§1Inter carnis alimenta, benedicti martyres designati, quae vobis et domina mater ecclesia de uberibus suis et singuli fratres de opibus suis propriis in carcerem subministrant, capite aliquid et a nobis, quod faciat ad spiritum quoque educandum.
Amidst the nourishment for the flesh, blessed martyrs-designate—which both our lady mother the Church from her breasts and individual brethren from their own private resources supply to you in prison—receive also something from us that may serve to nourish your spirit as well.
Carnem enim saginari et spiritum esurire non prodest.
For it is of no benefit that the flesh be fattened while the spirit starves.
Immo si quod infirmum est curatur, aeque quod infirmius est neglegi non debet.
Rather, if that which is weak is cared for, equally that which is even weaker ought not to be neglected.
Nec tantus ego sum, ut vos alloquar.
Nor am I so great as to address you.
Verumtamen et gladiatores perfectissimos non tantum magistri et praepositi sui, sed etiam idiotae et supervacue quique adhortantur de longinquo, ut saepe de ipso populo dictata suggesta profuerint.
Yet even the most accomplished gladiators are encouraged from afar not only by their trainers and overseers, but also by bystanders and any casual onlookers, so that suggestions dictated by the crowd itself have often proved beneficial.
Inprimis ergo, benedicti, nolite contristare spiritum sanctum, qui vobiscum introiit carcerem.
First of all, therefore, blessed ones, do not grieve the Holy Spirit who entered the prison with you.
Si enim non vobiscum nunc introisset, nec vos illic hodie fuissetis.
For if He had not entered with you now, neither would you be there today.
Et ideo date operam, ut illic vobiscum perseveret: ita vos inde perducat ad dominum.
And therefore endeavor that He may abide with you there: so may He lead you from there to the Lord.
Domus quidem diaboli est et carcer, in qua familiam suam continet.
The prison indeed is also the devil's house, in which he keeps his household.
Sed vos ideo in carcerem pervenistis, ut illum etiam in domo sua conculcetis.
But you have come into the prison for this reason, that you may trample him underfoot even in his own house.
Iam enim foris congressi conculcaveratis.
For already, having met him outside, you had trampled him.
Non ergo dicat: In meo sunt, temptabo illos vilibus odiis, defectionibus aut inter se dissensionibus. Fugiat conspectum vestrum et in ima sua deliteseat contractus et torpens, tamquam coluber exeantatus aut effumigatus.
Therefore, let him not say: 'They are in my domain, I will tempt them with petty hatreds, defections, or dissensions among themselves.' Let him flee from your sight and hide in his deepest depths, shriveled and numb, like a serpent charmed or smoked out.
Nec illi tam bene sit in suo regno, ut vos commitat, sed inveniat munitos et concordia armatos, quia pax vestra bellum est illi.
Nor let it go so well with him in his own kingdom that he may set you against one another; rather, let him find you fortified and armed with concord, because your peace is war to him.
Quam pacem quidam in ecclesia non habentes a martyribus in earcere exorare consueverunt.
Some in the Church, not having this peace, have been accustomed to entreat it from the martyrs in prison.
Et ideo eam propterea in vobis habere et fovere et custodire debetis, ut, si forte, et aliis praestare possitis.
And therefore, for this very reason, you ought to possess, cherish, and preserve it within yourselves, so that, if by chance, you may be able to bestow it on others as well.