turion, which was vacant, and about to obtain it;
when another came up and said, that according to the laws Marinus could
not have that post, on account of his being a Christian. Achaeus, the
governor of Palestine, asked Marinus if he was a Christian; who answered
in the affirmative: whereupon the judge gave him three hours space to
consider whether he would abide by his answer, or recall it. Theotecnus,
the bishop of that city, being informed of the affair, came to him, when
withdrawn from the tribunal, and taking him by the hand led him to the
church. Here, pointing to the sword which he wore, and then to a book of
the gospels, asked him which of the two he made his option. Marinus, in
answer to the query, without the least hesitation, stretched out his
right hand, and laid hold of the sacred book. "Adhere steadfastly then
to God," says the bishop, "and he will strengthen you, and you shall
obtain what you have chosen. Depart in peace." Being summoned again
before the judge, he professed his faith with greater resolution and
alacrity than before, and was immediately led away just as he was, and
beheaded. St. Asterius, or Astyrius, a Roman senator, in great favor
with the emperor, and well known to all on account of his high birth and
great estate, being present at the martyrdom of St. Marinus, though he
was richly dressed, took away the dead body on his shoulders, and having
sumptuously adorned it, gave it a decent burial. Thus far the acts in
Ruinart. Rufinus adds, that he was beheaded for this action. See Eus.
Hist. l. 7, c. 15, 16, 17.

SS. EMETERIUS, &c., MM.

COMMONLY CALLED MADIR, AND CHELIDONIUS

THEY were soldiers of distinguished merit in the Roman army in Spain,
and suffered martyrdom at Calahorra, but it is not known in what
persecution. Their courage and cheerfulness seemed to increase with
their sharpest torments, and to them fires and swords seemed sweet and
agreeable. Prudemius says, that the persecutors burned the acts of their
martyrdom, envying us the history of so glorious a triumph. He adds,
that their festival was kept in Spain with great devotion by all ranks
of people; that strangers {504} came in devout pilgrimages to visit
their relics, praying to these patrons of the world; and that none
poured forth their pure prayers to them who were not heard and their
tears dried up: "For," says he, "they immediately hear every petition,
and carry it to the ear of the eternal king." See Prudentius, de C