatred?
Do you dare, with these innocent sheep—
Persecuted, hunted, and 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 down an enemy in the field,
And triumphed within Rome; original: "Romen"
You triumph in this vault refers to the hidden chambers or cellars within the palace where the Christians met
Through your virtues over yourself.

God’s Angels original: "Godts Eng'len" keep the watch here,
While you sit together in unity,
Pleading with the true God by day and night
For help, with a pure conscience.
He who is protected by heaven
Fears neither Tyrants, original: "Tyrannen" fire, nor sword.

Castulus (an officer of the palace who sheltered Christians and was eventually martyred by being buried alive), Martyr (one who bears witness to their faith through suffering or death), Tyrants (a reference to the Roman authorities, specifically Diocletian, who viewed Christianity as a threat to the state), Rome (the capital of the Empire and the site of the secret church), Angels (divine messengers believed to protect the faithful during their illegal gatherings).