Homilies on the Statues

¹ You have revelled during the last few days in the Holy Martyrs! You have taken your fill of the spiritual feast! You have all exulted with honest exultation! You have beheld their ribs laid bare, and their loins lacerated; the blood flowing forth all around; ten thousand forms of torture! You have seen human nature exhibiting that which is above nature, and crowns woven with blood! You have danced a goodly dance throughout the whole city; this, your noble captain leading you on; but sickness compelled me to remain at home, although against my will. But if I did not take a part in the festival, I partook of the pleasure of it. If I could not have the enjoyment of your public assembly, yet did I share in your gladness. For such is the power of love, that it makes those who are not actually in the enjoyment to rejoice equally with those who are; persuading them to think the good things of their neighbour common to themselves. Therefore even while I sat at home, I was rejoicing with you; and now while I am not yet entirely freed from my sickness, I have risen up, and run to meet you, that I may see your much desired faces, and take a part in the present festival.