im,
that he had orders to send him bound into Persia to the king. "There is
no need of binding me," said the saint: "I go willingly and cheerfully
to suffer for Christ." The governor put on him and on two other
prisoners the mark, and gave orders that they should set out after five
days. In the mean time, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, the
14th of September, at the request of the Comerciarius, or tax-gatherer
for the king, who was a Christian of distinction, Anastasius had leave
to go to the church and assist at the divine service. His presence and
exhortations encouraged the faithful, excited the tepid to fervor, and
moved all to tears. He dined that day with the Comerciarius, and then
returned with joy to his prison. On the day appointed, the martyr left
Caesarea, in Palestine, with two other Christian prisoners, under a
strict guard, and was followed by one of the monks whom the abbot had
sent to assist and encourage him. The acts of his martyrdom were written
by this monk, or at least from what be related by word of mouth. The
saint received great marks of honor, much against his inclination, from
the Christians wherever he came. This made him fear lest human applause
should rob trim of his crown by infecting his heart with pride. He wrote
from Hierapolis, and again from the river Tigris, to his abbot, begging
the prayers of his brethren.

Being arrived at Barsaloe in Assyria, six miles from Discartha, or
Dastagerde, near the Euphrates, where the king then was, the prisoners
were thrown into a dungeon till his pleasure was known. An officer came
from Chosroes to interrogate the saint, who made answer, with regard to
his magnificent promises, in these words: "My religious habit and poor
clothes show that I despise from my heart the gaudy pomp of the world.
The honors and riches of a king, who must shortly die himself, are no
temptation to me." Next day the officer returned to the prison, and
endeavored to intimidate him by blustering threats and reproaches. But
the saint said calmly: "My lord judge, do not give yourself so much
trouble about me. By the grace of Christ I am not to be moved: so
execute your pleasure without more ado." The officer caused him to be
unmercifully beaten with staves, after {199} the Persian manner,
insulting him all the time, and often repeating, that because he
contemned the king's bounty, he should be treated in that manner every
day as long as he lived. This punishment was