Jacob of Saruq

“ He who separates his own flock for himself is the good shepherd, and he makes those who will conquer congregate with him in lofty abodes. Let the Farmer who picks the seed for his own grain from the weeds be blessed, he has sown these things in the field of life which is in the kingdom. My speech about the Boys from Ephesus, sons of the noble ones, must be said to people listening. Hear me you laborers, and you sons sing the praise of their bedroom. The Emperor Decius left from his own place to another, to see the towns and cities of his empire. ”

“ The Boy hurried from the mountaintop, and came into the city, and called on the Lord with a groan, saying: "We seek you, good Shepherd, who have picked out his own sheep, guard your flock against that wolf which is thirsting for our blood." ”

“ Many Citizens of Ephesus Came to See Them with Their Bishop
The aristocrats and old men and nobles and even boys congregated to go up and see the treasure of life which had been revealed to them. A voice fell over the entire vicinity of the Ephesians, saying: "Come and see that treasure which has been made manifest to us." The Boys who were in the cave heard, and they were moved and afraid, thinking that the emperor had sent followers to seize them ”